Severa Madrona, 76 [Updated]

Severa Madrona, a 76-year-old Filipina woman, was beaten to death at Eriel Avenue and 152nd Place in Gardena between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, while taking her daily walk. 

A suspect was seen fleeing. Police, who were called to the scene of a possible battery victim, found Madrona. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are looking for a suspect who matches the sketch at right.

Witnesses said he was seen in the area just after the beating.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff's homicide Sgt. Chris Brackpool at (323) 890-5500.

[Update Jan. 4, 2011: Sheriff deputies arrested Thedward Candler, a 27-year-old black man, more than a month after Madrona was killed.

He was charged with murder involving special circumstances. The felony complaint alleges that Madrona's killing took place during the commission of other felonies: rape, sodomy and kidnapping.

According to an official from the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, Candler is scheduled to begin his trial Jan. 14 at Torrance Superior Court.

If convicted, Candler could be sentenced to death or  face life without the possibility of parole.]

[Update August 16, 2011: Man pleads guilty to killing woman on her morning walk]

-- Sarah Ardalani