A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of killing his mother, whose body was found in their Mission Viejo home Wednesday after she’d been reported missing, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Marie Mosby, 69, was reported missing by one of her sons late Tuesday night, sheriff’s officials said. Another son, Charles Mosby, who lived with her, was later arrested in connection with the crime.
Deputies were dispatched to take a missing person report around 11:30 p.m. in the 2700 block of Cipres, where they came upon “suspicious circumstances,” according to authorities.
At that point, “investigators were called in to go ahead and look into the incident,” said Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Ryan Anderson.
During the search, authorities found Marie Mosby deceased. It was unclear where her body was discovered, and there was no word on how she died.
The 69-year-old was a former teacher, neighbors told KTLA.
Charles Mosby was arrested on suspicion of murder, sheriff’s officials said.
Neighbors said the son was very nice, and they could never imagine him harming his mother.
“I don’t feel that he would ever do anything to hurt his mother,” Lorri Marcial said. “It’s just heartbreaking, the whole thing all around.”
Another neighbor, Beth Hamm, said she’d only ever heard him express concern for his mother.
“I’ve never heard any arguing or even him complaining about her,” she said.
Investigators remained on scene throughout the night and could be seen during the day Wednesday removing large bags of evidence from the home, news photographer video showed.
Detectives have yet to release information on a possible motive in the case.
The Sheriff’s Department indicated the incident appeared to be “isolated” and they do not think there is an “active threat to the community.”
No further details were provided amid the ongoing investigation.