The search for a missing Lincoln woman is over and a homicide investigation has begun. On Monday morning Lincoln Police confirmed the remains of Jerica Hamre were found in rural Furnas County last Wednesday.
Hamre was first reported missing from Lincoln on July 3, 2024. Captain Ben Miller says her death is being investigated as a homicide and the Lincoln Police Department has a suspect in custody on unrelated charges.
“Our heart breaks for Jerica’s family and friends who for the last 18 months have been searching for answers,” Miller says. Since Hamre’s disappearance, numerous search efforts have been conducted near the location in which her body was found. Miller says the searches included law enforcement, family, friends, and community volunteers.
“The effort of searching over a thousand square miles of timber, lakes, rivers and farmland was daunting and never ended as the commitment to find her was unwavering.” Investigators do not believe Hamre has an association to the property where she was discovered, or to the property owner.
Numerous agencies are working together on this investigation, including the Lincoln Police Department, Furnas County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Furnas County Attorney, and Nebraska State Patrol.
Investigators do not believe this incident poses an ongoing threat to the communities in the area. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call our non-emergency number at 402-441-6000. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, report online at lincolncrimestoppers.com or download the free P3 app.