California detectives have apprehended a man suspected of sexually assaulting and murdering an elderly woman in 1984 when he was 19 years old. The man, identified as Richard Moore, now 59, was living under the alias 'Woody' or 'Woody on Fairbanks' before his recent arrest.
Moore pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping, and rape in the death of 69-year-old Madeline Garcia. The incident took place in Roseville, where Garcia was brutally attacked and murdered with repeated blows in an alley. The violent nature of the crime left Garcia's body almost unrecognizable, with her false teeth found in the gutter.
Garcia, known as 'The Can Lady' in her neighborhood, was a Spanish American homemaker who was fondly called 'Grandma Garcia' by her family. She was described as a loving individual who enjoyed cooking, gardening, crafting, and interacting with neighborhood children.
Investigators utilized advanced forensic techniques, including familial DNA analysis, to link Moore to the crime scene after 40 years. Moore was arrested in Los Angeles and appointed a public defender for his arraignment.
Moore's arrest was a result of the collaborative efforts of the Roseville Police Department, the FBI, and the cold case team. District Attorney Morgan Gire emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for heinous crimes, stating that those capable of such acts pose a danger to the community.
Following the judge's decision, Moore was remanded into custody without bail. The City of Roseville commended the investigative team for their persistence in solving the case after decades.
Family members of the victim expressed mixed emotions about Moore's arrest, with Terri Middlekauf describing it as a 'bittersweet moment.' The arrest brings a sense of closure to the family, yet serves as a reminder of the tragic loss they endured.
