Idaho man suspected of fatally beating ex-girlfriend

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Authorities have arrested and charged an Idaho man with murder involving torture in the slaying of his ex-girlfriend.

David L. Randall, 56, of Boise was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 56-year-old Darla Fletcher, prosecutors said.

Fletcher broke up with Randall a month earlier, but went to his home in northwest Boise to recover some possessions she left behind, prosecutor John Dinger said.

Family members of Fletcher raised concerns when she missed a planned holiday party and failed to show up for work, prosecutors said.

Fletcher's son went to the home Monday and confronted Randall about his mother's whereabouts when he found his mother covered in blood in the home, authorities said.

"When officers arrived, they noticed the blood smeared all over the floor appeared to be dry," Dinger said. "They found items that were used to murder her."

Authorities have said Fletcher was stabbed and hi! t in the head and face with a ceramic object, prosecutors said.

Randall was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree murder involving torture, authorities said. He faces up to life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.

Randall's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. He has not yet entered a plea.

Randall was being held without bond at Ada County Jail and is due to appear in court again Dec. 30 for a preliminary hearing, prosecutors said.