Investigation shows dismemberment motivation not molestation of child

KINGMAN, Ariz. -- Police say what appeared to be a murder suspect's motivation for a grisly slaying has turned out to be unfounded.

George Loader, 34, told a relative that he committed the slaying in retaliation for improper touching of his 3-year-old daughter, according court records.

But the Mohave County sheriff's office reported the investigation has determined that the girl was not molested.

Loader is accused of killing and dismembering 51-year-old Mohave Valley resident John Oppenheim and burning and discarding his remains. Loader has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, misconduct involving weapons and abandonment of a dead body.

Oppenheim appears to be the victim, according to the sheriff's office, but the body awaits identification by the Mohave County medical examiner. Deputies discovered the burned remains at a remote north Kingman location Nov. 23.

Loader is being held in the county jail and faces arraignment next week.