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An Orange County jury handed down a life sentence to Rosendo Xo Pec, a homeless man convicted of brutally ending the life of 1960s soul singer Betty Jane Willis, 76, during a 2018 attempted rape. 

The decisive ruling, delivered after just an hour of deliberation, ensures that Pec, 28, will spend the remainder of his days behind bars, without any possibility of parole.

The tragic incident unfolded on New Year's Day in 2018 in Santa Ana, where Willis met her untimely demise. Following a trial that played out over almost 6 years, Rosendo Xo Pec, 28, received his life sentence in late September 2023, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, as reported by KTLA 5.

Pec's conviction hinged on a charge of first-degree murder, with the added special circumstance allegation of attempted rape. The severity of his crime made him eligible for the death penalty, as previously reported by The Orange County Register.

Pec encountered the sleeping Willis in a strip mall parking lot in Santa Ana, near a homeless encampment.

Pec removed her blanket and sexually assaulted her. In response to her cries for help, prosecutors revealed that Pec brutally attacked her, repeatedly punching her in the head and choking her into silence. Tragically, Willis succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed his sentiments, saying, "This woman had the voice of an absolute angel, and it is a travesty that her voice was forever silenced in such a brutal way. No one should have to suffer the indignity and disrespect she endured in her final moments. I’m thankful the jury quickly and decisively determined that this individual was guilty of this horrific murder and that he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole."

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Betty Jane Willis soul singer

Betty Jane Willis, recognized for her enchanting voice, had recorded timeless 1960s songs, including "Someday You'll Need My Love," "Act Naturally," and "Take My Heart," before leaving the music business. 

In her career, Willis had collaborated with prominent figures in the music industry, including the convicted killer Phil Spector and Leon Russell, among others.

After her singing career, she became a postal worker And retired from the USPS after 37 years. In her retirement she became homeless. This seemed to be a choice.

Willis was still a doting grandmother who visited her grandkids frequently. But when the rest of the family went to their homes, Willis did not. Willis would refuse to stay over and insist she be dropped off back on the street, preferring to be on her own.