A normally sleepy stretch of Dunning Drive in Laguna Beach’s Rim Rock Canyon is now behind police tape after a woman in her 60s was found dead inside a home on Monday. Laguna Beach police say the case appears to be domestic in nature and remains under active investigation. No arrests have been made, the cause of death has not been released, and neighbors report a heavy law-enforcement response and clear signs of damage at the property.
According to CBS News Los Angeles, neighbors told investigators that a man in his 30s moved into the woman’s home about six months ago, and that caretakers had been frequent visitors. The outlet reports that the tenant’s mother recently dropped off a television and other belongings, and that video from the property showed dented blinds and what looked like a broken window. CBS also noted that the victim has not been publicly identified and that officers were still waiting on a search warrant as of about 4 p.m.
Rim Rock Canyon neighborhood
Rim Rock Canyon is a steep hillside pocket of Laguna Beach where tight, winding streets and soft slopes shape how emergencies are handled. The City of Laguna Beach reports that sections of the Rim Rock area, including stretches off Dunning Drive, sit on unstable terrain that has required slope-stability projects in the past. Those built-in challenges can affect how easily first responders secure a scene and move people and equipment while detectives work.
Police response and next steps
Laguna Beach police told CBS News Los Angeles that as of about 4 p.m. they had not yet entered the home while they waited to obtain a search warrant. Detectives are still piecing together what happened. The department has described the incident as appearing domestic and says the cause of death is under investigation. No arrests have been reported, and investigators have not shared additional details. Detectives are expected to follow up on neighbor statements and any physical evidence collected once they fully process the scene.
For now, neighbors say the block remains taped off and the usually quiet canyon feels on edge. Authorities have not released the woman’s name. Anyone with information is asked to contact Laguna Beach police through their usual tip lines.
