A Carmel Valley resident was behind bars Wednesday on suspicion of killing a 73-year-old family member at the home the two women shared.
Officers responding to a request for a welfare check at a condominium complex in the 3700 block of Carmel View Road about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday arrived to hear a woman talking and a dog barking inside one of the units, according to San Diego police.
Unable to get anyone to answer the door, the patrol personnel let themselves in and found Lara Epstein, 51, standing in the living room, Lt. Paul Rorrison said. Epstein led them to the victim's body, which bore signs of "massive trauma," including blunt-force and "laceration type" injuries, Rorrison told news crews.
The victim's name was withheld pending family notification. Police said she was a relative of Epstein's but declined to immediately specify the relationship.
Based on statements Epstein made during preliminary questioning, officers arrested her on suspicion of murder. She was booked into Las Colinas women's jail in Santee and was being held without bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Though calm at the time of her arrest, Epstein at times made "rambling" comments, the lieutenant told reporters.
Police released no suspected motive for the slaying.