HANDYMAN ARRESTED
Torrance police have arrested a transient who performed odd jobs for a woman who was severely beaten with a decorative bowl and later died from head injuries, police said.
Police on Tuesday arrested John Robert Mitchell on suspicion of murdering Carol Marie Goudeau, Torrance Police Sgt. Ed La Londe said. Goudeau had hired Mitchell, 35, six weeks ago to install a toilet in her Cota Avenue home. She was found unconscious last Wednesday. The 41-year-old woman died Monday at County-Harbor UCLA Medical Center.
La Londe said police believe Goudeau came home from work and found her house being burglarized because her television, computer and some jewelry were found stacked by the door. La Londe said items belonging to Goudeau were found when police arrested Mitchell, who was identified through fingerprints, while driving his truck on 230th Street.
Mitchell is being held at the Torrance police station without bail.
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