South Lake Tahoe, CA…South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 1100 block of Carson Ave last Sunday at 2:45 PM. The initial report said a man was hitting a female with a large object. When officers arrived they found the victim, 65-year-old Valorie Turley, lying in front of her residence with significant head injuries.

The suspect, 71-year-old James Cleveland was also found at the scene and quickly detained by officers without incident. That’s when medical personnel stepped in to help. South Lake Fire Rescue and CalTahoe Ambulance started trying to help Turley. She was transported to the emergency room at Barton Hospital and then flown via Calstar to Renown Hospital in Reno. Turley later died from her injuries.

Investigators found that Cleveland and Turley were roommates and that Cleveland acted alone in the assault. Witnesses said they saw Cleveland hitting Turley with a piece of split firewood. The motive for the attack is still under investigation. Cleveland is currently in custody in the El Dorado County Jail on charges of Murder with no bail.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the South Lake Tahoe Detective Division as (530) 542-6100.