Ex-O.C. Man Suspected in Wife’s Oregon Murder Is Found Dead

A former Laguna Niguel man suspected of killing his wife and dismembering her body in a condominium here last week was found dead Sunday in Southern California.

Robert Golding died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Ashland officers discovered the partially dismembered body of 46-year-old Phyllis Golding on Friday and issued a warrant for her husband’s arrest.

The Goldings had moved to Ashland from Laguna Niguel about six months ago, authorities said.

“He was our suspect in the case right from the beginning, based on evidence at the scene,” said Capt. Mel Clements of the Ashland Police Department.

On Sunday afternoon, a Los Angeles Police officer found the 60-year-old Golding in the couple’s car in the parking lot of a Los Angeles-area shopping center.

The vehicle’s license plate was traced to the Ashland homicide. Clements said a note was found, but he would not say whether it included a confession.

Police say they still have found no motive in the case.

Officers also will not discuss what weapon was used to kill Phyllis Golding. She is believed to have been dead for several days when police found her. Authorities checked the location after relatives in California called and said they were concerned about her welfare.