Man murdered on 90th birthday, daughter charged

Maryland State Police have arrested and charged a woman for the murder of her 90-year-old father on his birthday. 

 

Arthur Cohee turned 90 yesterday. He was also found dead in his Ridgely home yesterday evening. 

 

The accused is Janice Cohee, 58, who lived with her father. Janice was charged early this morning with first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, manslaughter and reckless endangerment. She has been ordered held without bond. 

 

Police say shortly before 6:00 p.m. yesterday, the Caroline County Sheriff's Department received a 911 call from Janice who said that her father was dead. Deputies found Janice sitting outside, and her father, in a kitchen chair with obvious trauma to his head and neck. 

 

The preliminary investigation has revealed that Janice told police that two men had broken into the home seeking money and had assaulted her father, while she hid in another room. 

 

It was determined that account not to be true based on evidence found at the scene and on Janice Cohee, as well as conflicting information provided to police. 

 

Items were found in the home that are believed to have been used in the assault on the victim. 

 

A motive remains unclear at this time.