Kenya Tilford Gets Life Without Parole In Sex Abuse Torture Killing

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — An investigation that started with a body found hidden in a Westchester apartment has led to justice for the victims of a now notorious violent serial abuser.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that the first torture-murder trial in Westchester County history has led to the sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the defendant, Kenya Tilford.

Judge George Fufidio handed down the sentence Thursday morning and provided permanent orders of protection for Tilford's victims.

Tilford, 43, of New Rochelle, was convicted at trial last month of murder in the first degree, under the torture-murder provision of that statute, in addition to other felonies.

"There are no words that can adequately convey the horrors experienced by Concetta Morton at the hands of the defendant, who tortured her with deliberate cruelty for three months before suffocating her to death," Cacace said. "Today, after years of sustained effort from this office, the New Rochelle Police Department, the Dunn family and the surviving victims of Ms. Tilford's sexual abuse, the Westchester community can finally begin to heal from these traumas. Ms. Tilford will be spending the rest of her life in prison."

The DA said that the historic conviction that led to sentence also took a historic combination of efforts and resources.

"I want to commend the tireless, painstaking work of the New Rochelle police, who investigated this case so thoroughly, and the ingenuity of my office's Hi-Tech unit, which unlocked critical pieces of evidence for use at trial," Cacace said. "The frontline prosecutors and trial assistant who so expertly managed this case helped ensure today's resolution."

The DA said the horrific nature of the crimes led her office to seek the maximum possible sentence, of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"I hope that with this sentence, Ms. Morton may finally rest in peace, and that the Dunn family may find a small measure of comfort knowing she has finally achieved the justice in the afterlife that was denied to her during her brief time on Earth."

SEE ALSO:

Tip About Dead Body Hidden In New Rochelle Home Leads To Murder Charge

Torture Killing In New Rochelle: 18-Count Indictment Handed Down

Historic Conviction Of Westchester Woman In Torture-Murder Of Girlfriend, Sexual Abuse Of 2 Previous Partners