Costa Mesa, Calif. — In a chilling case that highlights the dark repercussions of domestic disputes, a Costa Mesa man is accused of brutally killing his girlfriend and concealing her body in a trash container. Daniel Allen Aldrich, 49, faces grim charges including murder and the personal use of a weapon after the lifeless body of 38-year-old Julie Anne Sanetra was discovered by landscapers.
Following an evening of drinking on October 20, an argument between Aldrich and Sanetra escalated fatally, prosecutors allege. The dispute turned deadly when Aldrich purportedly strangled Sanetra and used a folding knife to slit her wrist. Rather than seeking help, authorities claim Aldrich spent the hours following the slaying watching television and later going to sleep, all while Sanetra’s body remained on the couch.
The grim reality of the events surfaced when Aldrich supposedly transferred Sanetra’s body from the couch into a trash can. He then reportedly packed up and departed for his mother’s residence in Glendale. The discovery of Sanetra’s body two days later was as shocking as it was heartbreaking. Partially visible from the trash can situated beside Aldrich’s house on Maple Avenue, Sanetra’s remains prompted an immediate call to the police by the horrified landscapers.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed his dismay at the nature of the crime. “The sheer disregard for Julie Sanetra’s life shown in this act is horrific. Strangling someone and disposing of their body like this is an act of unthinkable callousness,” Spitzer said. “My office is committed to delivering justice for Julie and her grieving family to the fullest extent of the law.”
Upon the gruesome discovery, police swiftly apprehended Aldrich on the evening of October 22 at his mother’s house located in the 3700 block of El Lado Drive, Glendale. Aldrich, who is currently held on a $1 million bail, awaits his arraignment scheduled for November 19.
This appalling incident has sparked conversations around the severity of domestic violence and the importance of early intervention. Community members and advocates are calling for increased awareness and resources to prevent such devastating outcomes in domestic situations.
The district attorney’s office also reminded the community about the resources available for those involved in domestic disputes. “It is crucial for individuals in volatile relationships to seek help early to prevent escalation that can result in tragedies like this,” a spokesperson for the office noted.
As the community of Costa Mesa grapples with the shock of this brutal act, many hope that heightened awareness and enhanced preventive measures will emerge from the depth of this tragedy. Meanwhile, the legal process must now unfold as the quest for justice for Julie Anne Sanetra continues.