Man, 75, arrested in connection with missing Utah woman’s death

SANDY, Utah — A Utah man has been arrested in connection with the slaying of a 53-year-old Sandy woman, whose body was found late Sunday along the Jordan River after being reported missing Friday.

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Officials with the Sandy Police Department confirmed Monday that William O’Reilly, of South Jordan was arrested on suspicion of first-degree aggravated murder, first-degree desecration of a corpse and second-degree obstruction of justice, KUTV reported.

According to police, Masako Kenley’s body was found with the assistance of search dogs in a heavily wooded area, nearly 5 miles from the Costco where her abandoned car was located and 4 miles from where she was last seen on video driving, the TV station reported.

Police have determined that O’Reilly knew Kenley, but they have not elaborated publicly on the nature of the relationship, KSL-TV reported.

“Mr. O’Reilly was an acquaintance of Masako, so we do want to put the community at ease that this was not a random abduction or anything of that nature,” Sandy Police Lt. Dean Carriger told the TV station, adding, “There’s no danger to the public at this point. These are two individuals that did know each other.”

Kenley was last seen at about 4 p.m. Friday in Midvale.

In a statement obtained by KSL-TV, Kenley’s husband, Bill Kenley, thanked the more than 700 volunteers and law enforcement personnel who helped search for his wife.

“We are overwhelmed at the number of people who have helped us during this difficult time. Your prayers and support have meant the world to my family and me,” Bill Kenley stated.

“Losing Masako is devastating, but we feel blessed to have had her in our lives for as long as we did. We will never forget your kindness, generosity, and love,” he added.

Authorities have not yet provided the cause of Masako Kenley’s death.

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