Pair of brothers arrested weeks after a dead body was found in Phoenix canal

PHOENIX — Detectives arrested a pair of brothers in connection to a homicide last month in west Phoenix, authorities said Saturday.

The investigation that resulted in the two arrests began after a dead body was found in a vehicle that was on fire in a canal.

Jose Lomeli, 40, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. His brother, 35-year-old Roberto Lomeli, was arrested and charged with related felony crimes, according to police.

The investigation began on April 1 as officers were called to the area near 55th Avenue and Osborn Road before 7 a.m. for reports of arson.

Phoenix Fire personnel put out the fire before the car — along with the dead body later identified as 26-year-old Jose De Jesus Loeza inside — was removed from the canal.

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