Discarded Water Bottle Leads to Arrest in 41-Year-Old Rhode Island Murder Case

A 41-year-old cold case murder in Newport, Rhode Island, has seen a significant development with the arrest of William "Billy" Morton, who is charged with first-degree murder in the 1985 death of Hillary Hellewell. Authorities utilized advanced DNA technology, linking Morton to the crime through DNA recovered from a discarded water bottle.

Investigators tracked Morton to a Heart tribute band concert in late August. According to court records, Morton purchased popcorn and bottled water for himself and his fiancée. When the couple left the concert early and Morton discarded the water bottle, an investigator collected it as potential evidence. DNA extracted from the bottle was subsequently matched to DNA found on Hellewell’s body.

Hellewell, 22, was discovered on the morning of May 19, 1985, on Anthony Street in Newport. She had died from asphyxia due to strangulation. At the time, investigators collected DNA evidence, including sperm found internally and a blue T-shirt near the body, but were unable to identify a suspect.

The case was reviewed in 2004, and DNA profiles were entered into the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). In 2023, the Rhode Island Attorney General's office formed a Cold Case Unit, which re-examined Hellewell’s case. This renewed investigation, utilizing updated DNA analysis techniques, identified Morton as a suspect.

Further investigation revealed that Morton had been convicted in 1987 for a violent sexual assault in Newport, occurring 45 days after Hellewell's murder and approximately two miles from where her body was found. He was sentenced to 20 years, serving seven years in prison and the remainder on probation.

Morton, 61, was arrested on October 6 and is being held without bond. A status conference is scheduled for October 20, after which the case will be presented to a grand jury. Morton's attorney could not be reached for comment.