Phoenix police have arrested 28-year-old Hector Manuel Sarty-Acevas in connection to the murder of a 15-year-old girl found set on fire early Sunday morning.
Sarty-Acevas told police he took two girls, ages 17 and 15, home from a party on Saturday night. He was reportedly living with the family of the 17-year-old and was a family friend.
Fifteen-year-old Niza Ventura Valenzuela's body was found in the backyard of a vacant home near Thomas Road and 51st Avenue. Char marks are still left behind where her body was lit on fire.
A neighbor directly behind the home called 911 when he spotted at fire at 3 a.m. The man said he knew immediately that it was a human on fire. He was about to jump the fence but realized the person was dead.
Family of the victim confirm to ABC15 Valenzuela goes to high school in the west Valley.
A judge posted bond for Acevas at $375,000. But he is being held on a federal immigration hold. He's expected back in court next week.
