Trumann, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – A missing-person investigation in Trumann has taken a disturbing turn with the discovery of what investigators believe are human remains—and the arrest of a Trumann man in Tennessee.

Trumann Police Chief Doug Thomas said 56-year-old Rudy Ray, who lists an address at 401 N. Pine Street in Trumann, has been taken into custody in Franklin, TN, in connection with the investigation.

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Thomas said Ray is currently facing charges of tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

The investigation began Aug. 14, when the Trumann Police Department received a missing-person report involving Rebecca Spray. She was reported being last seen on or about June 30.

Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for the property at 401 N. Pine Avenue in Trumann (Ray’s alleged address).

At approximately 8:15 a.m. Aug. 21, members of the Trumann Police Department SWAT Team and Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team served the warrant at the property.

During the search, investigators discovered what they believe to be human remains. Authorities have not yet positively identified those remains.

The remains will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock for examination and analysis. Testing is expected to help investigators determine the identity of the person and, when possible, the cause and manner of death.

The Trumann Police Department is being assisted by the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Delta EMS and other agencies have also assisted with the investigation.

Chief Thomas said the investigation remains active and investigators are continuing to process the scene and collect evidence.

Authorities have not said publicly what happened to Spray or what investigators believe led to the discovery of the remains.

The arrest of Ray in Franklin, TN represents a significant development in the case, but investigators have not yet publicly confirmed that the remains discovered at the Trumann property are those of Spray.

Additional information is expected to be released as investigators are able to confirm details without compromising the ongoing investigation.

This is a developing story. JRN will provide updates as they are available.

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