Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA: Joseph Roberts, a former San Francisco Republican official has been arrested and charged with the murder of his 27-year-old fiancee Rachel Elizabeth Imani Buckner.
Investigators made the gruesome discovery after they found human remains wrapped inside a plastic bag. The victim was identified later as Rachel Elizabeth Imani Buckner, reported Newsweek.
The 27-year-old woman who was a recent law graduate had been dismembered, with her head, hands, and feet severed from her body, which is still missing, according to the Alameda Police Department (APD) in California.
Joseph Roberts' DNA was on the 'tape that wrapped' Rachel Elizabeth Imani Buckner's body
As per the probable cause affidavit from local law enforcement, the investigation into Buckner's death took a significant turn when investigators found Roberts' DNA on the duct tape used on the victim's body.
"Joseph's DNA was on the tape that wrapped her body, which meant he was aware she was dead, he was aware she was dismembered, and he took an active role in wrapping her body, concealing it in plastic garbage bags," read the police affidavit obtained by FOX station KTVU.
Joseph Roberts who lived with Buckner for several years never reported her missing
On September 7, Roberts was taken into custody from a Pleasanton apartment in which he reportedly lived with Buckner for several years.
Investigators claimed they found evidence that the horrifying murder took place in the apartment they lived together. Shockingly, Roberts never reported Buckner as missing.
What was Joseph Roberts' motive behind murdering Buckner?
Before the victim was murdered and dismembered, Roberts made his entry into the political sphere while he lived in San Francisco, attending law school at Golden Gate University, the same institution from which Buckner had graduated.
Talking to local news station KRON, Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi stated that the investigation into the chilling case is ongoing and Roberts' motive behind killing Buckner has not yet been determined.
Joshi said, "Since July, APD has worked tirelessly to identify the involved parties and understand the series of events that led to this death."
Further stating, "We appreciate the community's patience and the support from our law enforcement partners who assisted in this investigation."
"The Alameda Police Department remains in contact with the Buckner family and we ask for the community to respect their privacy during this difficult time," read the APD's statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The accused killer who currently remains in Santa Rita County Jail without bail has not entered a plea.
