19-year-old charged in death of Alabama teen found shot, dismembered, burned

Eufaula police have announced an arrest in a disturbing case involving the death of 18-year-old Markavious “Mark” Rumph. 19-year-old Josiah Isaiah McKinney is now facing charges of murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the crime.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

The breakthrough in the case came after confirmation that remains recovered May 11 near White Oak Church Road in Barbour County were those of Rumph, according to Eufaula Police Chief Danny Christ. Rumph had been reported missing after last being seen on Wednesday, May 6, when he was spotted at the Beeline #3 gas station entering a black Nissan. Five days later, a search party organized by the family discovered his remains.

Chief Christ noted that while detectives maintained close contact with the family from the start to trace the teen's final movements, the investigation required discretion to protect the integrity of the evidence. Significant findings on the second day of the investigation ultimately led to McKinney, who had been a person of interest early on, being taken into custody following the positive identification of the remains.

A Community in Mourning

While a motive for the homicide remains undisclosed, those who knew Rumph are grappling with the loss of a young man who had recently earned his GED and was, according to a family fundraiser, “truly aiming for the stars.” The tragedy has left the Eufaula community devastated.

The investigation remains active as authorities continue to conduct interviews. 205focus.com encourages anyone with information regarding this case to contact Eufaula detectives at 334-687-1200 or the anonymous tipline at 334-687-7100.