Above: Stock Image
Mendocino County authorities have arrested an individual in connection with the fatal assault of a 77-year-old woman in Willits.
In a press release, the Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies had been called to the 5200 block of Blue Lake Road. on the morning of Jun. 29 to investigate reports of a man causing a disturbance. Callers reported hearing “yelling and possibly fighting,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
One of the callers reportedly asked that deputies check on a resident at a specific house on Blue Lake Road. Responding deputies did so and discovered that the home’s front windows appeared to have been broken out and what appeared to be blood in and around the front of the house.
Inside the residence, deputies reportedly found a 77-year-old woman in the living room with injuries that appeared to be consistent with assault.
Deputies administered first aid while awaiting emergency medical assistance, but the victim was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies were still on scene when another vehicle arrived. Based on evidence discovered at the scene, deputies identified the passenger in the vehicle, Michael Coleman, as a suspect in connection with the assault.
Coleman was arrested and booked at the Mendocino County jail on suspicion of homicide.
The investigation is ongoing as detectives await the results of autopsy and toxicology reports, the Sheriff’s Office said.
