Arizona officials believe a missing Maricopa couple was murdered and have a suspect in custody today, after finding two sets of human remains on his property.
The bodies of a man and woman believed to be that of Michael and Tina Careccia -- 44 and 42 respectively -- were found yesterday just a few blocks from the Careccia residence.
Both Careccias were reported missing by a close relative about a week ago, and their abandoned vehicle found shortly thereafter, roughly a half-mile from their home.
There has been no cell phone, social media or banking activity by the missing Maricopa couple since they disappeared on the 22d of June.
Wednesday, following the discovery of a freshly dug grave containing two corpses on nearby land owned by Jose Valenzuela, the 38-year-old was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder.
Police are providing no motive for the double homicide or other details at this time, citing an ongoing investigation.
"Our investigators and staff continue to carefully gather evidence that we believe will prove critical to our investigation and result in a stronger criminal case," the local sheriff informed reporters.
Maricopa is approximately 35 miles south of Phoenix Arizona and the Careccias' next of kin are reportedly in that area.
They have been notified of the discovery of human remains believed now to be that of their missing loved ones, as well as the arrest of the slain couple’s suspected killer.
