MCSO: Body believed to be that of missing Phoenix-area girl
Dec 30, 2014, 11:56 AM | Updated: 11:56 am
PHOENIX — Authorities believe a body found west of Phoenix is that of a missing Buckeye teenager.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said the body is believed to be that of 15-year-old Leah Costa, who ran away from home with her 17-year-old boyfriend on Christmas Eve.
He was later questioned and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and burglary.
The girl’s body was found near Interstate 10 and 411th Avenue. She had been shot in the head.
On Dec. 27, police found the boyfriend around 7:30 p.m. walking along the I-10 near milepost 78. Police said he was disoriented and had torn clothing, and was unable to tell police where Costa was located.