Skeletal remains identified as couple’s adoptive daughter

Report says body shows signs of abuse

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Maricopa County Medical Examiner says the skeletal remains found in a Phoenix couple's home belong to their adoptive daughter. The examiner's report also says the child's body shows signs of abuse.

The report says the remains belong to Anna Loera, the adoptive daughter of Rafael and Maribel Loera. Police arrested the Loeras in late January on arson and child abuse charges.

Investigators say Rafael set fire to the family's house less than an hour after the Department of Child Services (DCS) removed two of their children from the home. DCS had already placed a third child into protective custody.

Police say Rafael Loera set the house on fire to destroy the remains hidden there. They say couple had been hiding the body in their attic for two years.

Officers say the couple claims the girl died from an illness. However, the medical examiner's report says her body shows signs of severe abuse, including several blows to the head. Prosecutors say the girl was also beaten with an extension cord. They say the Loera's surviving children also show signs of abuse.