Candice Chanel Bentley, 30

Candice Chanel Bentley, a 30-year-old black woman, was found dead Saturday, Jan. 25, in the 500 block of San Julian Street downtown, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Police responded to a call of a suspicious death about 10 p.m. in a small apartment, said LAPD Det. Brian Putnam. Bentley was dead on the floor and appeared to have been beaten.

Bentley was pronounced dead by paramedics at 10:04 p.m., said Ed Winter, a coroner’s spokesman.

Melvin Deshawn Harrell, a 37-year-old black man who lived at the apartment with Bentley, made the 911 call.

He later told detectives that he had been in a relationship with Bentley for about a year. He admitted to beating her earlier that evening with a wooden slat, Putnam said.

The L.A. County coroner's office is investigating how Bentley died and is conducting further tests, Winter said.

Harrell was charged with one count of murder with the personal use of a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.

Harrell pleaded not guilty Jan. 28 and is being held on $1-million bail.

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Central Division detectives at (213) 972-1203. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz