The Phoenix Police Department said it had developed probable cause to recommend a charge of first-degree murder against Kiera Bergman's boyfriend Jon Christopher Clark.
Shortly after police recommended the murder charge, Bergman's family in San Diego reacted to the break in the case.
"I fight with myself like what could I have said or done differently to maybe change her mind on being with him?" Said Kiersten Bragg, Kiera's mother.
Bragg said Kiera and Clark met on a dating app in November of 2017 in San Diego. Their relationship became more serious and the couple decided to move to the Phoenix area together a few months ago.
"He had her so convinced that he was gonna be this good guy," said Bragg.
Kiera was last seen on August 4th. Weeks later, Bergman's body was found near SR-85 and Hazen Road on Sept. 3.
"This is like the worst nightmare," said Bragg.
Shortly after Kiera's disappearance, Clark was arrested on unrelated charges of identity theft and forgery.
Clark previously denied involved in Bergman's disappearance to 12 News.
"I love Kiera with all my heart and would never do anything negative to her or put her in harms way, Clark told 12 News via online messaging before his arrest on identity theft and forgery charges. “They treated me like a suspect from the jump … If the police even had a shred of evidence to say I had anything to do with this, they would not of [sic] let me go."
On Tuesday, investigators said they had probable cause to recommend first degree murder charges against Clark. On Tuesday night, he made his initial court appearance where a judge set bail at $1 million cash only.
Phoenix police said it would also recommend charges of improper removal of a body and evidence tampering against Clark.