Husband charged after wife found dead at Gwinnett County independent living facility

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - An 81-year-old man has been arrested for murdering his wife after her body was found dead at the retirement community where they both live.

"It's unclear who initially made the 911 call but we do know the facility was aware of a medical emergency in the room," Corp. Juan Madiedo with Gwinnett County Police Department said. 

Detectives say they have charged Richard Hayden, 81, of Lawrenceville, with felony murder, malice murder, and aggravated assault, for the death of his wife, 71-year-old Grace Hayden. 

"It is believed to be a domestic related incident between the couple that lived in the same room," according to Madiedo.

Lawrenceville police say the death happened at Lindwood Estates Gracious Retirement Living on the 1600 block of Lawrenceville-Suwannee Road near Watercrest Circle. Investigators say they found Grace dead inside her room.

The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet determined her cause of death.

A resident who asked not be identified told FOX 5, "If it hadn't been for my friend seeing them taking somebody out in handcuffs they never told us anything about that."

Richard was being treated at a nearby hospital for reasons unrelated to the incident, according to police. He is expected to be taken to the Gwinnett County Jail once released.

This is a developing story. Check back with FOX 5 for updates. If you have photos or video, email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.