LEUCADIA : Suspect in Transient Slaying Arrested

After he reportedly detailed the murder to patients at a Los Angeles-area drug rehabilitation clinic, a 32-year-old Oceanside carpenter was arrested Friday in connection with the murder of a transient man in Leucadia 10 days ago, authorities said.

James Michael Goulet was arrested by Los Angeles police about 6:50 p.m. Friday at the drug rehabilitation clinic in Tarzana, in the the San Fernando Valley.

Acting on a tip from local authorities, officers met Goulet as he showed up for a scheduled session at the clinic, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

On August 14th, Christopher James Somerville, 41, was stabbed to death in a field behind the Royal Liquor Store in the 1400 block of North Highway 101 in Leucadia, where he occasionally worked.

Authorities said witnesses heard a scuffle between two men in the field where Somerville often slept and heard the transient call out “help me” several times.

However, witnesses did not comprehend the seriousness of the attack and did not respond to Somerville’s calls. His body was discovered about an hour later by another transient, authorities said.

A few days later, Los Angeles police received a tip that Goulet had detailed the killing during a session at the drug and alcohol rehab clinic. After checking with San Diego authorities, the officers staged a stakeout for Goulet.

The carpenter was being held without bail Saturday by Los Angeles authorities on suspicion of murder.

Detectives said the motive for the killing was apparently a drug deal gone sour.