La Mesa homicide investigation ongoing

The La Mesa Police Department continues its investigation into a homicide late last week.

On Sept.19, at about 10:33 p.m., LMPD received a 9-1-1 call of a subject down inside of an apparent solo homeless encampment in the 8000 block of High Street about 1.5 miles from Helix Charter High School.

The caller reported they discovered an unconscious female that appeared to have a serious head injury and needed an ambulance. Responding officers found the female and sought to render first aid, but unfortunately the victim was deceased.

Initial information gathered by investigators revealed the victim, a 62-year-old white female known to be homeless in the La Mesa area, was inside her encampment when the attack occurred. Evidence at the scene indicates that the attack likely occurred within hours of the victim being discovered.

There were no calls reporting disturbances in the area leading up to the incident. A white male adult with a beard was seen leaving the area a few hours prior to the initial call and is a person of interest. There is no further suspect description at this time. An autopsy wastol be performed to determine cause of death. The victim’s identity was being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

We are asking that anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident or anyone who has any information on this case, please call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com).

You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

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