Police have arrested two brothers for the murder of missing California teenager Aranda Briones.
‘A Victim of Homicide’
“Evidence was collected that confirmed Ms. Briones was a victim of homicide and points to these two brothers,” Riverside County Sheriff’s Lt. Chris Durham told reporters at a press conference streamed on the department’s Facebook page.“Early on in the investigation it was learned that Ms. Briones’ was last seen with Owen,” Durham noted.
Owen Shover, the younger of the two brothers, was a high school friend of the missing teenager.
Shortly after, Briones’ phone went dead.
She has not been seen since.
Evidence Points to Murder
Detectives combing through evidence, including security camera footage, determined that Shover’s story contained inconsistencies.“The cameras were reviewed and ultimately it destroyed the timeline he provided,” Durham said, adding that homicide investigators obtained evidence leading them to believe Briones was murdered.
Neighbors cited by ABC7 said investigators found several items last month at the suspects’ home after digging up parts of the property.
“It was like a blanket and a coat,” a neighbor said, “and then they started sitting all these little markers around and digging in other places.”
The evidence led investigators to obtain arrest warrants for the Shover brothers.
Yet Briones’ body has still not been found.
“Sadly, cases like this are hard for everybody,” Durham said. “The community came together in hopes to find Ms. Briones.”
The Search Continues
“This is an active investigation and we are still seeking the public’s assistance in helping us find Aranda,” the Sheriff’s office said in a statement.Members of the missing girl’s family spoke to reporters after the announcement of the Shovers’ arrests.
“Nowadays, you know teenagers want to cover up for a friend, or someone says, I don’t want to tell because I’m scared,” he said.
“But just come forward,” he pleaded. “The only person you’re hurting right now is Aranda.”