Valkyre

They Caught Someone

I had posted here about the 76 year old woman, who was beaten to death. She was out on her daily walk. I hadn't heard anything more since it was first reported. I had assumed that they had no information. I guess they were waiting for DNA to come back. Even though initial reports said she wasn't sexually assaulted. It turns out she was. I'm glad that the piece of shit, who did this, is off of the street. But, I feel so bad for what happened to this poor woman and her family.

Article here

Suspect in court today in sexual assault and death of 76-year-old woman

Gardena man is due to be arraigned on sexual assault and murder charges involving 76-year-old El Camino Village woman.

By Denise Nix
Staff Writer

A man police believe was responsible for sexually assaulting and beating a 76-year-old El Camino Village woman to death last month is expected to be arraigned today in Torrance Superior Court.

Thedward Candler, 24, of Gardena was charged Monday with one count of murder with the special circumstance of murder during rape and sodomy.

The District Attorney's Elder Abuse Section is handling the case.

Prosecutors will decide later whether they will seek the death penalty.

Severa Madrona, who had 22 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, was killed Sept. 18 during her routine morning walk.

Her body was found around 8:15 a.m. in the backyard of a home at 152nd Street and Eriel Avenue. She remained unidentified until later that night, when she was reported missing by the daughter and son-in-law who lived with her nearby.

Tom and Virginia Bernard said they're relieved Candler is off the street.

"I can sleep," Virginia Bernard said.

Her husband said it seems like it's been a long time since Madrona died and the pain had diminished a bit. But when they found out someone had been arrested in her death, all the emotions came back.

"It's almost as bad as the very first day because you relive - you relive the whole thing," Bernard said.

Sheriff's homicide Detective Pat Nelson said Candler's DNA matched forensic evidence recovered at the crime scene. Nelson would not comment further about where the DNA evidence was found.

Investigators originally said Madrona was not sexually assaulted.

Candler's DNA was included in the state law enforcement's database because he was convicted of a drive-by shooting, Nelson said.

Details about that crime and the rest of his criminal history were not immediately available.

Candler was paroled in August, Nelson said.

Nelson said the sheriff's crime lab gave Madrona's murder high priority. Once officials identified Candler as a suspect, he was placed under surveillance.

He was arrested Thursday.

"The fact that this was brought to the resolution that it was, as quickly as it was, was due in part to the team effort of the crime lab, who recognized the danger that this particular predator posed and pulled out all the stops to get the evidence analyzed as quickly as they did," Nelson said.

He also said Lennox sheriff's deputies who canvassed the neighborhood and distributed fliers with a composite sketch of the suspect were helpful.

Nelson added that the composite appeared to look "very close to" Candler.

And So It Starts

In a previous post, I mentioned that the stores were already gearing up for Christmas. Now, the commercials have started. Well, at least one. Ross stores have been running a really annoying one. It started a couple of days ago. Growing up, I remember that there seemed to be some unwritten rule that advertisers, and the stores, wouldn't start the Christmas push until the day after Thanksgiving.

It Was Like it Was Snowing

At work yesterday, I turned to look towards a darkened doorway and noticed small white particles floating towards the ground. There already has been a layer of soot coating everything due to the fires. There has been no blue sky. Only brown smoky skies that obscure the sun and make the shadows an odd color. But this white stuff was new. It was ash. The wind had changed direction and now ash was falling. It makes you think of all the devastation going on around you. And, I feel sorry for the people who have lost their homes. This has been one of the worst seasons I can remember. I've heard evacuation numbers totaling between 500,000 and 1 million. And, with all this, there has been only one confirmed death. The nasty devil Santa Ana winds are supposed to be dying down. Hopefully, the usual cool moist air, that comes off of the ocean, will move in and help the firefighters. It would be really nice if we would get a little rain.

It Seems Like the Whole State is on Fire

Hot dry winds, lack of rain make for perfect fire conditions. And, we weren't disappointed. There seem to be fires everywhere. There we are, in Los Angeles. We're not in any danger. There is smoke in the air and ash falling. There have been some injuries and structure losses. I hope the weather changes and the fire fighters can knock these down.

Lowe's Came Through

Lowe's came through for me. I finally got the rebate I wrote about earlier. I resubmitted the information yet again. And, I didn't hear any response. Their site had a link where you could look up the status of your rebates. When I tried that, it only showed the first time I had sent it in and it had been rejected. They did however, have a link where I could inquire about the status via an e-mail. I sent that in. I got an e-mail response. They wanted more information. A ton of information. (Couldn't they have looked up my name?) As soon as I sent the reply, almost immediately they got back to me and said my rebate was on it's way. And, about a week later, it showed up. I still wonder if it would have shown up if hadn't asked. I could still be waiting. I don't know. Sometimes you have to make a little noise to get something taken care of. So, I'm back to shopping at Lowe's.

What Social Status Are You?

What Social Status are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as alternative You're partially respected for being an individual in a conformist world yet others take you as a radical. You have no place in society because you choose not to belong there - you're the luckiest of them all, even if your parents are completely ashamed of you. Just don't take drugs ok? alternative 58% Lower Class 50% Middle Class 42% Upper middle Class 33% Luxurious Upper Class 17%

An Easy Way to Help....

In the fight against breast cancer. You can go to The Breast Cancer Site every day and "click" to give free mammograms. The link will take you right to the page. They have a Pink Ribbon Challenge going on for the month of October. If they can get enough clicks to total 500 mammograms, their premier sponsor will fund an additional 150.

It's that time of year again

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And again, they are having the Boobie Thon. I'll donate, as I always do and may take some before and after pictures of my boobies to help the cause.