The Lincoln Police Department recovered human remains while searching an area of interest in Saunders County on Thursday, apart of the investigation into the disappearance of a missing couple from Stromsburg, Nebraska.
At this time, LPD says they cannot confirm the number of individuals or whether they are 26-year-old Hannah Neville and 27-year-old Roberto Tanner. Investigators are awaiting DNA or dental records to make a positive identification.
Investigators remain on scene collecting and processing evidence. The location of the initial shooting has yet to be determined.
On Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, LPD arrested 24-year-old Sterling James and 22-year-old Sayde Titus, a husband and wife from Lincoln, in connection to the case. Morrow confirmed that James and Tanner were half brothers. Neville was reportedly 32-weeks pregnant.
“We are heartbroken for their families, and our deepest condolences go out to their loved ones who are processing the tragic loss of this married couple and the child they were expecting,” Morrow said.
Sterling James (left) and Sayde Titus (right) | Photos: Lancaster County Jail
The case began on Jan. 28 when the Polk County Sheriff’s Office alerted LPD about the missing person’s report filed for Neville, who is from Stromsburg, Nebraska, a roughly one-hour drive from Lincoln. A missing person’s report for Tanner was filed the next day in Lincoln.
According to police, Neville’s roommate reported her missing in Polk County after not seeing her since Jan. 15 when Hannah left Stromsburg to pick up her husband in Lincoln. Location data and witness statements placed Neville and Tanner at James and Titus’s apartment near S. 12th and Arapahoe Street in Lincoln just before 7 p.m. on Jan. 15.
Neville’s cell phone data indicated her device leaving at 8 p.m., arriving at 7600 NW 27th Street, and remaining there until 1:30 a.m. Neville’s cell phone traveled to multiple other locations before going offline in the afternoon on Jan. 16.
Earlier that morning around 12:30 a.m., LPD responded to a vehicle fire near 39th and Cornhusker. It was determined to be Hannah’s SUV. The cause of the fire was left under investigation by the Fire Inspector. Officers attempted to call Neville to notify her of the fire, but her number was no longer in service. Morrow said investigators believe Neville was likely already deceased at the time, but LPD was not aware of her disappearance at that time.
On Feb. 1, LPD served a search warrant at 7600 NW 27th Street in Lancaster County where several people were detained and interviewed. Investigators learned James admitted to shooting Neville and Tanner. It is believed the killing took place in the late hours of Jan. 15 or early hours of Jan. 16.
Morrow said its believed that James then buried their bodies and set fire to Neville’s vehicle. Titus is believed to have helped James after they were killed. Prior to his arrest, James was out on parole.
James and Titus were both taken into custody at their residence. James is charged with two counts of murder in the first degree. Titus is being held on two counts of aiding and abetting first degree murder.
The investigation is active and ongoing, including determining a motive.
Anyone with information is asked to call LPD’s non-emergency number at 402-441-6000. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, report online at lincolncrimestoppers.com.