Hunting Park man charged in girlfriend's death

A 43-year-old Hunting Park man was charged yesterday with beating his girlfriend to death with a hammer on Thursday, according to Homicide Sgt. Bob Wilkins.

Hector Ayala was charged with murder after police discovered the bludgeoned body of Carmen Maria Sola, 44, of Takoma Park, Md., at the home of Ayala's family Thursday morning. Ayala fled to the Bucks County home of a friend, where he attempted suicide by cutting his wrists. He was admitted to St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne.

Ayala was released from the hospital yesterday and transported to Philadelphia, where charges were filed. - Andrew Maykuth