A man was charged Thursday in the beating death of his 82-year-old mother-in-law in south suburban Chicago Heights over the weekend.
Charles Williams, of Riverdale, was charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of Australia Landingham, according to the Chicago Heights Police Department.
"I just want to understand how this monster, cause he's not a human, this monster--could do this to somebody that is so sweet," Marshon Terry, the victim's niece, said.
Authorities said at around 5:15 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a 911 call of a person that fell down the stairs of a residence in the 2300 block of South Halsted Street.
There they found Landingham, who lived in that same block, lying unresponsive on the floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
Landingham's distraught daughter, Regina Williams, said they used to live in her home and she took care of him even after they were estranged.
"My mother give him everything and to take her life, viciously--he beat her like she was an animal in the street, do you hear me?" she said. "Oh my God I hope he rots in hell."
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An autopsy found she died from multiple blunt force injuries, and her death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
Nephew Isiah Allen said his aunt loved "everyone."
"We judge the evil that will allow a devil to end the life of an angel--we will pray for his soul," Allen said of Williams. "But we know that, our dear brother, his soul is required in hell, but our hunt for a killer is over.
Williams was ordered held without bond Friday. He is due back in court next week.
