Madera police arrest man in killing of homeless woman who was looking for a place to sleep

Madera police arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with the killing of a homeless woman.

Carlos Urias was charged with murder of 41-year-old Joanne Otero and booked late Friday night into the Madera County Department of Corrections.

Madera police said Urias physically assaulted Otero on Monday in the area of 4th Street and G street in Madera. She later died from traumatic injuries to her chest.

Police believe Otero was searching for a place to sleep when Urias attacked her.

Working through Christmas, police used surveillance footage from numerous business owners in the area to help in identifying and locating Urias.

He was spotted by patrol officers walking in the area of Yosemite and B streets.

This story was originally published December 28, 2019 at 4:10 PM.