2 Charged In Missing Firefighter's Apparent Homicide

LA VERNE, CA —The West Covina Police Department arrested two men in connection with the disappearance of 28-year-old John Brian Mananghaya Aguila. Foul play is suspected, police say.

West Covina Police believe that a burned body discovered in the City of Upland, being handled by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, may be that of Aguila, West Covina Department Spokesman Rudy Lopez reported.

"An identification of the body is pending," Lopez said.

Days after he was reported missing, police discovered Aguila's car in San Dimas with gloves and bloody clothes in the trunk. Surveillance showed the man who abandoned the car, which led police to detain three people in LaVerne, authorities said.

Elijah Thomas Rouse, 18, of La Verne and Shaun Cardarelli, 37, of San Gabriel were both charged with Aguila's murder, West Covina Police Department spokesman Rudy Lopez said.

"Both were being held on $1 million bail, as of Wednesday evening," Lopez said.

One of the suspect's fingerprints were found inside the Honda, and upon further search of the vehicle, gloves and clothing with blood on it were found inside the trunk, added Lopez.

La Verne Police are assisting West Covina Police with the investigation.

"The dots have led us here, and we're hoping that as a result of this investigation, it's going to lead us elsewhere," Lopez told the media.

Aguila's family members told police that they had not heard from him since about 4:30 p.m. Thursday, West Covina Police Department spokesman Rudy Lopez said.

The part-time firefighter had not reported for work at the Bureau of Land Management, or returned home, Lopez said. His family did not believe he exhibited erratic or uncharacteristic behavior before his absence.

During the investigation, it was learned that on Friday ... the missing man's white 2017 Honda Civic had been located and impounded in the city of San Dimas," Lopez said. "Investigators located video surveillance that showed a male leaving from the car and walking away from it. It was determined that this subject was not the missing person."

Anyone with information about Aguila and what might have happened to him was urged to call police at 626-939-8557. Anonymous tips can be left on a message line at 626-939-8688