RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested Mikilo Morgan Rawls (37), who is a transient from the Sacramento County area, in connection with the brutal sexual assault and homicide of Emma Roark (20) of Rancho Cordova.  Rawls was arrested on Friday, February 11, 2022 and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on felony charges of murder, rape and sodomy and is being held without bail.

“This type of violent crime tears at the fabric of community safety,” said Chief Deputy Jim Barnes.  “I am proud of the Sheriff’s Office personnel, which includes the Rancho Cordova Police Department, who stood tall to protect our community and brought resolution to this brutal crime.  I also want to thank the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Crime Lab for their collaboration on this investigation.”

EARLIER PRESS RELEASE

Rancho Cordova Police Department Detectives and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives have discovered the body of an adult female they believe to be that of Emma Roark who was reported missing last Thursday.  The body was found in a secluded rural area at the river access on El Manto.

Emma Roark (20) of Rancho Cordova was last seen leaving her residence at approximately 12 p.m. on Thursday January 27, 2022.  Her family became concerned and called the Rancho Cordova Police Department to report her missing later in the day at approximately 6 p.m.

An extensive effort over the last four days was initiated in the search for Roark which included the Rancho Cordova Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, Park Rangers, Search & Rescue personnel and dogs, air support and drones.  Sadly, search crews located the body and determined she was the victim of a homicide.  The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will take custody of the remains and perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.  No suspect nor any further information is available at this time.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact The Rancho Cordova Police Department at (916) 362-5115 or Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).