Search Intensifies for Missing Arizona Woman, 21, as Boyfriend Faces Charges; Vehicle Found with Blood Evidence
AVONDALE, Ariz. — Law enforcement agencies across Arizona are intensifying their search for Isabella Comas, a 21-year-old woman who vanished on January 11, after her vehicle was recovered with apparent blood stains and interior damage. The discovery has shifted the investigation, raising urgent questions about her whereabouts.
Comas was last seen around 3 p.m. last Sunday, departing a friend's residence on West Van Buren Street in Avondale in her red Hyundai Sonata, according to the Avondale Police Department (APD). Days later, her abandoned car was located in Phoenix. Court documents reviewed by local media note the presence of "blood stains and damage" inside the vehicle.
In a significant development, Comas's boyfriend, 39-year-old Thomas Rodriguez, was arrested shortly after her disappearance. He faces felony charges for auto theft, criminal damage, and a probation violation in connection with her car, though he has entered a not-guilty plea. Prosecutors allege during a recent hearing that Rodriguez took steps to "conceal evidence" linking him to the stolen vehicle.
Rodriguez's criminal history adds a grim layer to the case. Records show five prior felony convictions, including second-degree murder and attempted armed robbery from 2003, as well as stalking and aggravated assault. He is currently held on a $100,000 cash bond at Maricopa County Jail.
"We have notified all surrounding agencies, hospitals, and transport services, but we have not yet located Isabella," an APD spokesperson stated. "The public's help is critical."
Further complicating the timeline, Comas's phone was reportedly found at a Phoenix recycling center on January 12. Rodriguez later provided the device to her family, who then alerted police. How he obtained the phone remains unclear.
Chris Castorena, a private investigator assisting the Comas family, emphasized the ongoing effort: "Our focus is supporting the family through this process and following every lead. Isabella is out there, and we need to bring her home."
The APD urges anyone with information to contact them at (623) 333-7000.
Community Reaction
Michael Torres, local neighborhood watch coordinator: "This is every family's nightmare. The fact that the car was found with blood... it's chilling. The community is on high alert and ready to help in any way we can."
Dr. Evelyn Reed, criminology professor at Arizona State University: "The evidence recovery—the car, the phone—points to a methodical investigative process. However, the boyfriend's violent history and his immediate actions post-disappearance will be the focal point. The priority remains finding Isabella."
Lisa Chen, advocate for domestic violence victims: "This pattern is devastatingly familiar. A woman goes missing, and the partner is the last known contact with a violent past. The system knew he was dangerous. Where was the protection? It's infuriating and heartbreaking."
David Miller, longtime Avondale resident: "You think you know your community. Something like this shakes you to the core. We're all hoping for a miracle but fearing the worst."