Daughter arrested for murder after mother found dead in Merced apartment

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Merced woman is in custody after authorities say her mother was found dead inside an apartment Saturday afternoon.

Merced police responded to the Brookdale North Apartments around 1:30 p.m. Saturday for a welfare check. According to Detective Levi Crain, neighbors reported hearing a loud argument during the night.

When officers arrived, no one answered the door. Police forced entry into the apartment and found a woman dead inside with multiple stab wounds. Family members identified the victim as Michelle Vazquez.

Authorities identified Vazquez's daughter, 28-year-old Selena Bass Vazquez, as the primary suspect in the killing. Police located her about an hour later at nearby Rahilly Park and took her into custody.

Bass Vazquez was with her 1-year-old son when she was found. Police said the child was discovered unharmed inside the vehicle.

"She was peaceful. The child was found safe. She was distraught at the situation. But our main priority was a child," Crain said.

Police said doorbell camera footage showed the suspect walking normally, not in a rush, as she left the apartment after the incident. Crain said Bass Vazquez and her son lived at the apartment, although investigators do not believe they had been living there for very long.

Investigators said a motive remains unknown.

"There's no explanation as to what caused the situation or what happened during it," Crain said.

Neighbors said the incident came as a shock.

"It was just very unexpected, definitely out of character for the neighborhood," said Chris Carpenter.

The victim's other daughter said the loss has left the family devastated and heartbroken. She described her mother as caring, positive and strong, and said she lost her best friend in an unimaginable way.

According to family members, Michelle Vazquez previously worked for Big Lots and at a U.S. Post Office in Fresno. They said she was beloved by many.

"Man, that person looks familiar cause there's only so many places to go in Merced. Those of us who live here are always running into each other," Carpenter said.

"It's definitely heartbreaking. Domestic violence-related homicides are some of the most difficult ones to investigate," Crain said.

Police said the 1-year-old child remains in the care of Child Protective Services.

The victim's family has also set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses.

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