Michelle Vazquez’s relatives described her as caring and positive while investigators searched for a motive in her death.
MERCED, Calif. — The family of Michelle Vazquez is mourning a woman they called caring, positive and strong as her daughter remains in custody in connection with her death at a Merced apartment.
Police found Vazquez dead Saturday afternoon after officers entered an apartment at the Brookdale North Apartments during a welfare check. Authorities said she had suffered several stab wounds. Her daughter, 28-year-old Selena Bass Vazquez, was identified by police as the primary suspect and was taken into custody about an hour later.
Vazquez’s other daughter said the death left the family devastated and heartbroken. She described her mother as her best friend and said the family was struggling with a loss that happened in an unimaginable way. Relatives said Vazquez had worked for Big Lots and at a U.S. Post Office in Fresno and was known and loved by many people.
Neighbors told investigators they heard a loud argument during the night before police arrived at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday. When no one answered the door, officers forced their way inside and found Vazquez. Police have not said what the argument was about or whether anyone else was present.
Detective Levi Crain said investigators did not yet have an explanation for what caused the confrontation or what occurred during it. A motive had not been established, and authorities had not released details about the events leading to the stabbing.
Police found Bass Vazquez at nearby Rahilly Park with her 1-year-old son. The child was unharmed inside a vehicle, authorities said. Crain said Bass Vazquez was peaceful during the encounter and appeared distraught. Officers made the child’s safety their immediate priority.
The boy was placed in the care of Child Protective Services. Police said Bass Vazquez and her son had been living at the apartment, though investigators believed they had moved there only recently. Authorities did not release further information about the child because of his age.
The killing shocked residents of the apartment community. Neighbor Chris Carpenter described the violence as unexpected and out of character for the area. He said Merced often feels like a close community where residents repeatedly cross paths with familiar people.
Police said doorbell camera footage showed Bass Vazquez leaving the apartment at a normal pace rather than rushing away. Investigators continued reviewing evidence and interviewing people who might help explain the sequence of events.
Bass Vazquez remained in custody as the homicide investigation continued. Police had not announced a motive or released information about formal charges or a scheduled court appearance, and the child remained in protective care.
Author note: Last updated July 16, 2026.