DA: Handyman admits to fatal attack

The Nassau County district attorney called it "a cowardly and savage attack" on a woman asleep in her home.

On Wednesday a Manhasset handyman pleaded guilty to bludgeoning Ruthell Williams, 64, with a hammer in August 2009 -- an attack that officials said resulted in her death four months later.

Keith Land, 45, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder before Judge David Sullivan in Nassau County Court Wednesday in exchange for a promised sentence of 20 years to life, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said.

Land is scheduled for sentencing on June 9.

The brutal hammer attack took place during a break-in at the Williams home on South Cherry Brook Place in Manhasset on Aug. 23, 2009, police said. Prosecutors said Land, who had previously done work for Williams, broke into the house, awakened Williams, demanded money and jewelry, then "repeatedly hit her in the head with a hammer." Eventually, officials said, Land called 911 -- and fled after stealing a purse.

Williams underwent several brain surgeries, but died as a result of her injuries on Dec. 10, 2009. Land was arrested by Nassau County police a week later and charged with second-degree murder, officials said.

"This is a cowardly and savage attack against a sleeping, elderly woman, and all for a few dollars," Rice said in a prepared statement Wednesday.

"There is no better place for this violent criminal than a locked prison cell."