Yuma man arrested in connection to missing teen’s murder

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) said a man has been arrested in connection to a missing teen's murder.

Back in June of this year, YCSO received reports of a body found in the area of Adams Avenue and Tera Lane at around 10:10 a.m.

The victim was identified as a 15-year-old girl from San Luis, Arizona, who was previously reported missing, YCSO said.

During the early stages of the investigation, YCSO identified a 53-year-old man from Yuma as a person of interest.

16 days after the body was found, the man was arrested on drug charges.

After an extensive investigation and collecting evidence, they identified him as the suspect.

The man was arrested before 10 a.m. Thursday, in the area of S. Avenue 12E and W. 36th Place, about three miles from where the girl's body was found, YCSO said. The U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Border Patrol helped YCSO in the arrest.

YCSO also said the man was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for first-degree murder, two counts of sexual conduct with a minor, custodial interference and evidence tampering.

The investigation is still ongoing, and YCSO said details regarding the teen's death, and her identity, are "not being released."

If anyone has information regarding the case, call YCSO at 928-783-4427, call 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO's website to submit an anonymous tip.