78-year-old woman found dead in Banning home; granddaughter missing

BANNING, Calif. (KABC) -- A homicide investigation is underway after a 78-year-old woman was found dead, and her car and granddaughter went missing in Banning over the weekend, police say.

Officers from the Banning Police Department responded to the 4100 block of W. Wilson Street shortly before 6:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Officers discovered the body of the elderly woman with signs of trauma in the Mountain Air Mobile Home Park.

The victim's 25-year-old granddaughter and the victim's vehicle were missing, said Banning Police Chief Alex Diaz.

Authorities were in search for both the victim's granddaughter and car.

The elderly woman's identification was withheld pending notification of next of kin, but those in the area identified her as Bobby Wattley.

Neighbors said they heard strange noises coming from the home, including banging coming from inside, as well as someone repeatedly slamming a car trunk outside.

The victim was described as someone quiet and not very strong. One neighbor said she had recently moved to the retirement community and seemed friendly.

A description of the victim's granddaughter and car were not immediately released as the investigation was ongoing.