Homicide Investigation Underway in El Cajon

Police are investigating a brutal attack that occurred in El Cajon last week.

On Wednesday, March 21 a 32-year-old woman was found unconscious in her home on the 500-block of Skyview Street, according to El Cajon Police.

Investigators said Shaima Alawadi was found in the dining room by her 17-year-old daughter at 11:15 a.m., and suffered severe head trauma. Alawadi was transported to a local trauma center and died Saturday, March 24 after being on life support for three days.

Neighbors said the family – which includes as many as five children – moved into the rented home in El Cajon about two months ago. Alawadi and her two daughters wore headscarves, according to their neighbors.

Based on Alawadi’s injuries and other evidence retrieved at the scene, police said this case is being investigated as a homicide.

Police said a threatening note was discovered very close to where the victim was found. The victim's family stated they had found a similar note earlier this month, however did not report it to authorities.

Police would not confirm the contents of the note, and when asked if the note suggested that it could be classified as a hate crime, he said investigators are not eliminating any possibilities at this point.

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A local chapter of the Counsel of American-Islamic Relations said they are distressed about the note sent to the family.

"We are obviously concerned about the possibility of a hate crime," said CAIR Executive Director Hanif Mohebi.

He said the family received a threatening note a few weeks back and then this happened.

"The body was found with a note that essentially says, 'You guys are terrorists, go back home, you don't belong here.' That's the message," Mohebi said.

Sunday morning flowers were seen at the porch of the Alawadi home. A cross with the words “Give Thanks to the Lord” was also seen near the front door.

Alawadi's report has been sealed by the medical examiner per a police request.

No additional information is being released at this time and a spokesperson for the city said there likely won’t be any more information on the case until Monday.