The incident unfolded Tuesday afternoon at the suspect's home on Maple Avenue, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department. That's where the victim, identified as Julie Anne Sanetra, of Irvine, was found in a trash can in the backyard of the home.
The woman's boyfriend, Daniel Allen Aldrich, 49, was arrested on suspicion of murder several hours later at a family member's home in Glendale.
Man arrested for allegedly killing woman in Costa Mesa
Additional details about the woman's death and what led up to it were not available.
An investigation is ongoing. The case now goes to the Orange County District Attorney to consider charges against Aldrich.