LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Sharon Kinnard Combs said she did her research before moving to Louisville, ultimately settling on a quiet street near Lovers Lane and Billtown Road in Fern Creek. And, for a long time, she felt happy with her decision.
But news of her neighbor's murder, just a few doors down, had her reconsidering that decision.
Sharon Kinnard Combs, a neighbor of Bettie Collins, who was stabbed to death in her home. March 11, 2024. (WDRB Photo)
"When that happened it sort of made me want to shut down," Combs said Monday. "I was thinking about moving. Maybe I need to sell because this is not the right place. But I find that this can happen anywhere."
Mark Rudolph, 29, was arrested by Louisville Metro Police on Friday. LMPD said police found a woman dead inside a home in the 10000 block of Chenoweth Vista Way, near Billtown Road, on Feb. 12.
The victim was identified as 79-year-old Bettie Collins. She multiple stab wounds on her head, neck, back and hand. And police said Randolph tried to clean the scene.
According to court documents, Rudolph was captured on camera at a gas station in possession of a stolen vehicle. Investigators then tried to contact the victim and that's when Collins was found deceased.
A search of her vehicle revealed two bloody kitchen knives. DNA tests connected Rudolph to the incident.
Chris Williams is the son of a resident of the neighborhood 79-year-old Bettie Collins lived in. March 11, 2024. (WDRB Photo)
Back in 2018, Rudolph was arrested and accused of stealing over 300 cans of Monster and Red Bull energy drinks from a Kroger store. He's also faced charges for terroristic threatening and numerous probation violations.
"I was in disbelief that he has 20 prior arrests and has been turned loose that many times," said Chris Williams, the son of a resident in the neighborhood. "How does that happen?"Â
Police said they got a call a day before the stabbing from someone who lives less than 1 mile away from the victim's home. That person, police said, reported a man had come into their home and then ran out after being confronted.
The witness was shown a picture of Rudolph and identified him as being the person they saw.
His initial arraignment was Saturday and his cash bond was set at $750,000.Â
Related Stories:
- 29-year-old man arrested, charged with stabbing elderly woman to death in Fern Creek
- LMPD asks elderly residents of Fern Creek community to take precautions after woman stabbed to death
- Louisville police investigating after woman killed inside Fern Creek home
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