An arrest has been made in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman in Lemon Grove, Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators announced Saturday.
Suspect Casey Tschida, 32, was taken into custody more than a thousand miles away, in Happy Valley, Ore. Detectives allege that he’s responsible for killing local Jennifer Krajnak, 30, in the early hours of Thursday morning in Lemon Grove.
Krajnak was found lying on the street, bleeding from the head from an apparent gunshot wound, in the 7600 block of Pacific Avenue at around 2 a.m.
According to Lt. Glenn Giannantonio, one shell casing was found on the ground near Krajnak at the crime scene. She was rushed to Mercy hospital, but did not survive her injuries.
On Saturday, Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators gave an outline of the events leading to Krajnak’s murder.
Detectives say Krajnak and Tschida were acquaintances socializing at a bar in Lemon Grove prior to her murder. The two left the bar at separate times.
As Krajnak was walking home on Pacific Avenue, detectives say Tschida approached her and allegedly shot her once in the head. He left her lying in the street.
Tschida then fled in his truck to his mother’s home in Happy Valley, Ore.
At this point, investigators say the motive for the murder remains unknown.
Tschida was taken into custody by the Portland Police Bureau. San Diego Sheriff’s Homicide investigators are making their way to Oregon to continue their investigation and take the necessary steps to get Tschida back to San Diego.
Officials are asking anyone with information about Krajnak’s murder to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 974-2321 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Check back for updates on these latest developments.
Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego