Couple accused of hiding the body of a girl accused of murder

A murder charge has been brought against a couple jailed on charges of child abuse and hiding the skeletal remains of their 13-year-old adopted daughter after she was found 14 months ago at their home in West Phoenix.

The murder charge was added Wednesday (local time) against Maribel Loera, 51, and Rafael Loera, 57, for the death of Ana Loera.

Robert Precht, an attorney for Maribel Loera, and Miranda Stark, an attorney representing Rafael Loera, did not immediately return a call Friday afternoon seeking comment on behalf of their clients.

Rafael Loera previously told police that Ana became ill in July 2017 and waited several days before trying to seek medical attention. Police also say Rafael Loera told them the boy died on the way to hospital and that the death was not reported for fear that the state would take his other adopted children.

The remains were discovered after neighbors reported a fire at the family home. While working on the home’s ventilation, firefighters discovered human remains on the attic insulation.

Rafael Loera told investigators that he extracted gasoline from his truck and set the house on fire because he felt desperate and suicidal, according to court records. A little over a week before the fire, another daughter, an 11-year-old girl, had called the police to report that she had been left alone for two days and that she was hungry and afraid.

The girl, who said Maribel Loera hit her multiple times with knotted extension cords and hit her head against the walls, was taken from the home, but there were no other children there at the time.

Eight days later, Arizona Department of Child Safety investigators removed a 9-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl from the home. Soon after, the fire was reported.