Jane Morgan was found dead in her Upper Darby apartment on September 9, 2008 from what appeared to be natural causes. But as investigators dug deeper, a natural death seemed less and less likely.
An autopsy found that the 84-year old, who had a penchant for stray cats, was actually raped and murdered – her body positioned to look like a natural death.
Investigators followed many leads including a possible link to Jermaine Burgess, the man accused of beating an Upper Darby couple with a chisel and hammer while they slept. They turned to DNA testing after finding evidence under the woman's fingernails.
A match came back Monday pointing to Morgan's Long Lane Apartments neighbor Billy Williams. He was arrested and confessed to the brutal crime soon after, police said.
"This guy killed not only for robbery, but he killed for sexual gratification," Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said during a press conference Monday.
Williams, 61, allegedly committed the crimes after getting into an argument with the 37-year long resident. Other residents were shocked to learn about Williams' arrest.
"No, no I can't believe it," said neighbor Theresa Urey. "Billy is a nice person. He helped all of the older people in here."
Williams was denied bail at his arraignment Monday afternoon. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 22.
