ONTARIO, Calif. – The ex-husband of Julia Jacobson, a retired U.S. Army captain and North Dakota native who has been missing in the San Diego area since early September, has been arrested for her murder, police confirmed on Monday evening.
Jacobson, 37, was born in Dickinson and grew up throughout the region.
The Ontario Police Department arrested Dalen Ware on Friday, Oct. 13, for the possible murder of Jacobson, the department said in a release.
Jacobson was originally reported missing on Sept. 2 to the San Diego Police Department. Investigators from the SDPD conducted an extensive search for Jacobson, which led them to the city of Ontario. The Ontario Police Department then became the lead agency.
Jacobson was last spotted on security video at a store in Ontario around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2.
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Jacobson's work vehicle was located on Sept. 7 about half a mile away from her residence in San Diego. Police said the windows were down and the keys were inside.
“Based on additional investigative actions, which included the forensic analysis of Jacobson’s car, detectives have reason to believe that Julia Jacobson was murdered,” the Ontario Police Department said in the news release on Monday.
Detectives from the SDPD and the Ontario Police Department met with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office to present their findings. Based on the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Ware.
Through a coordinated effort with the Phoenix Police Department and the FBI’s Arizona Violent Crimes Task Force unit, Ware was taken into custody at his home in Laveen, Ariz. Ware will be transferred to the San Bernardino County West Valley Detention Center within the week and will be booked for murder.
Jacobson family members, who started a Facebook page to keep people up-to-date on the situation, shared a heartbreaking post on Monday night, Oct. 16.
“Words cannot express the pain and anguish our family has endured since our beloved sister and daughter Julia Jacobson went missing,” the post read. “It is truly incredible the way Julia’s family, friends, co-workers, employer and complete strangers have come together. We cannot overstate our sincere appreciation for all of those who have provided their prayers, support and resources.”
The family thanked everyone for the “incredible outpouring of love and support” it has received.
“The loss of Julia is beyond words,” the post continued. “There will be no more birthday parties, backyard gatherings, holiday celebrations or other family activities to share. The laughter, hugs, guidance and our sense of security are forever gone and our family’s hearts will be forever broken. … Even though Julia’s physical presence may be gone and taken from us far too soon, her capacity for love, inspirational spirit and laughter will live forever in the hearts and minds of all those that knew and loved her. This is just the beginning of a journey of healing that will continue for the foreseeable future as we continue to seek answers in her disappearance.”
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At this time, detectives have not found the remains of Jacobson or her dog, Boogie.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Ontario Police Department at 909-986-6711, Detective Ruben Espinoza at 909-395-2894 or Detective Brant Devey at 909-395-2715. Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com .
