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Santa Ana Man, 32, Accused Of 2004 Murder, Sexual Assault Of Reno Preschool Teacher

RENO (AP) — A 32-year-old Southern California man has been arrested in the 2004 strangulation and sexual assault of a Reno preschool teacher in her home.

Police said at a news conference Friday that Francisco Merino-Ojeda of Santa Ana was extradited and booked into jail in Reno on Wednesday in the death of Kyla Annan, 28.

Merino-Ojeda, a landscaper, is accused of killing her 10 days after breaking into her home and being scared off by her boyfriend. She was found dead on her bed Sept. 23, 2004.

Reno police Lt. William Rulla says a major break in the case occurred in January when investigators received a tip about the killer and subsequent DNA testing linked the suspect to evidence at the murder scene.

Merino-Ojeda was arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual assault.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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