Victoria Oleta was murdered inside her own home in what investigators say might have been a home-invasion robbery. Neighbors noticed that her side door had been left open and then they discovered that the 85-year-old had been tied up and her house ransacked.
Oleta was found dead in her bedroom. The investigation was ongoing. No suspects in the case were announced.
"Pretty obvious to us that it was a homicide," said L.A. County Sheriff's Lt. Dave Dolson. "Some neighbors noticed a door open in the house and they went in to check on the elderly lady who lives there and they discovered her deceased in the bedroom."
Neighbors on the quiet residential street on the southeastern edge of East L.A. are concerned.
Maria Perez lives next door to Oleta. She discovered Oleta's lifeless on top of her bed with her hands had been tied behind her back, and there were signs that she had been suffocated.
Perez called 911, and when investigators arrived, they found evidence that Oleta's home may have been burglarized.
Oleta lived alone. An autopsy was performed Tuesday, but results are pending.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the L.A. County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
