Man, 79, Arrested in Wife’s Ax Murder

A 79-year-old Littlerock man was arrested early Saturday on suspicion of killing his wife with an ax.

Hollis Medford called the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department shortly after 4:30 a.m. Saturday to say he had just killed his 71-year-old wife, authorities said.

Deputies and paramedics rushed to the house.

“He came out and gave himself up,” said Sgt. David Sauer of the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station. “He was apparently despondent over financial problems and didn’t know what to do.”

Officials say Vonia Medford was killed about 4:10 a.m. at the couple’s home.

Hollis Medford was booked on suspicion of murder and is being held at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station jail without bail.

The Medfords, both retired, lived with their three dogs in a house on one acre in the 8800 block of East Avenue T-2. Neighbors said the couple, married for many years, had lived in that house for 15 years. They have two sons and a daughter, neighbors said.

Hollis Medford, who had retired from the aerospace industry, also had worked in real estate, and his wife was a retired nurse, neighbors said.

Audrey Rose, a friend and neighbor, said she was shocked by the death. “Nothing ever happens in Littlerock. I don’t think anybody is really going to be able to understand it.”

According to Rose, Vonia Medford enjoyed her dogs and visiting the library.

“Her pride and joy were those animals,” Rose said. “She was a very compassionate lady.”