Grandson Arrested In Disappearance Of Adow D. Albert Of Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ — Joshua Ward, 38, was arrested Saturday after “severely decomposed” human remains were discovered in the backyard of the Phoenix residence he shared with his missing grandfather, Adow D. Albert, 83. Albert was reported missing in August by other family members.

Since August, the Phoenix Police Department continued its investigation of Albert’s disappearance, conducting an “extensive service of the search warrant” on the residence Friday and Saturday, Dec. 20-21. The remains that were buried in the home’s backyard near 2800 W. Diana Ave. are believed to be adult remains, and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office will determine the remains’ cause of death and identity.

Ward was arrested after probable cause was developed, the Phoenix police said. He stands accused of abandonment or concealment of a dead body and is locked up in the Maricopa County Jail.

The Phoenix Police Department is asking anyone with information about this case to call them at 602-262-6141. If tipsters want to stay anonymous, they can do so by contacting Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish language.