Husband charged with attempted murder after stabbing wife, self

Vernon — A 79-year-old Vernon man was charged with attempted murder, after police found his wife suffering from several stab wounds to the chest Saturday morning, Jan. 2. Russell McAllaster stabbed his wife Theresa, 72, five times in the chest and then stabbed himself in the stomach, before calling 911, according to Greg Mueller, Sussex County’s first assistant prosecutor. Police were already en route to the McAllaster home on Pond Hollow Road at about 7:30 a.m. in response to a 911 hang-up call, when the caller dialed police again to report that two people had been stabbed in the home. Both McAllasters were airlifted to Morristown Memorial Hospital. Russell McAllaster was in custody and accompanied by a Vernon patrolman during the trip. He was charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and bail was set at $50,000. As of presstime, he had been released from the hospital and was in the Sussex County Jail. He must undergo a psychiatric evaluation before he can be released, Mueller said. Mueller said prior to this incident Theresa McAllaster had been “suffering from pretty acute health problems” and the reason her husband stabbed her “is going to be an important part of this case.” The State Police Crime Scene Unit North assisted at the scene. Glenwood Pochuck Ambulance Squad, St. Clare’s paramedics, NJ Police North Star and Atlantic Air One provided the emergency medical care.