Jul 24, 2008 4:40 am US/Pacific
Missing Covina Man's Remains Found In Ariz.
COVINA, Calif.
The remains of a missing 51-year-old Covina man were discovered in Maricopa County, Arizona on Sunday. The man's godson, a suspect in his slaying, is being held pending extradition, authorities said today.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's San Dimas Station were sent to a residence in the 5200 block of Calera Avenue near East Arrow Highway in Covina around 7:40 p.m. Sunday regarding the disappearance of Premium Fortenberry, according to Deputy Rick Pedroza of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.
After he had not been seen since last Wednesday, he was reported missing.
Deputies discovered blood in the residence, indicating foul play, Pedroza said, adding that Fortenberry's vehicle was missing.
He said Fortenberry's remains were discovered by Maricopa County sheriff's deputies in Arizona's Canyon Lake area.
The remains were discovered on Sunday, Lt. Paul Becker of the Sheriff's Department Homicide bureau said, adding that he did not know the condition of the body or how it was found.
On Monday, Arizona authorities discovered Fortenberry's vehicle in Casa Grande in the possession of his godson, George Cleggett, 23, Pedroza said, adding that Cleggett was placed under arrest for an outstanding robbery warrant from Louisiana.
Inside Fortenberry's van was a trash can that was also reported missing from Fortenberry's home, Becker told the Tribune.
Cleggett, who is from Louisiana, is being held in terms of the robbery warrant pending the filing of murder charges by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in connection with Fortenberry's death, Pedroza said.
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