A Wisconsin man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife and destroying the couple’s home in an attempt to conceal the killing.

Fox 6 reports that Steven Pirus, 59, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife, 50-year-old Lee Anne Pirus. Authorities reportedly believe the murder could have taken place months ago.

On Wednesday, an explosion destroyed the couple’s Madison home, and Lee Anne’s body was reportedly found in the burned wreckage on Friday. Police believe that Steven Pirus intentionally mishandled the home’s natural gas system in order to cause the explosion and fire.

Madison Police Chief Mike Koval told the Wisconsin State Journal that investigators believe Pirus shot and killed his wife “weeks, if not months ago.”

“Steven Pirus shot and killed Lee Anne,” Koval said in press conference on Sunday.

“Steven intentionally blew up this house. He’s as much as admitted it over the course of several days of conversations.”

Police also said in the news conference that Pirus put his neighbors in danger by allegedly causing the explosion.

Despite the likelihood that Lee Anne Pirus has been dead for several weeks, no one reported her missing. Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the apparent murder.

“I don’t want to rule out financials. I don’t want t0 rule out extra-marital issues. I don’t want to rule out anything,” Koval said. “The suspect himself, soon to be a defendant himself, has vacillated between his motives.”

This is a developing story. CrimeOnline will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

Feature photo: Madison Police