Staten Island Man Accused in Wife's Murder Chokes to Death on Chicken Bone

Authorities say Thomas Scala died before his court date on July 24

Wednesday, Aug 15, 2012 | Updated 3:55 PM EDT

Accused Wife Killer Chokes to Death on Chicken Bone

A New York City man choked on a chicken bone before he could be sentenced in the beating death of his wife after she refused to pay for premium cable TV.

Authorities say Thomas Scala died before his court date on July 24. He was scheduled to be sentenced to five years' probation after pleading guilty to criminally negligent homicide.

According to the Staten Island Advance, the city medical examiner's office said Scala was found choking at his Staten Island home on July 12. He died at a hospital seven days later.

Prosecutors say he struck his wife, Blanche, on the head during an argument on Nov. 26, 2011. Scala was not charged with murder because there was no evidence that he intended to kill her.

Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.