A homeless man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, following his conviction for attempted sexual assault and the murder of Betty Jane Willis, a former soul singer who was sleeping at a Santa Ana strip mall.
Rosendo Xo Pec, 28, was found guilty of murder, with a special circumstance of murder during an attempted rape, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
The tragic incident occurred in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day in 2018. Pec attacked and killed Betty Jane Willis, who was known for her soulful music from the 1960s, which included beloved songs like “Someday You’ll Need My Love,” “Act Naturally,” and “Take My Heart.” During her career, she collaborated with renowned artists such as Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers and Leon Russell.
After retiring from her job at the post office, Willis sadly became homeless.
On that fateful night, the police received a distress call about a woman screaming from the 1600 block of West First Street. Pec attempted to flee, but he was apprehended without delay.
According to the prosecution, Pec attempted to sexually assault Willis while she was sleeping and proceeded to punch and strangle her.
“This incredible woman possessed a voice that was truly angelic, and it is heartbreaking that her singing was forever silenced in such a brutal manner,” expressed Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “No human being should endure the indignity and lack of respect that she suffered during her final moments.
“I am relieved that the jury quickly and conclusively determined the guilt of this individual in this horrific murder, resulting in his sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole,” Spitzer added.
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