Fenton Man Charged with Murder in Wife’s Death

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - An arrest has been made and charges have been filed in a homicide investigation in Jefferson County, that began on April 25, 2025 in Fenton.

Authorities say 73-year-old Kenneth Pautler has been charged with one count of Murder in the First Degree and one count of Armed Criminal Action in the death of his wife, 75-year-old Karen Pautler. Deputies were called to the couple’s home on Frontier Trail around 2:15 p.m. Friday. Kenneth Pautler allowed deputies inside the residence, where they found Karen Pautler deceased.

Kenneth Pautler was taken into custody at the scene without incident. He was later booked into the Jefferson County Jail and is being held without bond. The investigation remains ongoing.