Kathleen Horan Murdered: San Francisco Woman's Killer Posed as Utility Worker, Say Police

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/KPIX) A San Francisco man was arrested Friday on suspicion of murdering Kathleen Horan last week after he allegedly posed as a utility worker to gain access to her home, a police spokeswoman said.

Police say Gary Scott Holland, 43, is accused of robbing and killing Horan, a 46-year-old publicist.

Officers arrested Holland on Friday hours after police released a sketch of a suspect in the case, Lt. Lyn Tomioka told CBS affiliate KPIX.

Holland was detained for questioning after police learned he was on parole for attempted murder and a person of interest to San Francisco police, Tomioka told the station.

Officials said Horan was found dead inside her second-floor home around 4:25 a.m. Saturday when police responded to a request for a well-being check by someone who knew her.

A cause of death had not been determined.

"It's not going to bring complete closure, as far as the family is concerned, but it's sure going to help," Horan's uncle, John Horan, told KPIX by phone Friday before the arrest was made.

The suspect had posed as a utility worker and knocked on several doors saying he was checking for a gas leak, police Capt. David Lazar said.

"And unfortunately it sounds like my niece opened the door," John Horan said.

The suspect was seen in the area around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, about 45 minutes before police believe Horan was killed. Items belonging to her were found outside the apartment.

Police are exploring all the possible motives.