Rhode Island authorities charge man in 1985 murder case after DNA evidence from discarded bottle

<p>Rhode Island authorities have arrested William "Billy" Morton, 61, and charged him with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Hillary Hellewell in Newport in 1985. The arrest, made on October 6, follows the recovery of a discarded water bottle that contained DNA evidence linking Morton to the crime.</p><p>Investigators utilized new DNA technology to establish a connection between Morton and the murder. Over the years, they had gathered clues suggesting Morton might be a suspect, but they required a DNA sample to confirm the link.</p><p>In late August, an investigator followed Morton to a concert at a Rhode Island theater, where he purchased popcorn and bottled water. After leaving the concert early, Morton did not take his trash, which was subsequently collected by the investigator as potential evidence.</p><p>The DNA from the water bottle matched DNA found on Hellewell's body, according to court documents. Hellewell's body was discovered on May 19, 1985, by two brothers in Newport. She was 22 years old and had died from asphyxia due to strangulation, as determined by a medical examiner.</p><p>At the time of her death, Hellewell was last seen leaving a gathering with friends. Investigators noted that she had offered to walk home with a male friend who was intoxicated, but she did not return home. The friend was ruled out as a suspect, and no viable suspects were identified for decades.</p><p>DNA evidence collected at the time was preserved, and the case was reviewed in 2004, with DNA profiles entered into the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). In 2023, the Rhode Island Attorney General's office formed a Cold Case Unit, which reviewed Hellewell's case again, leading to new DNA evaluations.</p><p>Through these evaluations, investigators identified Morton as a suspect based on his family line linked to the DNA found on Hellewell's body. Morton had a prior conviction for a violent sexual assault in 1987, just 45 days after Hellewell's death.</p><p>Following the DNA match, investigators conducted surveillance on Morton, leading to the collection of the water bottle that confirmed the DNA link. Morton was arrested at his home on October 6 and is currently being held without bond. A status conference is scheduled for October 20.</p><p>Fox News Digital was unable to reach Morton's attorney for comment.</p>