GLENDALE, AZ — Charges are being filed against a Luke Air Force Base airman who has been arrested in connection with the murder of a missing New Mexico woman.
Tuesday at around 9:20 a.m., Coconino County Sheriff's Office detectives along with New Mexico's San Juan County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Mark Gooch at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale.
Sasha Krause was reported missing in Farmington, New Mexico on January 18, according to SJCSO. Her body was located in February near Sunset Crater in Coconino County.
Lieutenant Brian Tozer with CCSO says detectives discovered that when Krause went missing, Gooch had traveled from Luke AFB, to Farmington. Detectives were able to place Gooch near the location where Krause went missing.
"We are aware of the arrest of a Luke AFB Airman today in relation to the death of Sasha Krause. As this is an ongoing criminal case, we are unable to comment further," said a spokesperson with Luke AFB.
Officials say Gooch will be booked into the MCSO jail.
Gooch is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and theft. The Coconino County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case and will determine if the death penalty will be pursued.
This an ongoing investigation. Stay with ABC15 and abc15.com for updates.
