Authorities in Arizona have made an arrest in connection with the murder of an 18-year-old teenager from Nebraska who went missing during his visit to the state. Anthonie Ruinard, 37, was apprehended by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for the killing of Parker League. League’s body was discovered in Bulldog Canyon, an off-highway vehicle area near Apache Junction. The investigation is ongoing, with officials describing League’s death as a heinous act.
Anthonie Ruinard, 37, has been taken into custody by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Parker League. League’s body was found on June 12 in Bulldog Canyon, an off-highway vehicle area near Apache Junction. The victim, who was visiting Arizona from Nebraska, had been reported missing by his family. Detectives revealed that League had been stabbed multiple times, with his hands and head severed before his body was burned beyond recognition. The authorities swiftly classified the case as a homicide due to the malicious nature of the crime.
League’s family played a crucial role in the investigation by informing the police that his debit and credit cards were still being used in various stores and restaurants across Arizona. Surveillance footage from a club in Phoenix, where League had been earlier that night, and a nearby gas station helped piece together the events leading up to his disappearance. The footage showed Ruinard, who had met League at the club, using the victim’s cards. Court documents revealed that League was dropped off at the club shortly after midnight on June 11, and Ruinard arrived with his girlfriend a couple of hours later. The three individuals left the club together around 3:45 a.m.
The last sighting of Parker League alive was captured on surveillance video at a gas station parking lot around 4:30 a.m., where he and Ruinard were seen entering the store, making a purchase, and leaving together in a Dodge Challenger. Over 12 hours later, Ruinard attempted to use League’s credit cards at Walmart but was unsuccessful. Concerned about their inability to reach League, his family reported him missing on June 14. Deputies investigating Ruinard’s residence discovered approximately 2 pounds of cocaine and other drugs, as well as bloodstains in the Challenger, which belonged to the suspect.
Following the discovery of the evidence, Anthonie Ruinard was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office deputies. He now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of equipment and chemicals for drug production, theft of a credit card, fraudulent use of a credit card, possession of a weapon by a prohibited possessor, and concealing a body. Ruinard’s bond has been set at $2 million.