Joseph Dorsey / Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Joseph David Dorsey, 28, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon by Mexican law enforcement near Rosarito, Mexico, Riverside County District Attorney spokesman John Hall said.
Dorsey was wanted in connection with the death of Christine Stewart, 47, who worked as a behavioral health specialist at a drug rehabilitation facility in Hemet, Hall said. Authorities said the two were dating.
Stewart was reported missing from her Canyon Lake apartment Aug. 6. Her body was found two days later at the Best Western Country Inn on Poway Road.
Dorsey had checked into the hotel but did not check out leaving property, including a large, rolling suitcase, behind, Hall said.
The luggage was 3 feet long and 18 inches wide and deep. Stewart’s 5 feet 2 inch body was found stuffed inside.
Investigators said evidence found in Dorsey’s apartment led them to believe that Stewart was killed in Riverside County, Hall said.
Dorsey, who is on parole for attempted burglary, has a criminal record that includes assault with a deadly weapon and battery on a peace officer.
He has been charged with one count of murder as well as allegations of a strike prior and two prison priors, Hall said.
Dorsey is being processed for extradition back to the U.S. where he will be booked and prosecuted, the spokesman said.