Woman Found Murdered In Miami-Dade Home
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Family members tell CBS4 that they are horrified that a 73-year-old loved one who was a "very religious person" was found stabbed to death inside her condominium on Good Friday with a kitchen knife in her neck.
Police say they have no suspect or motive in the murder and nee the public's help. Police returned to the complex Tuesday. They passed out fliers and participated in a community meeting Tuesday night informing residents about the crime and asking for information.
Those family members say Elsa Dominguez was discovered at 5:10 p.m. last Friday inside her condominium #105 at the Bleau Fonatine complex at 9435 Fountainebleau Boulevard.
Family members tell D'Oench that she was discovered "in a pool of blood with a kitchen knife in her neck." They say her cell phone and purse were missing and her condo was otherwise intact. They say her small dog which neighbors described as a "poodle" was ok.
Dominguez's relatives say she was a widow, had no children, and was very cautious. They believe she knew her attacker.
"She was a wonderful lady. She was friendly. She was very nice," said Maria Lopez, who was Dominguez's next-door neighbor. "I am devastated. Nothing like this has ever happened here, ever, in my 25 years here. This has never happened."
"Maybe it was someone she knew because she never opens her door for anybody," she said. Lopez told D'Oench, "I'd like to see whoever did this caught so they could be punished."
The community is gated and family members say there was no sign of forced entry at the condo.
Chris, who lives in the complex and did not want to give his last name, says he feels the complex is secure.
"It's very secure. I mean if you don't have the right credentials they're not going to let you through the gate in a vehicle. Now whether you can walk in and waltz right in waltz right out, that I don't know," he said.
Family members say Dominguez was supposed to meet a cousin for lunch on Good Friday at 1 p.m. When she did not show up, that cousin contacted another next-door neighbor, who then approached the condo with another cousin who arrived at the scene.
The family members say they discovered that Dominguez's door was closed but not locked. When they entered, they made the disturbing discovery.
Those family members said they did not want to give on camera interviews because they are worried about their own safety.
Condominium residents also told D'Oench they are worried about their own safety as well.
"I'm very scared," said Danis Guerrero. "I don't feel safe."
"I'm worried too," said Daniela Vega. "Of course I am worried. I want a quiet neighborhood. I want tranquility."
"It's shocking," said Yandy Valle. "I never expected this to happen."
"I am worried about my kids too," said Karla Roman. "That's why I'm not letting them walk around this complex."
Miami-Dade Police on Monday passed out flyers in the area.
"Anyone with information, whether you believe it may the smallest bit of information should call police," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Javier Baez. "Even if you saw her days before leading up to the incident, that could be important information to tell police."
Family members say they have a number of questions.
They say for some reason Dominguez changed the locks for the front and back doors of her condo two weeks ago. They don't know why.
Detective Baez said Police do not have a motive.
If you can help, call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
