Suspect in slayings of Maricopa couple indicted for murder
FLORENCE, Ariz. (AP) - A man accused of killing a Maricopa couple and burying their bodies while high on methamphetamine has been indicted on murder charges.
Court records show 38-year-old Jose Ignacio Valenzuela was indicted July 8 on two counts of first-degree murder.
Valenzuela is charged in the slayings of 44-year-old Michael Careccia and his 42-year-old wife, Tina.
The couple was reported missing June 22. Authorities, family and friends spent a week conducting air and ground searches across the desert.
Statements Valenzuela made to Pinal County Sheriff's investigators led them to the discovery of the couple's bodies in a makeshift 6-foot grave on his property.
"Because the Grand Jury returned a true bill for first degree murder charges I plan to review this case for potential capital charges. The Pinal County Attorney's Office vigilantly works to seek justice for the victims in this case, and all of the cases we prosecute," said Pinal County Attorney Lando Voyles.
The Pinal County Attorney's Office says Valenzuela will be arraigned Friday.
It was not immediately known if he had retained an attorney.
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Pinal county atty will consider seeking death penalty in deaths of Maricopa couple. Suspect indicted. #fox10phoenix pic.twitter.com/3KKj1V3eC4