A Florida man accused of smothering a nursing home resident with a pillow reportedly confessed to the crime while speaking to his estranged sister in jail.
William Hawkins, 47, was charged last week with breaking into the Tiffany Hall Nursing & Rehab Center in Port St. Lucie, FL. and killing a 95-year-old resident.
The suspect reportedly contacted his estranged sister shortly after the alleged crime. She told police she could get her brother to confess and wore a recording device while visiting him in jail, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported Wednesday.
Hawkins answered yes when asked if he smothered the victim and confessed to planning the killing for years. He also said the victim wrote a book about him that angered him.
“He’s the reason why my life’s messed up. Okay?” Hawkins is reportedly quoted as saying. “He’s the reason I keep getting (expletive). So I took care of it myself.”
The homicide happened in early January. A staff member at the facility walked past the resident’s room after noticing a man sitting on the victim’s chest and holding a pillow over their face. The nurse immediately called for emergency services. The suspect, who wasn’t known at the time, fled the scene.
Hawkins matched the description of the assailant provided by staff members and was listed as a visitor for the victim.
