Former Warsaw reporter murdered in Minnesota

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Ruth Anne Maddox

Ruth Anne Maddox (Photo provided)

By SBT24/7 News and AP reports

In Minnesota, the colleagues of Ruth Anne Maddox at the Shakopee Valley News are mourning her death after learning that the 45-year-old reporter was murdered last week. And now the former Warsaw, Ind., journalist's husband has been charged.

Authorities say 43-year-old Charles Anthony Maddox Junior told police he strangled his wife. He was charged Friday in Scott County District Court, the Associated Press reports.

Ruth Anne Maddox was a features and education reporter for the Valley News, a suburban newspaper near Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Maddox was last seen covering a school board meeting, Valley News staff writers Shawn Hogendorf and Pat Minelli reported.

Her body was found Wednesday after she missed work the day before.

Court papers say when police showed up with a search warrant, Charles Maddox said: "I might as well save you the trouble; you will find Ruth Ann's body in the garage."

Preliminary autopsy reports indicate Maddox died of blunt force head and neck injuries, the AP said.

Charles Maddox told police his wife came at him with a screwdriver and had a knife.

Ruth Anne Maddox had recently filed for divorce and was planning on returning to Indiana.

Maddox moved to Minnesota from Warsaw in 2004 after marrying, the Valley News reports. The couple attended high school together in Hammond and reconnected at a high school reunion.

Before moving, Ruth Anne was a reporter for the Times-Union, where she worked from 1987 to 2003.

Pat Minelli, the editor at the Minnesota paper, has asked readers to share their memories of Ruth Anne, which they hope to pass on to her family here in Indiana, including 19-year-old daughter Kelsey Long.

To read comments about Maddox or contribute your own, check the Web links at http://www.shakopeenews.com.

There's also information on services, planned for 6 p.m. Monday at the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel in Warsaw, with visitation immediately before.

Friday, Dec 12 at 5:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

The only person at fault is Tony Maddox. Ruth Anne was a victim and no matter what marital issues they had, she did not deserve to be murdered by him. Hopefully, he will get the maxium sentence and nobody else will have to worry about being killed by him.

Thursday, Nov 20 at 8:03 PM Roni from Minnesota wrote ...

I can't believe what Rebecca Marshfield wrote. Since when is it the spouse's responsibility to pacify an immature, controlling, and abusive spouse? What a burden to have to live in fear and walk on eggshells all the time just so you don't upset them. As someone close to this situation,I know Charles "Tony" did not kill RuthAnn because he was jealous or thought she didn't spend enough time with him. He had much deeper issues. So please don't speak about things you are just speculating on.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 3:44 PM Anon wrote ...

Where exactly in the story does it say anything about the alleged killer being the girl's step-dad? It doesn't. If it wasn't printed in the story and we don't know the family personally, how does that make us stupid?

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 4:07 PM Nicole wrote ...

hello that was her step dad her real dad is alive and well and shes going to live with him yur guys on here are stupid

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 3:29 PM Anon wrote ...

But the dad is not dead, so technically, she cannot be an orphan.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 9:02 AM Annie wrote ...

The father is in jail or will be in jail for life fot taking his wifes life. How a father can take care of a 19 year old from jail? Besides, she must mad about the death of her mother. She will never ever forget how her mother was murdered. who killed her anyway? May some crook trying to rob the basemet heirlooms was confused and disoriented and run into this reporters room and killed her thinking it is her husband. My condolecnes to all involved. I hope it is not the husband who did it. But....

Monday, Nov 17 at 10:07 PM Anon wrote ...

She's not orphaned anyway. Her father is still alive.

Monday, Nov 17 at 6:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm pretty sure a 19 year old can take care of herself.

Monday, Nov 17 at 5:20 PM Ronnie wrote ...

What is gona happen to poor 19 year old daughter that was left orphaned. Adolescents need more than ever both parents to stay with them a lead them with photographic vision that they always look at you what you are doing .. do as I say .. and dont do as I do.. is their advise all the time. But as I see this wonderful daughter will not have that option in life. Would some Pastor priest or any counselor take her under her wings to counsel her on her future plans. She really needs a lot of help. Go

Monday, Nov 17 at 2:44 PM McGruff wrote ...

Women with Scandinavian looks can incur a lot of jealousy in seemingly stable males. And why would anyone want to move BACK to Indiana?

Monday, Nov 17 at 2:13 PM Raz Shah wrote ...

I worked with Ruth Ann at Kohls in Knollwood MN. Really sad to hear about this incident. She was a fun loving person. My condolences to her family and friends

Monday, Nov 17 at 11:54 AM Terry wrote ...

If he would have killed her in Indiana he would be sentenced to 2 years.

Monday, Nov 17 at 9:05 AM Rebecca Marshfield wrote ...

Oh my God,, this is a terrible thing to happen to this wonderful reporter. We have to be careful with spouses that are jelause and dont trust anyone. If you are busy all the time and cant have a lot of time to spend with a spouse they may think you are cheating or having a extreme affair with someone at work. Be careful, do not disturb the spouse and make sure they are loved and spend quality time with them before something terrible happens. My condolences to all family and my prayers to all in

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