An 81-year-old woman was found dead and trapped in a pullout couch in her San Diego apartment after her two daughters allegedly discovered her in distress and waited more than 18 hours before calling for help, police said. Kun-Ying Yang died from positional asphyxia with neglect listed as a contributing factor, according to the medical examiner.
Background
The incident occurred at a residence on Genesee Avenue in San Diego's University City neighborhood. According to the San Diego Police Department, family members called 911 around midnight on March 6 to report Yang unconscious and not breathing. When officers arrived, they discovered the elderly woman deceased—and her body positioned in a disturbing manner.
Yang was found stuck in the crevice of a pullout couch, lying face-first in the gap between the cushion and the bed frame, police said. Investigators determined she had likely been trapped in that position for at least 15 hours before being discovered.
The Wu sisters—Ingrid Wu, 51, and Rebecca Wu, 53—served as caregivers for both of their elderly parents because Yang and her husband no longer retained the ability to care for themselves, according to police.
The Investigation
As detectives continued their investigation, they reviewed body-worn camera footage capturing a conversation between the two sisters outside their apartment on the day authorities arrived. A Mandarin-speaking officer translated the recorded exchange.
According to a declaration filed by SDPD Officer Chelsea Ulibarri in court, Ingrid Wu allegedly stated she believed her mother had been lying in the same position for approximately 10 to 20 days. The sister further admitted she only changed Yang's diapers and wiped her down rather than repositioning her or seeking medical assistance.
Both sisters allegedly discussed finding their mother trapped in the couch gap around 5:30 a.m. but waiting hours before contacting emergency services. Police said the 911 call wasn't made until more than 18 hours after they discovered Yang in distress.
"Ingrid repeatedly stated they 'should have called 911 immediately' and acknowledged they instead waited 'half a day until mom died to pick up the phone,'" the declaration states, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
When emergency crews arrived at the residence, they also found the victims' 88-year-old father. The elderly man was anemic and dehydrated and required hospitalization for several weeks. He is now in a long-term care facility.
The sisters were arrested last week and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Yang's death and elder abuse related to their father's neglect. Temporary restraining orders prohibit them from contacting their father, court records show.
"The suspects endangered their parents' health and failed to act as legally required, leading to the neglect of their 88-year-old father and the death of their mother," said SDPD Lt. Christopher Leahy.
Key Takeaways
- Kun-Ying Yang, 81, died from positional asphyxia with neglect listed as a contributing factor by the medical examiner
- Her daughters Ingrid Wu, 51, and Rebecca Wu, 53, are charged with first-degree murder and elder abuse
- Police say the sisters discovered their mother trapped in a pullout couch around 5:30 a.m. but didn't call 911 until more than 18 hours later
- One sister allegedly admitted her mother's body may have been in the same position for up to 20 days
- The victims' 88-year-old father required hospitalization and is now in long-term care
What's Next
Ingrid Wu was arraigned on Monday and released after surrendering her passport, agreeing not to leave California, and submitting to GPS monitoring, according to NBC affiliate KNSD. Rebecca Wu is slated for arraignment and remains detained at the Las Colinas Detention Facility in Santee.
The case is still under investigation by the San Diego Police Department.