Authorities Make Arrest In Connection With Homeless Woman Found Dead Near Highway Interchange In California

The California Highway Patrol has arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a homeless woman one year ago.

Officers took Sandra June Dillard, 40, into custody in connection with the death of 30-year-old Kelsey Ann Dillon, who was discovered dead near a highway on-ramp in Ventura in September 2021, the Ventura County Star reported.

Dillard was booked into the Ventura County jail and was being held on $2 million bail, according to jail records.

An autopsy determined Dillon’s death was caused by blunt- and sharp-force injuries to her body and head.

In June 2021, three months before she was found dead, Dillon posted a video on YouTube and created an online fundraiser asking for help to get a rental car, according to KCLU.

“I've been living on the streets for six months and, before then, in my car for two years," Dillon said. “Honestly, I was pretty happy in my car, because no one bothered me, but then it got totaled, and now I have nowhere to sleep.”

Officials have not released a possible motive for Dillon’s slaying.

According to court records obtained by VC Star, in 2006, Dillard pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon as well as multiple narcotics violations, including in 2005, 2014 and 2018.