Saline County deputies make arrest in alleged double homicide

SALINE COUNTY, Ark. – Officials with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office said on Thursday that an arrest has been made in the disappearance and death of two Bauxite women.

Officials said Michael Rober Weser (age not given) has been taken into custody without incident. Weser is facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of capital murder, abuse of a corpse, and arson, officials said.

Investigators explained that deputies were called to a fire at the home of Denise Rhodes on July 12. After the fire was put out, deputies were not able to find Rhodes, they said.

Within a few days, a spokesperson said Rhode’s neighbor, Robyn DeSort, was also reported missing by family and friends.

During an investigation, detectives found DeSort’s SUV abandoned on an ATV trail. What followed was a series of phone traces, interviews and financial transactions that placed Weser contacting both women prior to their disappearance, officials said.

Officials added that further investigation tied Weser to the abandoned SUV. On Sept. 7, officials said investigators found human remains near Weser’s home. Using DNA analysis, the remains were confirmed to be the two missing women, leading to Weser’s arrest, officials said.

Saline County Sheriff Rodney Wright said the investigation was “extensive and difficult.”

“I want to personally thank our community, Arkansas Game and Fish, Arkansas Probation and Parole, Arkansas State Police, Benton Police Department, Bryant Police Department, Grant County Search and Rescue, Little Rock Police Department, Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management, Magnolia Police Department (Magnolia, TX), Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas Park Police Department, Salem Fire and Rescue, Saline County OEM, and the many individuals who came forward with information,” Wright said.

Officials said the investigation was ongoing and no further information would be released.