Los Gatos Woman Arrested In Cupertino Homicide Investigation

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA -- A Los Gatos woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of an elderly Cupertino woman, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office reported Monday.

The 74-year-old victim's body was found Saturday morning in her home on South Tantau Avenue, according to sheriff's Sgt. Rich Glennon. Friends of the victim reported the discovery, and Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office West Valley Patrol deputies responded to the home just before 10 a.m. to investigate, Glennon said.

Shortly thereafter, investigators from the sheriff's homicide and crime scene divisions also responded.

"The investigators determined the manner of death to be a homicide given visible injuries to the victim," Glennon said. "Investigators interviewed neighbors, canvassed the area for evidence, and utilized Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue K9s to assist in evidence discovery."

Around 10 p.m. Sunday, homicide investigators identified and arrested 39-year-old Los Gatos resident Suzanne Hernandez as the sole suspect in the woman's death.

Hernandez was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of murder and is currently being held without bail.

The victim, whose identity was not immediately disclosed Monday, lived alone at the residence and was a longtime resident of Cupertino, the sergeant said.

"The motive and events surrounding the murder are still under investigation," Glennon said. "However, the victim and suspect do not appear to have any known association prior to the incident at the victim’s residence."

Anyone with information regarding the investigation was asked to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at 408-808-4500. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 408-808-4431.