An elderly woman is clinging to life after an apparent assault in her Jamul home led to the arrest of her son for attempted murder. The incident, which took place on the afternoon of January 19, has rattled the Hillside Estates community where 77-year-old Vicki Bodle was found injured and subsequently hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
San Diego Sheriff's deputies, arriving at the 14400 block of Hillside Estates Drive to support fire department personnels who had called for assistance, found the scene of a violent crime. According to the San Diego Sheriff's Department, Travis Bodle, Vicki's 53-year-old son, was present at the residence and no other person was found on the premises.
The rapid response of deputies led to the quick detention of the suspect. Travis Bodle was later charged with Penal Code 664/187(a) – indicating an attempt on someone's life – and was subsequently booked into the San Diego Central Jail. The neighborhood, known for its tranquility, is struggling to come to terms with the harrowing events that unfolded behind closed doors.
Detectives from the Sheriff's Homicide Unit took over the investigation, which is still ongoing as they work to unravel the motives behind the grim encounter. Little detail has been provided about the circumstances leading up to the assault. Meanwhile, the community has been left to question what signs might have been missed, in a family matter turned violent.
The Sheriff's Department is urging anyone with relevant information to step forward and assist in shedding light on the tragic almost fatal episode. Calls can be made to the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or, after hours, at (858) 565-5200. To guarantee privacy, tipsters have the option to remain anonymous by reaching out to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
