Homicide investigation launched after 81-year-old woman found dead in burned-out home

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. (TCD) -- An 81-year-old woman was found dead in her ransacked home after a fire erupted, which prompted a burglary and homicide investigation.

According to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, on Aug. 2 at around 7:30 p.m., Topanga Area patrol officers responded to the 20800 block of Martha Street to a report of a dead body and possible arson fire. At the scene, officers reportedly found Ok Ja Kim on the ground in the bedroom, with half her body under the bed.

Police said the victim, who was semi-charred, unconscious, and not breathing, was pronounced dead at the scene. She reportedly lived alone in the home.

The fire had reportedly been extinguished before the officers’ arrival.

There was evidence of forced entry and possible burglary in the home, KABC-TV reports.

LAPD Detective Sharon Kim told KABC, "There’s a lot of elderly residents that live in this neighborhood, retired and such, so a lot of criminals will sometimes target elderly people because they’re easy victims."

According to police, investigators are using area surveillance cameras and witnesses for further evidence.

MORE:

• 81-year-old Women Found Dead in Woodland Hills - Los Angeles Police Department
• Body of woman, 81, found after fire erupts at ransacked Woodland Hills home - KABC