TV producer gave 'inconsistent statements' about sister's death

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A TV producer gave "inconsistent statements" to police after her sister was found dead, investigators said.

Wendy Blackstone, who was partially deaf and blind, was found unconscious in a closed garage filled with carbon monoxide on Saturday. A charcoal barbecue was burning inside the garage. Three dogs were also found at the scene; one had died.

Police said Wendy's 52-year-old sister Jill had also been affected by the carbon monoxide and was taken to the hospital. Then on Monday, she was arrested on suspicion of murder due to the evidence found at the scene.

"And also due to the inconsistent statements we received, we chose to believe there was more to the possible suicide or the note pertaining to that," said LAPD Lt. Bob Toledo.

Toledo also said detectives are looking at the possibility that note was written by Jill and said those "inconsistent statements" implicated her as being involved in her sister's death.

The district attorney's office has not filed charges and released Jill Blackstone from custody early Wednesday evening.

Neighbors say the two sisters lived together in their Studio City home on Landale Street.

"It's a little unnerving, because it has been a very stable neighborhood and everybody pretty much knows each other," said Barbara Chade, an area resident.

Even though Jill Blackstone has been released, the LAPD is not ready clear her name as a potential suspect.

"It's still on going, things we're still looking at - detectives still looking at and talking to witnesses," Toledo said.

If this becomes a case of assisted suicide, Toledo said there would be charges to forward to the district attorney, but all of it is still under investigation.

The coroner's office said autopsy results may take up to two months until they are available for release.

Jill Blackstone has been a producer on several TV talk shows and legal shows, including "Divorce Court" and "Jerry Springer."