Torrance Mother, 30, Accused Of Fatally Stabbing 3 Young Daughters
CARSON (CBSLA.com) — A 30-year-old woman was being held on suspicion of murder Wednesday morning in the deaths of her three young daughters in their home in Torrance.
Carol Coronado is accused of killing her three girls, ages 3, 2 and 2 months, Tuesday.
Deputies were called to the 1000 block of West 223rd Street around 5:10 p.m. after the children's grandmother found the girls' bodies on a bed, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.
When deputies entered the home, Coronado was found naked and bloody with a knife in her hand.
"She had blood all over her face, legs, arms. Her face was like stone . . . just looking at the floor," neighbor Ashley Madrid said.
Coronado, who formerly served in the army, was immediately detained and transported to a local hospital for self-inflicted stab wounds.
"At this point no, she didn't say anything. She's being detained and we will try to talk with her later," Lt. Dave Coleman said.
Authorities said they expect to formally arrest and book Coronado sometime Wednesday.
Detectives said Coronado's mother first contacted them earlier in the day Tuesday, saying her daughter was stressed and asking them for help. It was unclear if Coronado had a criminal or mental health history.
Neighbors said the children's' father was across the street working on a car when they were killed.
Several knives were recovered from the home, according to authorities.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office has placed a security hold on information related to their investigation.
On Wednesday, CBS2's Jeff Nguyen said many family and friends placed candles and flowers in the driveway of the home.
He said the father, Rudy Coronado, returned to the home but was too grief-stricken to speak.
The girl's Godfather and their father's best friend was emotional when he spoke about the lost lives.
"They were the most beautiful babies you can ever see. We know they're all in heaven," John Carrion said, "Please pray for my babies. Pray for Rudy. And pray for that woman -- she had a demon inside her that day."
