Missing 14-year-old found dead in Moorhead, 1 arrested as homicide investigation continues
Issac Arndt was arrested Tuesday in Fargo, North Dakota in connection to the homicide investigation. Photo Courtesy: Moorhead Police Department
UPDATE 8/21 at 9:18 a.m.: Moorhead Police have identified the victim as 14-year-old Jaelyn Walker, who had been reported as missing Monday evening.
UPDATE 8/20 at 6:22 p.m.: The Moorhead Police Department is asking for the public’s help finding a cell phone connected to Tuesday’s homicide investigation.
Law enforcement is looking for a Galaxy Samsung with an orange case somewhere between 6th Avenue and Elm Street South and the 1700 block of 5th Avenue South in Fargo.
Additionally, Moorhead police are looking to speak with two people who gave Arndt a ride on Monday night. The first ride was from an unknown location to the 1700 block of 5th Avenue South in Fargo, and the second ride was from an unknown location to the Moorhead Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at 701-451-7660.
Police are conducting a homicide investigation after a missing person was found dead in Moorhead early Tuesday morning.
The Moorhead Police Department said at 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, they were searching for missing 14-year-old Jaelyn Walker near the area of 6th Avenue and Elm Street South.
While searching, police said Walker’s body was discovered along the Red River.
Police said they are investigating the death as a suspected homicide.
An autopsy will be conducted by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Moorhead police said the investigation is “still very active” as they continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
In a later update, city officials said that 18-year-old Isaac Arthur Arndt was taken into custody and brought to the Cass County Jail. A complaint for felony homicide charges and extradition back to Clay County will be completed by the Clay County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities also stated that Arndt and Walker knew each other.
Moorhead police are being assisted by multiple agencies, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.