JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police called to investigate a woman's death Sunday evening in a home on Swimming salmon Place North initially did not believe foul play was involved, but homicide detectives changed their mind 24 hours later after subsequent investigation and receiving finding from the Medical Examiner's Office.
Police identified the victim as 71-year-old Marilyn Alu, who lived alone in the home.
Police were called to the scene around 7:30 p.m. Sunday after they said Alu's daughter found her mother's body.
Authorities have not released the cause of death or identified any suspects, but said the investigation was continuing.
"That neighborhood has been cooperative. The neighbors are naturally very concerned," said Lt. Rob Schoonover, of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. "If anybody knows anything or can bring any information forward, please call us."
The killing has shocked those who live on the quiet East Arlington neighborhood.
"This is a pretty good neighborhood. You don't really have much happening out here other than that," Kenneth Geiger said.
Neighbors said Alu lived in her home for a several years. They said her husband had died recently. Neighbors said Alu was very nice, and they can't imagine why anyone would want to hurt her.
"I want them to get their fair share of the full extent of the law," Geiger said. "This is horrible. This, it's gotten to where crime is on the rise anywhere, though. Doesn't matter."
Anyone with any information about Alu's death is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000 for this case, contact Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.