CHINA TOPIX

05/01/2024 06:43:12 pm

Make CT Your Homepage

New York Man Demolishes House But Didn’t Tell Wife

(Photo : Reuters) An excavator works among debris as it searches for survivors after a rain-triggered landslide in Fugong county, Yunnan province.

A New York man pointed to his wife's house's bad foundation as the reason why he demolished it on Monday. But he didn't inform her nor sought her permission to do so.

Diane Andryshak, the wife, thought that when she left their house in Middletown that day, he was going to renovate it. Thus, she didn't bother to get vital stuff, including medication.

Like Us on Facebook

To destroy the unit, 48-years-old James Rhein used an excavator. He also didn't bother to empty it of its content such as furniture, personal belongings and even food. Rhein likewise didn't cancel gas, electric and water services, reports Sacramento Bee.


Rhein said he tried to get a permit, but it was a holiday to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, so government offices that issue permits were closed.

Crews from these utility companies had to cut the service after police officers only alerted them of the one-man demolition job being done by Rhein.

After knocking down the house, he placed everything into huge construction debris containers, including the items inside the house.

He claimed that he called Andryshak to tell her of what he would do, but she didn't pick up his call, so he just went ahead.

Andryshak, who came home totally shocked, said that until Rhein demolished their home, they didn't have any marital problems. Now, they certainly do.

She is staying with a friend, while he confirmed that everything was okay between them and even insisted that he is a good husband.

The police charged Rhein with criminal mischief, but he posted a $300 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 30.

Real Time Analytics