Two Arrested in Connection with Elderly Woman’s Death

Two men are in police custody and an elderly woman is dead following an incident that took place in San Bernardino last week.

Lawrence Handford is accused of murdering 61-year-old Ruby Kate Lofton. According to police, Handford stabbed Lofton multiple times before jumping the wall at the back of her property and fleeing the scene. Lofton was able to call 911 and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately she died during surgery.

Police say Handford, 55, jumped into the van of his roommate, 65-year-old Roosevelt Lowe. Handford was seen holding a knife and bloody clothes as he got into Lowe's vehicle.

According to homicide Sgt. Dave Dillon, there is video surveillance showing Lowe driving Handford away and disposing of the knife and bloody clothes in a garbage can at a gas station.

Both Handford and Lowe were arrested and taken into police custody. Handford has been charged with murder while Lowe was charged with being an accessory to murder. Both men are currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

This is not Handford's first run-in with the law. His criminal record includes convictions for cocaine possession, using a controlled substance, disorderly conduct, and exhibiting a deadly weapon.

Due to the number of wounds inflicted, police believe and Handford and Lofton had some type of relationship, however, at this time it has not been determined what that relationship was. A motive for the killing has also not yet been determined.

The Law Offices of Gregory H. Comings is committed to providing unrelenting defense to those who have been accused of the most serious of crimes. If you have been arrested on murder charges, you can trust a San Bernardino criminal defense attorney at our office to remain by your side, stand up to the prosecution, and aggressively fight your charges from the very first hearing until the last stages of your case.

Contact the Law Offices of Gregory H. Comings to schedule a consultation today!