Patrick Scott Charged with Murder After Human Remains Found on Property of Missing Indiana Teen, Valerie Tindall

Accident – Death – Obituary News : ARLINGTON, Ind. — A 59-year-old man from Arlington, Indiana, identified as Patrick Scott, has been charged with murder after human remains were discovered buried on his property. The remains are believed to belong to a 17-year-old girl who went missing in June. Scott appeared in Rush County Circuit Court for an initial hearing, where he was also charged with obstruction of justice and false informing.

During the hearing, Scott was ordered to be held without bond. A public defender was assigned to represent him, although the Rush County Public Defender’s office declined to comment on the case. The arrest comes after months of investigation into the disappearance of Valerie Tindall, who informed her parents on June 7 that she was going to work. Tindall was employed by Scott, who owned a lawn mowing business. According to court documents, Tindall was last seen with Scott, who drove her back to his home that afternoon.

Arlington, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Indianapolis, has been gripped by the mystery surrounding Tindall’s disappearance. On October 11, cadaver-sniffing dogs detected the scent of decomposition near Scott’s property, specifically in a pond. However, a subsequent search failed to yield any evidence. One of the dog handlers informed the police that water can retain odors, suggesting that the smell may have come from runoff into the pond.

On Tuesday, the investigation took a grim turn when authorities discovered a large dirt pile and debris on Scott’s property. Using shovels, they unearthed a rectangular box wrapped in tarp, which was found to contain human remains. The remains included fingernails that were painted with orange polish, coinciding with a photo posted on social media on June 7 of Tindall with orange-colored nails.

While the Rush County Coroner has yet to officially identify the remains as those of Tindall, Sheriff Allan Rice expressed his belief that they likely belong to her. Rice acknowledged that the discovery was not the outcome they had hoped for, but he assured the public that the case is far from over and justice will be sought.

Scott’s arrest shed light on a shocking confession he made to investigators. According to court documents, he claimed to have strangled Tindall with his belt in the bedroom of his home. Scott alleged that Tindall had attempted to blackmail and seduce him, providing a motive for the crime.

The news of Tindall’s disappearance and the subsequent arrest of Scott has left the community in shock. Shena Sandefur, Tindall’s mother, spoke to WRTV-TV, revealing that her daughter had a close bond with Scott and considered him a friend. Tindall not only worked for Scott but also spent time with his family, including his granddaughter. Sandefur expressed her disbelief and stated that the family had trusted Scott.

As the investigation continues, the community of Arlington remains on edge, grappling with the tragic loss of a young life and seeking answers to the questions surrounding Tindall’s disappearance. The Rush County Sheriff’s Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, is dedicated to pursuing justice and providing closure to Tindall’s family and the community as a whole..