Suspect, victim identified in deadly assault at Visalia apartment complex

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A hit-and-run and a deadly stabbing have left a quiet Visalia neighborhood mourning the loss of 75-year-old Myrna Otherson.

Police believe 28-year-old Miguel Mora Camacho is the man behind the chaos and tragedy on Wednesday morning.

Officers were first called to reports of a hit and run, and shortly after, they received a second call from a few blocks away.

"It was reported to us that a stabbing had occurred. Some very brave citizens who had observed it taking place were able to direct our officers to the location of the subject inside the apartment complex on the 2800 block of South Lovers Lane," Visalia Police Captain Daniel Ford said.

Police say that after Camacho ran from the crash, he began banging on numerous apartment doors at two different complexes, trying to get inside.

He eventually arrived at the victim's door. She opened it, and police say that's when the stabbing happened.

"We can't figure out why he chose to come to this victim's location again. There's no connection," Captain Ford said. "She certainly did nothing that you know, even led to him needing to interact with her. From what we can tell, we are heartbroken for the family. Our condolences certainly go out to them."

Police were able to arrest Camacho after they say he violently charged at them. Officers believe he was trying to get them to open fire and kill him.

He was booked into the Tulare County Pretrial Facility for homicide.

Investigators also believe he may have been involved in a separate hit-and-run in Tulare right before heading to Visalia.

They're still working to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role.

"Our goal at this time is to do everything we can to ensure the person is brought to justice for the family and for the deceased," Captain Ford said.

The Tulare County District Attorney's Office says Camacho's arraignment will likely be Friday after the case is submitted.

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