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News Release - Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

Gardena man sentenced in sexual assault, murder of elderly woman

TORRANCE – A 28-year-old convicted felon was sentenced today to life in prison without parole for the 2007 sexual assault and beating death of an elderly woman.

Thedward Candler pleaded guilty to the special circumstance murder of Severa Madrona, 76. The defendant admitted special circumstance allegations of murder during rape, sodomy and kidnapping.

Torrance Superior Court Judge James Brandlin, who took the Candler’s plea on Aug. 16, today imposed the defendant’s sentence.

On Sept. 18, 2007, the victim was out for a morning walk in the El Camino Village area – an unincorporated part of Los Angeles County, near Gardena – when Candler attacked her.

Madrona’s body was discovered within an hour of the attack in the backyard of a home at 152nd Street and Eriel Avenue. The victim died as a result of a blunt force head wound.

Candler of Gardena had two prior felony convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and attempted second-degree robbery.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responded to and investigated the crime.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Belle Chen of the Elder Abuse Section.


News Release - Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

sdm
Shiara Dávila-Morales
Media Relations Division
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
(213) 974-6724
(213) 974-3528
http://da.lacounty.gov


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