Authorities have located the truck of the 75-year-old female kidnapping victim in a harrowing case that began Friday afternoon in Pearce. The 2007 Chevy Avalanche was found after a three-day search in a remote area off Highway 181 near the Johnny Ringo grave, marking a significant development in the investigation.
The incident began around 3:00 p.m. Friday when a masked man in dark clothing entered the workshop of the female victim's residence. The suspect, armed with a gun, forced the woman inside her home, where he blindfolded and restrained her. The victim reported hearing loud noises but was unable to identify what was happening. After dark, the suspect drove her away in her truck, stopping at a Dollar General in Pearce.
The victim was able to free herself and sought help from a nearby residence around 8:00 p.m. She informed deputies that her boyfriend should be home and requested they notify him of her condition. However, when deputies arrived at the residence and received no response, they discovered him deceased inside.
A massive search began overnight into Saturday for the suspect and the stolen truck. By Saturday morning, law enforcement located the suspect, 37-year-old Rynn Prairie Rocca, hiding in an abandoned RV on Catclaw Road near Sunizona. After a standoff involving the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and the Sierra Vista Police Department SWAT teams, Rocca was taken into custody.
Released from prison in August 2023, Rocca had pleaded guilty to misconduct involving weapons as a prohibited possessor and recklessly handling a firearm. The case included charges of kidnapping, car theft, carrying a weapon during a felony, and aggravated assault, which were dismissed. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison with credit for time served, followed by four years of supervised probation. That case stemmed from a June 2023 incident where Rocca allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a handgun, held her against her will, and later abandoned her stolen car.
In an exclusive interview with Sierra Vista LIVE, it was revealed that David McKeon, the homicide victim, had known Rocca and attempted to help him rebuild his life. McKeon, a 67-year-old rockhound and newly elected president of the local gem and mineral club, previously allowed Rocca to live on his property before Rocca’s relapse. During the June 2023 incident, Rocca reportedly made death threats against McKeon and his girlfriend.
McKeon was a well-regarded community member, involved in volunteer activities such as an Adopt-a-Highway cleanup program.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case as the small Pearce community is left in shock and mourning.
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