Sex offender charged with rape and murder of elderly neighbor

(CBS/AP/WBOC) MILLSBORO, De. - A registered sex offender has been charged with the rape and murder of an elderly woman in Delaware.

Dorothy Gudger , 70, was found dead in her home Wednesday after concerned neighbors went to the home and found her body on the floor.

Investigators learned that Gudger's neighbor, 43-year-old Michael D. Purnell had allegedly been spotted doing odd jobs and yard work for the woman, and that he was a registered sex offender. Police arrested Purnell at his home Wednesday night.

"I'm just very sad she met her ending that way," said neighbor Jan Wolfe. "God bless her soul."

Authorities say they believe Gudger was killed on Monday night. CBS affiliate WBOC reports that according to court records, Purnell admitted to the crime. The documents state Purnell used his belt to strangle the victim in her living room on Halloween night. He allegedly also placed a plastic bag around her face.

After the murder, Purnell reportedly used $40 he got from Gudger to buy crack cocaine from a neighbor.

Purnell is being held without bail on charges of rape, murder, burglary, and possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony. Gudger's has been turned over to the medical examiner to determine the official cause of death.