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Victim identified in City Heights suspicious death case

A body was found shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday evening inside a home in the 3600 block of 45th Street in City Heights.

SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — A 21-year-old woman was found dead in her bedroom Saturday night and San Diego Police suspect foul play. The victim's family made the discovery just after 5 p.m. at their home in the 3600 block of 45th street in City Heights.

The victim has been identified as 21 year-old Jossie Marilyn Ruiz Lopez, of San Diego. Her death is believed to be a homicide.

The woman's family members called 911 and said they had gone to the home to check on a relative.

Police officers responded, spoke with family members and eventually made entry into the apartment and found the female deceased.

Police say she suffered apparent traumatic injuries.

"We're not going to disclose any of the injuries or where those injuries occurred at this time," said San Diego Police Lt. Matt Dobbs.

Investigators initially said her death was homicide then later said "possible homicide."

Lopez was last seen alive nearly 11 hours earlier. Family members told homicide detectives she returned home from a night out with friends as they were leaving for work around 6 a.m.

"She was a good, sweet girl. I mean everybody in the neighborhood loved her," said neighbor Sophie Castillo. "She was a giving girl. I mean she'd come over to spend the night and always made sure she brought snacks for everybody."  

A camera was recently installed at the apartment complex - to catch Amazon package thieves - but sources say there's video of Lopez letting a male into the complex.   

Neighbors say they didn't hear any screaming, anything out of the ordinary and they say Lopez didn't like drama. They can't understand why anyone would want to hurt her. 

"We are still trying to determine where she went and who she was with; that will be part of investigation," Lt. Dobbs said.

Neighbors who spoke to News 8 off camera said the residents of the apartment building are generally well-known and well-liked on the block.

Police interviewed several potential witnesses and asked to review surveillance video from nearby homes, but so far no one is in custody.

"At this point we're still trying to develop leads as far as any potential suspects," said Dobbs.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help Lopez's family with funeral expenses.

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