Elderly Pleasantville Woman's Death Ruled A Homicide
PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Police in Westchester County are investigating the murder of an elderly woman who was found dead inside her Pleasantville home this week.
On Saturday, the Westchester Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death of 76-year-old Linda Falkoff a homicide.
Elderly Pleasantville Woman's Death Ruled A Homicide
As WCBS 880's Monica Miller reported, a mail carrier believed something was wrong at Falkoff's Grandview Avenue home last Thursday afternoon and called police after mail and packages had begun to pile up outside.
"The officer found that the front door to the house was unlocked and he entered," said George Longworth, commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. "He discovered a woman deceased within. It was apparent the woman had been dead for at least several days."
Police said Falkoff had been stabbed to death.
Officials said she was a widow with no children.
"Our detectives are interested in speaking with any friends or associates of the deceased," Longworth added.
Neighbors tell CBS2's Matt Kozar the woman lived alone and was reclusive.
"Her husband passed away a few years ago, but they were very reclusive people," neighbor Rosanna Fama said.
"Surprised. Didn't think it could happen in a place like this," neighbor Matt Day said.
Locals say it's the kind of place where residents don't lock their doors and know all of their neighbors.
Detectives say there is no evidence of a break-in and no motive.
"It's a very safe neighborhood," Fama said.
"At times, when her garage was opened, it was stacked to the top in boxes and we knew right away that this woman had problems with that kind of hoarding issue," Rose Marie Bendenson said.
Bendenson has lived in the neighborhood for 16 years and said Falkoff's death is making her think about securing her home.
"I'm going to make sure windows are locked," she said. "I have a dog, maybe that helps. I'm going to keep my eyes more aware for who's coming by and if I'm suspicious, I'm going to call the police."
Elderly Pleasantville Woman's Death Ruled A Homicide
"You don't speak of crime. In fact, I think we're the lowest in the county for crime," Bendenson said.
Anthony lives around the corner from where the crime occurred and along with other community members, is shocked.
"I was talking with my dad about it, he said it was one of the safest communities in the U.S.," he told 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Westchester County tops line at 1-800-898-8477.
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