Authorities in a suburban area of the US city of Philadelphia say a 70-year-old man was stoned to death with a rock stuffed in a sock by a friend who alleged the victim made unwanted sexual advances.

According to the criminal complaint, 28-year-old John Thomas told police he killed Murray Seidman because the Old Testament refers to stoning homosexuals.

Thomas was arrested and charged with murder.

Authorities say Mr Seidman died in his apartment in early January. His body was not found for days.

Police say Thomas is the executor and sole beneficiary of Mr Seidman's will.

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