Arizona suspect accused of killing missing woman, 21, blamed phantom attackers during horror first date

A first date arranged through social media ended in a shallow desert grave, Arizona police say, and the man accused of killing 21-year-old Arianna Bailey Jones allegedly blamed two phantom attackers for her disappearance.Glendale police announced Monday they arrested 24-year-old Dominic Rodolico after investigators discovered what they believe are Jones’ remains in a shallow grave in a secluded desert area north of the Phoenix metropolitan area.Rodolico is facing a first-degree premeditated murder charge, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.In a Facebook post announcing the arrest, Glendale police offered condolences to Jones’ family, writing that officers “were hoping to bring a different type of closure” before announcing Rodolico’s arrest in Jones’ disappearance and murder.According to police, Jones and Rodolico met through social media and had communicated online before deciding to meet in person.Detectives believe the pair went on what appears to have been their first date, first attending a movie together before driving to the remote desert area where investigators say the crime occurred.When questioned by detectives, Rodolico denied killing Jones and instead claimed that two men suddenly appeared in the desert and attacked both of them.“He is saying that the two of them were in this remote area and that two individuals showed up and attacked them,” Glendale Police Department Public Information Officer Jose Santiago said during a news conference.“At some point, he made his escape, and Ms.

Jones stayed behind.”Investigators, however, said physical evidence, surveillance video and digital evidence gathered during the investigation linked Rodolico to the crime.Police said detectives developed sufficient evidence to establish probable cause for Rodolico’s arrest.Authorities also said his account changed repeatedly during interviews.“His story continuously changed,” Santiago said.

“The attack became a little bit more dramatic, less dramati...