Bullhead City police have arrested a couple following the discovery of a man's body in the desert this past weekend. Authorities stated that Jacob Dylan Middlebrook, 35, and Layne Justine McIntosh, 36, were taken into custody on Saturday in connection with the death of Arron Christopher Warren, 29.
Warren, who was experiencing homelessness and registered as a Level 2 sex offender, was found stabbed in a desert area along Silver Creek Road. The location is situated approximately one mile east of Bullhead Parkway. Police indicated that both suspects were also homeless and had been acquainted with Warren for several months prior to his death.
According to law enforcement, the couple harbored a strong dislike for sex offenders. They reportedly selected the specific desert location in advance and planned to leave Warren's body there. Investigators also noted that the pair measured furniture located along the side of the road to determine if it could be used to conceal the body.
Just hours after the body was discovered, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers located Warren's stolen vehicle at a casino in Laughlin, Nevada. The town is situated just across the state line from Arizona. Officers arrested Middlebrook and McIntosh, who were subsequently booked into the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas. They are currently awaiting extradition to Mohave County, where they are expected to face first-degree murder charges upon their return to Arizona.
Bullhead City Police Chief Paul George released a written statement to address the circumstances surrounding the case. He explained that the department shares information about Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders as a public service whenever they move into the area or change their registered addresses.
State law requires that notifications be mailed to residents living within roughly 1,000 feet of an offender's address. The department also posts these updates on social media to reach a wider audience. George emphasized that the primary objective is to provide information rather than to create fear or alarm, believing that an informed community is inherently safer.
The chief clarified that the department does not tolerate the use of this information as a justification to threaten, intimidate, harass, or harm another person. He noted that police have discretion regarding when to release the addresses of Level 1 offenders, who are classified as the lowest risk group. In contrast, state law mandates notifications for Level 2 and Level 3 offenders, who are considered more likely to reoffend.
George also highlighted that the department's Bureau of Criminal Investigations conducts monthly address verification checks. These checks are designed to ensure that registered sex offenders are complying with all registration requirements. He stated that the department takes its responsibilities to protect the community, keep residents informed, and enforce the law very seriously.
The full statement from Chief George reaffirms the department's commitment to transparency and public safety. The case highlights the intersection of community notification practices and the personal dynamics between individuals in the local homeless population.
The investigation continues as the suspects await their transfer back to Arizona to face charges for the fatal stabbing.
