A man from Georgia is in jail after being accused of a murder that occurred about 40 years ago. Tuesday, Aloysius Winthrop James, 57, was arrested at his Gainesville residence.
James was recently identified by the authorities as the suspect in the 1988 killing of a woman in California. The Santa Maria police started looking into the death of 30-year-old Ofelia Sandoval on September 18, 1988.
Despite Sandoval’s death at the Town Center Motel, no one was ever taken into custody in relation to the incident. According to the police, James lived in Santa Maria when Sandoval passed away.
Together with the Gainesville Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI Task Force – Gainesville office, an arrest warrant was served at James’ residence on Tuesday.
James is being held without bond at the Hall County Jail. He will return to California as an extradite to answer to the murder charge.
Authorities think James may be connected to further crimes and victims.
Detective Nate Craven of the Santa Maria Police Department can be reached at [email protected] or 805-928-3781, ext. 1610.
