Grandmother fatally attacked in Apache Junction; 30-year-old man in custody

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of killing a woman after she just visited her daughter and grandchildren on Thursday in Apache Junction in what police said appeared to be an "unprovoked attack."

Police said 68-year-old Joan Sirhan was attacked while walking to her car about 5:30 p.m. at an apartment complex near West Broadway Avenue and South San Marcos Drive, according to an Apache Junction police statement.

Officers arrived and found Sirhan lying on the ground.

"She was unconscious and had sustained extensive injuries to her face and head," police said in the statement.

Sirhan was taken to Banner Desert Hospital and pronounced dead, police said.

Police identified 30-year-old Jay Hungerford as the suspect in Sirhan's death. He was arrested and taken to a Pinal County jail.

Police said Hungerford and Sirhan had no contact before what appeared to be an unprovoked attack, according to the police statement.

Hungerford is being held on suspicion of second-degree murder while awaiting his initial appearance in court, police said.

Reach breaking news reporter Brooke Newman at brooke.newman@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @brookerae17.