A Virginia man has pleaded guilty to murder in the death of an 80-year-old woman who confronted him earlier this year.
Court records show that Kurt Davis, initially charged with first-degree murder, changed his plea to guilty during an arraignment on Monday, Aug. 25.
He was arrested on Feb. 19 after the Roanoke Police Department said he fatally assaulted Susan Williams outside an apartment building.
According to reports from WSLS and WDBJ, citing a criminal complaint, officers found Davis with blood on him. He later admitted to striking Williams with a rock, claiming it was to “keep the peace.”
Prosecutors stated in court that Davis confessed to attacking Williams after she asked if he lived in the building, WDBJ reported. Authorities said Davis, who had no permanent address and did not know Williams, told her that he lived there. When she pressed him further, the confrontation escalated into violence.
Prosecutors also presented video footage of the assault, according to WDBJ.
Court records indicate Davis is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
An online obituary for Williams described her as a strong advocate for older adults. She served as executive director of the League of Older Americans and was deeply involved in her community.
“Mom was active in the community, volunteering at local elementary schools and Christ Episcopal Church,” the obituary read. “She also loved to deliver the paper each morning to her fellow residents and would leave detailed notes for whoever needed to cover when she traveled.”
