BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Bethlehem Township man has been sentenced to life in prison after the 2025 stabbing death of his wife.
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announced Wednesday that James Christopher Frank of Bethlehem Township has been sentenced to life in prison for First-Degree Murder.
On March 11, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Bethlehem Township police officers were dispatched to 2120 3rd Street in Bethlehem Township for a welfare check after a family member reported concern about the residents, the news release said.
Upon arrival, police announced their presence and, after receiving no response from the home, used a ladder to attempt to gain entry through a second floor window, the DA’s Office said.
At the window, officers made contact with Frank, who was asked to open the front door. Frank came to the front door and allowed the Bethlehem Township police into the home, according to officials.
Authorities say Frank then led the police into the bedroom and said, “My wife is dead in the bathtub”.
Police detained Frank and located Frank’s wife, Deborah Glaser, dead in the bathtub with multiple puncture wounds to her chest, according to the DA’s Office.
Numerous cutting instruments, including knives, razor blades, and box cutters, along with a mallet, were located inside the bathroom, authorities said.
Frank admitted to police that he used a steak knife to cut Glaser’s throat while she was still alive, according to officials.
Frank then told police that he used a knife and hammer to puncture Glaser’s chest and heart, estimating he did this approximately ten times, the news release details.
Frank told police that the purpose of these actions was to ensure that Glaser was dead, the DA’s Office said.
Frank pleaded guilty to the charge of First-Degree Murder on June 10.
On Wednesday, Frank was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to officials.