Trans killer bludgeoned his mother to death with hammer before grandmother discovered grim crime scene

Wolfson's grandmother is said to have discovered the "killer" lying in a pool of blood before discovering 61-year-old Angela Caprioli dead in a bathroom with severe injuries to her head and face, according to investigators.

Medics and officers rushed to the scene, with the 36-year-old taken to hospital with suspected self-inflicted wounds to his neck.

Wolfson is facing murder charges and a felony enhancement for using a deadly weapon, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer confirmed.

Mr Spitzer said: “It is heartbreaking to think that someone could so violently end the life of the very person who gave them life."

The suspected killer's bail has been set at $1million (£752,500).

The 36-year-old is due to appear before an Orange County court on October 1.

Prior to her death, Ms Caprioli had travelled to Californian coastal hotspot Laguna Beach from Maine.

The 61-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene at the rental property on Dunning Drive.

Wolfson was arrested by officers three days later and was later booked into a California prison on suspicion of murder.

Dustin Pettit, who lives next door to the property, claimed he witnessed the 36-year-old and his mother embroiled in a heated row shortly before her death.

“I saw her outside talking with him and it seemed like a pretty hostile conversation,” he told the California Post.

“She turned around and went inside and slammed the door, like she was fed up with whatever was going on. I was like: ‘What the hell is going on here?'"

Wolfson was described by neighbours as a relatively quiet person who was only seen coming outside the property to smoke or play guitar.

Mr Pettit said the suspect had only moved to the Laguna Beach property six months before allegedly carrying out the attack.

The neighbour also claimed that the property had been frowned upon by the local community over the state of the front garden, with police frequently seen attending the address.

Investigators are also reviewing Wolfson's online activity as part of the murder probe.

One social media account with the 36-year-old's name attached has described themselves as a “trans girl looking for fun in LA".

Another account has shown an individual believed to be the killer performing dance routines while wearing underwear, miniskirts and crop tops.

The alleged killer's LinkedIn profile claims he was the co-founder of Kevin’s House - a sober living and assisted care facility for adults struggling with mental health issues in Southern California.