Husband Held In Slaying

EUGENE, Ore. - The husband of a longtime University of Oregon worker has been charged with murder in her shooting death earlier this month.

Michael Ray Taylor, 43, was arrested Friday night and accused of firing a single shot that killed his wife, Ruth Melody Taylor, 41, while she was taking a bath April 3 at the couple's home.

Taylor had called 911 and told police he had found his wife dead after returning home. His attorney, James Jagger, declined comment on the arrest.

Ruth Taylor had worked at the university for the past 12 years, including the past six as administrative assistant to senior Vice Provost Gerald Kissler. She also had a private marriage-counseling practice.

"She was just one of the nicest, sweetest, kindest persons I've ever known and I miss her terribly," Kissler said.

Investigators declined to say what evidence led them to arrest Taylor nine days after his wife's death.