Michael and Tina Careccia. (Facebook)
Michael and Tina Careccia were found buried on a property near their Maricopa, Arizona, home more than 10 days after they were reported missing, the Arizona Republic reports.
A person of interest, 38-year-old Maricopa resident Jose Valenzuela, has been held on suspicion of first-degree murder at the Pinal County Adult Detention Center, according to the jail’s online records.
The couple was fatally shot, the Arizona Republic reports.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Suspect Has Done Work for the Family in the Past & Lived on the Property Where The Bodies Were Buried
Jose Valenzuela. (Pinal County Sheriff’s Office)
Valenzuela has done work for the Careccia family in the past, according to a report by ABC 15.
He lived on the property where the couple was found, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.
2. The Couple Was Reported Missing After They Left for Work & Disappeared
Police at the property where the two bodies were found. (Pinal County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)
The couple was reported missing the evening of June 22. Michael Careccia’s 17-year-old son called police to report that his dad and stepmother had not returned home, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said.
Listen to his 911 call below:
The couple had left for Tina Careccia’s work at a construction company in Chandler, Arizona, at about 5 a.m., and never arrived there. Their car was later found a few blocks from their home, abandoned buried in dirt.
Tina Careccia works as an accountant at the company, while her husband is a pilot on medical leave.
Police began searching for the couple and said that foul play was suspected.
3. Family, Friends & Volunteers Helped Police Search for the Missing Couple
A missing poster created by friends and family. (Facebook)
Friends and family started Facebook page “Help us find Tina and Mike” and organized search parties to help find the missing couple.
The page had more than 13,000 likes on Thursday.
A statement posted on the page after news that the couple had been found dead said, “At this time we want to thank you all for all your efforts and ask to please respect the privacy of the family and friends who are struggling right now.”
4. They Were Married Last Year & Have Children From Previous Relationships
Michael and Tina Careccia. (Facebook)
Michael Careccia, 44, and Tina, 42, married last year and both have children from previous relationships. Michael has two sons and Tina has two sons and a daughter.
5. Police Have Released Few Details About the Case
(Facebook)
Police have not released many details about the case.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on Thursday:
Our search of the property on West Papago Road has led to the recovery of two bodies, a man and women that we believe to be Mike and Tina Careccia. As well, we have one male suspected in custody who lives at the property being searched. Family members of the Careccia’s have just been notified of the recovery and arrest. 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.
