MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A Martinsburg man was charged with murder Tuesday night after he told police he was responsible for a 72-year-old woman’s death.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department took William Jackson, 38, into custody for allegedly killing Martha Tyler. Her body was found Saturday. She had been strangled and suffocated.
Police allege Jackson killed Tyler and took her bank card. He made 30 transactions with the card after the murder. Investigators were able to identify Jackson on surveillance video at the businesses.
Police said during their interview with Jackson he said he had done odd jobs for Tyler in the past and when he went to her home last weekend he was having drug withdrawal problems and blacked out. Police said Jackson told them he woke up and Tyler was dead with a bag over her head and hands tied behind her back.
Investigators said Jackson’s previous relationship with Tyler would explain why there were no signs of forced entry at her home.
Jackson is being held without bail in the Eastern Regional Jail.