Richard Grissett (Source: Brunswick Co. Sheriff's Office)
Linnie Mae Ward (Source: Brunswick County Sheriff's Office)BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The man accused of recently killing an 86-year-old woman in Brunswick County was indicted by a grand jury Monday.
According to officials, Richard Grissett, 51 of Shallotte, was indicted with the first degree murder of Linnie Mae Ward, in addition to possession of a firearm by a felon and first degree burglary.
An indictment means the jury believes the prosecution has enough evidence to move forward with a trial. Grisset's next court date is scheduled for January 8.
Detectives say Ward was found dead in her home on Gwynn Road in Longwood Nov. 13. A deputy found her body when he was met by a relative of Ward's who was at her home to check on her.
The sheriff's office said the autopsy revealed Ward died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to the face.
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