Cecelia Barber Finona.Photo: Cecelia Barber Finona Facebook
Human remains found six months ago in Nevada have been identified as those of an indigenous New Mexico woman and Army veteran who went missing two years ago, and authorities have now charged a former boyfriend with her alleged kidnap and murder.
An argument had unfolded that night between Finona and her boyfriend, Jerry Jay, according to Finona’s mother, who lived with the couple, reportsNBC News. Two days later the mother reported Finona missing after finding her purse and driver’s license still in the home, while her daughter and her daughter’s white Ford truck had vanished along with Jay.
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“Evidence found at the home led Farmington detectives to be very concerned for the safety of Cecelia,” police said.
Court documents described potting soil sprinkled in an apparent effort to hide a blood trail that stretched from the porch to the driveway; police also turned up a single blood-covered eyeglass lens, according to NBC News.
Jerry Jay.Farmington Police Department
The human remains later identified as Cecilia through DNA testing were discovered in Clark County, Nev., last February.
Jay, 59, has been detained in Clark County since his arrest on the credit card charges. The additional charges of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and tampering with evidence were filed against him on Friday.
“Today we have very mixed feelings,” Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said in a statement confirming the DNA findings. “This marks the ending of two years of searching, and we’re deeply saddened at the outcome. We will continue working as we have since the day she disappeared to ensure the person responsible for this is held accountable. We offer our most heartfelt condolences to Cecelia’s family and friends.”
A Facebook group, “Bring CeCe Home,” took note of the DNA confirmation, posting, “With the support, energy, and relentless effort of family, friends and loved ones bringing Cecelia Finona [home] has came true. It has been 2 long years with every emotion spent. We are relieved to bring closure to many and finally lay her to rest.”
source: people.com
