Grandson Murders Grandmother, Hopes to Inherit Estate

On November 15, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in a quiet neighborhood. At 4:30 AM, a carbon monoxide alarm alerted the fire service, who discovered the body of 78-year-old Emma Finch on the floor of her burning bedroom.

The investigation revealed that Finch had suffered severe injuries, including a compressed neck, five fractures, and bleeding in her larynx. The fire, which took 10-20 minutes to extinguish, had started after Finch's death. Prosecutors allege that Finch's 25-year-old grandson, Joshua Powell, was responsible for her murder.

According to the evidence, Powell initially claimed ignorance about his grandmother's death but was later linked to the crime through DNA found on Finch's neck and fingernails. Surveillance footage and phone records also placed him at the scene. In the weeks leading up to the incident, Powell had allegedly expressed hope that his grandmother would die soon, as he believed he would inherit her estate.

Finch's daughter, Catherine Powell, the defendant's mother, expressed her struggle to forgive her son for the horrific act. Finch's son, Peter, also shared his anguish, stating that his mother's final moments, knowing her killer was her own grandson, was a haunting thought.

The defense argued that Powell had Tourette's syndrome and a "very low" IQ, but the judge acknowledged his ability to distinguish right from wrong. Ultimately, Powell pleaded guilty to the murder and is now facing the consequences of his actions.