By james art An upscale California neighborhood was left horrified after a woman’s dead body was found stuffed in a trash can and her boyfriend was arrested on suspicion of murdering her.
Julie Ann Santera, 38, of Irvine, was found Tuesday after officers were called to a home in the 1900 block of Maple Avenue in Costa Mesa around 2:27 p.m.
According to neighbors, Santera was found in a trash can located in the backyard of the Orange County home, KTLA reported.
Later that evening, the Costa Mesa Police Department revealed that the woman’s boyfriend, Daniel Allen Aldrich, 49, had been arrested in connection with the heinous crime.
The agency shared an image of Aldrich surrendering to cops as they surrounded him outside a family member’s home in Glendale, police said, adding that “early in the investigation, Aldrich was identified as a suspect.”
Julie Ann Santera, 38, of Irvine, was found dead Tuesday after police were called to a Costa Mesa home following reports of a body found in a backyard trash can
The boyfriend, Daniel Allen Aldrich, 49, was seen surrendering to police in Glendale
“The Glendale Police Department assisted in the arrest and Costa Mesa detectives subsequently took Aldrich into custody,” police said Wednesday.
“Detectives were able to determine that the arrestee and the victim were in a relationship.”
It’s unclear why police believe Aldrich is a suspect and what exactly led to Santera’s tragic death. DailyMail.com has contacted the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Although Santera has not been active on social media since 2014, she often posts photos of herself with a dog.
Residents who live near the Costa Mesa home told the outlet it’s usually a quiet neighborhood.
On Wednesday morning, a man said he didn’t know much about Santera or Aldrich, but he often sees a woman coming in and out of the home.
The unidentified man told KTLA he believed Santera moved in “four or five” months ago.
Officers remained at the scene overnight as police tape surrounded the home
According to public records reviewed by the store, the home was last sold in June of last year.
Meanwhile, Barbara Bruce, another neighbor, said she never saw anyone at the home.
“I pass by here two, three times every day for seven days a week and I’ve never seen anybody there,” she said.
“It was for sale and I know it was sold, but I didn’t see anyone move in.”
Costa Mesa Deputy Police Chief Joyce Lapointe told KABC that Costa Mesa is a “nice residential area.”
Although Santera has not been active on social media since 2014, she often posts photos of herself with a dog
“That’s something we don’t see very often around here.”
Officers remained at the scene and in the area overnight as police tape surrounded the home.
The case will now be turned over to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for review, according to police.
The national median home value in Orange County is $950,307, according to US News Real Estate.