Another arrest made in killing of Salt Lake woman

SALT LAKE CITY — Police have arrested a third person in connection with the homicide of a 19-year-old woman and continued Friday to look for a fourth.

More details about the increasingly complex investigation are outlined in newly released jail documents that help detail a timeline of the bizarre case.

Marchae Cordova, 20, was booked Thursday night into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of obstruction of justice. Investigators say Cordova intentionally lied to them about an alleged killer hiding in her apartment.

On Monday, the body of Stephanie Williams was found in her home, 766 W. 300 North, by her mother.

Detectives received information that the man who allegedly shot her was hiding in an apartment at 475 E. 600 South, according to jail records. When police arrived at the apartment, Cordova told them initially that no one else was home, and she later said her uncle was in a back bedroom, jail records stated.

Investigators found 31-year-old Delfino Arriaga Luna hiding in a closet. A loaded handgun was on a nearby bed, and a loaded magazine was on the floor, jail records state.

Luna was arrested for investigation of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm by a restricted person.

A witness later told police that Cordova was overheard bragging about how she fooled police and how she knew Luna was hiding in the apartment with a loaded gun, according to jail records.

"Another witness reported that Cordova told her that she intentionally told police misleading information" in an effort to hide Luna, jail documents stated.

Cordova's arrest came less than 24 hours after homicide detectives arrested 35-year-old Gabriela G. Flores for investigation of the same case.

According to jail documents, Luna sold the gun he used to shoot Williams to Flores for $300. She then resold the weapon to another man for $320.

Investigators were able to track down the man and recover the weapon. When interviewed by detectives, Flores gave false statements about receiving the weapon and what she knew about Luna, jail records stated.

Flores was arrested as she tried to enter the apartment where Luna was hiding and where Cordova was located. Flores later admitted she knew Luna was hiding inside and that he was armed, according to jail documents.

Williams may have been killed over a debt, jail records suggested.