Ala. man charged in mother’s slaying
Cherokee County, Ala., authorities jailed a man on Sunday in the death of his missing mother after the woman’s body was found by investigators.
Sheriff Jeff Shaver said in a statement that 68-year-old Karen R. Willmon’s body was discovered Sunday by deputies and that her 48-year-old son, Larry W. Bodily, was arrested for the slaying later the same day. Both are from Centre, Ala.
“We are all very sorry for the tragic loss of Ms. Willmon and hope that the resolution of this case brings some closure for her loved ones,” Shaver said in the statement. “I am very proud of the diligent effort of investigators to solve this horrible case.”
Bodily is charged with murder and third-degree theft of property, arrest records show. Officials didn’t specify whether the theft charge is connected with the slaying.
Willmon was the subject of a missing person’s investigation initially.
Chief Investigator Josh Summerford reported last week to WEIS radio in Centre that Willmon had been reported missing and was last seen in the area of County Road 65 wearing a black, Native American-type jacket. Officials were seeking the public’s help to find Willmon.
Summerford said other agencies were instrumental in the investigation.