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Md. Man Charged In D.C. Yoga Teacher's Murder

WASHINGTON (AP/WJZ) — D.C. police arrested a suspect connected to the death of a Washington woman missing since Christmas.

Monday police arrested and charged 29-year-old Adrian Duane Johnson of Upper Marlboro with theft and assault and then first degree murder when Tricia McCauley's body was found Tuesday.

"We know that this is going to be excruciatingly painful for the family and friends," said Peter Newsham of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington.

Newsham says the suspect was linked to McCauley's car after a theft at a CVS in which employees were assaulted on Monday.

McCauley was last seen alive on Sunday afternoon. Media outlets report that the yoga teacher missed a Christmas dinner with friends on Sunday and then missed a flight to visit family on Monday.

"Thinking that somebody could have harmed her is awful," said one friend.

Eventually, Johnson's strange behavior, behind the wheel of McCauley's car prompted a man to call 911.

"He's like, 'hello, sir. How are you?' and it was just really edgy and he seemed just kind of off or aggressive. Or out of it or something," said the 911 caller.

Officers say McCauley was strangled, beaten and was found in the trunk when police arrived.

"We do not believe at this time that the suspect knew the victim. But we don't have that specific information at this time," said Newsham.

McCauley's brother, who was devastated, posted online:

"To all of her dc family, I know she truly thought of you that way, thank you for being there for her all these years."

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(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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