‘Smiled with satisfaction’: Woman who followed 79-year-old man home from grocery store, broke into his home and strangled him says he ‘deserved it,’ cops say

A North Carolina woman is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she followed a 79-year-old man home from a grocery store, forced her way into his residence, strangled him, robbed him, and later showed no remorse for her actions.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly admitted to the attack and even stated that the elderly victim “deserved it.” Police documents further claim she smiled when questioned about whether she intended to kill the man.

Suspect Identified and Charged

Authorities identified the suspect as Kayla Rose Bessette, 36.

She has been charged with:

• Attempted murder
• Breaking and entering
• Robbery
• Assault by strangulation

Investigators say the charges stem from a violent attack that occurred in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday.

Elderly Victim Says He Was Followed From Grocery Store

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by investigators, the victim told police he had been walking home from a Food Lion grocery store located on The Plaza in Charlotte when a woman approached him asking for money.

The elderly man said the woman continued following him as he made his way home. At the time, he reportedly had no indication that the encounter would escalate into a violent attack.

Woman Allegedly Forced Her Way Into His Home

After arriving at his residence on Murdock Road, the 79-year-old attempted to close his front door.

Police say that was when Bessette allegedly forced her way inside.

According to the affidavit, she pushed the victim onto his bed, climbed on top of him, and began strangling him. Investigators believe the attack was severe enough to support an attempted murder charge.

Robbery Allegedly Occurred During the Attack

Authorities say that after assaulting the victim, Bessette allegedly searched his pockets and stole all of the cash he was carrying.

The affidavit states that she then fled the residence with the money.

Victim Survived the Assault

Despite the violent nature of the attack, the 79-year-old man survived and was able to provide information to responding officers.

His account helped investigators quickly piece together the sequence of events and identify the suspect.

Police Investigation Led to Quick Arrest

Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the residence in the 1400 block of Murdock Road after receiving a robbery call.

As detectives investigated the incident, they gathered evidence from several sources, including surveillance footage.

Surveillance Video Captured Suspect at Grocery Store

Investigators reviewed security footage from the Food Lion store where the victim said he had first encountered the suspect.

The video reportedly helped confirm the victim’s account and assisted police in identifying Bessette.

Suspect Found Near the Grocery Store

Detectives later located Bessette at a bus stop near the same grocery store.

According to police, she had blood on her hands when officers found her. She was taken into custody without further incident.

Alleged Confession After Arrest

After being advised of her Miranda rights, Bessette allegedly admitted to breaking into the victim’s home, attempting to kill him, and stealing his money.

The arrest affidavit states that investigators directly asked her whether she intended to kill the victim during the attack.

Police Say She “Smiled With Satisfaction”

One of the most striking details contained in the affidavit involves the suspect’s alleged reaction during questioning.

According to investigators, Bessette did not deny attempting to kill the elderly man.

Police wrote that she “smiled with satisfaction” when asked whether her intent was to kill the victim. Investigators further stated that she repeatedly expressed no regret over the attack.

Suspect Claimed Victim “Deserved It”

Court documents indicate that Bessette allegedly told investigators multiple times that the victim “deserved it.”

Authorities have not publicly disclosed any evidence suggesting the suspect and victim knew each other before the incident.

Based on information released by police, the encounter appears to have begun when the woman approached the victim outside the grocery store asking for money.

Current Legal Status

Following her arrest, Bessette was booked into the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Jail.

Officials said she is being held without bond while the case proceeds through the court system.

Upcoming Court Appearance

Court records indicate that Bessette’s next scheduled court appearance is June 16.

Prosecutors are expected to continue pursuing the attempted murder, robbery, breaking and entering, and assault by strangulation charges as the investigation moves forward.

Community Shocked by Alleged Random Attack

The case has drawn attention because of the victim’s age and the seemingly random nature of the attack. Investigators say the incident began with a simple request for money outside a grocery store and escalated into a violent home invasion.

Authorities have not announced any additional suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing. The 79-year-old victim survived the ordeal, while the suspect remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings.