Murder Victim Was Found In Pool Of Blood

UPDATE: 10.30.07

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Las Cruces police have identified the victim of the city’s latest murder. Klara Deitz was found around noon Monday by a manwho performedmaintenance work forher.

Deitz, whowas 78,livedalong the 1200 block ofSkyway St. Investigatorssaid the victim was found with her feet tied and with her hands tied behind her back. She was lying in a pool of blood, officials said.

Neighbors ABC-7 spoke with said they are unsettled by the incident.

“It’s a mystery because its not understandable as to why someone would want to hurt a little old lady,” said Joann Cash, who lives next door. “Why would anyone want to come in and hurt a puny old lady, because that’s what she was. She was so puny if the wind blew she probably would have blown away.”

“It’s almost impossible to explain this to our children. They have a difficult time understanding when pets pass away, let alone someone down the street,” said Alicia Holguin.

“We’ve been here for so many years. I’ve never seen or heard anything like that. Not even close to that,”said Angie Vonheeder. “I’m going be so extra careful because now we know someone is around here doing stuff.”

Anyone with any information on the caseis asked to call Las Cruces Crime Stoppers at (505) 526-8000.

— Written for broadcast by Doug Wernet

— Web site revisions by Miguel Martinez and Kevin Pytcher