BALTIMORE, MD – A Maryland man is facing first-degree murder charges after authorities said he staged a burglary and attempted to cover up the killing of his ex-wife, who was found shot to death in the home they still shared.
Karl Geiger, 65, was arrested this week in connection with the killing of Patricia Watson-Geiger, 69. Police said surveillance cameras and inconsistencies in Geiger’s account contradicted his statements to investigators after the discovery of his ex-wife’s body on Sept. 15.
The former couple, who divorced in 2019 but continued to live together in their Baltimore County residence, drew the attention of neighbors and law enforcement after Geiger reportedly called 911 on the night of Watson-Geiger’s death. During the call, Geiger claimed to have come home to find the house ransacked and his ex-wife unresponsive in her bedroom.
Investigators responding to the scene found Watson-Geiger covered with blankets and a sleeping mask, according to charging documents. Dresser drawers throughout the house were open, and a jewelry box atop a dresser had its drawers pulled out, though police noted none of the contents—gold and silver jewelry—appeared to be missing.
While Geiger told police he had left for the day around 7 a.m. and didn’t return until nearly 8:30 p.m., surveillance footage reportedly captured his tow truck leaving the residence at approximately 8:15 a.m. that morning, about 45 minutes after he said he was gone. Cellphone records also indicated he was still at the home until at least that time, police said.
Neighbors described hearing gunshots at some point between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., coinciding with the period Geiger was allegedly still present at the property. Another acquaintance informed detectives they had called Geiger after learning of the killing, and claimed he stated that Watson-Geiger had been shot in the head. Investigators noted Geiger, when later questioned, professed ignorance about where she had been shot—information not released publicly at that stage of the investigation.
Adding to suspicions, a local news crew captured video of Geiger removing a blood-stained mattress from the home shortly after he spoke with a reporter outside the property. Police confirmed discovering the mattress in a nearby dumpster.
Authorities said the crime scene showed telltale signs of a fake burglary, with drawers and possessions scattered, but nothing missing or stolen. Watson-Geiger’s purse had been emptied onto the kitchen counter, with credit cards and coins plainly visible. Investigators alleged the disturbed rooms and drawers were part of an effort to mislead the investigation.
Geiger remained in custody on Thursday after being denied bond. Court records show he faces charges of first-degree murder and is awaiting his next court appearance. Police have not detailed a potential motive for the killing.
Community members, still rattled in the days following the killing, expressed shock over the allegations. The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue gathering evidence in the case.