WILLMAR, Minn. (WCCO) -–Authorities in Willmar are investigating a homicide after a 79-year-old woman was found dead in her home Monday night.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office was called to the 3000 block of Highway 12 East at about 5:09 p.m. Monday to check on the welfare of a person living at the residence. When authorities arrived, they found Lila Warwick dead inside her home, where she lived alone.
The cause of her death has not been released. There have been no arrests, but the sheriff’s office said there’s no reason for the community to feel at risk.
“It seems like crime — bad stuff — doesn’t it always happen to someone else? It hit home for us,” daughter Shari Ekbom said. “She was in excellent health. She was in an exercise class, and driving all her friends around.”
Warwick volunteered at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar teaching vacation Bible school, and she spent a lot of time with her teenage grandchildren.
“She’s in a better place now, she’s with her husband, and will be smiling down on us,” said granddaughter Molly Ekbom.
Authorities wouldn’t say if the house was locked or unlocked at the time of the incident.
“I hope justice is done, and I hope justice is served,” Ekbom said.
There are no suspects in custody at this time, and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 235-1260.
