Woman charged with killing Fla. elderly benefactor

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Authorities in Jacksonville, Fla., have accused a woman of killing a 67-year-old family friend, whose body was found hidden under children's Christmas presents.

Michele O'Dowd's brother discovered her body Friday, a towel covering her bloody face.

Police arrested Patty Michelle White in South Carolina. Authorities say she'd been living there the past few months and allegedly returned to Jacksonville to rob O'Dowd.

Family members say they treated White as part of the family, helping her earn extra money by giving her odd jobs.

The Florida Times-Union (http://lb.vg/gj9i4 ) reports White sometimes spent the night at the victim's home. She also knew the entry codes to the gated community.

On Friday, police say a debit card stolen from O'Dowd withdrew $1,000 at two bank ATMs. White was identified on surveillance photos.

___

Information from: The Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com