Police: Homeless man targeted elderly woman killed in September

A homeless man in Stamford was arraigned Wednesday in connection with the killing of an elderly woman.
Stamford police say Robert Simmons killed 93-year-old Isabella Mehner in September at her home on Cove Road. Simmons is charged with murder, felony murder and home invasion.
Simmons was familiar with Mehner, according to police. The husband of Mehner's granddaughter told police Simmons worked for him off and on for four years at his sewer and drain company. As part of that, Simmons did jobs at Mehner's home.
Police responded to her home after a call about an elderly woman who appeared to have fallen down the stairs. Further investigation and an autopsy determined it was a homicide.
"There were some injuries to her face and head that just aren't consistent with a fall down the stairs," said Lt. Michael Noto. "It looks like someone assaulted her."
Police say surveillance video from neighborhood cameras show Simmons entering and leaving the house around the time of the crime. A DNA test proved a spot of blood on Simmons' pants was Mehner's.
Items were missing from the woman's home, according to police, including her wedding rings. Mehner's wallet, which was missing cash, was found near her body -- something her daughter told police was unusual.
"I think anytime you lose a 93-year old grandmother, matriarch of your family, it’s a hard thing to swallow around the holidays," Lt. Noto said. "So we're hoping this arrest today gives them a little bit of peace going through the holiday season."
Lt. Noto says Simmons is not cooperating.
Simmons has a lengthy criminal history including larceny, criminal trespass and drug convictions.
He is being held on $2 million bond.