A Hamilton Township man has been accused of killing a 71-year-old woman during a burglary.

The West Windsor community is shaken after news of the homicide. Many say that nothing like this has ever happened before.

The gruesome discovery was made Wednesday night when police were called to 35 Galston Drive for a wellness check on Elaine Murray. Officials say that Murray was found dead on the floor of a second-floor bedroom. They say that she had injuries on her face and was bleeding from the back of her head.

Officials announced that they arrested 24-year-old Denzel Whitmore. They say that he was arrested without incident Thursday afternoon.

New 12 New Jersey spoke with one man who says he went to high school with Whitmore.

“Me and Denzel had an acquaintance-type of relationship. We got along quite well, and I actually thought highly of Denzel,” the man said. “So, no, I never thought he would do anything like this.”

And while neighbors were shocked by the violent crime, Mayor Hemant Marathe says that there was never any threat to the community.

"The people are very grateful to the police that they apprehended the suspect within 24 hours, and they worked really fast," the mayor says. "The police never felt that the community was in danger. That’s why they didn’t issue any immediate alert."

Whitmore was charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, burglary and tampering with evidence.

Anyone who might have any details about this incident is urged to contact Detective Jacob Schor at 609-989-6406 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at 609-256-0997.