MASON CITY, Ia., Nov. 5 - Mason City authorites are aiding in the search for Juan ESTRADE, Mexican, believed to be the murderer of Mrs. Romano RICO, 87 year old Mexican woman, who was found slain in her home at Manly last night.

The aged woman, who had been a resident of Manly for 14 years, was found lying on the floor of the home by her son Luis. Her wrists and ankles were tied, while her skull had been crushed by a switchman's brake club.

The motive of the killing had been robbery, as $1,300 had been taken from a trunk in the house. Authorities suspected ESTRADO, when it was learned he was seen to leave the RICO home at 1:25 o'clock yesterday afternoon, walk to the Great Western tracks, which he followed to the station and bought a ticket to Mason City.

Mexicans in Mason City say they saw ESTRADE here last night, but since police began a serach for him no reports have been made of his whereabouts.