Woman found dead inside her home

WESTMORLAND, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A woman was found dead inside her home on the Fourth of July and so far, there have been no arrests.

The victim’s family is still in shock and looking for answers after their loved one was found dead inside her apartment.

"I will always remember her as just being kind and loving to everybody, that she meet it did not matter if she knew you or not she treated you like you were family," said Darlene Berber.

A Westmorland resident said she is devastated after she learned that the woman was once her neighbor.

The Westmorland Police Department found 70-year-old Maria Cruz dead and bleeding inside her home around 6:00 p.m. on Independence Day. 

Westmorland police quickly requested assistance from other departments. 

“With the Westmorland and all the agencies responding, they determined that it was suspicious and out of character. Westmorland being a smaller department and not having the resources of the sheriff's office called for us to assist our investigations unit responded. Our scientific unit responded. Along with that we are in communication with the district office," said Imperial Chief Deputy Manuel De Leon.   

The family of Maria Cruz said they don’t understand why this happened to her.

Darlene Berber said she recalls that day.

As of now, the Imperial County Sheriff's Office is still searching for a suspect.

If you have more information on this case you are asked to call the Imperial County Sheriff's Office.