Homicide Suspected in Death of Woman Whose Body was Kept in Boyfriend's Apartment

Santa Cruz Police say the medical examiner's report indicates that the 30-year-old woman who was found a week after her death in her boyfriend's apartment, was likely a murder victim.

"The autopsy determined the victim died after sustaining significant physical trauma and not as a result of any natural or accidental cause," said Deputy Chief Steve Clark in a press release.

Neighbors said they had heard what sounded like drunken fighting in the second-floor apartment.  The victim is identified as Heather Stearns, 30, of Santa Cruz. She had a long history of drug and alcohol arrests dating back to 2002.

Neighbors called police after smelling a bad odor coming from the apartment and John Clauer, 63, was arrested as he got out of his car nearby. He has a long history of drug offenses and burglary.