NewsNational News

Actions

Arkansas woman accused of killing her 80-year-old grandmother

Posted at 8:08 PM, May 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-23 20:47:56-04

PEA RIDGE, Ark. — An Arkansas woman is accused of killing her 80-year-old grandmother after investigators found bloody evidence stashed near the victim's home, according to KFSM.

Deputies arrested 26-year-old Andrea Wilson on Monday on charges of capital murder and tampering with evidence in the death of Ruby Ross, according to the Benton County Sheriff's Office.

On May 16, police were called to Ross' home on Blue Jay Road in Pea Ridge, Arkansas after her daughter found Ross dead inside. Ross appeared to have suffered four blows to her head from a hammer, according to the affidavit.

Deputies searched the property and found a hammer, butcher knife and bloody rubber gloves inside a trash bag in an outhouse about 100 feet from the back of Ross' house.

Deputies also found bank statements with Wilson's name on them inside the bag, according to the affidavit.

Investigators later learned that Ross had removed Wilson from a deed to Ross' home. Wilson's bank had also filed a judgement against her for more than $11,000.

However, Sheriff Shawn Holloway said Wilson's motive is unknown at this time.

"When you see something of this nature its shocking to the conscience and we hope that this is the first step obviously of bringing justice ... she is being charged with capital murder," Holloway said.

Wilson's ex-boyfriend told KFSM Wilson was close to her family and said he couldn't imagine her doing it.

"She was very close to her immediate family, she was raised by her grandma (not the victim). I'm literally blown away over it," he said.

Wilson is being held at the Benton County Jail on a $750,000 bond. Her arraignment is set for July 18 in Benton County Circuit Court.

If convicted of capital murder,  Wilson could face the death penalty or life without parole.

Benton County Prosecutor Nathan Smith said the decision on a potential punishment for Wilson will be made once the facts and evidence in the case become clear.