A month-long investigation into the tragic death of 14-year-old La’Niyah “Lala” Clark reached a turning point on Tuesday as authorities announced the arrest of her biological aunt.
Bobbiejo Etzel, 37, Wilkes-Barre, now faces criminal homicide charges in connection with the death of the teenager, whose body was discovered earlier this year under harrowing circumstances.
The case began on February 21, when investigators found Clark’s body in a snow-covered patch of ground behind a commercial garage. At the time of the discovery, the teen was unclothed, and her body showed signs of severe physical trauma.
Before her death, Clark had run away from her adoptive home. Police allege that Etzel played a central role in the girl’s disappearance long before the homicide charges were filed.
Investigators previously charged Etzel with corruption of minors and interfering with the custody of a child, alleging she not only encouraged the 14-year-old to run away but also actively helped hide her location from her legal guardians and the police.
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Court records reveal that Etzel was legally barred from having any contact with Clark when the teen went missing.
A protection-from-abuse order, obtained by Clark’s adoptive mother, was in effect at the time. Despite this legal barrier, authorities say Etzel maintained contact with the girl, leading up to the discovery of her body in late February.
Etzel remains in custody as the legal proceedings transition from the initial custody-related charges to the more severe count of criminal homicide. No further details regarding a specific motive or the exact cause of death have been released by officials at this time.
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