Police search laptops in Taft murder

Raleigh police investigators have examined two laptops used by the man accused in the brutal murder and assault of state Board of Education member Kathy Taft, according to search warrants returned to the Wake County courthouse Thursday.

The two laptops, which were seized during a search of Jason Keith Williford's home after his April arrest, were searched for possible evidence related to the March attack of Taft at the Cartier Drive home of a friend, the search warrant application states.

Investigators were looking for digital files depicting sexual assault, any communication or images that refer to Taft, and any digital files that reveal planning or motivation for the murder of Taft or other similar crimes, the search application states.

Police seized digital pictures, videos and files from the forensic examination of the computers, the warrants state. But the warrants do not provide details of the materials seized.

Williford, 30, was arrested 41 days after Taft was found unresponsive, bloodied and beaten. He is charged with rape, murder and burglary in the case.

Williford's home was about two-tenths of a mile from where Taft was staying the night she was attacked. Taft, 62, of Greenville, died three days later at WakeMed.