Popular Journalist Slain in Desert Home

Borrego Sun editor, Judy Winter Meier, found dead in Borrego Springs home

A North County community is mourning the violent death of a popular journalist and community member.

Judy Winter Meier, 61, was found shot to death in her Borrego Springs home on Monday. Investigators believe her estranged husband took her life before taking his own.

Coworkers say Meier worked as an editor at the Borrego Sun newspaper for more than 35 years. 

"She was a source of inspiration. She was in all our hearts. She was just a very lovely, lovely person," said neighbor Kathy Paredes.

Coworkers were worried when Meier didn't show up for work on Monday, so they called the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to check her home on Saint Thomas Drive.

Deputies discovered Judy's body in the kitchen. She had been shot to death.

Investigators also found the body of Meier’s estranged husband on a couch. Investigators say it appears Jim Meier, 59, killed his wife and then committed suicide.

β€œI am very shocked. Nothing like this ever happens in Borrego," said neighbor Carmen Ochoa.
Judy Meier had recently filed for divorce, according to neighbors.

"I knew there were some struggles, that there was reconciliation and then separation and didn't really know where they were at this point," said Paredes.

Jim Meier was a former park ranger at Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 

The couple leaves behind two adult children.

"We're close to everyone and we look out for each other and it’s going to be hard," said Ochoa.

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