Next-door neighbor charged in April slaying of woman

Memphis police have arrested a man in connection with the death of his 69-year-old next-door neighbor.

Sherlain Rowe was found dead in her Whitehaven home in the 5300 block of Millbranch on April 19. The Shelby County Medical Examiner's office ruled Rowe died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to her head and body.

Terrance D. Brown, also known as Terrance Wilks, 44, was charged with first-degree murder. Police said on Wednesday, Brown was brought in for questioning after he was developed as a possible suspect.

According to an arrest affidavit, Brown told investigators that he went to Rowe's home on April 17. He said the two argued and he admitted to pushing her down . He said she hit her head when she fell and he left without helping her or seeking help, police said.

Two days later, Rowe was found after family members called police to do a welfare check. Rowe was found covered in blood on the floor.

Brown, who is a registered sex offender, also faces an additional charge of aggravated burglary in an unrelated incident. Police said on May 26 Brown was arrested after he tried to force his way into the home of a 17-year-old girl in his neighborhood.

Brown remains in the Shelby County Jail on a $25,000 bond for the burglary charge. No bond has been set on the murder charge in Rowe's slaying.