Your tip
Your tip
RadarOnlineRadarOnline
or
Sign in with lockrMail
Exclusive Details

Man Accused Of Beating His Wife To Death With A Wrench As She Slept Now Behind Bars: Reports

Wagenberg
Source: Oakland County Sheriff's Office; MEGA

Justin Wagenberg.

Nov. 3 2022, Published 11:42 a.m. ET

RadarOnline CommentsLink to FacebookShare to XShare to FlipboardShare to Email

A Michigan man who police say beat his wife to death with a wrench while she was sleeping has been charged with murder, Radar has learned.

Article continues below advertisement

Justin Wagenberg is charged with murder in connection to the death of Katy Dougherty, 38, after she was beaten to death in her Watford, Michigan home on Oct. 16. Wagenberg is being housed in the Oakland County jail with no bond.

Article continues below advertisement

Family members said Wagenberg went to Wisconsin after Dougherty's murder before returning back to Michigan. “Well, on the way back, he said he found Christ or something over the last month, or something, and so he decided to go back home and turn himself in, but he came home first and went to bed, for I don’t know how long, and then he called the police,” said Dougherty’s father.

Article continues below advertisement

The family spoke out because they are still awaiting further information from police in connection to the case. Police said they have found "more evidence" while investigating the couple's townhome and cars.

Article continues below advertisement

“We didn’t want people to think she killed herself because she didn’t. And I think people think that, and she would never have done that. That’s not who she was,” Dougherty’s aunt, Peggy Dahl, said.

Radar Logo

Never Miss an

Exclusive

Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE ON TRUE CRIME

According to WDIV, Dougherty worked as a hairdresser for three Oakland County assisted living communities. The outlet states that she was praised by residents for the care she gave them.

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2025 RADAR ONLINE™️. A DIVISION OF MYSTIFY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK INC. RADAR ONLINE is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.