Man beats woman to death over cigarette

(NECN/KOLO) – A senseless crime has left a community in shock. A man asked a woman for a cigarette, and then beat her to death. 47-year-old Eileen Pruitt was just walking her dogs when she was brutally attacked. Authorities say it was a chance encounter with 22-year-old Ryan Bonnett of Lockwood, Nevada, that would end Pruitt’s life. The Storey County Sheriff’s office says Pruitt was attacked last night on Avenue Bleu de Clair as she walked her dogs. Authorities say Bonnet was intoxicated when he asked Pruitt for a cigarette, then allegedly beat her to death. Neighbors say Pruitt lived in Lockwood for years and cared for her infirm father. The incident has shook up many in this community who say it could have been anyone who was attacked. Bonnett was arrested and is expected to face open murder charges. Pruitt survived the attack, but died because of her injuries early this morning. Reporter Joe Harrington has the story.