Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for a Lincoln man accused of killing his half-brother and his brother’s pregnant wife.
KLIN media partner 10/11 NOW reports that 24-year-old Sterling James and his wife, 22-year-old Sayde Titus, were arraigned Thursday in Lancaster County Court in connection with the deaths of 26-year-old Hannah Neville and 27-year-old Roberto Tanner of Stromsburg.
James faces two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree murder of an unborn child and tampering with evidence and is being held without bond. Titus is charged with two counts of accessory to murder, accessory to murder of an unborn child and tampering with evidence. Her bond was set at 10% of $1 million.
Neville and Tanner were reported missing last week after Neville left to pick Tanner up in Lincoln. LPD recovered human remains while searching an area of interest in Saunders County on Thursday. At this time, LPD says they cannot confirm the number of individuals or whether they are Neville and Tanner. Investigators are awaiting DNA or dental records to make a positive identification.
Police allege James admitted to shooting the couple and burying their bodies, which were later moved. Authorities say Titus helped conceal the remains. Both were arrested Feb. 1. Police say the investigation remains active and a motive has not been identified.
Records show James was on parole at the time of his arrest following a 2024 conviction involving burglary, weapons and drug offenses.
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.
26-year-old Hannah Neville and 27-year-old Roberto Tanner (Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff’s Office)