Husband Hears Screams on Phone; Wife Found Slain

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A husband listened in horror as a telephone call from his wife was interrupted by her terrified screams, police said. Officers found her beaten to death.

Carolyn Wright, 40, went home Tuesday during a break from work to look for some money she thought she had misplaced, friends said. When she could not find it, she called her husband, William, to ask if he knew where it was.

Wright said he suggested that she look in another part of the house and she put the receiver down. Seconds later, Wright said, he heard his wife scream. He hung up and called 911, then called a neighbor.

Authorities said they believe Carolyn Wright surprised a burglar in the house.