48°
Xiu Fang Ke will be arraigned Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 28, in the killing of 65-year-old Leonard Garber, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced during a press conference.
Ryan said Ke had written checks from an account that belonged to Garber and stole $40,000 before he realized it. Investigators believe he confronted her late last week or over the weekend about the missing money, and Ke caved in his head during the argument that followed. Officials said they hope to know more about his death after they finish an autopsy on Wednesday.
Newton police on Tuesday found Garber's body wrapped in a curtain and hidden underneath construction debris in the front hallway of his Mount Vernon Terrace house. His remains had been there for days, Ryan added. A camera outside of his home captured Ke walking in and out several times over the weekend, the prosecutor said.
Ryan said Ke made a "concerted" effort to hide his body from police.
Ke and Garber became friends years ago when she was a tenant at one of his properties, Ryan said. Officials aren't sure yet if they were dating.
Garber's friends and family asked officers to make a welfare check after he hadn't reached out to them since late last week, which was unusual, Ryan said.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said Garber was a beloved and active member of the community who attended synagogue in the city. She sent well wishes to his family and friends.
“I personally express my condolences, and I speak for the people of Newton when I say our hearts and prayers are with you," she said at the news conference.
Fuller reassured residents that this was not a random killing.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norfolk and receive free news updates.
