The case of a missing professor from Arizona State University who went missing in March took a dark turn on Friday when police announced the discovery of his remains at a landfill site, allegedly abandoned by two Louisiana teens.
Junseok Chae, associate dean of research at the ASU School of Engineering, was reported missing on March 25 when he did not return home from work at the university. Authorities began searching a dumpster in Surprise, Arizona, on May 11, but they only discovered his body on July 17 after a week-long manhunt that involved dozens of people working 15-hour shifts and costing hundreds. of thousands of dollars. Police say they also found related evidence at the landfill.
Two teens, Javian Ezell, 19, and Gabrielle Austin, 18, were arrested in Shreveport, Louisiana, after they were allegedly discovered driving the teacher’s car. They face charges of first-degree murder, vehicle theft, and armed robbery.
Police say the two allegedly killed Chae before leaving her body in a dumpster, which was later emptied into the landfill. The motive and means for the alleged murder were not immediately clear, and police have not revealed what relationship, if any, the two teens had with the teacher.
Each is held with a $ 1 million bond after extradition to Arizona.
Chae, who received his university degree in South Korea, had worked at ASU researching and teaching electrical engineering and computer science since 2005. He owned four patents, had published more than 150 academic articles, and authored a book, according to the site. ASU website.
A university spokesman said in a statement: “We are saddened by the loss of ASU community member Junseok Chae. Our deepest condolences to Professor Chae’s family and friends. “
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