Neighbors Stunned That 'Nice' TV Producer Was Accused Of Murdering Her Sister
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Neighbors of a TV talk show producer who lives in Studio City, were stunned to learn she has been accused of murdering her younger sister in the home they shared on Landale Street.
"They were very nice people, but I don't have anything else to say," one neighbor told CBS2's Amy Johnson.
Neighbors didn't want to go on camera to talk about TV producer Jill Blackstone and her younger sister Wendy, who was hearing and visually impaired.
The two lived on Landale for about seven years and were described as nice ladies and good neighbors.
On Saturday afternoon police were called to their home for a possible suicide.
"They found an individual, actually in the garage, the individual appeared to be deceased at that time," said Lt. Robert Toledo.
49-year-old Wendy was dead along with one of their dogs.
"In addition they found what appeared to be a BBQ ... and carbon monoxide was involved."
Jill Blackstone, a TV producer on "Jerry Springer," "Divorce Court" and "Rosie," among other shows, was also hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning. When she was released after two days, police took her into custody.
"There is inconsistency with information, evidence that we found and that is why we went forward with it possibly being a homicide," said Toledo.
Two days after being held police released her. At this time, the DA has chosen not to file charges.
A car registered to Jill Blackstone sits in the driveway but she hasn't been seen at the home since her release.
A demolition permit was visible on the home.
Johnson spoke to a man who said he bought the home three months ago but was allowing Blackstone to rent it back until he could demo it.
He said Blackstone agreed to be out by the end of the month.
The medical Examiner's office has not determined the exact cause of death. They are waiting for toxicology results.