Death Of Elderly Woman Ruled As Homicide

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HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) -- Hollywood Police ruled the death of an elderly woman as a homicide.

On Tuesday night, a command post was set up in the parking lot, outside the apartment complex where Hellen Townsend, 90, was found dead just a day before.

The maintenance man at the complex, Alan Biel, said he found Townsend's body inside her apartment on Fillmore Street. He called police because he said something didn't seem right.

"Because her drapes were always open and they were closed. That was the only thing suspicious to me," said Biel.

While  the Broward County Medical Examiner's office ruled Townsend's death a homicide, they have not revealed how she died.

Neighbors, who were hoping to find out Townsend died of natural causes, could not fathom the news her death has been ruled a homicide.

"I was saddened because I don't think anybody would really want to hurt such a wonderful person," said neighbor Fay Mitchell. "That person has a heart of stone that did it to her."
"It's someone very evil and wicked that did something like this," said Zipporah Caddy, who lives in the building.

Neighbors told CBS4's Oralia Ortega, Townsend has owned the apartment complex on the 2800 block of Fillmore Street for years and she was much more than a landlady. She was like family.

"Very loving, very caring. If you were late on your rent, she didn't pester you or bothered you," said Caddy. "You could have been late up to probably two months and she would cut you a break and then she'll say to you, "Ok you're late. Are you hungry? Want some dinner?"

"She was a very nice person, compassionate and she was kind-hearted," said Mitchell.
Neighbors, who are now worried for their own safety, hope police track the person who did this as soon as possible.

"It's too close to home," said Mitchell. "I've been living here over ten years and there was nothing like this."

"That's nerve-racking," said tenant Royette Julien. "I hope they get that person."

Anyone with information is urged to call Broward County Crimestoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.