Ex-Con Pleads Guilty To Rape, Sodomy, Murder Of Great-Grandmother, 76
TORRANCE (CBS) — A two-time ex-convict pleaded guilty Tuesday to sexually assaulting and fatally beating a 76-year-old great-grandmother in Gardena.
Thedward Candler, 28, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced Oct. 4 in Torrance Superior Court.
Candler pleaded guilty to murdering Severa Madrona on Sept. 18, 2007. He also admitted the special circumstances of murder during rape, sodomy and kidnapping.
Madrona, a grandmother of 29 and great-grandmother of four, was targeted while out for her customary morning walk, prosecutors said.
Her body was dumped in the backyard of a home at 152nd Street and Eriel Avenue, a few blocks from where Candler's parents live, according to sheriff's investigators.
Deputies said she died of a blunt force head wound after she had been sexually assaulted and beaten.
Sheriff's officials said Candler was identified through DNA evidence.
Candler has two prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and attempted second-degree robbery, according to the District Attorney's Office.
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