Found Deceased UT - MacKenzie "Kenzie" Lueck, 23, Salt Lake City, 17 June 2019 #15 *ARREST*

[Kittybunny]

This is my thinking as well. But I’m just so perplexed about the communication! Why would he think to avoid the airport, but not take any steps to conceal his cellphone communication with her?

I really think he was so stupid he thought that by destroying her phone and deleting any messages between them on his phone, that would erase any links between them, since Lyft would have no record of dropping her off at his house. Or he was so obsessed and excited about carrying out his fantasy that he didn't think through all the details.

We see this time and time again in murders even when premeditated. What to us as websleuths and in hindsight seems so obvious as stupid mistakes is what gets these idiots caught. This rocket scientist was right up there with Patrick Frazee in the "evil but not at all genius"category when it came to trying to cover his tracks.

 

[Boxer]

I agree. He's either talking or he took his phone with him when he disposed of KL's body. If the latter is the case, I imagine LE got a warrant for his phone records and were able to track his movements to the area that he left Kenzie.

MOO anther poster mentioned the dam cameras. Reviewing area cams might have turned up video of his car in the canyon.

 

[GordianKnot]

MOO possibly he gave no name because his story of knowing her well enough to be advising her to avoid AA wouldn't hold up. His statement is about him and how he was right, that is a red flag.

No red flags waving here.
I found what that friend told the reporter highly credible.

That particular friend obviously wasn't looking to get his 15 minutes courtesy of this tragedy.
He wasn't interested in getting his mug on camera or seeing his name in print.

I respect that decision.

It could very well be the case that the reason he wanted to remain anonymous is due to the nature of the relationship that he had with ML and/or in what context they met each other.
He also used discretion in terms of what he shared with the reporter r/t ML and AA having a "sort of relationship or arrangement."
It appears ML's friend was attempting to be discreet, possibly to protect ML's and/or his own reputation.

If so, I respect that decision, too.

Notwithstanding his not wanting his name/face out in public view, ML's murder was upsetting enough to this friend that he approached the reporter seeking information from her first and then voicing the concerns he'd had about AA based on what ML told him about their "relationship or arrangement."

It's actually fortunate for LE that there's at least one person who knew there was some sort of relationship that existed b/t the two.

JMO.

 

[Whiteorchids]

Totally agree. It seems so strange that ML was in contact with him at all during this time. Would be interesting to know whether/how much she was in contact with any of her close friends during this time as well. IMO the possible reasons ML would be talking to AA at that point are a) they had a much closer relationship than we realize, b) he insisted/coerced/guilted her into meeting with him, or c) the drug angle. Initially I mentioned perhaps marijuana or xanax, but considering she had exams that week, maybe AA had (or pretended to have) adderall to help her concentrate. It’s fairly popular with college kids. MOO.

I don’t believe they had a physical relationship at all. Neighbors said they see girls in and out of there all the time but have never seen KL. I’m sure there’s at least one snoopy neighbor who would have seen her if that’s the case.

I tend to agree with Ocean I believe this was a first face to face encounter with AA wasn’t planned and that it was a spontaneous last minute meeting with AA feeding her a bunch of BS playing on her sad state of mind as she was very close to her Grandma. AA even mentioned the funeral to LE and lied said that’s all he knew.

 

[10ofRods]

Here’s a few thoughts I have had regarding AA that are head scratchers in my opinion. Feel free to clear them up for me.
1) I don’t know what criteria is used to determine which foreign students get to come study here in the US, but AA appears well below any baseline that would predict having any success with that. .

There is no baseline. Indeed, many colleges make tons of money off of foreign student tuition and for most state universities and community colleges, the bar is very very low. Have the money? You get to go (basically). He might have been referred for special English classes, but if he graduated high school in his home country (or could prove he had the equivalent education of high school), he could go to USU. That's the way many, many immigrants come to the US - via student visas. But there's a catch. It's expensive. You have to pay tuition to prove you're a student and that will exhaust most people's cash pretty quickly (he wouldn't have been eligible for Federal student loans - but he could have gotten less desirable loans, maybe).

But what he did was find a way to get married, thereby avoiding the student visa issue after a year or two. That's really really common too.

All you need to do is get yourself to the US on a tourist visa and then enroll in a school that has an international students officer to get your student visa. Easy peasy.

BTW, I have many students who are US born whose English and critical thinking skills are roughly comparable to AA's. About half the freshmen at the CSU where I teach will not make it past the first or second year...

I've also taught in Utah and New Mexico, and it's the same as here in California (student quality-wise), IMO.

 

[Whiteorchids]

No red flags waving here.
I found what that friend told the reporter highly credible.

That particular friend obviously wasn't looking to get his 15 minutes courtesy of this tragedy.
He wasn't interested in getting his mug on camera or seeing his name in print.
I respect that decision.

It could very well be the case that the reason he wanted to remain anonymous is due to the nature of the relationship that he had with ML and/or in what context they met each other.
He also used discretion in terms of what he shared with the reporter r/t ML and AA having a "sort of relationship or arrangement."
It appears ML's friend was attempting to be discreet, possibly to protect ML's and/or his own reputation.
If so, I respect that decision, too.

Notwithstanding his not wanting his name/face out in public view, ML's murder was upsetting enough to this friend that he approached the reporter seeking information from her first and then voicing the concerns he'd had about AA based on what ML told him about their "relationship or arrangement."

This friend also told the reporter that he had been in contact with LE. So there's that.
I'm sure he shared much more detailed info with LE than he did with the reporter.
So there's that, too.

JMO.

He said he knew her from online I don’t know about you but I don’t really consider an online friend credible. If true he should have a history of chats that he warned her about this creep.

I mean this guy could have been interested in KL himself and was angry someone killed her and now he will never have that opportunity. <modsnip - off topic>

I guess we won’t know until the trial if there is one.

 

[Optics]

No red flags waving here.
I found what that friend told the reporter highly credible.

That particular friend obviously wasn't looking to get his 15 minutes courtesy of this tragedy.
He wasn't interested in getting his mug on camera or seeing his name in print.
I respect that decision.

It could very well be the case that the reason he wanted to remain anonymous is due to the nature of the relationship that he had with ML and/or in what context they met each other.
He also used discretion in terms of what he shared with the reporter r/t ML and AA having a "sort of relationship or arrangement."
It appears ML's friend was attempting to be discreet, possibly to protect ML's and/or his own reputation.
If so, I respect that decision, too.

Notwithstanding his not wanting his name/face out in public view, ML's murder was upsetting enough to this friend that he approached the reporter seeking information from her first and then voicing the concerns he'd had about AA based on what ML told him about their "relationship or arrangement."

It's actually fortunate for LE that there's at least one person who knew there was some sort of relationship that existed b/t the two.

JMO.

I absolutely agree, also one point people are missing on this man being anonymous is a big problem prosecutors face at times when there are witness or information to a crime - that some will go do full blown interviews with paying media. In the courtroom that becomes detrimental to the prosecution of a criminal. I respect this man too for not revealing too much as he is a potential witness in court. An example that comes to mind is the woman who clearly spotted OJ Simpson speeding through an intersection, his vehicle everything. Unfortunately she took her information to media and paid media and prosecutors could not use her to testify. That is the big 'danger' in people knowing something about this specific murder - like his ex wife etc. In a courtroom it all comes down to credibility of the witness and if you've 'sold' your story to media it can gravely harm the prosecution of the killer.

 

[Inthedetails]

I absolutely agree, also one point people are missing on this man being anonymous is a big problem prosecutors face at times when there are witness or information to a crime - that some will go do full blown interviews with paying media. In the courtroom that becomes detrimental to the prosecution of a criminal. I respect this man too for not revealing too much as he is a potential witness in court. An example that comes to mind is the woman who clearly spotted OJ Simpson speeding through an intersection, his vehicle everything. Unfortunately she took her information to media and paid media and prosecutors could not use her to testify. That is the big 'danger' in people knowing something about this specific murder - like his ex wife etc. In a courtroom it all comes down to credibility of the witness and if you've 'sold' your story to media it can gravely harm the prosecution of the killer.

He's sort of anonymous. He knowingly talked to a reporter. I don't think that conversation damages anything he could say in court (if he is called as a witness), but I'm sure he knew she was a reporter. Reporters stand out (microphone, cameraman, well dressed, familiar face to local viewers). So, if he was told to keep quiet...he didn't.

Maybe there are other reasons he didn't want to be on camera.

Again, I hope he is legit and has info to share. That would be helpful. I'm just not buying his claims until I know they are verified as true.

jmo

 

[Puzzled25]

I'm new to the forum but wanted to share some information.

I'm a single guy who lives in SLC and use Tinder, Bumble, Match, and the arrangement site that ML was on.

Tinder is a pretty routine and normal dating site. I'd guess 90 percent of single people in their 20's are using Tinder. I vaguely recall seeing ML's profile on Tinder.

The arrangement site has several thousand women on it in Utah. I've seen screenshots of ML's profile on there but don't recall seeing her profile there. I've not seen any screen shots that AA was on the arrangement site. If he was, I think someone would have posted it somewhere.

I've read speculation about what ML meant about "online only." There are certainly a lot of women on the site who are looking for "online only" but that means they do not want to meet in person. Usually, online only means they will send texts and pictures, etc. I've not done anything like that (I can't keep up on my texts anyway!) but I get a sense its often pretty vanilla.

As for in person arrangements, these usually look a lot like normal dating but more direct. I've certainly met women from the arrangement site but everyone (including me) is very safety conscious. I've never heard of anyone meeting from the site at a park at 3 AM! Like regular dating, its more likely to first meet for coffee, lunch, drinks, or dinner. Also, its pretty obvious on a date when someone has texted a friend to say everything is OK. I'm pretty confident that women I have dated through the arrangement site have told their friends who I am -- for example, I have seen their friends visit my LinkedIn profile and have met some.

As I read the news, LE was able to connect him to the situation by seeing they were texting each other. That means they had each others real telephone numbers and weren't communicating over a dating site or using an anonymous phone app. She wouldn't have given her real telephone number unless she was comfortable. As others have said, he's hardly a rocket scientist and was working at the basic help desk level, likely setting up people's new computers. I'd guess she was making more than he was. He also was comfortable enough to give her his real telephone number.

I've seen his Meetup profile and seen some comments about his interests/lifestyle. I'd guess he is a member of Fetlife, which is definitely not Tinder, Bumble, Match, or the arrangement site. I'm not a member of that and haven't read anything to suggest she is.

I'm curious about his source of money though. A help desk tech like him doesn't make much and I don't know he'd get approved for a loan.

 

[sumzero]

No red flags waving here.
I found what that friend told the reporter highly credible.

That particular friend obviously wasn't looking to get his 15 minutes courtesy of this tragedy.
He wasn't interested in getting his mug on camera or seeing his name in print.

I respect that decision.

It could very well be the case that the reason he wanted to remain anonymous is due to the nature of the relationship that he had with ML and/or in what context they met each other.
He also used discretion in terms of what he shared with the reporter r/t ML and AA having a "sort of relationship or arrangement."
It appears ML's friend was attempting to be discreet, possibly to protect ML's and/or his own reputation.

If so, I respect that decision, too.

Notwithstanding his not wanting his name/face out in public view, ML's murder was upsetting enough to this friend that he approached the reporter seeking information from her first and then voicing the concerns he'd had about AA based on what ML told him about their "relationship or arrangement."

It's actually fortunate for LE that there's at least one person who knew there was some sort of relationship that existed b/t the two.

JMO.

Well said. This person claims to know that AA had an ongoing relationship with ML. Seems likely to me. I just can't see ML meeting AA at a park, showing no apprehension, getting into his vehicle (with her luggage, btw), at 3 AM, right after getting off a plane, unless she had already established a relationship (face to face) with AA.

 

[Optics]

He's sort of anonymous. He knowingly talked to a reporter. I don't think that conversation damages anything he could say in court (if he is called as a witness), but I'm sure he knew she was a reporter. Reporters stand out (microphone, cameraman, well dressed, familiar face to local viewers). So, if he was told to keep quiet...he didn't.

Maybe there are other reasons he didn't want to be on camera.

Again, I hope he is legit and has info to share. That would be helpful. I'm just not buying his claims until I know they are verified as true.

jmo

Yes - which is great, and he only said things that wouldn't jeopardize the case, I totally respect him being cautious as well as some of her inner circle of friends who may know more than any of us. I don't know that AA's ex-wife or a couple others who went to Daily Mail and Inside Edition etc, would be called. The problem for prosecutors is the Defense lawyers can rip that witness apart, saying they are after 'fame' and 'money'.

 

[LVatty10]

I'm new to the forum but wanted to share some information.

I'm a single guy who lives in SLC and use Tinder, Bumble, Match, and the arrangement site that ML was on.

Tinder is a pretty routine and normal dating site. I'd guess 90 percent of single people in their 20's are using Tinder. I vaguely recall seeing ML's profile on Tinder.

The arrangement site has several thousand women on it in Utah. I've seen screenshots of ML's profile on there but don't recall seeing her profile there. I've not seen any screen shots that AA was on the arrangement site. If he was, I think someone would have posted it somewhere.

I've read speculation about what ML meant about "online only." There are certainly a lot of women on the site who are looking for "online only" but that means they do not want to meet in person. Usually, online only means they will send texts and pictures, etc. I've not done anything like that (I can't keep up on my texts anyway!) but I get a sense its often pretty vanilla.

As for in person arrangements, these usually look a lot like normal dating but more direct. I've certainly met women from the arrangement site but everyone (including me) is very safety conscious. I've never heard of anyone meeting from the site at a park at 3 AM! Like regular dating, its more likely to first meet for coffee, lunch, drinks, or dinner. Also, its pretty obvious on a date when someone has texted a friend to say everything is OK. I'm pretty confident that women I have dated through the arrangement site have told their friends who I am -- for example, I have seen their friends visit my LinkedIn profile and have met some.

As I read the news, LE was able to connect him to the situation by seeing they were texting each other. That means they had each others real telephone numbers and weren't communicating over a dating site or using an anonymous phone app. She wouldn't have given her real telephone number unless she was comfortable. As others have said, he's hardly a rocket scientist and was working at the basic help desk level, likely setting up people's new computers. I'd guess she was making more than he was. He also was comfortable enough to give her his real telephone number.

I've seen his Meetup profile and seen some comments about his interests/lifestyle. I'd guess he is a member of Fetlife, which is definitely not Tinder, Bumble, Match, or the arrangement site. I'm not a member of that and haven't read anything to suggest she is.

I'm curious about his source of money though. A help desk tech like him doesn't make much and I don't know he'd get approved for a loan.

Thanks for your perspective!

On the arrangement site, do the women generally try to verify your identity and socioeconomic status? How would they do so if they wanted to?

I’m in my mid 30s. These types of arrangements existed but only in the old fashioned way. Like an older, wealthy man offering to take me on an exotic vacation in my college days. While the terms weren’t spelled out, I understood what would have been expected if I had said yes to the trip. The whole online only thing is foreign to me. But I’d imagine those are pretty vanilla.

 

[LVatty10]

Also, I saw on ML’s IG or FB page that she modeled for Hollister. I modeled for them briefly back in the day, so it caught my attention.

I’m curious as to whether ML and AA crossed paths in modeling. It’s usually a smallish circle of people.

 

[Krix76]

This was right in front of 348, although 348 is near second dam.



The most disturbing area I found was at FR044A where I saw two distinct holes made by a shovel and two areas in the same vicinity of disturbed earth. FR044 is directly across the street from third dam and FR044A is right next to it heading east on 89 towards Bear Lake.

Regardless of where ML was found, I'm so sorry sweet girl this happened to you. You did not deserve this and I hope AA gets the death penalty.

 

[GordianKnot]

Standard Deviations: Mackenzie Lueck's life, death? Let's just mourn her loss

Great Article.

 

[Puzzled25]

Thanks for your perspective!

On the arrangement site, do the women generally try to verify your identity and socioeconomic status? How would they do so if they wanted to?

I’m in my mid 30s. These types of arrangements existed but only in the old fashioned way. Like an older, wealthy man offering to take me on an exotic vacation in my college days. While the terms weren’t spelled out, I understood what would have been expected if I had said yes to the trip. The whole online only thing is foreign to me. But I’d imagine those are pretty vanilla.

And yes, these types of arrangements have existed for centuries and initiated both ways.

The arrangement site she was on allows people to get badges when they have connected their LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook profiles. You can't see the profiles but the badge shows they are connected. There are obviously a lot of scammers out there but an exchange of social media is a good way to see if the person is legit. Many of the women on the arrangement site are tired of going to Cafe Rio (our local version of Chipotle) and splitting the bill and getting pressured to get married (people in Utah often get married after dating a couple of months.) As for verifying socioeconomic status, that's pretty easy from a conversation. Which again makes me skeptical she met AA through the arrangement site since a two minute conversation with him would make it pretty clear he's not very successful. She's from LA ... she would be able to see that.

 

[MsBetsy]

Thanks for your perspective!

On the arrangement site, do the women generally try to verify your identity and socioeconomic status? How would they do so if they wanted to?

I’m in my mid 30s. These types of arrangements existed but only in the old fashioned way. Like an older, wealthy man offering to take me on an exotic vacation in my college days. While the terms weren’t spelled out, I understood what would have been expected if I had said yes to the trip. The whole online only thing is foreign to me. But I’d imagine those are pretty vanilla.

Yeah, I think it works the same way now only the terms and conditions are all worked out beforehand.
It has become a common way for college students to get help with their tuition.
According to Yale News, in 2017, more than 1.2 million college students were registered on Seeking Arrangements.com, and I believe it's free for college students to join.
And that's only one website. It's just one of the most reputable, I think. Imo

 

[LVatty10]

As for verifying socioeconomic status, that's pretty easy from a conversation. Which again makes me skeptical she met AA through the arrangement site since a two minute conversation with him would make it pretty clear he's not very successful. She's from LA ... she would be able to see that.

SBM. Thanks! This is why I’ve been skeptical about AA being an arrangement through that site, but I wasn’t sure whether it’s possible to verify much prior to meeting face to face.

 

[Puzzled25]

Also, I saw on ML’s IG or FB page that she modeled for Hollister. I modeled for them briefly back in the day, so it caught my attention.

I’m curious as to whether ML and AA crossed paths in modeling. It’s usually a smallish circle of people.

IMO, "modeling" in Utah is a bit of a scam. There are a couple of agencies here that charge people $3,000 to represent them in modeling and put together a portfolio. I'd guess there are hundreds of women who are with those agencies. After they pay the $3,000, the agency might get them something small. I saw he was trying to get something with one of the local agencies ... my guess is that the agency didn't just drop him because he was strange but also because he didn't respond to the pitch about helping create a portfolio so they could effectively market him.

 

[Puzzled25]

Yeah, I think it works the same way now only the terms and conditions are all worked out beforehand.
It has become a common way for college students to get help with their tuition.
According to Yale News, in 2017, more than 1.2 million college students were registered on Seeking Arrangements.com, and I believe it's free for college students to join.
And that's only one website. It's just one of the most reputable, I think. Imo

Exactly ... if you're not in a rush to get married, why not date a guy who can take you on nice dates, maybe take you on trips, have better conversation, help navigate career and life choices, and get help with tuition.

But ... these are things you discuss in messages before hand and over a nice lunch or dinner. It's not something you discuss at 3 AM in a park. This who SB thing is just click bait for the media.