Brothers charged in murder of missing teen girl

Two California brothers have been arrested in connection with the murder of a teen girl who had been reported missing, KABC-TV reports.

Authorities on Friday charged 18-year-old Owen Skyler Shover on suspicion of murdering 16-year-old Aranda Briones. Shover’s 21-year-old brother, Gary Anthony Shover, is charged with suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

Briones was last seen January 13 near a park in Moreno Valley, just east of Los Angeles.

Her family said the last person she was known to be with was Owen Skyler Shover. Shover reportedly told investigators that Briones was dropped off at the park to meet up with friends and had gotten into a gray, four-door sedan.

But security camera footage told a different story, sheriff’s officials said.

Police arrested the brothers Monday and Briones’ body has yet to be found, according to the Press-Enterprise, which reported that evidence removed from the brothers’ backyard is indicative of homicide.

A motive for the killing has not been disclosed publicly. The brothers had reportedly been high school friends with Briones.

Briones’ father, Landry Briones, said he hoped authorities have made a mistake in determining his daughter was killed.

But if that is in fact what happened, Landry Briones told the newspaper: “Whoever killed my daughter, they are going to have to meet their maker. When you meet God, let’s see if you can stare him in the face.”

Both brothers made court appearances on Friday and have been appointed a public defender. They also have been charged with lying in wait and could face the death penalty, according to the Press-Enterprise.

Arraignment has been scheduled for March 1 and both defendants are being held without bail.