A homicide investigation is underway after an 81-year-old woman was found dead and burned inside a ransacked Woodland Hills home Tuesday night.
Firefighters were called to the one-story home in the 20800 block of West Martha Street around 7:40 p.m.
Crews found evidence of a fire at the home, but the flames were already out when they arrived, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphrey stated in a news alert.
Officers located the victim in her bedroom, partially under her bed, according to an LAPD news release. She was “semi-charred, unconscious and not breathing,” the release stated.
Officer Tony Im was at the scene and provided further details.
“Investigation revealed there was evidence of forced entry. The inside of the residence was ransacked and they located a female Asian approximately 82 years old that was deceased,” Im told reporters at the scene.
The age of the victim, identified as Ok Ja Kim, was later determined to be 81, according to the LAPD.
No other injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Kim’s cause of death remains under investigation, but police say foul play is suspected.
Detectives searched the area for any possible surveillance video or witnesses and police are now asking the public for help in identifying the suspect, or suspects, responsible for the killing.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Police Department at 818-374-1925. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
