Published on: November 26, 2025, 06:24h.
Updated on: November 26, 2025, 06:25h.
- Arizona restaurateur deceived 54 investors to fund gambling habits and luxurious living.
- Accused awaits trial for the violent killing of teenage visitor.
- Evidence links the suspect to the murder, including blood, bank cards, and surveillance footage.
An Arizona restaurateur has been sentenced to 87 months in prison after being implicated in the murder of a teenager and defrauding 54 individuals out of approximately $5.6 million to support his gambling addiction.
At 40 years old, Anthonie Ruinard Jr. is facing trial for the murder of 18-year-old Parker League, whose remains were discovered dismembered, stabbed, and charred in a desert region near Apache Junction, Arizona, on June 11, 2023.
Simultaneously, he has been indicted by a federal grand jury for defrauding investors through his fraudulent venture, Legacy Investors Group, Inc.
Ruinard falsely represented himself as a successful investor with an estimated worth of over $470 million. Between 2018 and 2023, he lured victims by promising them a 5% to 6% monthly return on their investments in areas such as venture capital, private equity, and real estate, according to the indictment. Prosecutors stated this was a complete fabrication.
Investment Scam
While a handful of early investors received returns, many others lost their entire investments, leading prosecutors to describe the scheme as reminiscent of a classic Ponzi operation.
Ruinard used the money for gambling in casinos and purchasing luxury vehicles, including an armored car valued at $344,000, as detailed in court filings. He has been ordered to pay over $4.5 million in restitution to the defrauded investors.
Previously, Ruinard owned Pastiche Modern Eatery in Tucson, which was celebrated for its live jazz performances. The business failed after staff quit when their checks started to bounce, followed by a fire that significantly damaged the property, leading to its permanent closure.
His extensive criminal history includes armed robbery, theft, making bomb threats against a school, and charges of animal cruelty.
Murder of Parker League
Parker League, who was visiting friends from Nebraska, was reported missing by his family in June 2023.
On June 11, he was seen with Ruinard at a Phoenix nightclub. Security footage captured them leaving a gas station together, marking the last sighting of League. Ruinard was apprehended after he began using League’s bank cards following the victim’s death.
Investigators discovered evidence, including the victim’s blood and DNA, in Ruinard’s vehicle.
In March 2024, Ruinard faced a grand jury indictment with 19 counts including wire fraud and money laundering linked to the fraudulent investment scheme. Additionally, he is charged with second-degree murder and the concealment of a body concerning League’s death.