Woman identified in South Lake Tahoe homicide; Suspect remains in custody

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The woman who died in Sunday's homicide on Carson Avenue in South Lake Tahoe has been identified as 65-year-old local resident Valorie Turley.

On Sunday, January 13, South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to the 1100 block of Carson Avenue after dispatch received several calls about an assault. Upon arrival they found Turley lying in front of her residence with significant head injuries. She was assisted by rescue personnel and transported to Barton Hospital before being airlifted via CalStar to Renown Hospital in Reno. Turley later died of her injuries.

The victim's roommate, 71-year-old James Byron Cleveland was at the scene when SLTPD arrived. Witnesses said they saw Cleveland hitting Turley with a piece of split firewood and he was originally arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Those charges were changed when Turley passed away and he is currently being held in the El Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe on murder charges with no bail.

The motive for the attack is still under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the South Lake Tahoe Detective Division as (530) 542-6100.