Rossmoor woman murdered, her daughter arrested

Christine Reynolds, 71, is in the Orange County Jail, charged with murdering her mother.

On Thursday, August 28, 2014, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 11272 Wallingsford Road, Rossmoor, following reports of a shooting at the residence.  Deputies arrived with Orange County Fire Authority paramedics and discovered Gretchen DeStefano, 96, Rossmoor, deceased, suffering from a gunshot wound.  Christine Reynolds, 71, Rossmoor, the daughter of the victim, was detained at the scene.

Based on the preliminary investigation and information learned at the scene, it appears the shooting stemmed
from a domestic dispute but no further details are being released.  A handgun believed to have been used in
the shooting was recovered at the scene.

Reynolds was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail on charges of murder.  She is being held on $1
million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, September 2, 2014.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7044
or (714) 647-7000.  Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-
OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.