A Texas man who killed his wife and kept her remains inside their home for more than a month has been sentenced to 35 years in state prison.
Charles Vandoil Byrd, 50, received the sentence Tuesday after entering a no-contest plea to one count of murder in the death of his wife, 44-year-old Angela Byrd. The plea was reached shortly before his scheduled trial and resulted in additional charges being dropped.
The case dates back to June 16, 2025, when investigators said Byrd returned home earlier than expected. According to statements he later gave investigators, he believed he had found signs that Angela was expecting another man at the home. An argument followed, and Byrd admitted that he strangled his wife.
Investigators said Byrd later described the incident as a moment when he experienced what he called a “mental break.” He also expressed remorse during his interactions with authorities.
Body Remained Inside the Home for Weeks
After Angela’s death, Byrd did not immediately contact authorities. Investigators said he concealed her body inside the couple’s home and remained there for roughly 32 days.
Authorities said the remains had been wrapped in layers of plastic and other materials. Byrd also took steps to reduce the odor as the body decomposed.
The case came to authorities’ attention after Byrd told his oldest son what had happened. The son contacted law enforcement, leading deputies to the residence.
Investigators discovered Angela’s remains inside the home. Byrd was not there when deputies arrived but was later located hiding in a nearby residence and taken into custody by a SWAT team on July 20, 2025.
An autopsy subsequently determined that Angela Byrd’s death was a homicide and identified strangulation as the cause of death.
Judge Expresses Reservations About 35-Year Sentence
The sentence was imposed by State District Judge Benjamin Robertson, who made clear during the hearing that he had concerns about the length of the agreed sentence.
Robertson said he did not believe 35 years was enough, while also noting that sentences in the 35-to-40-year range are regularly seen in Bexar County murder cases.
The judge ultimately accepted the agreement after Byrd agreed to waive his right to appeal. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison and received credit for more than 400 days already served, according to recent court reporting.
The judgment also includes findings of family violence and use of a deadly weapon.
Under the terms of the sentence, Byrd must serve at least half of the 35-year term before becoming eligible for parole. He will also be prohibited from possessing firearms after his release.
Angela Byrd’s Family Speaks in Court
Angela Byrd’s mother, Melodie Hearn, delivered a victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing as members of the family sat in the courtroom.
Hearn spoke about her daughter’s relationship with her family and the loss that followed her death. Her remarks brought an emotional response from Byrd, who cried during the statement.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said the sentence holds Byrd accountable for killing his wife and for the efforts made afterward to conceal what had happened.
The case now moves into its sentencing phase with Byrd beginning his lengthy prison term. The court’s judgment formally closes the criminal proceedings surrounding the 2025 killing, although the loss continues to affect Angela Byrd’s family.
