An unidentified woman was found dead in Snata Ana early on Sunday morning, from what police believe was a stab wound, according to County News.
The body of the victim, who was described as an adult female, was found in a pile of trash next to the railroad tracks that run perpendicular to East McFadden Avenue, just east of South Minnie Street, at around 12:29 a.m.
Responding paramedics declared the woman to be deceased and police confirmed that she appeared to have at least one stab wound.
SAPD homicide investigators responded to the scene but it is still not known if the woman suffered an attack by some unknown party or if her wound was self-inflicted.
The SAPD has yet to identify the victim nor have they explained the details as to how she might have been fatally stabbed.
It is possible the victim was a transient.
Homeless women in the U.S. face alarmingly high rates of violence, including assault and murder. Here’s a plain-text summary of the most recent findings:
Violence Against Homeless Women: Key Statistics
- 78.3% of homeless women have experienced rape, physical assault, and/or stalking.
- 55.9% reported being r*ped.
- 72.2% experienced physical assault.
- 25.4% endured stalking.
- Among homeless women with serious mental illness, 97% reported experiencing violent victimization at some point in their lives, and 28% had been assaulted within the past month.
- In a California statewide study, 38% of homeless individuals experienced physical or s*xual violence during their current episode of homelessness.
- 17.5% of cisgender women reported sexual violence.
- 35.6% reported physical violence.
- Over a 23-year period, the National Coalition for the Homeless documented 1,923 violent attacks against homeless individuals, with 29% resulting in death.
- While most victims were male, women are disproportionately affected by sexual violence and face unique vulnerabilities.
Why Are Homeless Women at Higher Risk?
- Lack of shelter and privacy makes women more exposed to predators.
- Mental illness, substance use, and past trauma increase vulnerability.
- Limited access to legal, medical, and mental health services worsens outcomes.
- Sleeping outdoors or in vehicles significantly raises the risk of assault .