Deputies combed the area known as Saddle Mountain Recreational Area after campers called local police claiming they saw the girl walking in the area days prior. Her body was found yesterday south of I-10 and near 411 Avenue. She had been shot in the head.
Two days prior, on December 27th, the runaway boyfriend had already been found by DPS officers as he was walking along I-10. Officers described his appearance and behavior as disoriented.
Since that time, he has been questioned and ultimately was arrested in the early morning of December 30, by Sheriff’s deputies for 2nd degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary stemming from a December 26th home invasion in Tonopah. As he is a juvenile, his identity is not being released at this time. He was booked into the county juvenile detention facility.
Sheriff Arpaio says, “Given the level of hostility which often occurs during an arrest, I am grateful this 17 year old was taken into custody without incident, that he did not attempt to harm himself or others.”