Parents who allegedly hid human remains in home last adopted in 2016

PHOENIX — The parents accused of hiding the remains of a child in their Phoenix home for more than two years most recently adopted in 2016, authorities said.

Rafael and Maribel Loera’s last adoption was finalized the year before an 11-year-old adopted female allegedly died while in the care of the Loeras, Arizona Department of Child Safety spokesman Darren DaRonco said Thursday in an email.

Rafael Loera told detectives that the couple kept the body of the girl in the attic of their home near 59th Avenue and Camelback Road since July 2017 before remains were found on Jan. 28, according to court documents.

The child, who hadn’t been seen or heard since 2017, allegedly came down with an illness and was sick for several days before she died as Rafael Loera was taking her to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, according to court documents.

The remains found in the home have not yet been identified, according to DaRonco.

DaRonco said the agency can’t release specific information on a child’s death unless it was a result of abuse or neglect by a parent, guardian or caregiver.

“At this time, the criteria to release DCS information in this case has not been met,” DaRonco said.

Officers had first responded to the home on Jan. 20 after an 11-year-old girl called to say she was home alone.

The officers found evidence of child abuse and took the girl, the only child at the residence that day, into custody, Sgt. Maggie Cox with the Phoenix Police Department said.

DaRonco said the agency learned that more children lived in the home after removing the girl. The department obtained a court order to remove a 4-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy.

Rafael Loera, 56, was arrested on charges of child abuse, arson, endangerment and concealment of human body parts, according to the city.

During his initial court appearance, prosecutor Sarah Corcoran said Rafael Loera confessed to setting their house on fire in an effort to end his life and burn it down.

Maribel Loera, 50, was also arrested and charged with child abuse.

Bail was set at $200,000 cash for Maribel Loera. Prosecutors had requested $350,000.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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