TOOELE — Sheriff's deputies arrested a man for investigation of murder in the death of a West Wendover father whose body was found in the desert earlier this month.
Salvador Conejo-Pedraza, 50, was reported missing on June 20, and Tooele County Sheriff's Office confirmed his remains had been discovered on July 10 near Silver Island Loop Road.
The sheriff's office announced Wednesday that Conejo-Pedraza's death was determined to be the result of a homicide. Detectives identified Geoffry Wells Goldsborough, 48, as the suspect, and he was booked into the Tooele County Jail in connection with Conejo-Pedraza's death.
"It just hurts, you know," said Omar Cornejo, Conejo-Pedraza's son. "I couldn't find him in time."
Conejo-Pedraza's disappearance sparked a widespread search effort involving drones and canine units. His white 1992 Isuzu Rodeo was found abandoned on June 22 on Leppy Pass Road, just north of Wendover. Inside the SUV, deputies discovered a few drops of blood.
"It doesn't feel real. I don't know how to take it. A lot of mixed emotions," Omar Cornejo told KSL-TV last week. "Not like this. He didn't have to go out like this."
Despite the outcome, the Cornejo family expressed deep gratitude for the community's support and created a GoFundMe* to help with funeral expenses.
"I just really appreciate it, appreciate all the support. May God bless them," Omar Cornejo said.
Contributing: Garna Mejia
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
