Calif. couple accused of murder, dismemberment of roommate

STOCKTON, California – Police have arrested two suspects connected with the murder and dismemberment of a Stockton resident, reports CBS affiliate KOVR.

Bryan Cook and Valentina Paz are accused of killing their roommate, Michael Shane Jones, and chopping up his body, after detectives received a telephone tip about a potential murder at the trio's shared residence.

The unknown caller, whose identity investigators declined to make public, led police to Mist Trail Place, where Cook, Paz and Jones all lived.  Authorities did not find anyone at the home when they arrived, although they did discover a trail of blood on the premises.

Less than a day later, officers located Cook at a campsite in Groveland. They also located the dismembered remains of the victim. Jones’ hacked up limbs were inside Cook’s car while his torso was burning in a camp fire.

After questioning another roommate, officers arrested Paz in Tuolumne County on Saturday.

Police are now working to determine the motive behind the gruesome crime.