2 Californians charged with first-degree murder in Pocatello homicide case

POCATELLO — Two people have been taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder in the death of 87-year-old Arlyne Koehler of Pocatello.

The suspects are Dustin Alfaro, 18, and an unnamed juvenile male. Both are from California. During a news conference Thursday, Pocatello Police Major Roger Schei said officers received evidence Wednesday that led them to Yuba County, California.

Working with the local sheriff’s department on an Idaho warrant, the man and juvenile were arrested and booked into jail. They are now awaiting extradition to Idaho, which could take up to several weeks.

Pocatello Police Capt. James McCoy confirmed Alfaro does have a prior felony criminal record but he did not know specifics about his criminal history in California. Authorities did not provide a motive for the alleged killing or any specifics regarding how Koehler was killed. Police did say they were not aware of any connection between the victim and the suspects.

Police say the homicide occurred at Koehler’s home at 1055 McKinley Avenue between 4 p.m. Monday and 2 p.m. Tuesday. Koehler’s body was discovered by a family member at around 7:40 p.m. Tuesday.

Authorities say Koehler lived alone but did have family living nearby.

This story was originally published March 21, 2019 at 1:29 PM.