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Rhode Island Authorities Arrest Man in 1985 Newport Homicide Using DNA Evidence
Just the facts
Morton was taken into custody on October 6, 2026, for the May 19, 1985 murder and sexual assault of 22-year-old Hillary Hellewell, whose body was discovered on a sidewalk along Anthony Street in Newport, Rhode Island. Investigators from the state's Cold Case Unit identified Morton as a suspect through advanced DNA testing and surveilled him to a concert venue in Woonsocket, where they recovered a discarded water bottle. Testing conducted by the Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed that DNA obtained from the water bottle matched biological evidence recovered from Hellewell's clothing. Morton is currently being held without bond in Rhode Island District Court pending grand jury proceedings overseen by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.
Why this is news
The Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General announced the arrest of 61-year-old William Morton on first-degree murder charges in connection with a 41-year-old cold case.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.