Costa Mesa Police Investigate Disturbing Crime Scene
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Police in Costa Mesa arrested 49-year-old Daniel Allen Aldrich after the body of his girlfriend, Julie Anne Santera, 38, was found stuffed inside a trash can outside his home. Authorities received a call reporting a suspicious situation at a residence in the 1900 block of Maple Avenue around 2:25 p.m.
Victim’s Body Discovered in Backyard
Upon arrival, officers located Santera’s body in a trash can situated in the backyard. The Irvine resident’s death was immediately deemed suspicious, leading investigators to identify her boyfriend, Aldrich, as the primary suspect.
Arrest Made at Glendale Residence
Following the discovery, Costa Mesa police tracked Aldrich to a relative’s home in Glendale, where he was taken into custody later the same day. Aldrich now faces murder charges as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Santera’s death.
The Costa Mesa Police Department is still gathering details, and no additional information has been released at this time.
