A Monroe County community is reeling after investigators say a 17-year-old confessed to beating his 73-year-old grandmother to death inside the church she attended. Deputies discovered the woman's body inside Smith Chapel Holiness Church last Wednesday and later brought in a suspect for questioning, as reported by The Independent.
According to The Independent, deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office responded after family members found the victim and called 911. The outlet reports the victim was identified by the coroner as 73-year-old Ollie Hamilton and was found near an area that led to the church kitchen; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said they collected witness statements and other evidence at the building.
Investigation and arrest
Local coverage says detectives soon identified the victim's grandson, 17-year-old Jadynn Hamilton, and took him into custody; authorities say he later confessed to the killing, according to People. Reports indicate the arrest came the same evening the body was discovered. Officials have not disclosed a motive as detectives continue to investigate.
Where it happened
The story ran on several regional and national outlets; News 3 Las Vegas republished the item from a regional wire. Officials told reporters that family members discovered the victim when they arrived at the church and that the initial 911 call came in at about 5:45 p.m. Deputies secured the scene while detectives processed evidence.
Charges and custody
Authorities say the teen has been formally charged with first-degree murder and was booked into custody; local reports indicate he is being held on a $500,000 bond. The county coroner and jail have not released additional details about the cause of death while the probe continues, according to People. Prosecutors have not announced any further filings as the investigation proceeds.
What officials are saying
Monroe County Sheriff Kevin Crook described the killing as "a tragedy of the worst kind" and urged the community to keep the family in its prayers, the local paper reported via The Independent. Crook praised patrol officers and investigators for quickly identifying a suspect and urged parents to pay attention to warning signs among youth. "Try to learn from every tragedy," the sheriff added, according to the report.
Investigators say the probe remains active and authorities have not released a motive, per local coverage by News 3 Las Vegas and other outlets. Officials continue to review statements and evidence as the case moves forward.
