Officers arrived at the apartment arrived at 6:15 a.m. and found the body of the 47-year-old woman. Police say the 48-year-old parolee kept talking in jail and told them what happened. One investigator said this type of admission was a first for him in a homicide investigation.
Family members gathered at the scene to comfort each other. Neighbors say they're saddened but not surprised.
"Obviously they're saddened, devastated by this but they haven't given us any information that they thought this would occur," said East Palo Alto Police Officer Angel Sanchez.
"Murders, robberies, stuff like that," said Tamy Rhodes.
"(Is it) dangerous to live here?" asked ABC7's Matt Keller.
"You've got to be in before nighttime" said Rhodes.
Officers say because this was the suspect's apartment, once they determined the victim was dead, they had to wait for a search warrant before continuing their investigation. Once they're done at the apartment, they'll head to the San Mateo County Jail to talk to the suspect.
Officers confirmed that the suspect is on parole for a violent offense, but did not have details. The suspect has not been charged with murder, but that charge could come later today.
