37–year-old transient arrested in the slaying of Emma Roark near American River Parkway

A 37-year-old homeless man was arrested Friday afternoon in the homicide of 20-year-old Emma Roark of Rancho Cordova, whose body was discovered near the American River Parkway on Feb. 1. Authorities from the Rancho Cordova Police Department and Sacramento County Sheriffs detectives arrested 37-year-old Mikilo Morgan Rawls, a homeless individual, in what investigators described as "the brutal sexual assault and homicide of Emma Roark." Rawls was booked into the Sacramento County Jail without bail on murder, rape by force and sodomy charges, according to reports. Roark, who reportedly suffered from autism, was last seen alive Jan. 27 near Coloma Road and McGregor Drive in Rancho Cordova. A four-day search of the area with a focus on the American River Parkway led to the discovery of her body in a secluded area at the El Manto river access know El Manto on Feb. 2. Investigators said they determined Roark had been the victim of a homicide but did not say how she died, noting it as a gruesome crime. DNA technology, along with numerous tips form the community lead investigators to Rawls, who police say is a known transient from the area, reportedly living in a tent not far from where Roark was discovered. "We were able to get forensic evidence, match it to something that was in our database," said Police Chief Brandon Luke. "I am confident based off the technology and everything we have at the crime lab and the DA's office, we know Mr. Rawls is responsible for this brutal crime." Deputy Chief Jim Barnes, of the sheriff's office, urged people to still take part in outdoor recreation but to be aware of their surroundings. "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." According to police, Rawls is a transient from the Sacramento County area with a criminal record. He was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and is being held without bail. "This type of evil will not define the city of Rancho Cordova," stated Luke. "Its citizens, the city government, its leaders and the Rancho Cordova Police Department stand committed in providing a safe environment for all our residents." In Friday's press conference, Barnes spoke about the American River Parkway, noting that it's a beautiful recreation area, but stressed that visitors to be aware of their surroundings there at all times. "We don't know when a crime like this is going to occur." "This individual was transient. The Sheriff's Office is sympathetic to the transient population, we understand people are experiencing hard times. But there is evil amongst them, and that's what Mr. Rawls was," Barnes said. "We have to be honest with ourselves, there's a population down there that will victimize people when there's an opportunity." At this time authorities are putting together the many pieces of the crime to determine what transpired between the time Roark left her home to take a walk on the parkway until the time her body was found. No information has been released as to if the two knew each other. The is a developing story that Gold Country Media will continue to provide updates as details become available.