A 42-year old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of an elderly woman last week in her home on West Helkin Drive in Bonnie. Jefferson County Sheriff Roger D. Mulch said Friday through the investigation that Timothy Newell was ordered held on $5 million bond in the slaying of 84-year old Rita “Betty” Newell of Bonnie. She was found dead in her home on October 3rd after authorities were asked to check on her. When they arrived they had to forcibly enter the home, where they found Newell. Jefferson County investigators, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators and the Jefferson County Coroner were dispatched to the scene. Due to information received at the time of the initial report, the State’s Attorney was notified and they got a search warrant. Newell had been arrested the next day in Sweet Springs, Missouri and was originally charged with Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle for allegedly stealing Rita Newell’s car. He is back in Jefferson County and Mulch says the Illinois State Police are still assisting in the investigation.