The remains of a 17-year-old girl who went missing in June have been identified on the property of a man charged with her murder. The cause of death is still pending toxicology reports and a final autopsy. The suspect claims he strangled her in self-defense. NTD reported
A 17-year-old girl who went missing in June has been identified by an Indiana coroner after her body was discovered this week on the property of a man now charged with her murder. The remains, found on suspect Patrick Scott’s land, have been confirmed as those of Valerie Tindall. The Rush County Coroner, Brenda McMahan, stated that the cause and manner of Tindall’s death are still pending toxicology reports and a final autopsy report. The Rush County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences to Tindall’s family and friends in a statement, while also announcing the charges against Scott. Scott, 59, has been charged with murder, obstruction of justice, and false informing. He is currently being held without bond and has been assigned a public defender. Tindall had worked for Scott, who owns a lawn-mowing business, and on June 7, she informed her parents that she was going to work. Scott claimed that he drove her back to his home in Arlington later that day. According to court documents, Scott told investigators that he strangled Tindall with his belt in his bedroom when she tried to blackmail and seduce him. Despite searches, Tindall remained missing until Tuesday when police found a box containing human remains on Scott’s property. Tindall’s mother, Shena Sandefur, revealed that the family trusted Scott, as he was their neighbor and Valerie had a bond with him..