Body of university student found in rural grave; boyfriend arrested

ADA, Okla. (AP) _ The former boyfriend of an East Central University student was in the county jail Monday, a day after leading police to her body in a rural, shallow grave. <br><br>Rachel Woodall, 21,

Monday, April 22nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ADA, Okla. (AP) _ The former boyfriend of an East Central University student was in the county jail Monday, a day after leading police to her body in a rural, shallow grave.

Rachel Woodall, 21, was reported missing early Saturday by her mother, who asked authorities to question Tyler Mullins, a 24-year-old Ada man who had dated Woodall on and off for two years, said Mark Bratcher, public information officer for the City of Ada.

The two broke up earlier this month, authorities said.

Mullins, who had scratches on his face and shoulders, first told police he was assaulted by two strangers.

He was arrested on a first-degree murder complaint Saturday after the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation found blood in the trunk of his car, Bratcher said.

On Sunday, after talking with his attorney, Mullins led police to the grave 15 miles northeast of Ada in rural Seminole County off State Highway 56.

Authorities still were investigating the cause of death Monday.

Officers had searched Saturday night and into the early morning Sunday.

``This town is so close-knit that whenever something happens, our police can usually get to the bottom of it very quickly,'' Bratcher said.