2 brothers arrested weeks after body found in Phoenix Canal

PHOENIX – Detectives have arrested two brothers in connection with a murder in west Phoenix last month, authorities said Saturday.

The investigation that led to the two arrests began after a body was found in a burning vehicle in a canal.

Jose Lomeli, 40, was arrested and charged with premeditated murder. His brother, 35-year-old Roberto Lomeli, was arrested and charged with similar crimes, according to police.

The investigation began on April 1, when officers were called to the area near 55th Avenue and Osborn Road before 7 a.m. on reports of arson.

Phoenix Fire Department personnel extinguished the fire before the car – along with the body inside, later determined to be 26-year-old Jose De Jesus Loeza – was recovered from the canal.

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