Couple accused of concealing girl's body charged with murder

The murder charge was added Wednesday against Maribel Loera (left), 51, and Rafael Loera, 57, in the death of Ana Loera. Photo / AP

A murder charge has been filed against a couple jailed on charges of child abuse and concealing skeletal remains of their adopted 13-year-old daughter after she was found 14 months ago at their west Phoenix home.

The murder charge was added Wednesday (local time) against Maribel Loera, 51, and Rafael Loera, 57, in the death of Ana Loera.

Robert Precht, attorney for Maribel Loera, and Miranda Stark, a lawyer representing Rafael Loera, didn't immediately return a call late Friday afternoon seeking comment on behalf of their clients.

Rafael Loera previously told police that Ana became ill in July 2017 and that he waited several days before trying to seek medical attention. Police also say Rafael Loera told them the child died on the way to the hospital and that the death wasn't reported out of fear their other adopted children would be taken away by the state.

Rafael identified the girl as Ana Loera, also known as Charisma Marquez, who had not been seen or heard from since July 2017. He claims he was on the way to Phoenix Children's Hospital with the sick child when she died. Photo / AP

The remains were discovered after neighbours reported a fire at the family's home. When working on ventilation at the home, firefighters discovered human remains atop attic insulation.

The murder charge was added Wednesday against Maribel Loera (left), 51, and Rafael Loera, 57, in the death of Ana Loera. Photo / AP

Rafael Loera told investigators he siphoned gasoline from his van and set the house on fire because he was feeling hopeless and suicidal, according to court records. A little over a week before the fire, another daughter — an 11-year-old — had called police to report that she had been left alone for two days and was hungry and afraid.

The girl, who said Maribel Loera struck her on multiple occasions with knotted extension cords and slammed her head into walls, was removed from the home, but there were no other children there at the time.

Eight days later, investigators from the Arizona Department of Child Safety removed a 9-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl from the home. Shortly after, the fire was reported.

The remains of Ana Loera, also known as Charisma Marquez, were found in the Phoenix home. Photo / AP