Authorities in California have arrested a man in connection with the brutal sexual assault and murder of a 69-year-old woman that occurred in 1984. The suspect, identified as Richard Moore, was apprehended last month after living under an alias for decades.
Moore, now 59 years old, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping, and rape in the death of Madeline Garcia. The victim was known as 'The Can Lady' in her neighborhood, where she was a beloved figure known for collecting cans and caring for the community.
The crime took place in Roseville, where Garcia was dragged into an alley and fatally attacked with repeated blows. Her body was found behind a dumpster, with her face beaten beyond recognition. Investigators described the murder as a crime of rage, indicating a violent and personal nature.
After years of investigation, authorities utilized advanced forensic techniques to link Moore to the crime scene through familial DNA analysis. Moore had been previously arrested for arson in the vicinity shortly after Garcia's murder, but had managed to evade capture until now.
Following his arrest in Los Angeles, Moore was appointed a public defender and is scheduled to appear in court later this month. The district attorney emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators of such heinous crimes accountable, regardless of the time that has passed.
The arrest of Richard Moore has brought a sense of closure to Garcia's family, although her loved ones described the moment as bittersweet. The City of Roseville commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in bringing the long-awaited justice to the victim and her family.
