Local News in Brief : Tustin : Woman Held in Death of 83-Year-Old Mother

A 54-year-old Tustin woman was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of killing her 83-year-old mother, who died of massive head wounds apparently inflicted with a hammer, police said.

Betty Hahn was taken into custody without incident at her home in the 14400 block of Heights Drive, where the death occurred, Tustin Police Sgt. Mike Shanahan said. The victim was identified as Helen Gretz of La Mirada.

“It is completely unknown what provoked the attack,” Shanahan said.

The husband of the suspect returned home and telephoned police about 6:34 p.m. to report that “his wife had just killed her mother, who had been visiting,” Shanahan said.

When police went to the home they found the elderly woman “dead from major head wounds apparently caused by using a hammer,” he said.

Betty Hahn was at the home when police arrived and offered no resistance, Shanahan said. She was arrested and is being held at Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder. Bail was set at $250,000.

Shanahan said he did not have the name of the suspect’s husband. But a neighbor identified him as Kenneth Hahn and said he is an attorney.

Neighbors were shocked Wednesday night when they learned of the crime.

One woman said she had seen the elderly victim “out working in the yard. We thought she was there for the holidays.” Another, who like the first asked that her name not be used, said Betty Hahn was quiet and kept to herself.

“They are quiet neighbors,” she said. “We’ve never had any problems. We’ve always gotten along.”