Berkeley police are investigating the death of a woman found in a North Berkeley apartment yesterday as a homicide, after her body was discovered in an apartment complex on the 1900 block of California Street around midday.
According to police, a property manager found the woman at about noon and called authorities. Investigators described her as a woman in her 30s and requested the Alameda County coroner and Berkeley Police Department homicide detectives to respond to the scene.
Initial report and public contact
Local outlets quickly picked up the story after the initial dispatch. According to KRON4, which ran a Bay City News wire report, police said the property manager discovered the woman and asked anyone with information to contact the Berkeley Police Department's homicide unit at (510) 981-5741.
Scene and emergency response
People in the area reported a large emergency response on California Street between University Avenue and Berkeley Way, with multiple police cruisers and fire crews visible at the building. The Berkeley Scanner reported that the Berkeley Fire Department confirmed a death at about 1 p.m. and that the coroner's office and homicide investigators were called in as officers secured the apartment complex.
Investigation underway
Police say the investigation is still in its early stages and have not released any information about the cause of death or potential suspects. Detectives are working with the Alameda County coroner's office as they process the scene and follow up on leads. Officials have directed anyone with tips to contact the Berkeley Police Department and specifically its homicide unit to share information that might assist the case.
Local context
The case is drawing particular attention in Berkeley. The Berkeley Scanner notes that the city had not recorded a homicide since January 2025, making this latest investigation stand out for residents and city officials. Authorities said they plan to release more information as the investigation progresses, including findings from the autopsy and follow-up interviews.
