Costa Mesa man charged with strangling girlfriend and hiding body

In October 2024, in Costa Mesa, California, a tragic incident unfolded when Daniel Allen Aldrich allegedly killed his girlfriend, Julie Anne Sanetra, during an argument following a night of drinking. This conflict escalated to violence, resulting in Sanetra's death by strangulation. After the crime, Aldrich reportedly left her body on the couch while he went about his evening, even watching television before going to bed. The following day, in a continued display of callousness, he discarded her body in a trash can outside their home. Aldrich's actions drew attention when gardeners discovered Sanetra's remains on October 22. The Costa Mesa Police Department acted swiftly, arresting Aldrich at his mother's residence later that day. Prosecutors have charged him with one felony count of murder, along with an enhancement related to his personal use of a weapon during the crime. As this situation continues to unfold, the Orange County District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, expressed deep shock over the nature of the crime and the impact it has had on the victim’s family and friends. Currently, Aldrich is being held on a bail of $1 million and is set to be arraigned on November 19. If convicted, he faces a possible sentence of 26 years to life in prison, reflecting the serious nature of the offense and the importance of justice for the victim's family.