Nearly a year after a Melville woman was strangled to death, police say the person responsible has turned himself in.

According to authorities, the victim?s son-in-law, Brandon Palladino, surrendered to police Tuesday and is charged with second-degree murder.

Diane Edwards, 59, was found unconscious and bleeding in her home in December. Detectives believe Edwards walked in as Palladino was stealing her jewelry to buy drugs for him and his wife, Edwards? daughter. He then attacked her, police say.

Palladino's attorney, meanwhile, says Edwards was attacked by two strange men and that his client was trying to protect her.

Palladino has been ordered held without bond.