Authorities Arrest Man Accused Of Raping, Murdering Rancho Cordova Woman Emma Roark

RANCHO CORDOVA (CBS13) — Authorities have made an arrest in connection to the alleged sexual assault and murder of Emma Roark, a Rancho Cordova woman whose body was found along the American River after she had been missing for four days.

The Rancho Cordova Police Department said Mikilo Morgan Rawls, 37, was arrested Friday and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of rape, sodomy and murder.

"This type of evil will not define the city of Rancho Cordova, its citizens, the city government, city leaders and the Rancho Cordova police department. We stand committed to in providing the safe environment for all our residents," said Police Chief Brandon Luke.

Rawls, who authorities say is a transient from the county, is being held without bail.

"The Sheriff's Office is sympathetic to the transient population. We understand that people are experiencing hard times but there is evil amongst them and that's what Mr. Rawls was, said Chief Deputy Jim Barnes. "You can't unsee this, this is as bad as it gets. Now imagine the family has to deal with this."

Rancho Cordova police said detectives from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office made the arrest.

Roark, 20, was reported missing on January 27. Her body was located in a secluded rural area at the American River access point on El Manto Drive.

"This type of violent crime tears at the fabric of community safety," Barnes said. "I am proud of the Sheriff's Office personnel, which includes the Rancho Cordova Police Department, who stood tall to protect our community and brought resolution to this brutal crime. I also want to thank the Sacramento County District Attorney's Crime Lab for their collaboration on this investigation."

CBS13 asked how investigators linked Rawls to the murder. Officials say his DNA, which was uncovered during the investigation, was already in the state's database, taken during a prior arrest. Rawls was previously convicted for burglary, resisting arrest and a felon in possession of ammunition.

"The forensic information that we have is DNA evidence and I'm confident that from the technology and everything we have with the crime lab and the DA's office, we know Mr. Rawls is responsible for this brutal crime," said Barnes.

Rawls is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.