In August 2024, a Nova Scotia judge sentenced 66-year-old Richard Willis to a minimum of 20 years in prison for the murder of 84-year-old Eleanor Harding. Justice James L. Chipman criticized Willis for committing a “monstrous and evil” crime by breaking into Harding’s home, ransacking it, and ultimately murdering her in cold blood. Chipman expressed disbelief at Willis’ actions and described the crime as predatory and disturbing. Willis was convicted of second-degree murder by a jury in January 2024, resulting in an automatic life sentence.
Harding was found dead in her home by Halifax Regional Police on July 11, 2020, and her death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy. Willis, who had an extensive criminal history spanning from 1974 to 2019, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and break-in offences. Chipman highlighted Willis’ calculated actions on the day of the murder, walking over seven kilometers to Harding’s home and entering through a basement window during the early morning hours. Chipman emphasized that Harding, an elderly and defenseless woman living alone, was targeted by Willis, who showed no remorse for his heinous act.
The judge referenced victim impact statements provided by Harding’s sons, Mark and Derek, in his sentencing decision. Mark described his mother as an independent and outgoing woman who had a close-knit relationship with her neighbors. He expressed the impact of her murder on the family’s sense of safety and emphasized that Willis deliberately targeted her knowing she was a vulnerable elderly widow. Derek shared his devastation upon learning of his mother’s murder, recalling their last phone conversation and the plans they had to build a home together on family land. He expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his mother’s presence and the memories they would never be able to share.
Chipman emphasized Willis’ history of targeting elderly victims and called him a dangerous individual whose criminal behavior spanned decades. He noted the need to protect society from Willis’ predatory actions, particularly towards vulnerable members of society. The judge ultimately set Willis’ parole eligibility at 20 years, rejecting the defense’s request for 10 to 15 years and the prosecutors’ request for 22 years. Willis’ previous criminal offenses in Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia included robbery, assault, and possession of dangerous weapons, highlighting a pattern of violent behavior that culminated in the brutal murder of Eleanor Harding in 2020.
Overall, the sentencing of Richard Willis for the murder of Eleanor Harding in 2020 reflects the gravity of his actions and the devastating impact on Harding’s family and community. Justice Chipman’s scolding of Willis for his calculated and predatory crime underscores the need for justice and accountability in cases of senseless violence. The victim impact statements provided by Harding’s sons paint a poignant picture of loss and grief, highlighting the lasting impact of Harding’s tragic death. Willis’ extensive criminal history and his targeting of vulnerable elderly victims further emphasize the severity of his actions and the importance of protecting society from individuals capable of such heinous acts.
