Daughter-in-law arrested in south Yuba City death

A normally tranquil south Yuba City neighborhood was reeling Friday after investigators confirmed a 68-year-old woman had been killed, and the victim's pregnant daughter-in-law was behind bars.

Baljinder Kaur was arrested about 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Sutter County Sheriff's Department following a whirlwind, two-day investigation, Sheriff J. Paul Parker said.

Kaur, 37, is the only suspect in the death of Baljit Kaur, whose body was found around noon Wednesday at the home in the 1900 block of Anthony Way where both women lived with their extended family, the Sheriff's Department said.

"Everybody is so shocked — (the victim) seemed like such a nice old lady," said Jaskiran Gill, whose family has lived in the neighborhood for more than 10 years. "I don't know them, but, they all seem so nice — even the daughter-in-law didn't seem like a bad person at all."

Autopsy results confirmed Baljit Kaur died of blunt force trauma to her head, the Sheriff's Department said in a press release.

Parker declined to comment on the murder weapon or say why investigators believe Baljinder Kaur killed her husband's mother.

Baljinder Kaur was booked into the Sutter County Jail without bail on suspicion of murder.

She is about six months pregnant and told deputies she is due some time in January, sheriff's officials confirmed. Baljinder Kaur is scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in Sutter County Superior Court.

Denise Caldeira has lived across the street from the Kaur's home for nearly a year. Her 12-year-old daughter has played at the home and attended a birthday party about nine months ago.

"I haven't been able to sleep since this happened. I'm still shaky, but I'm glad they solved it," Caldeira said. "It's been such a quiet neighborhood where everyone looks out for each other and their kids."

Caldeira was so disturbed by the sudden violence that she plans to move out of the neighborhood.

"I'd been thinking about it, but this settled it for me," Caldeira said. "I'm just trying to protect my kids."

Residents described the victim as a nice, quiet lady who struggled getting around and mostly stayed inside. The home was frequently the scene of large parties and family gatherings, neighbors said.

Delores Lucich, who lives near Anthony Way and walks through the neighborhood twice a day to exercise, said most residents in the predominantly East Indian neighborhood open their garage doors and cook outside daily while children play in the yards and along the slow-moving, but crowded streets.

On Friday, garage doors were closed, the street mostly empty and quiet. Only a few small groups of men were seen huddled together outside speaking in hushed tones, occasionally pointing at the scene of the crime.

"I really can't believe it," Lucich said. "You never see anything like this anywhere in this area."

Detectives said they are not seeking any additional suspects, but said, despite the arrest of a prime suspect, their investigation has not concluded.

Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Department at 822-7307 or visit www.suttersheriff.org to leave a tip.

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.