The body of a 27-year-old law student was discovered dismembered along the California shoreline near the Bay Farm Island Bridge, Alameda. The remains, wrapped in plastic and duct tape, were missing the head, feet, and hands, which have not yet been located.
On August 30, DNA tests conducted by the Alameda police confirmed the victim’s identity as Rachel Elizabeth Imani Bruckner. The body was discovered by a hiker between a walking path and the water.
Authorities have charged her fiancé, 42-year-old Joseph C. Roberts, with her murder based on evidence that includes the discovery of Roberts’ DNA on the duct tape used to encase her body.
According to court documents, Bruckner and Roberts lived together in Pleasanton, with Roberts referring to her as his fiancée.
The victim’s family described her as “beautiful, brilliant, and kind,” highlighting her academic achievements and sports prowess. She was set to graduate from Golden Gate University School of Law this year.
Roberts last communicated with Bruckner on July 13, a week before her body was discovered. Investigators found that he had been in contact with at least three other women after her disappearance and still had possession of her phone and car, using them long after her death.
Detective Robert Hansen said that Roberts never reported Bruckner as missing and that the presence of his DNA on the tape indicated his awareness of her death and his involvement in concealing her body.
Roberts was arrested at the couple’s shared apartment, where additional forensic evidence pointed toward Bruckner’s murder having occurred inside the residence. He is currently being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail, facing a first-degree murder charge.
His first court appearance is scheduled for Friday, September 15.
