Suspicious death under investigation

Yuba City police are investigating the suspicious death of an elderly woman whose body was discovered early Wednesday.

Details were scarce, but police confirmed the death is under investigation.

"Unfortunately, there's not a lot of information that we can release at this time," Sgt. Brian Baker said.

Several neighbors identified the woman, but officers declined to confirm the woman's name or age, citing the ongoing investigation.

Officers were called at 10:40 a.m. to 546 Park Ave., just south of Bridge Street, Baker said.

A trail of blood was found on the sidewalk in front of the home, authorities confirmed. Police marked off at least 11 droplets of suspected blood.

Neighbors said a family member went to check on the woman after not hearing from her for several days and found the body in a back room.

"She was just a wonderful lady," said Colleen Walker, who has lived across the street from the home since 1970. "A really good neighbor."

Walker's daughter, Glenda Suoja, said the woman's front porch light had been left on for the last two days, which she said was unusual.

"She never leaves that on," Suoja said. "I just can't believe any of this."

Investigators roped off three homes on Park Avenue, including the house where the body was found.

Neighbor Michael Alexander has lived next door to the victim for four years. He said he did not know the woman's name, but the two would occasionally exchange pleasantries.

"I just know she was a real nice lady," Alexander said. "She'd always say what a nice day it was."