Just before 9:30 AM Thursday morning, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to an apparent homicide involving a female victim in her 40s found lying outside a residential trailer in the 3300 block of E. Beaver Creek Road, Rimrock.
YCSO has identified the victim as 35-year-old Ma “Cecilia” Nava Pila.
EMS personnel were already on scene and confirmed the death and trauma to Nava’s body resulting from some type of assault.
Deputies secured the scene and YCSO detectives recently arrived to investigate. Further information as soon as it becomes available.
Late Thursday, afternoon, detectives have identified the victim’s husband, 43-year-old Manuel E. Lopez Moncada, as a person of interest in this case. Detectives would like Lopez to call them to determine if he has any information that would provide clues regarding his wife’s death. Anyone who may know the whereabouts of Lopez or have information regarding this incident is also urged to call.
Callers may contact Yavapai Silent Witness at 1 (800) 932-3232 and remain anonymous. Persons can also call YCSO Detective Karl Waak with information at (928) 567-7710. Refer to case number 15-010918.
Lopez is a male Hispanic, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He is known to drive a white Buick Century 4 door sedan, license AVE0583. This vehicle has not been located. Clothing description is unknown. Detectives do not have specific knowledge Lopez is in possession of a firearm, but all due caution should be exercised if he is seen.
The victim’s cause of death is under review – preliminary indications are that a firearm was NOT used.
Contact YCSO with information or questions at (928) 771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov
