COLUMBUS, OHIO — A retired Ohio State University professor, James Hill, 76, has been charged with premeditated aggravated murder after allegedly stabbing his wife to death. He told investigators he committed the crime after falling victim to a $15,000 sextortion scheme.
Police say the killing took place at the couple’s Upper Arlington home on Sunday morning. Hill later told detectives he intended to kill himself after the attack.
Chilling Confession
According to court records, Hill admitted to police that he had exchanged nude photos with a woman he met on a dating app. The woman allegedly threatened to release the images unless he paid her $15,000 in Apple gift cards.
Hill told officers he panicked and believed “the only way out” was to kill his wife and himself. When he could not find his handgun, he said he used a kitchen knife instead.
He reportedly told police he began rubbing his wife’s shoulders before suddenly stabbing her in the chest. He said she told him it felt good moments before he attacked her. Hill claimed he then held her as she died, apologized, and attempted to stab himself.
Afterward, Hill called 911, gave his address, and requested police and an ambulance before hanging up. The call lasted just 19 seconds.
Legal Proceedings
Hill remains hospitalized under police supervision. His arraignment, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed until Thursday due to his medical condition.
If convicted, Hill faces a life sentence for premeditated aggravated murder. The case has stunned the Upper Arlington community and former students, who described him as calm and well-respected during his years at the university.
Sextortion as a Growing Crime
Ohio law enforcement officials have emphasized the rising threat of sextortion schemes targeting adults and minors through dating apps and social media.
In Ohio, sextortion is now classified as a felony under House Bill 531, also known as Braden’s Law—named after a Central Ohio teenager who died by suicide after being extorted online. The law makes the offense a first-degree felony when minors or elderly victims are involved.
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