Missing Woman Found Dead and Buried in Arizona Desert

July 15, 2026 Clara Wilson

The body of a 21-year-old Arizona woman who disappeared after going on a first date has been found buried in a remote desert area, and a man has been arrested on a first-degree murder charge.

Body Found in Desert Near Lake Pleasant

According to investigators, the body of Ariana Jones was discovered on July 11, 2026, in a shallow grave near Lake Pleasant Parkway and Old Carefree Highway in Arizona.

Jones, a young mother from Glendale, was last seen on July 5 after meeting a man she had connected with on social media. The pair reportedly went to a movie theater before she disappeared, and her family never heard from her again.

Using surveillance footage, cellphone data, and vehicle tracking, investigators traced their movements from the theater to the remote desert location where cadaver dogs later located the burial site.

Crime scene investigators recovered several items near the grave, including movie theater cups matching surveillance footage, bags of concrete mix, latex gloves, and a hair accessory believed to belong to Jones.

Suspect Charged With First-Degree Murder

Police arrested 24-year-old Domonic Scot-Glen Rodolico of Peoria in connection with the case.

Investigators allege the killing was premeditated. According to authorities, cellphone records show Rodolico visited the burial site three times earlier on the day of the date. Detectives also say he purchased supplies that were later linked to the burial.

Rodolico told investigators that he and Jones had been attacked by two unknown men who fatally stabbed her. However, police said the physical evidence does not support that account. Investigators also noted that he never called 911 and was later seen on surveillance video attempting to clean the back of his vehicle.