Ayala (above) and the murder scene on Hausbrouck A Rd.

MONTICELLO – Police in Sullivan County have charged an elderly man with murder in the second degree in connection with the death of his live-in girlfriend.  Angel Ayala, 79,of 237 Hasbrouck A Road in Loch Sheldrake was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees, said District Attorney James Farrell.

He is accused of killing Rose Noriega, 80, in their home on January 19. Fallsburg Police responded to a 911 call and found her shot.

Ayala also suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the mouth, resulting in his hospitalization both at Catskill Regional Medical Center and then at Albany Medical Center.

Ayala was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and arrested.

A joint investigation by Fallsburg Police, State Police and the DA’s Office led to the arrest. Investigators also found a .32 caliber handgun at the scene and discovered the weapon had been defaced. Ayala is charged with possession of the defaced weapon in addition to the murder charge.

He was remanded to the Sullivan County Jail without bail.