An Arizona couple allegedly planned to kill a registered sex offender, then measured furniture to hide his body beside a road

Jacob Middlebrook and Layne McIntosh face first-degree homicide charges after investigators determined they planned the death of Arron Christopher Warren in advance. Authorities say the couple, both 35 and 36, respectively, knew the 29-year-old victim for several months before the incident. The pair, who are local transients, allegedly targeted Warren because he was a registered Level 2 sex offender.

As reported by FOX News, the investigation began when a motorist spotted a body on the side of the road in the 3100 block of Silver Creek Road. Detectives arrived at the scene and launched a homicide investigation after noting suspicious circumstances. They soon identified the victim as Warren, who was also a transient in the Bullhead City area. While checking on the case, investigators realized the victim’s vehicle was missing.

A breakthrough occurred when Las Vegas Metro Police found the missing car parked at a casino in Laughlin, Nevada. This discovery led to the arrest of Middlebrook and McIntosh. They were booked into the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas and await extradition to Mohave County, Arizona. Although the pair was initially held on second-degree homicide charges, officials upgraded the count to first-degree homicide.

They wanted to find something big enough to cover the body

According to police reports, the couple had expressed a strong dislike for registered sex offenders. They reportedly pre-determined the exact desert spot where they intended to leave Warren’s body. The pair also reportedly measured furniture and beds to find something large enough to cover the body along the side of the road.

Bullhead City Police Chief Paul George issued a firm statement following the arrest. He emphasized that his department provides information about sex offenders as a public service to keep residents informed. He explained that the police department shares notifications on social media for a broader reach, beyond the standard mailers sent to neighbors living within a 1,000 feet radius of an offender.

Chief George clarified that the goal of these notifications is to provide information rather than create fear or alarm. He stated that he “will not tolerate anyone using this information as a reason to threaten, intimidate, harass or harm another person.” 

He noted that the department takes its responsibility to protect the community and enforce the law seriously. This includes conducting monthly address verification checks to keep track of compliance among registered offenders.