Founder of Spring Valley Dance Studio Found Dead 'Obvious Signs of Trauma'

Although authorities on Tuesday had not yet released the name of a woman found dead in her Ramona mobile home, news outlets are reporting her as Jean Eskridge Freeman, 94, based on family accounts.

Freeman founded Jean's Dance Studio in Spring Valley in 1948. The studio is now owned by her daughter, Suzanne Mollenhauer.

Homicide detectives worked through the night and into Wednesday to assess the circumstances of Freeman's death, after her body was found "with obvious signs of trauma," Sheriff's Homicide told Patch.

Ramona Fire paramedics responded to a call for medical assistance at Ramona Terrace Estates in the 1200 block of H Street before noon and when they arrived, they found the woman dead in the back bedroom of the home, Capt. Don Davis said. He said her death appeared suspicious.

Outside the mobile home park, a couple who identified themselves as Freeman's son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Ellen Eskridge, talked to reporters. Jay Eskridge said he got a call saying his mother had pushed a Med-Alert button.

The couple said they were in shock and thought his mother had pushed the button by mistake. Jean was active, they said, and loved dancing, playing cards, church and visiting one of the local casinos.

Authorities did not let the couple in the home to see the body, they said.

Homicide detectives were awaiting a search warrant, Nesbit told Patch on Tuesday afternoon. The family expects to hear more information on Wednesday.

The Eskridges intend to use Conrad Mortuary in Lemon Grove for services.