Neighbor charged with killing 94-year-old woman with hammer

A Ramona man was charged Friday with using a hammer to kill a 94-year-old woman who lived in the same mobile home park as he did in northern San Diego County.

Gary Allen Thomas, 63, was charged in the death of Mary Jean Eskridge, a retired dancer who performed with the big bands of the 1940s and then opened a dance studio in Spring Valley, east of San Diego. She was found dead in her home Tuesday.

Dist. Atty. Bonnie Dumanis said her office "is very interested in hearing from members of the public who may know more about this horrific crime or the defendant."

No alleged motive was asserted in court documents charging Thomas with first-degree murder.

ALSO:

Junior Seau 911 call: 'My boyfriend shot himself'

Headed to Vegas or Big Bear? Beware I-215 freeway closure

ICE agent killed after disciplining son, 14, law sources believe

-- Tony Perry in San Diego