Woman sentenced to 15 years to life for asphyxiating West Covina housemate

A 38-year-old woman was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison today for asphyxiating her housemate in West Covina nearly a year ago.

Julie Lynn McChristy pleaded no contest last week to second-degree murder for the March 25 slaying of Susan Molina.

One of the victim's daughters discovered the 44-year-old woman's body inside McChristy's closet after Molina had been missing for about three days, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Authorities said the killing was likely the result of a dispute over some food that was being taken by McChristy, who was about to be evicted from the home.

McChristy was arrested on an Amtrak train in Nebraska and returned to Los Angeles County after agreeing to waive extradition.

Her no-contest plea came two days before she was set to go on trial in Pomona Superior Court.