Elderly woman found dead in home

Sedalia police are investigating as a homicide the early-morning death of an elderly woman.

According to Commander Larry Ward, the 76-year-old woman was discovered by her home health care aide during a regularly scheduled visit just before 8 a.m. Tuesday. Police officials have not released the victim’s name pending notification of the next of kin.

Sedalia Police Chief John DeGonia said the department found signs of forced entry into the victim’s residence and a lower bedroom was disturbed.

Barbara Haines, the victim’s home health care worker, said she noticed the victim’s garage door was open, which was unusual. She entered the home and discovered the victim deceased on the floor.

Haines said she had been employed by the victim for about five weeks, but had been a neighbor for many years.

Haines’ niece, Crystal Vasquez, heard her aunt screaming and rushed over.

“I’m a nurse, so I thought I could help,” Vasquez said.

A family member of Haines called 911.

As police collected evidence at the scene, neighbors said they were shocked by the news because their neighborhood is relatively quiet and full of longtime homeowners.

Maudeline Britz said she and her husband had lived in the area for three years and talked often with the victim.

“She was a good little lady,” Britz said. “She would never hurt a fly.”

Britz said the victim would drive down the quiet block and stop to chat.

Local investigators will meet with the Rural Missouri Major Case Squad on Wednesday morning in Sedalia, Ward said.

This is the second homicide this year in Sedalia. Michael E. Smith, 30, died after being shot March 28 in his home located in the 1400 block of West 11th Street.