A 48-year old man wanted for the murder of an 81-year old Tucson woman in May has been arrested in Santa Monica, California. John Nitzke was taken into custody early on Tuesday, July 1, when police in Santa Monica responded to a trespassing call.

Courtesy of Pima County Sheriff's Department

Nitzke

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department was contacted when it was discovered that a warrant was out for Nitzke’s arrest, and detectives from the Homicide Unit flew to Santa Monica to await authorization of extradition back to Arizona to face charges.

Nitzke is charged with first-degree murder and sexual assault for the death of Dorothy Carras, whose body was found in her home in the 1600 block of West Chimayo Place on May 23. DNA evidence collected at the scene led to the warrant being issued for Nitzke’s arrest.