T.O. woman's death considered murder, detectives say

Within minutes of receiving a 911 call that said a woman wasn't breathing, deputies were on the scene giving CPR to Linda Price, 67, but they were unable to revive her.

Suspicious injuries to her shoulders, neck and head were observed when county fire officials arrived soon afterward and pronounced her dead at 10:52 a.m. Sat., July 26.

Detectives from the major crimes bureau and the medical examiner's office who were called to investigate said, after interviewing witnesses, they believed Price had been murdered, according to a police report.

Price died at the Arroyo Villa Apartment complex on Via Petirrojo near Rancho Conejo Road, where she had lived and worked as the manager for 12 years.

Her son, Kenneth Price, 39, who police described as a transient who lived in an encampment in nearby open space, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder based on his statements, physical evidence and statements by witnesses, authorities said. His bail was set at $505,000. As of Monday, he was being held in the Ventura County Main Jail facility and was allowed no visitors.

According to deputy medical examiner Michael Tellez, the cause of Price's death determined by an autopsy Sunday morning was asphyxiation by strangulation.

Since the homicide investigation is ongoing, no other information was available from the Ventura County medical examiner's office, Tellez said.

Ventura County Superior Court has a list of convictions for Kenneth Price dating back to 1996 that include traffic violation convictions, such as not stopping for a blinking red light, not wearing a seat belt, unsafe speed, driving without a license and driving under the influence. He has also been convicted of trespassing, illegal overnight camping, vandalism and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer or emergency medical technician.

Linda Price was remembered by residents and her co-workers at the apartment complex as a warm and caring friend.

"She loved flowers, her children, grandchildren and her cat, Jack," Thomas Ingram, general counsel of Shapell Industries, owner of the apartment complex, read from a note prepared by those close to her.

He said the staff at the 354unit gated complex considered Price part of their family and they will miss her greatly.

They remembered her as someone with "a quick wit with an infectious laugh who had knowledge on various subjects and enjoyed a good discussion and sharing of ideas. She liked to read novels and nonfiction. She was an elegant and fashionable lady who loved to entertain and enjoyed cooking and gardening. Above all, she dearly loved her family and friends."

Ingram said everyone at the complex and in the company is deeply saddened.

"We are praying for her family and loved ones," he said.