82-year-old woman murdered in home robbery

In Monterey Park, California, authorities are seeking the public's help in solving the murder of an 82-year-old woman who was beaten and strangled to death in her home last month: Elderly Monterey Park woman brutally beaten and murdered in home robbery.

Xi Huang was found dead on April 29 inside her home in Huntington Avenue. According to the sheriff's department, the home ransacked and several items, including three pieces of jewelry and a purse, were taken:

Authorities believe 82-year-old Xi Huang was killed during a robbery at her home in the 300 block of North Huntington Avenue sometime during the afternoon of April 29.

"The murder is obviously tragic and brutal. An 82-year-old woman didn't pose a threat to anyone," Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lt. Mike Rosson said.

Huang lived with her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, said family friend Jenny Chang.

Her 10-year-old great- grandson discovered her body and the gruesome scene when he returned home from school, Chang said.

"It's hard for (the family) to deal with all this right now," Chang said. "It's really upsetting."

According to a preliminary coroner's inspection, Huang was hit in the back of the head and strangled with rope or cord. I fail to understand how an 82-year-old great-grandmother could be a threat to anyone -- she didn't have to die, and definitely not like this. Police are asking the public's help, particularly in tracking down the stolen items, which could lead to the killers:

The most distinctive piece of stolen jewelry was a 14-karat gold necklace with a heart-shaped pendant, Rosson said.

It features flat, rectangular-shaped links, and the pendant is inscribed with Chinese symbols representing health on one side and happiness on the other. The symbols were encircled by small, raised hearts.

Another stolen item, a gold necklace, has small, pearl-shaped links and a jade circle-shaped pendant with a gold bezel.

A platinum and diamond necklace also was stolen. Its three diamonds were vertically arranged - from the largest, about 1 carat in size, to the smallest, about a quarter carat.

The killer also took a brown Louis Vuitton handbag that has a tan color shoulder strap and handles.

Whoever is responsible for this senseless crime needs to pay. Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Chinese speakers call call Sergeant Thanh Ly at 323-267-4830. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.