ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Hours of heartbreaking testimony was heard Friday at the preliminary hearing for a homeless couple accused of killing an 80-year-old woman in Royal Oak.
Nancy Dailey was found dead Nov. 20 in her home on Trafford Road. She had been bound and her throat cut.
Forty-eight-year-old Alan Craig Wood and 40-year-old Tonia Michelle Watson, were taken into custody just days after Dailey's death when they were caught allegedly using the victim's stolen credit card at Meijer in Canton.
Wood is charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, unauthorized use and possession of a financial transaction device and larceny in a building.
Watson is charged with felony murder and unauthorized use and possession of a financial transaction device and larceny in a building.
SLIDESHOW: Suspects in Royal Oak murder in court
Both first-degree murder and felony murder carry a mandatory life imprisonment penalty. Investigators said the couple had been hired by Dailey to do work around her house just days before her killing.
More than 10 witnesses took the stand.
Watson shook her head several times while listening to the testimony. Wood scribbled notes.
Royal Oak Police Detective Perry Edgell detailed the final moments of Dailey's life.
"Alan grabbed Nancy by the hair of her head. Then he yanked her and pulled her and threw her down. She ended up on the floor in the bedroom," Edgell testified. "And then Alan reached down with his hands and tried to break Nancy Dailey's neck. And twisted and pulled."
Edgell said he spent several hours interviewing Watson after she was arrested. He said she told him the couple was desperate for money and had talked about targeting Dailey for money.
Edgell said Watson told him the two were after Dailey's bank card and PIN number. But, Edgell said, Dailey told the couple she didn't know her PIN number and tried to lock herself in the bathroom.
Edgell said Watson told him Wood pulled out a pocket knife and said he had to cut her throat.
The case has been adjourned until March.