Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announces that James Christopher Frank of Bethlehem Township has pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder after the 2025 stabbing death of his wife.

On March 11, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Bethlehem Township police were dispatched to 2120 Third Street in Bethlehem Township for a welfare check after a family member reported concern about the residents.

Upon arrival, police announced their presence and, after receiving no response from the residence, used a ladder to attempt to gain entry through a second-floor window. At the window, officers made contact with Frank, who was asked to open the front door.

Frank came to the front door and allowed the Bethlehem Township police into the residence. Frank then led the police into the bedroom and stated, “My wife is dead in the bathtub.” Police detained Frank and located Frank’s wife, Deborah Glasser, deceased in the bathtub with multiple puncture wounds to her chest. Numerous cutting instruments, including knives, razor blades, and box cutters, along with a mallet, were located inside the bathroom. Frank admitted to police that he used a steak knife to cut Glasser’s throat in the trachea area while she was still alive. Frank then told police that he used a knife and hammer to puncture Glasser’s chest and heart, estimating he did this approximately ten times. Frank told police that the purpose of these actions was to ensure that Glasser was dead.

On June 10, 2026, Frank entered a plea of guilty to the charge of First Degree Murder before the Honorable Brian J. Panella. Frank will be sentenced on June 17, at 9 a.m. The mandatory sentence is life in prison.

This case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Robert Eyer. This case was investigated by Detective Adam Ebner of the Bethlehem Township Police Department.