Sacramento man arrested after elderly woman is found dismembered in home, deputies say
Sacramento County sheriff’s homicide detectives have arrested a man on murder and burglary charges after an elderly woman’s body was found dismembered last week at her North Highlands home.
Darnell Erby, 44, of Sacramento, was arrested on July 19, the same day authorities found the body of 77-year-old Pamela Garrett May at her home in the 5200 block of Field Street, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release Wednesday. The Sheriff’s Office had not previously announced the homicide or the arrest.
Erby was arrested on suspicion of murder and burglary in connection with May’s death, according to Sacramento County Jail records. He remained in custody Wednesday at the downtown Sacramento Main Jail, where he was being held without bail.
Sheriff’s officials said the elderly woman’s body was found “dismembered beyond recognition,” and the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office had to positively identify her body.
Detectives believe there are no other suspects wanted in connection with May’s death, and the Sheriff’s Office did not provide any other details about the homicide investigation.
It was unclear whether Erby and May knew each other or what circumstances are believed to have led to her death at her home in the North Highlands residential neighborhood just east of Watt Avenue and south of Airbase Drive.
Erby was arraigned July 21 in Sacramento Superior Court. He’s scheduled to return to court Aug. 24 for another hearing.
Detectives asked anyone with information relevant to this homicide investigation to call the Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling 916-874-8477 or or by filling out the Sheriff’s Office online tip form.
This story was originally published July 27, 2022 at 6:32 PM.
