Man Stabs Wife In Head For Requesting Divorce, Refusing Sex

A suburban Chicago man has been charged with murder for stabbing his wife after she asked for a divorce and then refused to have sex “one last time.”

Kurtis Worley killed his wife, Martha, around 3 am last Friday. The 33-year-old also stabbed his 15-year-old stepson, who tried to intervene.

Worley was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated domestic battery Monday. He was ordered held on $3 million bail, and police said he gave a full, taped confession.

Assistant State’s Attorney Anne Therieau said Worley stabbed his 39-year-old wife in the head as many as 10 times, and slashed his stepson in the throat when he tried to help his mother. He also tried to kill himself by cutting his own throat and wrists. Worley said he drank vodka and tequila before the attack because he was upset that she had asked for a divorce after 11 years of marriage. He also said that he didn’t remember stabbing his stepson.

Worley asked his wife to reconsider the divorce, but she refused. She also refused to have sex with him one more time. He watched his wife sleeping for several minutes before abruptly stabbing her in the head. According to Therieau, Martha Worley suffered two “significant” head wounds that left part of her brain exposed.

Martha Worley’s 12-year-old son, who tried to help his brother save their mother, was not injured. The boys called police and were able to break into the room when paramedics arrived.

Neighbor Evelyn Villegas said of the 15-year-old, “There are no words to explain what a big heart he has. He risked his life for his own mom. He’s amazing.”

The Worley’s 9-year-old daughter wasn’t home at the time. All three children are now reportedly living with Martha Worley’s sister, and a collection has been started to help them out. Her family said that she was an organ donor, and that she was able to save five lives when she died.

Martha Worley’s funeral will be scheduled for either Friday or Saturday.