An Indiana coroner has identified the remains of a 17-year-old girl who went missing in June and whose body was discovered this week on a property owned by a man now charged with her murder. The remains found on Tuesday were positively identified as those of Valerie Tindall, according to Rush County Coroner Brenda McMahan. The cause and manner of Tindall’s death are still pending toxicology reports and a final autopsy report.
The Rush County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that the remains were those of Tindall and also confirmed the charges against suspect Patrick Scott. Scott, 59, has been charged with murder, obstruction of justice, and false informing. He was ordered to be held without bond and a public defender was appointed to represent him during his initial hearing.
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Tindall had been working for Scott, who owns a lawn-mowing business. Court documents reveal that she informed her parents on June 7 that she was going to work. Scott told investigators that he drove Tindall back to his home in Arlington later that day. According to the documents, Scott claimed that he strangled Tindall with his belt in his bedroom when she tried to blackmail and seduce him.
After Tindall was reported missing, searches were conducted to locate her, including one near Scott’s property on October 11. Cadaver-sniffing dogs indicated the smell of decomposition in a nearby pond, but nothing was found. However, on Tuesday, police investigators discovered a large dirt pile and debris on Scott’s property. Upon digging up a rectangular box wrapped in tarp, they found human remains inside.
Tindall’s mother, Shena Sandefur, revealed that the family had trusted Scott, who was their neighbor. Sandefur stated that her daughter and Scott had a bond and were friends. Tindall not only worked for Scott but also spent time with his family, including his granddaughter. Sandefur expressed her devastation and shock at the tragic turn of events.
