Ryoichi Fuseya, 25, appeared Friday in Santa Clara County Superior Court on one count of murder with a weapon enhancement for allegedly using a knife in the killing. Fuseya is a Japanese national, sheriff's officials said.
The body of Yuiko Takaoka was found around 4 p.m. Tuesday in San Jose.
Court documents show that when deputies arrived at the home, they spoke with the owner, who told them he rented out the back cottage to Fuseya and Takoaka. Deputies said they found Takaoka "covered under some blankets on a bed with a large amount of dried blood and major trauma under her chin," the Mercury News of San Jose reported.
Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Leslie wrote in a report that Takaoka's Toyota Prius was missing from the home and was eventually found at the home of Fuseya's mother. A detective's statement does not include a motive for the killing.
Attorney Geoff Rawlings, who is representing Fuseya, declined to comment on the charges Friday.
Fuseya was arrested Wednesday after less than an hour of questioning and has been in custody since.
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