Vt. drifter admits killing woman, 79, with hammer
Updated: Sep 15, 2011 2:19 PM EDT
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt. (AP) – A Vermont drifter has admitted beating a 79-year-old woman to death with a hammer as she made biscuits in her home.
Charles “Punky” Haynes, 53, pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder and one count of burglary in exchange for 20 years to life in prison.
Police say he attacked 79-year-old Raynetta Woodward in her mobile home in Woodstock in July 2009. Police say Woodward’s money belt was missing $470, which is what Haynes was carrying when he was arrested. They say a blood stain on his pants matched her DNA.
Residents had described Haynes as a vagabond known for breaking into houses to steal property and food. But police say they didn’t report it.
Haynes has already served two years in prison.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 