Associated Press
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Police report an arrest in the slaying of a woman who was beaten at her East Side apartment and then dumped, near death, in an alley two miles away.
Police said Emily Willegal, 24, a bartender at a downtown restaurant, was beaten to death during a robbery.
Willegal, who was from Woodruff in northern Wisconsin and had lived and worked in Green Bay before moving to Milwaukee, died in a hospital hours after being found Monday morning.
Although she was only partially dressed when found, there was no evidence of sexual assault, police said.
Police said Friday that the 28-year-old Milwaukee man who was arrested has admitted being involved in the killing. Police refused to release his identity or any possible link with Willegal.
No formal charges had been filed as of Friday evening.
Tenants in Willegal's apartment building said they heard a commotion about 3 a.m. Monday. Investigators later found blood on the front step of the building and on the nearby sidewalk and street.
Tyler Peyton, general manager of the Rock Bottom Brewery, said Willegal had worked there about 18 months.
She was not working Sunday night but came in for a while with a group of friends after the Super Bowl, Peyton said.
Mourners filled St. Peter's Episcopal Church in West Allis for a memorial service Friday. Family members said they were overwhelmed by the show of support.
"I'm flabbergasted and honored, truly honored that that sort of tribute would be given to my child," said Willegal's mother, Paisley Woodside.
A vigil was held Friday night in the neighborhood where Willegal lived, and the event included a march from her apartment building to the place where she was found.