80-Year-Old Woman Bludgeoned With Rock After Confronting Stranger in Virginia
A Virginia man has pleaded guilty to the brutal killing of an 80-year-old woman who confronted him in her apartment building earlier this year. Authorities say Kurt Davis, 34, used a rock to bludgeon Susan Williams to death in February after she asked whether he lived in the complex.
The Fatal Encounter
The attack occurred on February 19 at Williams’ condo building on Yellow Mountain Road SE in Roanoke. Prosecutors said Williams encountered Davis in the hallway and questioned him about his presence inside the secured complex. Surveillance video later revealed Williams letting Davis inside before he turned violent.
Authorities say Davis attacked her in a stairwell, striking her repeatedly with a rock until she collapsed. Williams was later found with severe injuries near the southeast corner of the building.
When police arrived, they discovered Davis standing nearby with a shovel while Williams lay gravely injured on the ground. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Motive: “To Keep the Peace”
During questioning, Davis allegedly told investigators he killed Williams “to keep the peace” following their encounter inside the building. Police have said there is no evidence that Davis and Williams knew each other.
Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth expressed the community’s grief after the killing.
“Words can’t describe what this community is feeling right now,” Booth said. “The most important thing for us is to make sure our case remains solid against this individual, and that he is held accountable for the heinous murder of Ms. Williams.”
Guilty Plea and Criminal History
Court records show Davis initially pleaded not guilty and was set to face trial beginning September 3. But on Monday, he changed his plea to guilty after prosecutors presented evidence, including surveillance footage of the attack.
Davis has a lengthy criminal record involving arson, assault, and burglary. At the time of Williams’ death, he was reportedly homeless. His conviction is for first-degree murder, and he is scheduled to return to court on December 1 for a pre-sentencing report.
A Community in Shock
Williams’ death has rattled the Roanoke community, where she was known as a dedicated advocate for the elderly. She served more than 30 years as executive director of the Local Office on Aging (LOA) and worked with the Council of Community Services.
“She was a friend of mine; many of her family members are friends of mine,” said Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb. “Like many in our community, I feel shock and anger right now.”
Colleagues remembered Williams for her selflessness and lifelong service. “That was her love — to take care of seniors,” one colleague told WDBJ. Another, Shannon Abell, said, “Never dreamed that something like that would happen to her, especially living in a safe building as she lived in that area of town. I’m totally devastated and shocked.”
Broader Implications
The killing has raised concerns about security in residential complexes and the vulnerability of elderly residents, even in buildings considered safe. Authorities emphasized that Williams had every reason to believe her home was secure when she confronted Davis, who was an unauthorized intruder.
The case has also highlighted the dangers posed by repeat offenders with long criminal histories. Many residents have questioned how someone with Davis’ record could be in the community without adequate supervision.
Looking Ahead
With his guilty plea entered, Davis now faces the likelihood of a lengthy prison sentence. Prosecutors and police have pledged to ensure he receives full accountability under the law.
For friends and family of Susan Williams, however, the loss is immeasurable. Known for her kindness and dedication, Williams leaves behind a legacy of care for the elderly residents of Roanoke.
Her colleagues say her memory will live on through the work she championed for decades. But her sudden and violent death has left the community grappling with both grief and outrage— and a renewed call for justice.
