Wife’s decomposed body was in home for a month, Texas cops say. Husband charged

A man accused of killing his wife lived alongside her corpse for more than a month, Texas authorities say.

Charles Vandoil Byrd, 49, is charged with tampering with evidence with intent to impair a human corpse after the body of his wife, Angela Byrd, was found concealed in their San Antonio home, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said July 20.

Investigators responded to their home July 19 when a relative reported concern Charles Byrd “may have done something” to his wife, the sheriff said.

Deputies entered the residence and “smelled the distinct odor of decomposition of a body,” according to Salazar, who said a body was found wrapped in plastic.

The remains have not been positively identified as Angela Byrd’s, but they are believed to be hers, Salazar said. A medical examiner will determine the identification and cause of death.

Authorities began searching for Charles Byrd and arrested him July 20 inside a separate home, according to investigators.

He said he assaulted his wife June 16, killing her, according to the sheriff. He then lived alongside her body for more than a month as he took steps to conceal the smell of the corpse.

Salazar said Charles Byrd had not been arrested before. Now charged in connection to the discovery of the body, the husband told investigators, “Go big or go home,” according to the sheriff.

Charles Byrd said he believed he would be caught, telling deputies he was attempting “to prolong the process,” Salazar said.

As he was being taken to a patrol car, he admitted to killing his wife, who he said he “loved.” He said he had a “mental break.”

Authorities said upgraded charges are likely following the identification of the body.

Charles Byrd was placed in the Bexar County Jail without bond.

This story was originally published July 21, 2025 at 8:15 AM with the headline "Wife’s decomposed body was in home for a month, Texas cops say. Husband charged."