A 64-YEAR-OLD US woman allegedly commissioned her grandson to kill her husband because she was “sick”of him and wanted him dead.
Janet Strickland, 64, has been charged along with her grandson William D. Strickland, 19, in the slaying of 72-year-old William Strickland, who was killed on his way to dialysis treatment, the Chicago Tribune reports.
The victim’s wife and grandson then used his money to purchase various items, including a car, furniture, trainers and tattoos.
Janet Strickland did not appear in the Chicago courtroom for her bail hearing, set at US$500,000 ($481,000) as she was in hospital being treated for lung disease and high blood pressure. She was charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery with a firearm.
The alleged shooter is being held without bail.
Janet Strickland let her 19-year-old grandson take her husband’s gun and use her car on March 2, the morning of the murder, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors also allege Janet Strickland and her grandson discussed killing her husband on multiple occasions.
The victim was shot six times in the back by his grandson as he emerged from the home all three shared. Police recovered 25 bullet shell casings at the scene, prosecutors said.
According to court documents, the younger William Strickland, is a self-admitted member of a street gang and has tattoos on his arms that read “Legacy,” “Loyalty,” and “Respect”.
Neighbours said the elderly couple seemed happy.
“He always praised her, the things she did,” said Theolene Shears. “She was a good housekeeper. She kept him well fed.”
“He seemed very happy with her and she with him,” she added.
“He was a good guy. He talked to everyone in the neighborhood,” said Mario Farmer of the victim.
“They seemed like they was all right,” said Mr Farmer. “I never seen them arguing, but they stayed inside the house most of the time.”
Mr Farmer said the arrest of Janet Strickland came as a big surprise.
It was a first arrest for both the accused.