Perham man awaiting trial for wife’s murder dies by suicide in October

By Michael Achterling Dec 13, 2023 | 3:10 PM

Alexandria, Minn. (KXRA) – A Perham man accused of killing his wife reportedly died by suicide ahead of his trial.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner has announced that Paul Mart’s death was to be classified as death by suicide.

The cause of death is believed to be from toxicity of various prescription drugs that he had reportedly ingested.

Mart made his first court appearance on July 19 and was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 9, when it was announced that all charges were dismissed due to his death on Oct. 19.

According to the report, Mart was arrested following the death of his wife, Jean, at their residence back in July.

In an autopsy performed ruled that the cause of death for her was determined to be a gunshot wound of the head with multiple blunt force injuries to the head.

Story by Mark Anthony / KXRA

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