Man arrested on suspicion of murdering woman whose body was found in gutter in Gardena

GARDENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives arrested a 55-year-old man on suspicion of killing a woman whose nude body was found in the gutter in front of his motorhome in an unincorporated area of Gardena.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, on Main Street just south of Rosecrans Avenue, according to a sheriff's department press release. A woman was walking on the sidewalk when she noticed the victim lying face down at about 9:15 p.m. Thursday.

Deputies at first detained the 55-year-old man who lives in the motorhome and determined that the woman had been with the occupant prior to her being discovered by the passerby. Authorities said the suspect admitted to killing the woman and dumping her body in the gutter.

The victim appeared to be between 40 and 50 years old and suffered blunt force trauma to her head and body, authorities said. Her identity and exact cause of death would be determined by the county coroner.

Authorities did not release the man's name, but said he was transported to the Century Sheriff's Station, where he is being held on $2 million bail.

The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities said anyone with more information was urged to call the L.A. County Sheriff's Department's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to be anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.