LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) are urging residents in the Chenoweth Park neighborhood to remain vigilant following the stabbing death of an elderly resident on Feb. 12.
LMPD officers were executing a welfare check on Bettie Collins, 79, near the 10000 block of Chenoweth Vista Way when they discovered her dead in her home, LMPD spokesman Dwight Mitchell said.
LMPD's Homicide Unit has opened a murder investigation into her death but don't have any suspects at this time.
"Crime and ugly is everywhere," Patti, a resident who asked WHAS11 News to only use her first name, said. "(I) Might be a little bit more cautious walking to my car, and maybe be a little bit more careful with my surroundings and not be playing on the phone."
In a neighborhood longtime homeowners describe as "very peaceful and calm," concern looms after the death.
"The main concern was how did [the suspect] get in and ... how did [Collins] die?" Skip, the neighborhoods HOA president said. "[Neighbors] should know that this was a one time incident. They should be safe."
Still, many neighbors like Tammy Brawand, were taking extra precautions to stay safe Thursday.
"We were installing my ring camera, just because of the uneasiness of the lady that I lost across the street," Brawand said. "Just trying to make sure safety's all in place for everything that I can do to keep myself safe."
Brawand said her and neighbors saw a large law enforcement presence in the area on Feb. 12—the day investigators discovered Collins.
"We had 12 unmarked cop cars, four to five Metro Police," she said. "And then we had two crime unit trucks."
Like Patti, Brawand has lived in the area for several years and said her reaction to Collins' death was, "Mercy ... It's like what in the world has happened?"
Brawand said she also knew Collins.
"Oh, yes, I knew her. We all talked, we all got along, we all watched out for everybody," Brawand said. "She was just one of the old fashioned ladies that was never afraid of nothing. (She) didn't think anything would bother her."
Another friend of Collins', who was too afraid to speak with us on camera, said this of her late friend: "She was the nicest lady. You just don't expect anything like this. When it's someone you know—it's scary."
"That's low. Somebody that was minding their own business in their own place. It's horrible. This gotta stop," Patti said.
The police department issued a statement on Thursday:
"Although it is still an active investigation, LMPD wants to advise the public that, while we are aggressively pursuing the party(s) responsible for this heinous attack, there are some measures you can take to help safeguard yourself as well as your property. Confirm that you are securing your residences and vehicles to deter criminal activity. If you see anything out of the ordinary, or have any concerns at all, please report it immediately by calling 911 or contact our non-emergency number at 502-574-7111."
Police also said they have "stepped-up" directed patrols in the immediate area.
"I'm encouraging people to have doorbell cameras," Skip said. "So if anybody walks around, we should be able to figure out if somebody's strange or something."
The office of Councilman Stuart Benson, D-District 20, released the following statement to WHAS11 News on Thursday:
“Because this matter is still being investigated and because of lack of details known related to the status of this investigation, Councilman Benson would prefer not to comment. He is sending out all updates he receives from LMPD through his District 20 office e-newsletters as well as other forms of social media and will continue to do this in an effort to get people to be vigilant for themselves and their neighbors."
"We also did encourage the neighbors to stay more in touch with their neighbors. If they don't see somebody for a couple of days, knock on the door and make sure they are safe," Skip said.
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