The Merced County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a Ceres man in connection with the death of a woman whose remains were found in the Delta-Mendota Canal in Santa Nella.

Carlos Fred Romo, 51, was arrested on March 30 by Merced County Sheriff’s deputies for the murder of Sonia Thomas, 37, of Ceres. Romo was booked into the Merced County Jail on a single charge of homicide.

Thomas’ body was found in the canal on Feb. 24. Investigators believe she was put in the water on Feb. 18.

Thomas and Romo were in a relationship and lived together in a Ceres home. Authorities suspect Thomas was beaten severely by Romo before she was put into the canal.

Authorities served a search warrant at the residence and collected evidence.

Romo remains in custody in lieu of a $1 million bail.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Danny Ramirez at (209) 385-7472.