Arrest Made In Beating Death Of Elderly Clairton Woman

Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect in the death of 82-year-old Florence Ranta, of Clairton, on Tuesday.

Johnie Washington III was charged with criminal homicide, burglary, robbery and theft.

The elderly woman was found by neighbors lying on her living room floor on Oct. 6 just after 8 p.m. Ranta had wounds to her head and neck. She was transported to Mercy Hospital where she died from her injuries four days later.

Washington was arrested in McKeesport for the woman's beating death. He will be charged as an adult and is awaiting arraignment at Pittsburgh Municipal Court.

Police thanked the community of Clairton for providing information that lead to the arrest of Washington.

Previous Stories: October 8, 2007: Elderly Woman Found Stabbed, Beaten In Clairton Home