PONTIAC (AP) — An ex-convict has been found guilty of murder nearly three decades after an 88-year-old widow was found dead in her suburban Detroit home.
Billy Joe Bennett was charged last year after investigators linked the 55-year-old to DNA evidence. The Oakland Press of Pontiac reports an Oakland County Circuit Court jury convicted him last Friday of felony murder.
Investigators say they believe Elnora Barrager died of a heart attack in 1988 as a result of being raped after a break-in at her Pontiac home.
Bennett testified at trial that he didn’t hurt her. Defense lawyer Richard Taylor argued that details of the case didn’t add up.
Prosecutors say Bennett targeted Barrager because he had known her previously. Witnesses testified that he did yard and house work for her.
- Posted February 24, 2016
- Tweet This | Share on Facebook
Man convicted of murder in '88 death of woman in Pontiac
headlines Macomb
headlines National
- More lawyers—and clients—want to learn about sustainable development practices
- Top artificial intelligence insurance tips for lawyers
- Lawyer charged with illegally transmitting Michigan data after 2020 election
- Viral video shows former Rikers Island inmate as she learns she passed bar exam on first try
- How Sullivan & Cromwell is scrutinizing potential new hires after campus protests
- No separate hearing required when police seize cars loaned to drivers accused of drug crimes, SCOTUS rules