SAN YSIDRO, Calif. -- A woman was fatally stabbed by an unidentified assailant early Thursday while visiting friends in a gated apartment complex in San Ysidro, authorities reported.

Araceli Noriega, 33, was with a group of companions outside a residence in the 2000 block of Dairy Mart Road when she walked off shortly before 12:30 a.m., according to San Diego police.

The woman was apparently drinking with friends and wandered away from the landing where the group was assembled several times, only to return each time a few minutes later, homicide Lt. Kevin Rooney said.

The last time she returned injured, he said, adding that she died at the hospital about an hour later.

Her name was withheld pending family notification.

No one in the group said they saw anyone with the woman during the times she wandered away, according to Rooney.

Anyone who may have seen the woman in the complex around midnight is asked to call San Diego police at 619-531-2000.