California Man Arrested in Connection With Woman’s Body Found in Trash Can

Costa Mesa police say the body of woman found in trash bin was alleged girlfriend of the suspect.
California Man Arrested in Connection With Woman’s Body Found in Trash Can
Costa Mesa and Glendale police arrested Daniel Allen Alrich, 49, in Glendale on Oct. 22, 2024. Costa Mesa Police Department
Jill McLaughlin
Updated:
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Police have released the identity of a Glendale, California, man suspected of killing his girlfriend and dumping her body in a backyard trash bin, authorities confirmed on Oct. 23.

Daniel Allen Aldrich, 49, of Costa Mesa, was arrested on Tuesday at the home of a family member on the 3700 block of El Lado Drive in Glendale, about 10 miles north of Los Angeles.

Costa Mesa police allege that Aldrich killed his girlfriend, Julie Anne Santera, 38, of Irvine, at his house on the 1900 block of Maple Avenue in Costa Mesa, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles.

“At the start of the investigation, Aldrich was identified as the suspect and located in Glendale,” Costa Mesa police posted Wednesday on social media.

The Glendale Police Department assisted the Costa Mesa police in the arrest of the suspect at his family member’s house Tuesday evening.

“Detectives were able to establish that the arrestee and the victim were in a relationship,” Costa Mesa police said in the social media post.

The Costa Mesa Police Department received a call at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. The caller told police they had found the woman’s body in the backyard of a home on Maple Avenue.

Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue and police responded to the scene.

When they arrived, they found the body and immediately started an investigation, according to a police department press release.

Releasing the identities of the victim and the suspect was delayed Tuesday until authorities could notify the victim’s family of her death.

The investigation is ongoing.

Costa Mesa Police Department has forwarded the case to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.