Joseph Ryan Vigil was indicted by a grand jury on murder charges in connection with the 2023 disappearance of a Scottsdale woman.
Vigil, 41, was indicted on one count of first-degree murder in the disappearance of Erin Weber, Scottsdale police said in an Aug. 7 news release.
Erin was reported missing in January 2023 after her family became concerned when they could not contact her. And police say she is still missing. After more than three years of exhaustive investigative efforts, Weber still has not been found, police said in the release.
In an email from 2023, Scottsdale police had sought the public's help for any information that could help them find the then 45-year-old Weber.
"Ms. Weber has been out of contact with her family, which is unusual
for her," the 2023 email said.
Over the course of the investigation, detectives served multiple search warrants, processed extensive forensic evidence and conducted numerous interviews, according to police. They also reviewed digital evidence and worked alongside forensic specialists to analyze physical and biological evidence.
The results of that investigation were presented to a grand jury, which returned an indictment charging Vigil. In addition to murder, other charges include abandoning/concealing a body, first-degree burglary and crimes against a body, according to court documents.
The Weber family released a brief statement and requested privacy.
“Erin was our sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and a loyal friend, and she was deeply loved. Together, we grieve her loss. We choose to remember not how she left us, but rather all that she was, and everything she still might have been. We ask the press and public for privacy to mourn her. We have no further comment at this time,” as stated in the release.
Vigil has made his initial appearance in Maricopa County Superior Court, and his next appearance is scheduled Sept. 21. He is being held in a Maricopa County jail on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records
In the release, Scottsdale Police extended its sincere condolences to Erin’s family and loved ones.
"While this indictment represents a significant milestone in the investigation, Erin’s disappearance continues to weigh heavily on her family, who have endured more than three years without answers. We remain committed to seeking justice on Erin’s behalf."
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suspect to face murder charges in 2023 disappearance of Scottsdale woman
