Two men pleaded guilty on Monday to the murder of an 80-year-old Roxboro grandmother years earlier.
According to the Person County Sheriff's Office, Roger Wilkerson and his son, Troy Wilkerson, pleaded guilty to the murder of Nancy Horton. Roger will spend the rest of his life in prison for first-degree murder, while Troy Wilkerson will serve at least 24 years for second-degree murder and burglary, larceny and three counts of breaking into a motor vehicle.
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According to the Person County District Attorney, Troy is Roger's son.
"We are extremely grateful for the outstanding work of all involved that led to today's guilty plea," the State Bureau of Investigation wrote on Facebook.
The State Bureau of Investigation said that Troy Wilkinson will be eligible for parole.
On Sept. 20, 2022, Horton’s family members went to check on her and found her dead in her home on Burlington Road in Roxboro. Authorities arrested both Roger Wilkerson and Troy Wilkerson, who was 16 years old at the time, the day after.
The two were accused of breaking into her home, killing her, and then stealing her car.
Person County Sheriff Jason Wilborn said the case was very personal for him.
“Nancy was my wife’s aunt, and she was a kind, compassionate woman whose life was taken in an act of violence that has left a lasting impact on her family and this entire community,” he said. “She is missed every day.”
Wilborn said that while he supported Roger Wilkerson receiving the death penalty, he felt that both plea agreements were appropriate punishments and would allow Horton’s family to find closure in her death.
“While no sentence can ever restore what was taken from Nancy Horton’s family, this resolution ensures that justice is not left to chance,” Wilborn said. “It provides certainty, accountability, and finality. My thoughts remain with Nancy Horton’s family as they continue to grieve.“