Ex-convict charged with murder, rape in '88 death of woman

PONTIAC (AP) — Murder and sexual assault charges have been filed in suburban Detroit, nearly three decades after an 88-year-old widow was found dead in her home.

An ex-convict, Billy Joe Bennett, was charged after investigators linked him to DNA evidence.

Investigators believe Elnora Barrager died of a heart attack in 1988 as a result of being raped at her Pontiac home. A grandson, Michael Barrager, tells the Detroit Free Press that he was “shocked” but pleased to get a call from police after so many years.

There was no immediate comment from defense attorney Richard Taylor. The 55-year-old Bennett was expected to appear in court this week.