EAST FINLEY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — The Claysville man facing charges in the stabbing death of an elderly woman in her Washington County home last weekend has been ordered to stand trial.

Frank Jones, Jr. was in court this morning for a preliminary hearing.

Over the weekend, Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone said Jones was being charged with criminal homicide in connection with the death of 80-year-old Opal Bedillion.

“He indicated that he was seeking money because he wanted to buy drugs,” Washington County Assistant District Attorney Mike Lucas said.

She was pronounced dead early Sunday morning after she was found in her home. The Washington County Coroner’s Office said Bedillion died of a knife wound.

“She was stabbed multiple times,” Lucas said. “There were at least three stab wounds in the neck, clavicle area. One stab wound that penetrated both sides of her mouth.”

Authorities say they linked Jones to the crime after South Strabane police searched his car during a traffic stop in Washington County. Police say Jones admitted to the attack.

“The defendant explained that he went up to her home, indicated that he needed help,” Lucas said. “She let him in the door and almost immediately after letting him in the door, the attack began.”

Investigators say they found jewelry and a prescription bottle with the victim’s name prompting officials to call Bedillion’s relatives to check on her.

Bedillion was frail. She recently had open heart surgery. Her relatives had been urging her to move in with someone, but she refused.

Jones is facing several other charges in the incident.

RELATED LINKS:
Washington County Coroner’s Office
Police Make Arrest In Elderly Washington Co. Woman’s Death
More News from Washington County