Long Beach police said they will seek an amended charge against a woman who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for allegedly choking her 83-year-old uncle, who died six days later.
Officers were sent to the man’s residence in the 2600 block of Fanwood Avenue about 12:10 p.m. on June 8 on a report that “someone was being strangled,” the Long Beach Police Department reported.
“Upon arrival, officers located a female adult suspect inside a residence leaning over a male adult victim with her hands around his neck,” police said in a statement. “Officers immediately entered the residence and took the suspect into custody without incident.”
Long Beach Fire Department personnel were summoned to the scene, police said.
“The victim was alert, had no signs of serious injuries, and he declined transportation to a local hospital,” police said. “Child and Elder Abuse Detectives responded to the scene to investigate the incident. The preliminary investigation indicated the victim and suspect (were) relatives.”
On Friday, Richard Mejia, an LBPD public information officer, told City News Service that the victim and the suspect were “uncle and niece.”
Jennifer Dail, 52, of Long Beach was booked that day on suspicion of attempted murder, police said. She remained in custody on Friday on $1 million bail, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
“Soon after the incident, the victim complained of pain to his throat and his health rapidly started to decline,” the police statement said. “On June 14, 2023, the victim was found unresponsive in his home and was later determined deceased.”
The man was identified as James Brooks, 83, according to police.
“On June 30, 2023, the County of Los Angeles (Department of) Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s death a homicide,” police said. “Detectives will meet with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to discuss amending the suspect’s charges.”
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call LBPD Detective Steve Baranowski at 562-570-7321. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS, or by using the website www.lacrimestoppers.org.