"Victims with multiple stab wounds in beachfront-type residences: Those are obvious similarities that cause us concern," said Capt. Ross Bonfiglio of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, which is investigating the Faria Beach killings.
DiRodio was divorced several years ago and had moved in with her parents to help care for her father, now 91, who is in poor health, according to friends. The family also employed a caretaker, who was not in the house when DiRodio's body was found, police said.
In Santa Barbara, friends recalled DiRodio as a fun-loving woman who gave swing classes at a city recreation center.
"She loved to laugh," said Rick Harmon, her dance partner for the last several years. "We taught a beginners' class before the Friday night dances, and I asked her to help me keep it light and make it a relaxing place to be. She was a playful dance partner who always liked to do things to throw me off."
DiRodio had a new boyfriend and recently purchased a home in Goleta, he said.
Her funeral will be Sunday in Camarillo.
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steve.chawkins@latimes.com
