Elderly Woman, Lillian Wilson, Found Beaten to Death, Possibly with a Cross, in Arkansas Church

Elderly woman, Lillian Wilson, founded beaten to death, in a rural Arkansas church, after pastor became worried she did not show up for group meeting at correct location.

Another murder has been committed in a church. Cross County, Arkansas, Sheriff J. R. Smith said there are possibly "two people of interest" who fled the Central United Methodist Church, located in Hamlin, after the church pastor discovered the body of Lillian Wilson, 80, Sunday. According to News 3 Channel, the church group meets at two alternating locations and Pastor Dixon Platt said he worried something was wrong when Wilson didn't show up for service at their other meeting location. She was later found under a pew beaten to death. Others have said she was possibly beaten with a cross from the altar.

Wilson was heavily involved in the community. An animal lover, she volunteered at the area animal shelter and fostered cats in her home. She also worked with veterans, was involved in the library system, and was a registered nurse who had retired after working many years in Memphis. A side door to the small church now has been boarded over with plywood. Friends say it's possible someone broke into the church and Wilson surprised whoever was inside. Authorities have not released a motive but have been unable to find the victim's purse. They believe the suspect(s) stole Wilson's grey 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis.If you see the car with Arkansas tag 737-NGN, call the Cross County Sheriff's Office at (870)238-5700. Source

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Lillian Wilson. If there's any solace for her family, she died in the place she reportedly loved the most. If anyone has seen this vehicle or has any information that could help in the investigation, please don't hesitate to contact the Cross County Sheriff's office.