Kenya Tilford, 43, of New Rochelle, was convicted at trial last month for the murder in the first degree. As well as multiple other crimes for torturing Concetta Morton for three months before killing her and dumping the body in a storage bin behind her apartment building in 2024. She was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Defense attorney Another Mattesi asked the court for a lesser sentence on the top charge because of Milford’s mental health and life history.
“You look at her life, and what transpired, and specifically one unspeakable act, it is not a surprise that she found herself in a criminal court,” Mattesi said. Mattesi said they plan to appeal.
The judge also provided permanent orders of protection for Tildford’s multiple other victims. “She has demonstrated that she cannot and will not be rehabilitated or be a productive member of society,” Johnson said.
The charges against Tildford include murder, strangulation, concealment of a human corpse, and intimidating a victim or witness, among others. The historic case took place at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains.
The country district Attorney’s office said it was the first time in history that charges have been brought against someone for a torture killing. According to prosecutors, Tilford tortured the 27-year-old for three months before strangling her to death.
The defendant was captured on surveillance video purchasing a hooded coverall, bleach, tarps, paper towels, rubber gloves, and a chainsaw, as well as a storage bin in which the victim’s body was found.
Morton’s body was found thanks to a tip, and Tilford was then arrested on Sept 15, 2023. Judge George Fufidio said the sentence fits the crime. “The court feels that this sentence reflects the serious nature of the crimes of Ms. Tilford, and it is an appropriate sentence for the totality of the circumstances,” Fufidio said.
“Today, after years of sustained effort from this office, the New Rochelle Police Department, the Dunn family, and the surviving victims of Ms. Tilford’s sexual abuse, the Westchester community can finally begin to heal from these traumas.”
