Elderly Woman Found Dead At Home With Pillow Over Head; Son Arrested

A man was arrested and charged with murder after his mother was found dead at their Onondaga County residence in New York.

The victim's daughter went to check on her mother, Leora A. Chilson, 74, at the Village Green Condos in Van Buren at around 9:40 a.m. Tuesday after she didn't show up at work. Upon reaching the residence, the daughter found Leora dead in her bedroom with a pillow over her head, state police spokesman Trooper Jack Keller said, according to Syracuse.

The unidentified daughter then called 911 and allegedly told dispatchers her brother, Daniel Chilson, 43, killed her mother. There was a fight reported between the daughter and Daniel, dispatchers told officers.

Daniel, who lived with his mother, was at the scene when officers arrived and took him into custody. He was charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence and was held at Onondaga County Justice Center.

"When troopers arrived, they located 74-year-old Leora A. Chilson deceased inside her bedroom. The victim's adult son Daniel, who resided at the residence, was on scene and taken into custody," a statement said.

Leora worked at a daycare for the Jordan Methodist Church at the JE Country Kids Day Care for the past 30 years.

Keller said Leora's death will be investigated as a homicide. State troopers were waiting for the autopsy to determine the cause and manner of her death. However, they believed foul play may have been involved, as per CNYCentral. Any information regarding what led to the woman's death remained unknown.

Neighbors said they were shocked and concerned when they heard the news about Leora's death.

"This is totally outrageous for this area. It's usually a safe and quiet area," Joseph McConnell told the outlet.

"I'm not too concerned. I mean it's disbelief but at the same time, I feel very safe here but still just seeing everyone around and the activity. It was just standing doors," another neighbor, Matthew Kline reportedly said.

Officers believed it was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the community.