HACIENDA HEIGHTS (CBSLA.com) — Homicide detectives said they have recovered a stolen car they believe is connected to a double murder in Hacienda Heights.
Officials continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of an 84-year-old woman and man found dead several days after both were apparently murdered.
Detectives located the victims’ vehicle, a 2001 Toyota Camry 4-Door, license # 7LXV190, on Thursday, around noon, in the 12100 block of Magnolia Street in the city of El Monte. The vehicle was towed and stored, pending processing by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Crime Lab, officials said.
Around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies were sent to a home located in the 16600 block of Carriage Place to conduct a welfare check on an elderly woman who lived there, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Upon their arrival, authorities smelled a strong odor of decomposition coming from the home.
Once inside the residence, deputies located a man and woman who appeared to have been assaulted.
“The victims were found in separate rooms and were in advance stages of decomposition,” said Deputy Ryan Rouzan.
Paramedics pronounced the victims dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld pending family notification.
According to deputies, the woman is believed to be the owner of the home. She hadn’t been seen in about a week.
The victims lived with her adult son who authorities said had been in custody for some time.
A group of men and women in their 30s were often seen coming and going from the home. Investigators believe the group were acquaintances with the woman’s son.
According to neighbors, the woman suffered from confusion or dementia. Detectives have not yet been able to determine an age for the man due to the condition of his body.
At this time, no suspect description has been provided.
The investigation is ongoing as the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Anyone with information regarding this incident has been urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
