Community mourns ‘very dark day’ after teen boy is arrested in fatal beating of 13-year-old sister
A 13-year-old Rocklin girl who police say was killed by her 14-year-old brother and discovered dead in her bedroom by her mother Tuesday was described as a talented gymnast.
The girl was identified as Ashley Wood, according to the Rocklin Police Department. Police have not named Ashley’s brother because of his age.
Ashley was an aspiring gymnast who competed around the country, KTXL-TV reported. Friends posted photographs of the teen at the gym.
In her elementary school yearbook, Ashley wrote that in 10 years, she would “be in the Olympics doing gymnastics,” KOVR-TV reported.
The small city about 22 miles from Sacramento is now grieving over the family’s tragedy.
“Yesterday was a very dark day for our Rocklin community,” Police Chief Ron Lawrence said in a statement. “On behalf of the Rocklin Police Department, I send our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family. Words cannot adequately express our deep sorrow for all involved.”
Ashley was found at 10:47 a.m., dead from blunt force trauma to the head, Rocklin Police Capt. Lon Milka told KXTV. Police declined to say what weapon was used in the attack.
A motive for the killing has not been determined.
The mother found her daughter’s body inside their home in the 6700 block of Monument Springs Drive and called police.
Detectives went the family’s home and began searching in the neighborhood. With the help of the California Highway Patrol and Roseville police, detectives found the boy in a field about a mile from the home.
He was immediately taken into custody on suspicion of murder and taken to the Placer County Probation Juvenile Detention Facility.
The U.S. Department of Justice is assisting Rocklin police with the investigation.
Multiple crime scenes were found within the home, police said.
Milka told KCRA-TV investigators examined evidence found in the bedroom, living room and an area under the home.
Times staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report.
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