Murder of Mississippi wheelchair user solved

From WKRG-TV:

Authorities believe they have solved the murder of a 46-year-old woman who was wheelchair-bound.

Sheriff's officials in Jackson County, Mississippi have charged 44-year-old Johnny Lee Townsend and 41 year old Joe Anthony Loggins with capital murder.

They say the men robbed and cut the throat of Helen Slater at her home in Orange Grove, Mississippi March 5th.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd didn't say what led to their arrests, but he did say, "She (Slater) knew them and they were let into the house."

Byrd believes the two may have done some work around (Slater's) house in the past. When asked if Townsend and Loggins have prior criminal records, Byrd said, "They do, but I'm not at liberty to disclose that."

The sheriff said both were on probation, but wouldn't say for what.

Byrd said, "Robbery was the intent here, the motive. I can't go into anything else other than the murder took place after the robbery."

Authorities said Slater's purse was stolen and later found on a nearby road.Her body was found outside the back door of her home.

Captain Mick Sears with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department said, "She (Slater) did make some attempt to exit the house and get to her parents who live next door."

Jennifer Hammond was a lifelong friend of Slater's and spoke for her parents Thursday.

Hammond said, "There's closure, but it's still hard."

Family members said Slater was born with an open spine.

When Slater was young, Hammond said, "She was not expected to live, but she lived a full life. We never treated her as she was handicapped. She did not want that."

Slater leaves behind a son.Her parents now hope to raise him.

Hammond said Slater "loved everybody, she trusted everybody. She was my very best friend and, still is, and, always will be."

Townsend and Loggins appeared before a Jackson County Court judge Thursday afternoon.

They were denied bond and both are being held in the Jackson County Adult Detention Center

.