WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) — A Washington County man will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of an 80-year-old widow.

Frank Russell Jones, 24, of Claysville, entered a guilty plea on Thursday to a charge of first-degree murder in the 2012 slaying of an elderly, handicapped widow.

Opal Bedillion, 80, of East Findlay Township, was found dead in her home in January 2012.

Jones thus avoids the death penalty, had he been convicted.

He’s now received a life prison sentence with no chance of parole.

Investigators said Jones stole jewelry and prescription drugs from the widow to support his cocaine habit.

First Assistant Washington County District Attorney Michael Lucas said the plea agreement was discussed with Bedillion’s family.

They said they understood that even if a jury found Jones guilty on the first degree charge, it would effectively amount to a life sentence and not a death sentence.

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