Police: Alabama woman beat elderly neighbor to death with space heater

Published 5:48 am Friday, November 12, 2021

A 24-year-old Alabama woman has been charged with capital murder, accused of beating an elderly neighbor to death with a space heater.

Monyuett Catrice Hinson has been charged with the death of Alverner Blanks, 76. Police say that Hinson and Blanks were neighbors and acquaintances.

Bessemer Police say the incident happened on Sept. 8 in the 2300 block of Holbrook Terrace. Hinson was taken into custody on Thursday.

Reports are that Hinson and Blanks were arguing over money when Blanks was struck in the head with the space heater. Police said it was unclear how many times Blanks had been struck.

Blanks was found unresponsive by another neighbor who called 911. He was hospitalized and then released on Sept. 21. Blanks died at an assisted living facility three days later.

Hinson was initially arrested on Sept. 9 for attempted murder, robbery and hindering prosecution, but released on Sept. 24 after posting a $25,000 bond. Hinson was taken into custody again after the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office ruled Blanks’ death a homicide.