TEMPLE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities on Sunday were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an elderly woman in Temple City.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies say the woman was found dead — by her daughter — inside a two-story home in the 10300 block of Key West Street about 8:55 a.m.
The victim, believed to be 65 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death was deemed a homicide after the coroner investigated. The coroner arrived on scene about 8 p.m.
Early reports said the victim — now identified as Carmen Garcia — was shot but police would not confirm that to CBS2′s Art Barron. One detective who walked through the crime scene did say it was an apparent homicide.
Jimmy Kallas, a tenant of the victim’s, told CBS2′s Tom Wait, “This is a real tragedy. She was a wonderful, down-to-Earth lady. I’ve known her for months. This is such a heartbreaking thing.”
Rosemarie Luna who spoke to the victim’s daughter after she discovered the body said, “She was just out of it. She said it was a bloody mess.” Luna told Wait her son also saw the horrific crime scene. “My son saw her and she was screaming and freaking out.”
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
