Lincoln Police say couple and unborn child believed dead, two arrested
Neville, who was 32 weeks pregnant, was reported missing on January 28 by authorities in Polk County after her roommate had not seen her since January 15.
UPDATE (Feb. 3): Investigators are now focusing their search efforts in rural Saunders County, northwest of Wahoo, as they continue looking for the remains of Hannah Neville and Roberto Tanner.
The Saunders County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Lincoln Police Department to search a rural area about four miles north of Malmo, near County Road 22 and County Road R. Authorities say they believe the couple is deceased and may be located in that area, roughly 35 miles from Lincoln.
Officials said Tanner lived in the area being searched. Police have not said whether the couple’s remains are expected to be found together or separately.
Neville was 32 weeks pregnant at the time of her disappearance.
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have confirmed that Hannah Neville, 26, of Stromsburg, and her husband Roberto Tanner, 27, of Lincoln, along with their unborn child, are believed to be deceased.
Neville, who was 32 weeks pregnant, was reported missing on January 28 by authorities in Polk County after her roommate had not seen her since January 15. Tanner was reported missing in Lincoln the following day.
Investigators say Neville and Tanner were last seen at an apartment on Arapahoe Street in Lincoln on January 15. Cell phone data indicates Neville’s device later traveled to multiple locations in Lancaster County before going offline on the afternoon of January 16.
Earlier on January 16, Neville’s silver 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer was found burned near 39th and Cornhusker in Lincoln. Lincoln police now believe she was already deceased at that time.
Authorities have arrested 24-year-old Sterling James and his wife, 22-year-old Sayde Titus, both from Lincoln. James is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and Titus is charged with aiding and abetting first-degree murder. Police say James admitted to shooting Neville and Tanner, burying their bodies, and setting fire to Neville’s vehicle, with Titus assisting after the killings.
During a press conference, police also said that James and Tanner are half-brothers. Officials reported that Neville had missed medical appointments prior to her disappearance, prompting her healthcare provider to contact authorities.
The investigation is ongoing as police continue to search for the couple’s remains and gather evidence, including digital records and surveillance footage. Authorities are also working to determine a motive.
Lincoln Police Department expressed condolences to the families and thanked the community for tips that have helped investigators piece together what happened.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000 or remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, online at lincolncrimestoppers.com, or via the free P3 app.