Joseph Anthony Scrofne, 83, will spend the rest of his life behind bars following a conviction for the first-degree murder of his 81-year-old wife, Linda “Carole” Scrofne. The sentencing comes after a three-day trial where a jury found him guilty of the premeditated crime, which occurred at the couple’s home in Portland, Tennessee, in January 2025.
According to Law and Crime, Scrofne placed a 911 call claiming he had discovered his wife dead. The Sumner County District Attorney’s Office stated, “He initially claimed that she had fallen during the night.” The statement noted that, “Investigators, however, observed injuries that were inconsistent with his explanation and continued their investigation.” Deputies specifically noted suspicious bruising on the victim’s neck and blood on her face.
