Hayward Murder Suspect Arrested in Washington

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA —LeMario Thomas, 28, was stopped in Centralia, Washington for attempted automobile burglary. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office reports, "Centralia Police Department units detained Thomas and he advised them he had killed his mother. (Alameda County Sheriff's Office) ACSO investigators went to Washington and interviewed Thomas who made admissions to his role in his mother’s death."

The body of Patricia Carpenter, 50, was found in her home in the 22300 block of Princeton Street in Hayward on Oct. 5. Neighbors had complained about a foul odor coming from the home. Carpenter had been stabbed to death.

Investigators found a knife with suspected blood on the blade and handle in Thomas' room. Based on this as well as other items of evidence recovered from the home an arrest warrant was issued for Thomas.

Thomas remains in Washington awaiting an extradition hearing to California.

If you have any information about this case, call the ACSO investigations bureau at 510 667-3636.

-Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch