COSTA MESA, CA – The tragic discovery of a young woman’s body in a trash can behind a friend’s home has left a community in shock and a family in mourning. Julie Sunny, 30, was found dead last week, and authorities have arrested David Aldridge of Costa Mesa, charging him with her murder.
Julie’s family remembers her as a bright and loving individual. “She was a sweetheart, that’s what everyone says,” her mother shared, reflecting on the vibrant life of her daughter. Julie, a Laguna Hills native, was a University of California, Berkeley graduate who spent her career in the corporate sector, working for grocery store chains. Her passion for music and love for dogs were well-known among her friends and family.
The family’s grief is compounded by confusion over the circumstances of her death. Julie’s brother, Ian, expressed disbelief that someone would want to harm her. “She was beautiful inside and out,” he said, recalling their shared moments, like attending a concert together just weeks ago.
The family reported Julie missing after she failed to attend a planned outing with friends. Her absence was alarming, as she was known for her reliability. Attempts to contact her were futile, and they had never heard of Aldridge until the police informed them of his involvement.
Costa Mesa police tracked Julie’s vehicle using a license plate reader, which last detected her car on 19th Street. The family’s search in that area yielded no results, but their worst fears were confirmed when they learned through news reports that a woman’s body had been discovered nearby.
A gardener found Julie’s body in a trash can on Maple Avenue, a short distance from where her car was last seen. Aldridge was subsequently apprehended at a relative’s home in Glendale, facing charges of murder.
Julie’s family is now left grappling with the loss and seeking justice. They hope that the legal system will take appropriate action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The motive for the crime remains unclear, leaving the family with unanswered questions.
Their grief reached a poignant moment when the coroner arrived at their home in the early morning hours to deliver the devastating news. As they await further developments, the family is determined to honor Julie’s memory and find some semblance of closure.