Man charged with murder of 17-year-old after remains found on Arlington property
Nov. 29—ARLINGTON — Patrick Scott, 57, of Arlington, was arrested Tuesday by the Rush County Sheriff's Department on a preliminary charge of murder after law enforcement personnel performed an extensive search of his property.
Scott is believed to be the last person to have seen Valerie Tindall, 17, before she went missing in June.
According to information provided by the Rush County Sheriff's Department, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, the RCSD, assisted by Rushville Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, discovered human remains while executing search warrants associated with Tindall's disappearance.
Tindall was reported missing by family June 8, 2023.
The release states that substantial investigative activity resulted in the discovery of a body buried at 2366 N. Oak St., Arlington. The property belongs to Scott, who was identified early in the investigation as a person of interest.
The Rush County Coroner was dispatched to the scene to begin the process of positively identifying the remains and determining the cause and manner of death.
Following the discovery of the body, Scott was arrested without incident on a preliminary charge of murder and booked into the Rush County Jail.
"This is not the outcome we had hoped for," Rush County Sheriff Allan Rice said. "This case is still under investigation to ensure those responsible are successfully prosecuted."
Tuesday was not the first time law enforcement personnel have visited Scott's property. The Daily News reported in October that on Oct. 11 a search of a field at a location near Arlington was conducted. The RCSD was assisted at that time by local, state and federal partners. The field included a pond, and the search was conducted with the consent and cooperation of the property owners.
"During the search, a K9 indication was made on the pond located on the property, at which time the Indiana State Police Dive Team conducted a search of the pond," Det. Randy Meek of the Rush County Sheriff's Department said at the time. However, during the search of the pond nothing was discovered related to the missing teen investigation.
Sheriff Rice urges the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation in light of recent developments. The public may contact the RCSD at 765-932-2931.
The sheriff also reminded Daily News readers that all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
