Denise Lai, a former reservist with the San Jose Police Department, was arraigned today in Merced County Superior Court. The arraignment was postponed from last Friday.
Lai, 47, is accused of killing her mother, Carolyn Ninomiya, a 65-year old resident of Los Banos. The investigation began when Lai was discovered by police in a public parking lot with what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. Her wounds were serious and she was airlifted to Los Banos Memorial for treatment. Police indicate that Lai said she wanted to die.
Lai's family attempted to call her mother, but when they were unable to make contact police did a welfare check. They discovered Ninomiya dead in her home from an apparent strangling. Her body had been there for many hours.
When questioned, Lai admitted the killing and her attempted suicide. The reasons for the murder are not known. Bail was set at $ 1 million.
