Suspect set to be released in Rolling Hills Estate fatal stabbing, officials say

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
39-year-old woman arrested in Rolling Hills Estates mall murder
The suspect arrested in the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old woman at a Rolling Hills Estates mall was identified as a 39-year-old woman.

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect who had been arrested in the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old woman at a Rolling Hills Estate mall is set to be released as prosecutors ask for further investigation into the case.

Cherie Townsend, 39, had been arrested in the death of Susan Leeds, who was stabbed to death on May 3.

Police believe robbery was the motive in the killing that took place in Promenade on the Peninsula's parking structure.

Rolling Hills Estates officials said Monday afternoon that Townsend is expected to be released from the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. It was not known when she would be released from custody.

The District Attorney's Office has asked for detectives to perform additional follow-up work in their investigation.