Trumann, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Trumann man arrested in Tennessee in connection with a missing person investigation and the discovery of suspected human remains has returned to Arkansas.

Rudy Ray, 56, was booked into the Poinsett County Detention Center at 1:43 a.m. Aug. 29. He faces charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.

Ray was originally taken into custody on Aug. 21 in Franklin, Tennessee, on a fugitive from justice charge after police responded to a suspicious person call.

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On the same morning of his arrest in Tennessee, local and state SWAT teams executed a search warrant at Ray’s residence at 401 N. Pine Street in Trumann.

During the search, investigators discovered what they believed to be human remains. The search was tied to an investigation into the disappearance of Rebecca Spray, who was reported missing on Aug. 14 after last being seen around June 30.

| READ MORE: Trumann Man Held on $1M Bond in Tennessee Following Discovery of Human Remains

While Ray initially faced charges in Trumann for abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence, authorities noted at the time that additional charges were expected as the investigation unfolded. The suspected human remains were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for official identification and to determine the cause of death.

Ray is scheduled to appear for a bond hearing Aug. 31 in the Poinsett County Circuit Court.

This is a developing story. JRN will provide updates as they are available.

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