Antonia Maria Yager, 86

Antonia Maria Yager, an 86-year-old white woman, was found dead Monday, Dec. 22, in the 100 block of North Beachwood Drive in Windsor Square, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Yager, who lived alone, was found about 7 p.m. in her bedroom with stab wounds, police said. A man who helped care for her many cats made the discovery.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:20 p.m., according to coroner’s records.

Police have not yet determined a motive in the killing, but have not ruled out the possibility that she was the victim of a home-invasion robbery or burglary.

Yager had many valuables, including fine jewelry. It was unclear whether anything had been stolen. Yager’s late husband was prominent Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Thomas C. Yager. He made headlines in 1965 when his new bride of three days fell overboard and presumably drowned while the two were taking a boating trip from Santa Catalina Island to Newport Beach.

Yager was a cat lover who was known to take in neighborhood strays.

“She was our cat lady,” said neighbor Erica Gilbert, who after rescuing a cat would call on Yager for help with its care.

A member of the Assistance League, Yager and her husband often donated to charity and had established a foundation in their name.

Authorities said it was unclear when Antonia Yager was killed. The last time she was reportedly seen alive was Sunday.

“I am shaking,” said Carolyn Layport, a longtime friend of Yager. “She is going to be missed.”

The neighborhood of Windsor Square hadn’t seen a slaying since 2001, but isn’t immune to home burglaries and auto break-ins.

Anyone with information is asked to call the LAPD West Bureau Homicide division at (213) 382-9470. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Veronica Rocha