Detectives investigate 94-year-old woman’s death as possible homicide

An investigation is under way into the suspicious death of 94-year-old Jean Eskridge Freeman found in her home in the Ramona Terrace Estates.

The possible slaying in the 1200 block of H Street was reported about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday by paramedics checking on the woman’s welfare, according to San Diego County sheriff’s Lt. Larry Nesbit.

Nesbit said the paramedics observed ”obvious signs of trauma on the body.” The cause of death will be determined by the county coroner’s office.

Ramona/Cal Fire Capt. Don Davis said the fire department responded to a medical alert alarm at the home, but Freeman was beyond help when they arrived. Circumstances related to her death appeared suspicious, so the sheriff’s department was contacted, he said.

Officials cordoned off the area as San Diego County sheriff’s detectives examined the scene. Freeman’s family members from Spring Valley, Alpine and Rancho San Diego arrived early Tuesday afternoon and waited behind police tape on Cuyamaca Street in the mobile home park. Carolann Eskridge, wife of Freeman’s son, Jack, said Med-Alert contacted them and told them she had pushed the alert button.

Detectives talked with each of Freeman’s four children individually.

Freeman’s oldest son, Jay, said his mother was very active and had planned to go to the Santa Ysabel casino on Wednesday. A retired dance teacher, she had owned a dance studio in Spring Valley, her son said. She was involved with her church and with activity groups at the Terrace Estates.