2 Accused Of Murder After Woman Dies Following Attack At Pechanga

TEMECULA, CA — Two Moreno Valley women were arrested in connection with the alleged murder of an 84-year-old woman, who recently was found unconscious in a restroom at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula and later died from her injuries, according to authorities.

Deputies were called Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 a.m. to the casino, at 45000 Pechanga Parkway, after the victim, identified as Afaf Anis Assad from Long Beach, was found unconscious in a bathroom, suspected to be the victim of an assault, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.

Suffering from "serious injuries," Assad was taken to an area hospital and on Wednesday, Sept. 4 passed away, officials said.

Arrested in the case were Kimesha Williams, 35, and Candace Townsel, 39, with both charged on suspicion of suspected robbery and murder due to their involvement in Assad’s death, deputies said.

Williams and Townsel were charged with the allegations due to their alleged involvement in the crimes, officials said, although specific details from law enforcement were not supplied. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department worked with the Pechanga Department of Public Safety during the investigation.

Anyone with additional information can contact Investigator Gray of the Southwest Station at (951) 696-3000 or Investigator Dickey of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777.
Citizens also may submit tips via the Sheriff's Homicide Tipline online form.

• ALSO SEE: Tenaja Fire: 2 'Fire Whirls' Caught On Camera Near Murrieta