Woman Pleads Guilty To Second-Degree Murder For Killing Aunt In Chula Vista

CHULA VISTA, CA — A woman who strangled her aunt in Chula Vista during an argument over housework pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder.

Elizabeth Maria Memea, 37, will be sentenced later this year to 15 years to life in state prison for the February 2022 killing of 52-year-old Leticia Hernandez.

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Chula Vista police said the victim was found dead inside her East Prospect Street home after her family members requested a welfare check when Hernandez couldn't be reached for more than 24 hours.

Officers searched the house and found Hernandez dead underneath a pile of clothing in her bedroom, CVPD Lt. Dan Peak said at the time of Memea's arrest.

The lieutenant said Hernandez had been fatally assaulted after getting into a dispute with her niece over cleaning the home.

"During the argument, Memea ... attacked Hernandez by choking and eventually killing her," the lieutenant said.

Memea is due to be sentenced on Dec. 11.

— City News Service