This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
On June 17, 2019, University of Utah student Mackenzie Lueck, 23, vanished after arriving at Salt Lake City International Airport. Her disappearance sparked a massive investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of Ayoola Ajayi, 31, on June 28, 2019.
According to police, investigators tracked Lueck's cell phone and discovered that she and Ajayi were both in Hatch Park, where she was last seen, within a minute of each other. This was around the time Lueck's phone stopped receiving data or location services.
Police found several pictures of Lueck on Ajayi's phone, despite him initially denying knowing what she looked like. The investigation also uncovered a digital footprint, including activity on Lueck's Instagram account, which followed another user on or about June 26, 2019.
Forensic evidence was also discovered after police searched Ajayi's home and property. His neighbors reported seeing him using gasoline to burn something in his backyard on June 17 and 18, 2019. A forensic excavation of the burn area yielded several charred items consistent with Lueck's personal items, as well as charred material determined to be female human tissue consistent with Lueck's DNA profile.
Police said all communications with Lueck's phone ceased around 3 a.m. on June 17, 2019, the same time she left the park with Ajayi. Phone records showed her last communication was with the suspect.
Ashley Fine, Lueck's sorority sister, described her as 'extremely dedicated' and said it was out of character for her to miss exams or not show up to work.
After Ajayi's arrest, police chief Mike Brown contacted Lueck's parents to inform them of the news, saying they were 'devastated and heartbroken'.
