A firefighter from California has been arrested, accused of killing his wife with an axe after allegedly discovering her infidelity through her personal diary.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, 45-year-old Andrew Jimenez, who serves as a firefighter in Glendale, approached officers at the Glassell Park station early Wednesday. He claimed he was unable to contact his wife and requested a welfare check.

When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered 55-year-old Mayra Jimenez suffering from severe injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. Paramedics at the scene pronounced her dead, with police noting the presence of an axe believed to have been used in the attack.

The scene was described as “horrific,” according to sources reported by KTTV.

After being brought in for questioning at approximately 4:30 a.m., Andrew Jimenez reportedly confessed to the violent act.

The city of Glendale released a statement saying that Jimenez had been placed on administrative leave after his arrest.

“Our condolences are with the victim’s family and loved ones,” said Fire Chief Jeff Brooks. “We are prepared to support those impacted by this tragedy, and we are also ensuring our firefighters and staff have access to support resources as they process this loss.”

The city said Jimenez had been with the department since April 2008.

According to KTLA, Mayra Jimenez was a “caring educator” and a union representative with United Teachers Los Angeles.  The couple had been married since 2014.

Jimenez’s attorney blamed the victim for her own murder, telling the station in a statement that Andrew Jimenez had read his wife’s diary, which he claimed “verified infidelity by the decedent,” just “moments” before beating her to death.

Jimenez has been charged with murder and is being held on a $2 million bond.