CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — The man charged with stabbing and killing a 92-year-old woman inside her own home will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Gordan McMullen pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree kidnapping and felony breaking and entering in the death of Mildred P. Clontz.
Neighbors told Eyewitness News that crime forever changed the neighborhood, and they've altered their daily routines as a result.
There are many elderly residents along Knickerbocker Drive in Southeast Charlotte. Many of them said they were inspired by Clontz's energy and independence. In fact, the 92-year-old had renewed her license shortly before her murder.
Helen Ussery lived next door to Clontz. She said she thinks' about the crime every day.
"I don't walk the neighborhood anymore, but the neighborhood is still nice. But it's just the thought of it. I can't get it of of my mind," Ussery said.
Gordon McMullen admitted to following Clontz home from church one Sunday night in April 2008. He then entered her home, stabbed her several times, and stole her purse. Clontz managed to call 911, but died the next day. The horrific crime is still felt in the neighborhood.
"It has changed me a lot. Because of me being disabled now, it hurts sometime just to go outside, because I'm afraid," Ussery said.
Prosecutors Friday accepted a plea deal that will put McMullen away for life, but will spare him the death penalty. Neighbors said they're satisfied justice has been served.
"I think the death penalty is justified for some people, but in this case, what he did to Ms. Clotz was heinous, and for him to be in jail, to keep reliving what he done, that's more than enough justice for him," said next door neighbor Anthony Reel.
McMullen finished serving a 20-year prison sentence a year before he murdered Clontz.
In fact, he has spent most of his adult life behind bars. When he was 20, he was convicted of credit card theft. He's also been put away for larceny and counterfeiting, and received a 20-year-sentence for armed robbery in 1987.
Even though McMullen is in jail, Helen Ussery said she's afraid to walk around her own block alone.
"As you get older, I think, people do prey on older people, and people that are disabled," she said.
It took detectives four days to arrest McMullen after the murder. Police said say they were led to him because he used Clontz's credit cards and cell phone.
Previous Stories: June 13, 2008: Man Charged In Elderly Woman's Slaying To Face Death Penalty April 15, 2008: 92-Year-Old's Accused Killer Has Long Criminal History April 10, 2008: Suspect Arrested In Murder Of 92-Year-Old Charlotte Murder April 8, 2008: Grandson Fears That 92-Year-Old's Killer May Strike Again In Charlotte April 7, 2008: 92-Year-Old Fatally Stabbed During Southeash Charlotte Home Invasion
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