Man Tried To Kill Ex-Wife, Then Blamed Falling Roof On Injuries: Bucks Co. DA

LOWER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — A 35-year-old man has been found guilty in the "brutal" attack of his ex-wife in a domestic violence incident that left her with life threatening injuries, authorities said.

Dean J. Decker was found guilty on Tuesday of attempted homicide, kidnapping, strangulation, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats and possession of an instrument of crime.

The conviction stems from an incident on Jan. 29, 2025, at a home on East Pine Street in Trevose, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.

Police found the victim suffering from severe trauma, including a fractured jaw, fractured ribs, and skull swelling, after being beaten with a blunt object and threatened with dafter being beaten with a blunt object and threatened with death if she called police. Decker told police that the injuries were caused by a falling shed roof.

Authorities said the victim’s injuries were so severe that she was transported from a local hospital to a higher level of care in Philadelphia for her life-threatening injuries.

The victim testified against her ex-husband during a trial on Monday with her family by her side, authorities said.

“This was a horrific crime,” Police Chief Ted Krimmel said. “Hopefully, her strength inspires other victims of domestic violence to do the same for themselves.”

Decker is expected to be sentenced in 30 days, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.