Arrest: Boyfriend held in lieu of $1 million bail

Eric Allen Earle, a 40-year-old white man, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the death of Karla Brada, Sheriff's homicide Det. Ray Lugo.

Earle was apprehended in Northridge by the U.S. Marshal Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. He is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the inmate reception center in downtown.

Lugo said Earle will be charged with one count of murder.

According to investigators, Earle has a history of domestic violence against women. In August 2011, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting Brada, however she decided to not move forward with the case and authorities were unable to prosecute him.

Lugo said Earle and Brada had been dating for two months before she was killed. At the time of the incident, they were living together, he said.

In a statement sent to the Times, Brada’s mother said about the arrest, “This is a big relief for not only Karla's family, but several other families who have felt threatened by Eric's release since he has a long history of domestic violence against other women. Unfortunately, we did not learn about his history of domestic violence until Karla's death. It is too late for Karla and her family, but we hope putting him away for good will save another family from this tragedy and pain.”

-- Los Angeles Times