GLENDALE, AZ — Police in Glendale say a first meeting arranged through social media turned deadly, ending with 21-year-old Arianna Bailey Jones found in what investigators described as a shallow grave in the desert north of the Phoenix metro area.
Authorities arrested 24-year-old Domonic Rodolico on Monday and charged him with first-degree premeditated murder. Detectives say physical evidence, video and cellphone data helped them build probable cause in a case they say unfolded over just four days.
How investigators say the date unfolded
According to police, Jones and Rodolico had been talking online before deciding to meet in person. Investigators believe the pair went to a movie together before driving to a remote desert area, where authorities say the killing took place.
Police said a concession cup from the theater was later recovered at the burial site, helping link the remote scene to the couple’s date. Detectives also said Rodolico had traveled to that secluded area on previous occasions, though they have not said whether the killing was planned.
What Rodolico told detectives
Police say Rodolico denied killing Jones and claimed two men suddenly appeared in the desert and attacked both of them. Glendale police Public Information Officer Jose Santiago said the suspect told investigators he escaped while Jones stayed behind…