The Region - News from Jan. 12, 1986

Soviet defector Vladimir Ratchikhine, 44, was arrested by Sheriff’s Department deputies for the second time as a suspect in the death of Ludmila Kondratjeva, 38, who had testified at the trial of former FBI agent Richard W. Miller. Ratchikhine, who is being held without bail, was previously arrested Dec. 31. Deputy Rick Adams said Ratchikhine’s second arrest was prompted by “information obtained throughout the investigation” and the results of an autopsy, which listed the cause of Kondratjeva’s death as drowning. She was found dead Dec. 28 in an overturned car at the surf line of Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu. Adams said police believe her death stemmed from an argument she had had with the suspect, who lived with her since 1981.