Cops: Teens murdered NY woman, 81, in botched robbery

GOSHEN, N.Y. - Police say they have arrested two teens in the alleged murder of an 81-year-old woman that took place early Saturday morning during what detectives believe was a botched robbery in Goshen, 60 miles north of New York City.

According to the Orange County District Attorney, from Devin A. Giordano, 19, and Jennifer P. Molyneaux, 17, are charged with second-degree murder -- both as adults -- after Helen Mills was found dead in her home.

Officers responded to a fire at Mills' residence around 4 a.m. Saturday and found the woman's body "badly burned" in her bedroom. Evidence showed that fire accelerants were used in multiple areas throughout the house, the statement from the DA's office said.

After an autopsy, authorities concluded that Mills suffered throat injuries and blunt force trauma to the head, indicating she may have been strangled and beaten to death before her body was set ablaze.

Investigators believe the suspects attempted the robbery to obtain money for narcotics, but the robbery turned fatal.

"There is a link between illicit narcotics and violent crime," said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. "My office will hold accountable those who violently victimize defenseless citizens to get money to feed their drug habits."