Suspect Arrested In Stoning Death Of Elderly Man In Lansdowne
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A 70-year-old man was beaten to death with a rock stuffed in a sock by a suspect who says the victim made unwanted sexual advances.
Authorities say 28-year-old John Thomas of Upper Darby admits to killing Lansdowne resident Murray Seidman.
"Thomas explained to investigators that he killed Seidman because Seidman had been making homosexual advances toward him over a period of time."
Lansdowne police Chief Dan Kortan says Thomas, a self-proclaimed religious man, told police he read in the bible that homosexuals should be stoned to death in certain situations.
Thomas was charged with murder Friday; police say he told them he hit Seidman over the head about 10 times back in mid January.
According to police, Seidman's body was left untouched in his apartment for five to 10 days before Thomas returned to the scene and pretended he just discovered the body.
Thomas is the sole beneficiary of Seidman's will.
Reported By Mike Dougherty, KYW Newsradio.
