Last night, we told you about the disturbing murder of 69-year-old Mexican Ofelia Hernandez Cruz on the Salt Creek Road in Sand Hill Village.
She and her common-law husband had been taking care of a piece of private land belonging to her husband's boss for over 10 years.
But on Tuesday evening at around 5 o'clock, an assailant, who may or may not have accomplices, went to their home on the private property. She was alone on that evening, and her neighbors only heard her screams of distress while she was being assaulted. Her lifeless body was discovered shortly afterward, and residents tell us that it appears that she was bludgeoned to death.
Her neighbors are shocked because they never expected that Cruz, a quiet, older woman would be targeted.
Today, the head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch shared a few details on the case:
ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NICB
"On Tuesday last, shortly before 5 p.m., Ladyville police were called to an area on Salt Creek Road, in the vicinity of Sand Hill Village. Upon arrival, at the home of one Ophelia Hernandez Cruz, she was found motionless on the floor with apparent injuries. What the police know so far is that some time prior to them being called there, screams were heard coming from her home. Police, so far, have detained several persons, and are seeking 2 other persons who we believe can assist in this investigation at this time."
Reporter
"Is it the understanding that more than 2 people went in there?"
ACP Joseph Myvette
"No, but several other persons were detained for questioning."
Reporter
"Do investigators believe that they intended to rob the family's home?"
ACP Joseph Myvette
"Well, we're still trying to establish a clear motive."
Reporter
"How about if anything was stolen?"
ACP Joseph Myvette
"At this point in time, we would have to verify that. There is some information that a shotgun was stolen, but we will have to verify that."
As you heard, police have several persons detained for questioning, and they are currently looking for 2 more.
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