COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Police say an 88-year-old central Missouri man accused of fatally stabbing his 86-year-old wife told investigators he didn't want the couple to be a burden on their family.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reported Donald Marvin Rowland was charged Friday with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. The Boone County prosecutor requested cash-only bond of $1 million, but it wasn't clear if Rowland was jailed.

Columbia police were called Friday afternoon to the couple's home after an adult daughter reported finding them in their bed.

Police said in a probable-cause statement the wife, Betty Rowland, was stabbed in the chest and Donald Rowland had what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries.

A neighbor said Betty Rowland had recently had a stroke.