Enfield

Grandson Charged With Murder of Grandmother in Enfield

Enfield police have made an arrest in the murder of a 79-year-old Enfield woman and the suspect is the victim’s grandson.

Anthony Ward, 35, of Enfield, has been charged with the murder of 79-year-old Frances Battagler, who was found dead at 47 Second Ave. in Enfield on Aug. 20, according to police.

Investigators said it appeared that Battagler had been bludgeoned and the office of the chief medical examiner determined that she died of blunt head trauma.

According to police, Ward sent a letter to a family member, which led authorities to the house for a well-being check.

“It was prompted actually by a letter that had been written. The recipient of the letter brought that letter to the police department. That letter was reviewed by officers there and that in turn was what prompted our response to this location,” said Enfield Police Chief Alaric Fox.

Police, who previously identified Ward as a person of interest in the case, said he is the victim's grandson.

Days after Battagler was found dead, Ward was involved in a car crash in her 2013 Toyota Corolla in Wethersfield. The car had been reported stolen.

Bond for Ward has been set at $1 million and he will be arraigned today.

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