WHEATON, Md. - Prosecutors report that 83-year-old Wheaton resident Lila Meizell's former landscaper and his family plotted to kill her and set her home on fire, so they wouldn't get caught stealing.

Now, both friends of the victim and friends of the accused said they are in disbelief about Meizell's brutal Thanksgiving Eve murder.

Lila Meizell's lawn-care worker and his cousin allegedly murdered her inside her Wheaton home. Court documents charge that Jose Alvarado altered a $75 check from Meizell to read $7,500, but that when he cashed it he grew fearful of getting caught.

Alvarado's cousin, Ramon Alvarado, allegedly offered to kill Meizell for $1,200 from the stolen cash. It is charged that Jose's wife Ana Rodas suggested their victim be set on fire to cover evidence. When Ramon had murdered Meizell, the three allegedly met and split the cash to spend on Black Friday shopping.

Lila Meizell's neighbors said she was always on the go and friendly. She enjoyed tending her roses and taking walks.

"[It's] stunning to think that they would be the ones that did it," said neighbor Rob Segreti. "[It's a] very ugly thing to do."

Cassandra Brokt was Meizell's friend and a customer of Alvarado, who she knew as Antonio. "Lila recommended him to me and said we could trust him," said Brokt. "Lila really trusted them, both of them."

Friend of the suspect, Joel Guevara, however, also said he was shocked that Alvarado was responsible for Meizell's murder. "The lady was real nice to them, they loved the lady," he said.

Meanwhile, Meizell's friends said they are very shook up about the murder. "I am shocked not only that I lost Lila," said Brokt. "[But also about] who to trust anymore," she said.