Image
© courtesy, California DMVSevera Madrona
A two-time ex-convict pleaded guilty Tuesday to sexually assaulting and fatally beating a 76-year-old great-grandmother in Gardena.

Thedward Candler, 28, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced Oct. 4 in Torrance Superior Court.

Candler pleaded guilty to murdering Severa Madrona on Sept. 18, 2007. He also admitted the special circumstances of murder during rape, sodomy and kidnapping.

Madrona, a grandmother of 29 and great-grandmother of four, was targeted while out for her customary morning walk, prosecutors said.

Her body was dumped in the backyard of a home at 152nd Street and Eriel Avenue, a few blocks from where Candler's parents live, according to sheriff's investigators.

Deputies said she died of a blunt force head wound after she had been sexually assaulted and beaten.

Sheriff's officials said Candler was identified through DNA evidence.

Candler has two prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and attempted second-degree robbery, according to the District Attorney's Office.