By Tribune-Review

Published: Friday, March 1, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Friday, March 1, 2013

A Washington County man will serve the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to murdering an 80-year-old widow in her home in January 2012.

Frank Russell Jones, 24, of Claysville, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was immediately given a life sentence by Washington Judge Katherine Emery.

“Frank Jones was brought to justice today due to the hard work and dedication of the South Strabane Township police officers, Pennsylvania State Police, First Assistant District Attorney Michael Lucas and Deputy Assistant District Attorney Chad Schneider,” said District Attorney Eugene Vittone.

Opal Bedillion, who lived alone in a secluded home in East Finley Township, was found murdered on Jan. 7, 2012.

During a traffic stop that night, Jones was in possession of Bedillion's belongings, including a jewelry box. After he was questioned by state police, Jones admitted he killed Bedillion to get money to buy drugs.

Coroner Tim Warco reported that Bedillion died from multiple knife wounds.

Vittone initially had sought the death penalty for Jones, but he later accepted a chance to plead guilty and serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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