San Diego police are investigating what they called a suspicious death after a 65-year-old woman was found with gunshot wounds in Pacific Beach early Tuesday.
The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said it received calls around 12:30 a.m. of a person injured near the sand at the end of Mission Boulevard and Reed Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found bystanders trying to help a woman who was suffering from at least one gunshot wound to her upper body.
San Diego News
Authorities transported the woman to an area hospital, where she later died. Officials said they will not be releasing the woman's name at this time.
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Tourists who were staying in nearby beach cottages on Tuesday told NBC 7 they were shocked at the incident.
"It’s still surreal. I mean, I just woke up so this is a lot to kind of take in," said Elizabeth Harrington, who is visiting from Tucson. "Especially since this is the third day here on our vacation."
Robert Lopez, who is in town from Phoenix, described hearing a bang-like sound early in the morning.
"It's never happened before," Lopez said. "We've been coming out for about 6, 7 years so it's a little unusual."
A description of possible suspects was not immediately available and no arrests have been made in connection with the death. SDPD said investigators are still working to determine if the woman was shot intentionally, accidentally or if the wound was self-inflicted. The department said, however, "at this point in the investigation, it is most accurate to call this a suspicious death."
SDPD urges anyone with information on the case to relay those details to investigators.
"A woman lost her life tonight and we’re very early (in the investigation) and we don’t really understand exactly what happened or why," SDPD Lt. Judd Campbell said. "If anyone has any information, even if it seems small, that could potentially help us understand what happened, please come forward to the San Diego Police Department so we can figure out what happened."
The investigation is ongoing. Those who have information to share can contact SDPD's Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293. Anonymous tips can be made by contacting (888) 580-8477.
