Elderly Woman's Mysterious Death Has Neighbors Mourning, Fearful Of Possible Killer

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — An elderly woman's mysterious death has detectives working late into the night after they say they found some strange things inside the home.

Sacramento County Sheriff's investigators were at the home on Carl Sandburg Circle and Oakhollow Drive for hours on Friday.

Neighbors are fearful a killer is on the loose after the woman they knew as Delores was found dead in her home.

Investigators say there is evidence of a break-in at the home, leaving many possibilities: foul play, a confrontation between the elderly victim and her possible intruder, or the break-in simply could have come after her death.

Mona Heflin says she saw her dear friend on Tuesday night.

"I've known her for 15 years. She's been a delightful neighbor, the kind that would help anybody in need," she said. "When I first found out, it broke my heart. I loved her to pieces."

She says the woman lived alone, a widow whose husband passed away years ago. She would pass the time gardening and taking her friends to the hairdresser.

Heflin said the woman's son came by on Friday to check on her, only to find something terribly wrong.

"He was just crying and yelling how could somebody do that to my mother," she said.