Suspects Steal $25k From Terminally Ill Elderly Woman

NORWALK (CNS) — Police were searching Friday for four men who stole $25,000 from a terminally ill elderly woman during a home invasion robbery.

The suspects kicked open 75-year-old Louisa St. John's front door, at 12109 Tina Street in Norwalk, around 2:30 a.m., according to authorities. The men ordered the woman to lay on the ground while they stole her purse which contained the money, medications and a wedding band valued at $10,000.

St. John, who also suffers from a broken back, was planning on using the $25,000 to arrange her funeral, Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials said.

"They came for the money and got the money," St. John said.

Sheriff's officials believe the woman was targeted.

"It does get our attention that they went for the purse, but we are investigating other avenues," said Deputy Steve Mills.

St. John was not injured in the robbery. Her purse was later found in the trash by a neighbor and was returned. The money and the wedding band, belonging to her late mother, were gone, but St. John's medication was still inside the handbag.

The suspects, wearing hoodies, were last seen driving a gray Chevrolet Impala or Malibu, officials said.

Anyone with information was urged to call Los Angeles County Sheriff's Norwalk Station at (562) 863-8711.