01/26/10

LAS VEGAS (AP) _ Authorities say a 37-year-old California man
faces murder and sexual assault charges in the slaying of a woman
at her northwest Las Vegas home.

Court records show that Derrick Valentine of Pasadena, Calif.,
was due to appear before a Las Vegas judge Wednesday following his
arrest Friday in the death of 35-year-old Melodie Walker.

Police say Valentine told homicide detectives that Walker
tripped a burglar alarm trying to escape into the garage during
forced sex.

Police say a security company representative responding to the
alarm found Valentine in the house and summoned police.

Officers say Walker was found unconscious, partially nude, with
neck injuries and blood coming from her mouth and nose.

The Clark County coroner office listed her death as asphyxia by
strangulation.


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