Gordon H. Rohrbaugh, 24, previously of Blandon and Fleetwood, has been charged in the Oct. 21 death of his estranged wife, Jillian H. Rohrbaugh, 26, of Whitehall Township.

Rohrbaugh was taken into custody by authorities Oct. 22, at which time he admitted to causing Rohrbaugh’s death during an argument, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

The affidavit says township police responded to a report of a suspicious death at the Barkley Village Apartments, 3312 S. Fifth St. Oct. 21.

Rohrbaugh was found with electrical wire wrapped around her neck and her mouth tapped shut, the affidavit says.

Township police interviewed Rohrbaugh’s mother, who also lived in the apartment. Rohrbaugh’s mother told police the door was locked when she left the apartment 7:50 a.m., the affidavit says.

The affidavit also says Rohrbaugh was still alive when her mother left the apartment. When Rohrbaugh’s mother returned, the door was unlocked, the affidavit says.

According to the affidavit, Rohrbaugh was pronounced dead at the scene by Lehigh County Deputy Coroner David Krause.

An autopsy performed Oct. 22 ruled the death a homicide, with the cause of death asphyxiation, the affidavit says.

The affidavit further says detectives interviewed neighbors and family members. The defendant was also interviewed by township police detectives Oct. 22.

According to the affidavit, police said the victim and Rohrbaugh had been married since July 2015 but were currently separated.

Township police said the homicide investigation continues.