Man charged over 1972 IRA killing of Belfast widow

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — Northern Ireland police say they have charged a 77-year-old man with involvement in the Irish Republican Army's 1972 abduction, killing and secret burial of a Belfast woman, an unsolved case linked to Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

The man was scheduled to be arraigned Saturday on charges of IRA membership and aiding the killers of Jean McConville, a widowed mother of 10.

The IRA accused the 37-year-old of spying for British forces, abducted her at gunpoint from her home, and shot her in the back of the head. The IRA admitted responsibility in 1999. Her unmarked grave was discovered four years later in the Republic of Ireland.

Two former IRA members since have accused Adams, a senior Belfast IRA figure in 1972, of ordering McConville's execution. Adams denies any involvement.