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Man arrested in Colorado blood trail murder case

A man was arrested in the gruesome dragging death of a woman after a stained and tattered photograph of him was found at the crime scene, police said on Wednesday.

Jose Luis Rubi-Nava, 36, was arrested on Tuesday night on suspicion of murder and jailed without bail. Investigators said they were still trying to identify the victim, who was dragged behind a vehicle with a rope, leaving a trail of blood approximately 2km long.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Carl Rusnok said agents believe Rubi-Nava is an illegal immigrant from Mexico.

Authorities did not immediately respond to questions about how the photograph ended up near the woman's body, which was discovered on Monday in a suburban neighborhood approximately 30km south of Denver.

The picture shows a couple who appear to be in their 30s. Investigators did not say whether the woman in the picture was the victim.

The photo had been released to the public, and Sheriff Dave Weaver said that tips received from citizens had lead to the arrest.

Weaver offered no motive for the killing.

At a court appearance on Wednesday afternoon, Rubi-Nava listened through a translator as District Judge Paul King formally told him the charge he faces.

Neighbors discovered the woman's body before dawn. Her face was unrecognizable and an orange tow rope was around her neck, said Nancy Foley, who lives nearby.

An autopsy indicated the woman died of asphyxiation and head injuries from being dragged.
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