Forgotten soul singer Betty Willis murdered in New Year’s Eve street attack

Soul singer Betty Willis has died following a suspected street robbery on New Year’s Eve (31Dec17).
The Someday You’ll Need My Love star, who recorded tracks produced by Leon Russell in the early 1960s, was found dead in a Santa Ana, California parking lot early on New Year’s Day.
A 22-year-old man suspected of killing the 76-year-old has been arrested.
Someone called local police officials when they heard Willis crying out for help. Rosendo Xo Pec was allegedly trying to flee the scene when officers first arrived. He was detained and later booked on suspicion of homicide.
Reports suggest Willis was homeless and living on the streets at the time of her death.
During her short stint as a soul star, the singer also recorded the songs Act Naturally, If I Had a Hammer, and Take My Heart.
She also recorded Revolution as the leader of Rachel & The Revolvers for Beach Boys star Brian Wilson.