Watch CBS News

Blood-Soaked Shirt And Bloody Footprints Link Riverside Man To Murder, Prosecutors Say

CHICAGO (CBS)--A Riverdale man charged Friday with the murder of his elderly former mother-in-law, who police say he killed over Memorial Day weekend, was scheduled to appear in court today.

The body of 82-year-old Australia Landingham was found in her home on the 2300 block of South Halsted Street in Chicago Heights around 5:15 p.m. Sunday.

Police charged 48-year-old Charles Williams with first-degree murder Friday. Williams appeared briefly in court, but he was excused to go to the hospital after telling court employees he was having a seizure.

The court hearing continued, and prosecutors presented a long list of evidence tying Williams to the murder.

Among the list of evidence is a bloody footprint matching his shoe size found near the crime scene and a bloody t-shirt that was found in a pillowcase investigators removed from a trash can.

Video surveillance also shows Williams entering and leaving the home, prosecutors said.

Family members flocked to the courthouse and questioned why Williams would commit such a heinous crime against a loved one. They said Landingham supported Williams after his divorce with her daughter.

Regina Williams, Landingham's only child and Williams' ex-wife, lashed out at the accused killer.

"I never knew he was that mean of a monster," Williams said. "Why would you do that to someone who took care of you, treated you like a son? How could you find it in yourself to take her life?—I just want to know why."

Relatives speculate Williams was looking for money inside the house.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.