Police Find Woman, 62, Fatally Stabbed in Her Home

Police discovered a 62-year-old woman stabbed to death in her home Friday after neighbors spotted a shattered window and her car missing from an open garage, authorities said.

The body of Jean E. Richards was found near her front entrance with stab wounds in her back, said Police Capt. Arl Farris.

A window near her front door was shattered, apparently kicked out from inside, police said. Her silver 1990 Toyota Camry is missing from the home in the 11900 block of Paseo Bonita.

“Obviously, if someone’s in the car, it doesn’t mean they’re a murderer, but they would have some explaining to do,” Farris said.

Police said Richards may have known her killer.

“We don’t believe the people who live in the neighborhood are in danger of the suspect returning or randomly picking another house,” Farris said.

He said officers “were familiar with this house and had been there multiple times on domestic situations,” including one as recently as Wednesday.

Neighbors said Richards’ husband died two years ago of natural causes.

Laura Clayton, 37, who grew up across the street from Richards and still lives there, said, “She bought me my first tetherball when I was 7 or 8.” She was “very kind, loving and just a really nice and quiet lady who was dedicated to her kids.”

Clayton said two of Richards’ children died in separate car accidents, and a third died of a lifelong disorder.

“It’s just so sad,” Clayton said. “You think how much tragedy can one family take?”

Police ask anyone who see the car, license plate number 2SJYO33, to call the Los Alamitos Police Department at (562) 431-2255.