Suspect In DC Socialite's Murder Hospitalized | News

WASHINGTON (AP) - A German-born man charged with killing his much-older socialite wife is in the hospital for an undisclosed medical problem.

Albrecht Muth did not appear at a status conference in D.C. Superior Court on Friday. He has previously said he would refuse to eat in jail and that he does not want medical care. It was not clear Friday whether his hospitalization was as a result of his refusal to eat.

Muth is charged in the fatal beating and strangulation of 91-year-old Viola Drath, a German socialite and journalist, at their Georgetown home. He has denied guilt.

Muth also claims to be a general in the Iraqi army, but prosecutors say he is fabricating his military experience.

A prosecutor said Friday that Muth could be indicted as soon as next month.