Updated 3:40 p.m.

Dumpster murder suspect Richard Howard Watkins, 49, of Stockton has been arrested for the murder of Kelly Marelich, a 22-year-old Manteca woman, who was killed in a Moffat Boulevard motel room months ago. Her body was then transported in a grocery cart in the dark of night down South Main Street where she was left in a shopping center dumpster in the 1100 block of South Main Street.

Kelly Marelich was the intense focus of Manteca detectives for several months of intense investigation since she was killed March 15 of last year. Watkins' arraignment is scheduled for  1:30 p.m. in Department 35 of the San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton. Watkins and the murder victim had reportedly been associated together for a period of time, according to police.

Lead Detective Steve Schluer and other detectives voiced their appreciation provided by the public which he said assisted in solving the case.

To contact Glenn Kahl email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3539.