Mystery Surrounds Sturgis Murder Motive as Suspect's Past is Revealed

Details surrounding the killing of Carole Jane Sturgis are still being investigated as much is discovered of Moses Stanley Trotter, the man suspected of murdering Sturgis in her home Sunday, July 15. Publications across Sacramento County have information related to the case, though not much is known as to why the crime was committed in the first place.

According to a Sacramento County Sheriff's report, Trotter had wandered into Sturgis' quiet neighborhood sometime around 7 p.m. where he proceeded to forcibly enter at least two other residences before finding his way to Sturgis' home in the 7800 block of Olympic Way, killing her in what police described as a brutal, violent attack.

The motive for the attack is still unknown, said Sacramento County Sheriff's spokesman Jason Ramos.

. The 79-year-old woman who lived at home with a live-in caretaker was known for helping neighbors feed their pets but after two home invasion became more protective of her home and belongings, installing a metal security gate in front of her front door. Her neighbor of 40 years, Larry Kamper, said Sturgis wasn't known to leave a front door unlocked and if she didn't know who was at the door, regardless of whether he or she was a neighbor, it was unlikely she would let anyone in.

The Sacramento Bee reported Sturgis was ailing and required an oxygen tank. Indeed, Jim Blom, a neighbor of Sturgis for 37 years, said Sturgis was expected to go in for a doctor's appointment as early as the day after her death.

"She had heart problems," Blom said. "I think she was going to go in to see about it."

According to The Bee and as has been stated by Ramos, no cause of death has yet been released other than to note that Sturgis' home showed signs of a struggle and blood.

According to Sacramento County Court records, Trotter, a 32-year-old aspiring rapper, had been in and out of Sacramento County's Main Jail for at least 13 years. His record includes charges ranging from misdemeanor drug possession to felony grand theft auto.

Members of the Trotter family have rejected opportunities to speak with media; however, The Bee reports that a woman who answered the last known phone number of Trotter's mother, Naquita Louise Trotter, suggested Trotter was someone who has, "the demon inside him."

Only hours before Sturgis' death Trotter was tagged in pictures on his Facebook page at . Trotter is seen with his arms around two elderly women apparently while inside.

New Life Community Church's pastor Dean Deguara said Trotter was not a member of the church and that his appearance there Sunday was the first.

"Apparently Mr. Trotter attended our services Sunday as a first time visitor," Deguara said. "We have no other information other than he is not a member or regular attendee of New Life Community Church. We are horrified and heartbroken over what has happened, as is the rest of our community."

Days before the incident Trotter took to his Facebook page making statements like, "When I die burry me in Fresno" and "Its funny cause we al [sic] going die LOL."

Further inspection of his Facebook page shows him with two little girls, presumably his daughters, while another picture shows a Bible, a five dollar bill, two watches and what appears to be a bullet. According to a News10 report, Trotter was in the midst of a custody battle over his two daughters and divorce with his estranged wife, Erika Raya. The estranged wife told News10 the custody battle and divorce may have contributed to his destabilizing state.

Trotter remains in Sacramento County's Main Jail. His arraignment on the first-degree murder charges took place from his jail cell for undisclosed reasons, said one court official. Ramos explained no interviews or visits will be permitted till a psychiatric evaluation is conducted with Trotter. The exact time of that evaluation has not been disclosed at this point.

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