Search for Missing Man Ends with Recovery Effort
In the early morning hours on November 23rd, YCSO received a report of an abandoned vehicle that had been off South Wagoner Road off Highway 89 near Wilhoit, for 7 days. It was learned that the vehicle belonged to Jeffery McCombs who was reported missing out of Phoenix on 11/15/23. Deputies arrived and found the vehicle unlocked with the keys, wallet and cell phone in the center console.
YCSO deputies began searching the area around the vehicle and the immediate washes, the terrain of which was dense with difficult to navigate vegetation but could find nothing that was helpful in locating Jeffery. It appeared at the time he must have walked off much farther than originally thought and recent weather had covered any track that may have been left.
YCSO called out the drone operator who flew two different drones with no immediate results. He was able to use a software program that allowed him to search for the colors of the last clothing Jeffery was wearing to possibly narrow down a search area. The search continued for the next day and half, and on Tuesday the 25th, further drone missions identified an area of interest that may have shown the location of the victim.
A YCSO Forest Patrol deputy hiked to the location and found the man deceased. Evidence at the scene indicates he took his own life. He was located between two large rock features, and due to the rough terrain, the YCSO Back County Search and Rescue Team was called out to assist with the recovery of Mr. McCombs.
The victim’s family was notified today.
“Through the use of technology, experience and sheer determination, we were able to find Jeffery”, said Sheriff David Rhodes. “Although the final outcome was not what we all hoped for, I am grateful for our YCSO Patrol, Forest Patrol and Search and Rescue team members who worked tirelessly to bring him back and bring resolution to his grieving family.”
Wanted Suspect in Insurance Fraud Scheme Located
On November 21st, Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies received information that 60-year-old Eddie Murdock, the outstanding suspect in the two-county $1.3 million insurance fraud scheme, was found inside a home in the town southeast of Prescott. The other two suspects, Ronald Higgins of Sun City and Dustin Mountain of Cordes Lakes, are currently in custody in connection with the fraud, following a multi-agency investigation.
Deputies arrived on scene knowing that Murdock was in the home and in possession of a firearm. After hours-long attempts to get him to exit the residence, with no response, a shot was heard from inside the home and deputies found the suspect deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
