(L.A.) Sharon Rannels, 61, Died in an Operating Room

Case Number: 2026-07809

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 61-year-old Black female that occurred in an operating room.

The coroner’s office identified the woman as Sharon Rannels of Lancaster.

Manner of Death: Homicide

Cause of Death: Stab Wounds

RIP SHARON RANNELS ( May 14, 2026)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Thursday night.

Authorities say the decedent was stabbed at around 8:30 p.m. in Palmdale, in the 2600 block of West Avenue N-8.

Brandon Tyrell Simmons, a 33-year-old relative, was arrested the following day after community members provided anonymous tips to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Simmons has a documented history of mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He has been jailed without bail and is scheduled to appear in a Lancaster court.