Crime & Safety
Coroner IDs Dead Person Found In RV
A local man surrendered to law enforcement last week in an unreported death in Santa Cruz, police said.
SANTA CRUZ, CA — The Santa Cruz County Coroner identified the person found dead in a recreational vehicle Thursday.
The body of Rachel "Eli" Meisenheimer, 33, of Santa Cruz was found Thursday in a recreational vehicle parked in the 100 block of Front Street.
Beau Joseph Paepke, 30, remained in jail Wednesday morning without the possibility of bail after he surrendered at the Santa Cruz County Jail last week and led officers to Meisenheimer's body, according to Santa Cruz police and jail records.
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Paepke was charged Tuesday with felony counts of murder and using a deadly or dangerous weapon, court records showed. Prosecutors also added an enhancement to the murder charge for committing a serious felony violation. Enhancements can be tacked onto charges to increase a potential punishment.
His arraignment is slated for 10 a.m. Wednesday.
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Meisenheimer and Paepke were unhoused Santa Cruz residents who were in a relationship for about five years, police said. Paepke was initially arrested on suspicion of charges including violating a domestic violence protective order and probation.
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