Missing hospital patient, 33, found hiding in backyard of murdered attorney, 44, is arrested on suspicion of her ‘random’ killing
- William Franklin has been charged with first-degree murder and burglary
- Erin Hartigan was found in the early hours of Sunday morning by her mom
- At least three bloody knives are said to have been found at the scene in Orlando
- Franklin had earlier been reported missing from a nearby hospital
- He is said to have told cops he cannot remember what happened after he was ‘given some type of drug which caused him to lose his memory’
- He was arrested wearing only his boxer shorts and a shirt
- There is not thought to be any link between the suspect and his alleged victim
A man reported missing from a Florida hospital has been arrested hiding in the backyard of a local attorney’s home after she was found dead in a ‘random killing’.
William Franklin, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder and burglary with a battery after the death of 44-year-old Erin Hartigan.
The body of Orange County attorney Hartigan was found in the early hours of Sunday morning by her mom, who woke to the sound of a struggle and called 911. At least three bloody knives are said to have been found at the scene in Orlando.
Franklin had earlier been reported missing from Orlando Health Regional Medical Center. He was arrested wearing only his boxer shorts and a shirt and is said to have told police he had been swimming a nearby lake.
William Franklin, 33, left, has been charged with first-degree murder and burglary with a battery after the death of 44-year-old Erin Hartigan, right
He is said to have told cops he cannot remember what happened after he was ‘given some type of drug which caused him to lose his memory’ at Orlando Health.
It is not known why Franklin had been in hospital but there is not thought to be any link between the suspect and his alleged victim. Police believe her killing was random, detectives told clickorlando.com.
The hospital is less than a mile from Hartigan’s home where she lived with her mom.
At least three bloody knives are said to have been found at the scene in Orlando
Home surveillance footage is said to have shown Franklin behind neighbor’s homes
A police report states: ‘Ms. Hartigan got out of bed and opened her door at which time she saw Erin lying on the floor. She saw an individual standing over her.
‘Once she opened the door, the individual stood up, turned away from her and walked down the hallway.’
Home surveillance footage is said to have shown Franklin behind neighbor’s homes.
The investigation continues.