HOUSTON -- A handyman accused of killing a 66-year-old woman appeared in court to request an attorney Tuesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Bruce Dennis Triplett, 50, is accused of fatally stabbing, beating and robbing Elizabeth Flemmons Williams in her home on Treaschwig Road near Aldine Westfield Road in Humble.

Triplett was arrested at an east Houston motel Monday night. He has been charged with capital murder. He showed little emotion when he appeared before a magistrate judge and requested an attorney.

Williams' boyfriend found her body on the floor in one of the home's bedrooms on March 28.

"The homeowner had come home from a stay in the hospital to find his girlfriend of 19 years had been stabbed to death," said Cory Pool of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said several items were missing from the home, including Williams' purse, television and cellular phones.

Williams' boyfriend said he had previously hired Triplett to do work around the home.

Triplett's criminal record, which extends back to 1987, includes convictions on charges of vehicular burglary, credit card fraud and drug possession.

Investigators said Triplett willingly gave them a DNA sample. DNA evidence was found inside the home and on Williams' body, detectives said.

"Another portion of it was on a latch that was on the inside of the house," Sgt. Larry Davis said. "The profile under her fingernail gives an indication that she fought her attacker. There's other evidence inside the house that leads us to believe there was a struggle."