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Husband Charged In Wife's Death In Scarsdale's First Murder In 40 Years

SCARSDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The husband of a 58-year-old pediatrician has been arrested and charged with her murder inside their multimillion-dollar home in Scarsdale.

Jules Reich, 61, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Dr. Robin Goldman.

Scarsdale police were called to the couple's $3 million home just after 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.

"Respond to 50 Lincoln Rd. The report is that a female has been hurt seriously, and no further information was given by the calling party," a dispatcher told officers when the crime was reported. "Arrive on scene and wait outside until patrol units enter."

Sources told CBS2 Goldman was found stabbed to death in a bathroom shower and Reich called 911, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.

"This is not a random act," said Scarsdale Police Capt. Thomas Altizio.

The first homicide in this town in nearly 40 years has left neighbors absolutely stunned.

"It's upsetting to say the least," said neighbor Dana Novenstein. "It's very upsetting to know that something like that could happen."

Sources said Reich also had injuries and was briefly treated at a hospital.

A booking photo showed a bruise on his face and cotton stuffed in one of his ears. Police said he suffered those injuries during Wednesday's attack.

Reich works in finance in New York. Goldman was a pediatrician affiliated with the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

"Robin was a dedicated physician cherished by her colleagues as a positive and compassionate presence. Her passion for medicine was an inspiration to those who worked with her. Her passing is a great loss for all of us, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, patients, colleagues and students,'' Montefiore hospital said.

"Very pleasant lady — extremely pleasant. Always smile, always say, 'Hi, good morning, hello,'" said security guard Raymond Kassim. "A lady of that stature — pleasant personality — who would want to do that? I don't know."

Neighbors said Reich was estranged from his wife and court records show he filed for divorce last summer after their daughter's wedding.

Police said there have been no domestic violence or criminal calls at the address dating back to 1994,  Grymes reported.

"I checked and going back to 1994, we have no domestic violence history at that house, no criminal activity," Altizio said.

The couple has three children and were active members of nearby Temple Young Israel, where Goldman's funeral took place Thursday afternoon, CBS2's Tony Aiello reported.

"As a community, we are grief stricken and our hearts are filled with pain to know that Robin, who was so good, so sweet and so pious has so suddenly been taken from us,'' said a statement from the temple.

Hundreds of people who knew, loved, and respected Goldman attended her funeral. Among the mourners was a rabbi who said he has known the family for many years.

"You never can tell what happens when someone's getting divorced, but I don't think anybody say anything like this at all," Rabbi William Kerskowitz said.

Marcy Klein saw Goldman regularly for dog grooming appointments.

"Everybody's upset, everybody's shocked, none of us believe it happened," Klein said, "The dog was in love with her. She loved the dog."

Police removed the victim's cockapoo Leo from the scene on Wednesday, it's now with one of Goldman's children.

Reich is being held without bail and is due back in court next Tuesday.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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