Bradenton police arrested and charged a woman accused of murdering her elderly neighbor.
55-year-old Misty Whiteley killed 82-year old Zelma Huddelston in her home on the 2200 block of 3rd Ave W.
According to detectives, Whiteley, Huddleston, and Huddleston's daughter spent time together Monday night, which is the day before Huddleston's body was found.
Huddleston's daughter told authorities she became worried when she couldn't reach either one of them hours later that same day. Then on Tuesday morning, Huddleston's daughter took a cab to the house and found her mother in a pool of blood. Detectives stated there was a knife about 10 feet from Huddleston's body.
A neighbor said he was shocked.
“She seemed to be a nice person. I talked to her off and on here," said Gary who did not want to disclose his last name. “Somebody has to really, you know, lose it —totally lose it,"
Court documents that were released Wednesday stated witnesses heard Whiteley say, "I had an altercation with the woman in that house last night". The documents also stated detectives found keys and a keychain next to Huddleston's body with Misty's name engraved on it.
“To kill someone, she doesn’t look the part, you know, when you talk to her. So it’s a total surprise," Gary said.
Whiteley has a criminal history of battery and resisting arrest, according to detectives.
She was arrested and charged with second degree murder, battery on a law enforcement officer, and obstruction of justice.
