Rachel Elizabeth Imani Bucker, 27, was identified as the woman found along the California shoreline in July. Photo credit by KTVU
According to a recent New York Post report on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the dismembered remains of 27-year-old Rachel Elizabeth Imani Buckner were discovered along the shoreline near the Bay Farm Island Bridge in Alameda, California on July 20th.
Buckner was a Howard University graduate and accomplished law student at Golden Gate University, set to graduate this year.
Her head, hands and feet were missing from the body and have not yet been recovered.
Buckner’s identity was confirmed through DNA testing on August 30th.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s office has charged her fiancé, 42-year-old Joseph Roberts, with her murder.
Roberts lived with Buckner in Pleasanton and referred to her as his fiancée
His DNA was found on the duct tape used to wrap up her remains.
Phone records show Roberts last communicated with Buckner on July 13th, a week before her body was found
John Roberts, 42, whom Bruckner lived with in Pleasanton, has been charged in her killing. Photo credit by KTVU
Since then, he had contacted at least three other women. Roberts was still using Buckner’s phone and car long after her presumed death
He never reported her missing to authorities. Additional forensic evidence from their shared apartment indicates Buckner was murdered there.
Buckner’s family described her in a statement as beautiful, brilliant and kind, with an incredibly bright future ahead of her.
Her murder has left a deep void in her community.
Roberts was arrested at the apartment on September 12th and charged with first-degree murder.
He is being held with no bail and is scheduled for an arraignment on September 15th.
The police detective’s report revealed that Roberts’ DNA on the tape shows he was aware Buckner was dead and dismembered, and that he actively wrapped up her body in plastic bags to conceal it.
The horrific details point to a brutal domestic violence murder cutting short the life of a promising young woman.
Buckner’s head, hands and feet have still not been recovered, leaving her family unable to fully mourn her.
