A missing Phoenix mother, Irene Luevano, has been found dead, according to the Phoenix Police Department. Homicide investigators have identified her boyfriend, Jorge Quintero Lara, as the primary suspect in her murder.
Lara has been in the Maricopa County Jail on forgery charges unrelated to her disappearance and has been in jail for the last several days.
Earlier today, January 20, Phoenix police investigators located the remains of Ms. Luevano in a remote area of La Paz County off Hovatter Road and the I-10 freeway. There was obvious trauma to her body.
“This is not the result anyone was hoping for,” said Phoenix Police Sergeant Vincent Cole in a press release. “The Phoenix Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Ms. Luevano’s family, loved ones and friends. We also thank the community for the support shown to the family and the police department over the past few days.”
Sergeant Cole says the focus will now be on continuing the investigation to “ensure a successful prosecution of Lara and anyone else who may have been involved.”
According to the Phoenix Police Department, on January 16, 2022, Ms. Luevano was reported missing by family members. There was significant concern for her welfare because there was an indication she was injured and needed medical attention. As a result, the Phoenix Police Department dedicated considerable resources to locate her as quickly as possible.