FILE
A woman was allegedly stabbed to death in her Santa Monica home Saturday by her 43-year-old son, whom authorities believe has physical and developmental disabilities.
Around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to an aggravated assault call at an apartment in the 1100 block of 12th Street, near Colorado Avenue, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
Upon arrival, officers found a woman they described as "elderly" suffering from several upper body stab wounds. Two of her sons were also in the home, police said. One of them was identified as Vernon Jeremiah Harris, the suspect. The other was identified as his brother, described as a caretaker.
The suspect's brother told officers he awoke to his mother screaming for help and that he called police after finding his brother in her bedroom and holding a knife, according to the SMPD.
Get top local stories in Southern California delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC LA's News Headlines newsletter.
The woman was given emergency care and transported to a local hospital, but succumbed to her injuries while en route. Her name was not immediately disclosed.
Police said the third brother was at work during the incident, but has since complied with the investigation.
Detectives searched the apartment and located the weapon used in the attack, police said.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
Vernon Jeremiah Harris was taken into custody and expected to be booked at the Los Angeles County Jail.
Anyone with information about this incident was asked to contact Detective Jauregui at martin.jauregui@santamonica.gov, Sgt. Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander desk at 310-458-8427.
