04:50 EDT, 17 December 2020
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The body of a woman allegedly killed by her husband of more than 50 years may have been left to rot in their home for nearly a week, police claim.
Maria Ratke s body was located in the bedroom of her Katoomba home in the NSW Blue Mountains on Tuesday, after she was allegedly stabbed to death.
Police, who attended the residence as part of a welfare check, will allege Mrs Ratke, 71, may have been dead for up to six days before she was found.
Heinze Ratke, 73, (pictured right) was charged with the murder of his wife Maria Ratke (left)