GRAND COUNTY, Utah, Jan. 6, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The Grand County Sheriff Department announced Wednesday the skeletal remains located on Dec. 24 have been confirmed to be those of Lance Leeroy Arellano, the suspect in the shooting of park ranger Brody Young.
Young was shot and critically wounded on Nov. 19, 2010 when he approached Arrellano near the Spider Mesa Trailhead, authorities said. Young reportedly told Arrellano he was in a no-camping area, and asked for the man’s name and date of birth. Young was shot several times in the back.
More than 100 public safety officers searched for Arellano for multiple days, but did not find him.
Arellano’s remains were found adjacent to Tangrila Ranch, located inside a cave accessible by a narrow entryway. Items near the remains suggested they were those of the suspect.
Moab resident Caleb Shumway found the remains, according to a news release from the Grand County Sheriff’s Department. Shumway, home on a college break, was searching the area in hopes of finding evidence in the case.
In a news released The Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation said they hope with the Utah Medical Examiner’s positive identification of Arellano’s remains, Brody, his family, and others can continue to move forward and find closure.
“We are also mindful of Arellano’s family and how difficult the last five years have been for them – unaware of the whereabouts of their loved one,” the news release said.
