Authorities in Arizona say a Prescott woman killed her boyfriend and then staged her own kidnapping to cover up the crime.

According to Fox News, 57-year-old Sharalyn Stura was arrested this week on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Investigators say she killed 66-year-old Jay Michael Freeman before concocting a false story that involved an intruder forcing her to drive toward the area of Rimrock.

A Department of Public Safety trooper reportedly found her inside her vehicle, with her hands tied to the steering wheel, along Insterstate 17 on Thursday morning.

Prescott Police spokesperson Dave Fuller said authorities then searched Stura’s residence, where they found Freeman dead of an apparent gunshot wound.

The suspect initially told police she had been able to escape her captors and drive the vehicle to the interstate to find help.

Police said that narrative soon fell apart and Stura admitted to playing a role in her boyfriend’s death, according to the Daily Courier.

“It was determined tat the story provided by Stura concerning the kidnapping and suspect at large was completely fabricated,” Fuller said.

He went on to express gratitude for the efforts of other law enforcement agencies, including state police and the Yavapai County SHeriff’s Office.

“All efforts taken in the Montezuma’s Well and Rimrock areas were made based on the information provided by what appeared to be a legitimate account of a serious violent crime,” Fuller added. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of the residents of that area, as we were proceeding with the utmost concern for their safety.”

[Featured image: Sharlyn Stura, Prescott Police Department]