Slaying Probe Continues WHEELING, W.Va, (UPI) A young Wheeling woman, knocling in prayer 10 help prepare herself for life in a convent, was raped, and then strangled by hand, an autopsy revealed Tuesday, Nearly 50 persons have, called police to offer what hope will prove valuable tips in locating the killer of Roberta Elam, 26. Known as Sister Robin, she had entered the Ml. St. Joseph Convent pro- noviliale program last August and was preparing to take her vows. The nude body of the Allendale, N. J., native was discovered near an over• turned park bench. Monday, The death has stunned and angered the city. "It's a sad day today for the city and for the county," said William Mucgge, vice mayor of Wheeling. "1 can't think of anything more heinous than a religious person, praying, being raped and murdered." The Whceling Area Council of Churches, in a stalemen! through its president, the Rev. Robert Coupe, said it shared "the feelings of the Catholic community." "This kind of thing does happen and it gels worse alt the time," he said. "I guess It's just a sad sign of the limes.' Samples of hair and clothing, along with fingerprints, were sent to the State Police Criminal. Identification Laboralory in Charleston. • thorities from Washinglon County, Pa., planned to swap data with Ohio County police to determine if there is a possible connection with • Miss 'Elam's death and four rape slayings in Pennsylvania. Investigators had been CX. pected to compare notes Tuesday, but the Pennsylvanians decided to postpone meeting until they were belter prepared. All five were strangled and sexually attacked, but the killer used arlicles of clothing to kill In another development, au- the Pennsylvania women, authorities pointed out. Bishop Joseph Hodges of the Wheeling Catholic Diocese was to serve as principal celebrant today of Mass of Christian Burial at Mount St. Joseph. Aiding an around the clock investigation are firemen throughout the city, and one detective expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of public cooperation in supplying tips. *We know about twice AS much as we did yesterday," said detective Normal Sayre. Sunday Mishap Takes Life Of Weirton Man Paul Kuzma, 43, RD 1. Swearingen Hill, died at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Weirton General Hospital as a result of injuries he. sustained in a two car accident on Sunday. His wile, Mrs. Quintila Kuzma, a passenger in the car al the time of the accident, died Sunday as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. The two-car collision occurred no Wylie Ridge Road, New Cumberland. Mr. Kuzma was driving the car when the mishap occurred, according to* Hancock County sheriff's deputies. Deputies said the other driver involved is Tammi Lee Tarr, 17, 101 Ardmore Ave.. She and a passenger in her car, Linda Marie Thomas, 15, 26 Highview Circle. are reported in condition at the Weirton General hospital. The Kuzmas were co- owners of the Sun Valley Mini-Mart and members of the Kings Creek Union Chapel. Mr. Kuzma had provinusly worked as an ironworker for the Iron Works Union in Cloveland, Deputies arc still investigating the accident. Services for Mr. and Mrs. Kuzma were held today in the Kings Creek Union Chapel with burial in Chapel HIll Memorial . Gardens.