A California neighborhood was shaken to its core when the body of 67-year-old Peggi Yingling was discovered stuffed in a closet, wrapped in plastic bags.
This gruesome discovery led to the arrest of Peggi’s own daughter, Kelli Yingling, 37, who was charged with her mother’s murder.
The case has since captivated the public, raising disturbing questions about the nature of their relationship and the events that led to this tragic outcome.
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In mid-May, a concerned neighbor reported that they had not seen Peggi Yingling for several weeks, which was highly unusual for the 67-year-old woman.
Worried about her wellbeing, the neighbor contacted the Hanford Police Department, requesting a welfare check at Peggi’s residence. When officers arrived at the home, they made a horrifying discovery – Peggi’s body was found locked inside a closet, wrapped in plastic bags.
Authorities noted that Peggi’s remains had been there for an extended period, with signs of decomposition evident.
An autopsy later revealed that the cause of death was strangulation. This devastating news sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, leaving many to wonder what could have driven someone to commit such a heinous act against an elderly woman.
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As the investigation unfolded, police quickly turned their attention to Peggi’s own daughter, Kelli Yingling, 37, who was also a resident of the home.
Kelli had a troubling history, having previously been convicted of elder abuse against her mother. In fact, at the time of the murder, Kelli was on felony probation for that very offense.
Kelli’s criminal record painted a disturbing picture. She had been arrested just 11 days prior to the discovery of Peggi’s body on unrelated warrants.
During her questioning by detectives, Kelli allegedly made statements that implicated her in her mother’s murder. While her attorney, Carlos Navarrete, argued that there were “nuances” to the case that needed further investigation, the evidence appeared to be mounting against Kelli.
Prosecutors wasted no time in charging Kelli Yingling with murder, as well as additional counts of elder abuse and related enhancements. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office asserted that they believed they could prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, given the damning evidence against Kelli.
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Notably, the charges included a premeditation enhancement, suggesting that the authorities believed Kelli had planned and deliberated over her mother’s killing. Furthermore, the district attorney’s office added an enhancement for Kelli’s prior strike, a conviction for elder abuse, which could significantly increase the potential sentence if she is found guilty.
Kelli Yingling pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, with her attorney, Carlos Navarrete, arguing that there were “nuances” to the case that needed to be thoroughly investigated. Navarrete expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating that he believed in Kelli’s presumed innocence and that the system would ensure “innocent people don’t end up in prison.”
The case is currently scheduled to proceed to a pre-trial hearing in July, where the details and evidence will be further examined. The district attorney’s office, led by Sarah Hacker, has vowed to prosecute the case vigorously, citing their commitment to protecting the elderly population and ensuring justice is served.
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