Manchester Man Accused of Raping, Killing Woman, Setting Fire Found Guilty

The 21-year-old Manchester man accused of setting a Park Street apartment on fire after raping and fatally beating a woman who lived there was found guilty.

Steven Durdek, Jr., of Manchester, was arrested Feb. 14, 2014 and the convicted burglar was charged with felony murder, murder, arson, burglary and tampering with evidence.

Police said they believe Durdek raped and killed 56-year-old Sarah "Jackie" Kelloway in her third-floor apartment at 52 Park Street in 2014 then set her body on fire in a burglary gone wrong.

Police believe Durdek raped Kelloway and beat her to death following a struggle. The two did not know each other, according to police.

The fire was reported around 5 a.m. and most of the damage was contained to Kelloway's bedroom.

Durdek was convicted for a robbery and was out on probation during the time. 

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