GAINESVILLE, Ga. — A Gainesville man was arrested on April 16 and charged in an over 35-year-old cold case murder, where a woman was killed in Santa Maria, California, police said.
Aloysius James, a 57-year-old man living in Gainesville, Georgia, was taken into custody and charged with murder and is being held without bond in the Hall County Jail. Santa Maria Police detectives are working on an extradition process to bring James back to California.
The case stems from September 18, 1988, when 30-year-old Ofelia Sandoval was allegedly killed at a motel in Santa Maria. Police did not specify how she died.
Police took over the investigation at the time but the case grew cold, although it still remained open. Detectives continued to work the case over the last several years, which recently produced evidence that led to an arrest warrant for James' alleged involvement. Police said James was a Santa Maria resident at the time.
Santa Maria Police worked with the Gainesville Police Department, Hall County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team and the FBI Task Force in Gainesville to execute a search warrant at James' home on April 16.
Detectives said they also believe that James is connected to more unreported crimes, such as sexual assault, domestic abuse and other crimes. Police believe there are additional victims who are hesitant to come forward about reporting the crime due to the sensitive subject. Police said advocates will be able to assist throughout the process of coming forward to report more crimes.
If you have any additional information regarding James’ involvement in this or any other violent or sexual crimes, contact the Santa Maria Police Department Detective Nate Craven at (805) 928-3781.
