Press Release  Beverly Man Convicted of Murdering His Wife

Beverly, Massachusetts — A man who strangled his wife and the mother of his two children in their Beverly home was convicted of murder today in Salem Superior Court following a 4-day trial.

A jury found Axel Scherer, 48, of Beverly, guilty of second degree murder.

Essex Assistant District Attorneys James Gubitose and Susan Dolhun introduced evidence that proved that on November 16, 2015, Mr. Scherer was criminally responsible when strangled his wife Edith “Edie” Black-Scherer in a bedroom of their Beverly home.  He went to the Beverly Police station and told an officer that he had killed his wife.  Ms. Black-Scherer was transported to Beverly Hospital where she died five days later.

“The life of a vibrant, loving woman and mother was taken much too soon and no verdict can change that,” Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett said.  “It is my hope that everyone who loved Edie will find some peace knowing that the man responsible is being held accountable for his actions.”

ADAs Gubitose and Dolhun thanked Massachusetts State Police detective Matt Wilson and Beverly Police officer Dave Faustino for their work on the investigation.  Essex Victim Advocate Kathleen Draper assisted with the prosecution.

Judge James Lang will impose sentence on February 26, 2019 at 2:00 pm.  Second degree murder is punishable by a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 15 to 25 years.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Michael Phelan.

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