Authorities have arrested a man they believe was responsible in the death of a woman found dead next to an injured girl early Tuesday morning.
San Diego County sheriff’s deputies were called to the San Marcos home on North Twin Oaks Valley Road by a man reporting his mother and sister had been stabbed.
A 41-year-old woman was found dead inside the apartment, said Lt. Glenn Giannantonio with the San Diego County sheriff’s department.
That victim was identified by police Wednesday as Antonia Marie Duran (pictured below). The Medical Examiner has determined that her death was caused by multiple stab wounds.
Giannantonio said an 8-year-old girl was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital with multiple injuries. He described her condition as critical the day of the stabbing.
The woman who died and child are related, as is the man who reported the homicide.
After hours of investigation and interviews, Sheriff's deputies arrested a friend of the victim, 28-year-old Daniel Hernandez of Vista. He was a "friend" of the 41-year-old woman, who authorities have still not identified, Giannantonio said.
Local
Investigators also determined the relative who called 911 call arrived shortly after the murder took place. He remained on scene and voluntarily went to the San Marcos station for questioning. Giannantonio confirmed that he is a relative of both victims.
That person who called 911 "probably saved that girl's life," Giannantonio said Tuesday afternoon as more information became available.
The girl is in stable condition after undergoing surgery. She is expected to survive, according to family members. As of Wednesday night, the child remains at Children’s Hospital.
Officials have not yet said what weapon or weapons were used in the woman's death, or what was used to injure the child.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
