Man Arrested in Case of Burned Body Found in Trunk
Shaun Ryals, 20
By Officer Tasia Martinez
Homicide detectives have arrested Shaun Ryals, 20, in connection to the homicide that occurred in March at 1900 Atrisco NW.
The investigation launched on March 19th when a badly burned body was found in the trunk of a burning car behind the Wal-Mart near Coors Blvd. and Interstate 40.
Thorough investigation was conducted by Homicide Detectives who were able to determine a connection between the burned body and Shaun Ryals. With the assistance of the APD Repeat Offender Unit, Ryals was arrested on Wednesday on charges including an Open Count of Murder, Aggravated Arson, and Tampering with Evidence.
The victim has been positively identified as Guadalupe Morales, 19. Ryals stated that he and Morales were in an argument that turned deadly. The Office of the Medical Investigator told detectives that Morales’ body sustained more that 20 stab wounds and a forensic investigation indicates that the stabbing took place in Ryal’s home. Detectives say that following the stabbing, Ryals put Morales’ body into the trunk of a car that Morales had previously stolen, drove the vehicle behind the Wal-Mart and lit her body on fire.
Ryals is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center on a $100,000 cash only bond.
