Investigators Use Digital Data to Narrow Search in Greene-Placentia Case

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office investigation into Bernadette Greene-Placentia’s reported sexual assault remains active, with detectives working to establish where it happened. On October 30, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said investigators were examining cellphone and vehicle records for location data that could help narrow the search.

The potential search area runs from near 99th Avenue and Bell Road north toward Anthem. Detectives have also canvassed the area for surveillance video and other possible evidence, Sheridan said.

Greene-Placentia, a Democratic candidate for Congress, said she went out around 1 a.m. on August 14 to fix a damaged election placard by the intersection of 99th Avenue and Bell Road, in Sun City. She said she was heading back to her vehicle when a blow to her head left her unconscious. After regaining awareness, she said, a man restrained her and sexually assaulted her; she described another man assaulting her as she tried to fight back.

Greene-Placentia has said she frequently mended signs after dark to steer clear of traffic and high temperatures. Sheridan said her limited recollection of the incident has made it harder for investigators to identify the precise location. He described the case as complex and sensitive and said detectives would continue reviewing evidence and following leads. The sheriff’s office said it was withholding further details to protect the investigation.