Prosecutor: Husband Charged In Murder Of Wife Whose Body Was Found In Swimming Pool

WOODBURY, N.J. (CBS) -- The husband of a woman found dead in her swimming pool has been charged with her murder, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office announced Wednesday.

Norman Long, 51, has been charged in the murder of his wife, 47-year-old Michelle Long.

Her body was found in a swimming pool her home in Forrest Court in Woolwich Township in mid-June.

Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton says Michelle Long died from blunt force trauma to her head and neck.

Dalton said during the press conference that Norman Long tried to cover-up the murder, by placing her body in the swimming pool and then going to a nearby Applebee's.

"Our investigation determined that Mr. Long killed his wife inside their home and placed her fully-clothed body in their backyard swimming pool. He subsequently drove to a local restaurant and upon his return pretended to discover her body in a pool and advised first responders that she drowned," said Dalton.

Brittany Maguire, Michelle Long's daughter, said during the press conference the family is happy that authorities have someone in custody.

"My mom was truly just the greatest person in the world. She was the best me-me, she became a grandmother a year ago. Our nephew's first birthday was July 1 and we celebrated without her. We're just glad that the person that did this is now caught and we miss her so much," she said.

Following his arrest on Tuesday, Norman Long, a self-employed construction contractor, was taken to the Anne Klein Forensic Center in Trenton for a psychiatric evaluation.

Dalton says Long was talking suicide when he was arrested.

"Following his arrest, Mr. Long was taken to the Anne Klein Forensic Center in Trenton for evaluation," Dalton told KYW Newsradio. "Once cleared the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office will move for detention and he will be detained pending the disposition of these charges."

An exact motive for the murder is not being discussed, but it does not appear there was a history of violence between the couple who had been married for 15 years.

Long has also been charged with concealing evidence and obstruction.

KYW Newsradio's David Madden contributed to this report.