When Joseph returned on November 14th, Rocio wasn’t there. He found their apartment had broken glass and blood, and their car and TV were gone. The car was found later, 312 miles away, locked and with a missing briefcase and grease stains.

Many suspected Joseph, but he claimed he didn’t kill her. His life fell apart after her disappearance; he lost custody of his daughter and became addicted to heroin.

In 2006, Robert Charles Browne confessed to killing Rocio. He said he strangled her, then disposed of her body. He also admitted stealing her car, TV, and wedding ring. Browne was already in prison for another murder and is considered a possible serial killer. He’s confessed to many other killings, but has only been convicted of Rocio’s and another girl’s murder. Rocio’s body has never been found.

Rocio’s background included time in foster care after being separated from her abusive mother. She married Joseph partly to escape the foster care system. The evidence suggests foul play was involved in her death.