Phoenix police say there's enough evidence to win a conviction of the man charged with killing a missing woman after a 12-week search involving hundreds of law enforcement officers failed to turn up the woman's remains.
The Arizona Republic reports police had hoped to find the body of 34-year-old Christine Mustafa before the first-degree murder trial of 38-year-old Robert John Interval begins.
Phoenix police Sgt. Alan Pfohl says the current evidence against the ex-boyfriend should secure a conviction, noting that in some cases the evidence from a body has hurt a prosecution.
Retired judge Roland Steinle says an absent body can help a prosecution by making it harder for the defense to argue the manner of death.
Police say the search that ended earlier this month cost nearly $1.5 million.
