After being unsolved for over 40 years, a murder case in Rhode Island might finally have a resolution, thanks to the discovery of a discarded water bottle at a theater.
On October 6, William “Billy” Morton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing Hillary Hellewell in Newport back in 1985. Remarkably, after so much time, investigators utilized advanced DNA technology to establish a link between Morton, now 61, and the crime.
Since Hellewell’s death, authorities had been piecing together clues suggesting Morton could be a suspect, but they needed DNA evidence to solidify their case. So, in August, an investigator followed Morton to a Heart tribute band concert. Morton bought popcorn and bottled water for himself and his fiancée, but when they left the concert early, he forgot to take his trash. The investigator collected the water bottle, hoping it could serve as vital evidence.
DNA extracted from this bottle confirmed a match with samples found on Hellewell’s body, according to court documents. Morton was placed under arrest and is currently being held without bond.
The Killing
Hellewell’s lifeless body was discovered at 4:15 a.m. on May 19, 1985, by two brothers on their way to work. She was found on a sidewalk along Anthony Street, dressed in white painter’s pants and a sweater, yet barefoot. When authorities arrived, her body was mostly cold, indicating she had died some time before.
The medical examiner determined that she had died from asphyxia due to strangulation, classifying her death as a homicide. Investigators also found bloodstains on Hellewell’s clothing and a “heavily soiled” blue T-shirt near her, suggesting more was at play. Swabs taken during an internal examination indicated she had been sexually assaulted.
Friends and family reported that Hellewell had been out with friends the night before and had offered to walk home with a male friend who had overindulged in alcohol. She never made it home, which left a lingering uncertainty about what occurred that night.
Resurrecting a Cold Case
The case caught the attention of state officials in 2004, with hopes that advancements in DNA technology could shed light on the mystery. Both Hellewell’s and the suspect’s DNA profiles were entered into the FBI’s database, yet progress remained slow.
Fast forward to 2023, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office created the Cold Case Unit, which reopened Hellewell’s case. Recent technological advances enabled the evidence to be sent to a private lab for analysis. This led to a breakthrough, revealing Morton as a serious suspect.
Investigators identified Morton’s family lineage through the DNA found on Hellewell’s body. Notably, Morton had a previous conviction for a violent sexual assault in Newport, occurring just 45 days after Hellewell’s tragic death, near the area her body was discovered.
Date Night DNA Discovery
After this analysis, the investigation expanded. Investigators began monitoring Morton and eventually pursued evidence collection. On August 21, a senior cold case investigator followed Morton and his fiancée to a local theater, where Morton purchased popcorn and bottled water.
During the show, Morton set his water bottle down next to him, and when he left early, the investigator seized it for DNA analysis. The DNA profile matched the evidence from Hellewell’s case.
On October 6, law enforcement officers approached Morton at his home as he prepared for work, charging him with first-degree murder. The next steps will involve a grand jury, with a status conference scheduled for October 20. As of now, it seems Morton’s long-imposing shadow over this cold case is finally being confronted.
