Potential New Evidence in Search for Jessica O'Grady

Investigators Await Results of Tests

By Craig Nigrelli

CREATED Oct. 25, 2012

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Omaha, NE - New developments in the search for the body of Jessica O'Grady, the 19-year-old UNO student murdered in 2006. 

Douglas County Sheriff Tim Dunning said,  "We have recently sent some evidence in, to be examined by another expert. "  Dunning said it is forensics evidence that would give investigators a lead on where she might be.  Investigators say it will likely be a few weeks before they receive the results of this "valuable information".

In 2007, a jury convicted Chris Edwards of murder.  The panel believed Edwards used a Bangkok battle sword to stab her at his aunt's Northwest Omaha home.  There was a huge amount of O'Grady's blood.  He's now serving 100 years in prison.  But to this day, police have never found her body.  O'Grady's aunt, Shauna Stanzel,  said " closure for us is having her remains, being able to go somewhere in solace as people do with their loved ones who have passed and visit, that is something we long to do at some point."

Last fall, investigators dug up the yard at the home of Chris Edwards father, Robert Edwards.  They did not find her.   Robert Edwards later sent a letter to the State Attorney General saying, " The purpose of this letter is to request your assistance in confirming Ms. O'Grady's DNA has been positively and unquestionably cataloged within the National DNA Database.  My interest is in the exoneration of my son, and I believe the whereabouts of Ms. O'Grady would confirm his exoneration."    Sheriff Dunning called the letter "odd" and replied to Mr. Edwards telling him Jessica O'Grady's name is registered with the National Missing and Unidentified Person Database.

Dunning maintains that Chris Edwards had help removing her body from the lower level of his aunt's home.  Edwards weighed about 135 lbs. at the time and O'Grady about 120 lbs.  The Sheriff noted, " We think she was placed in commercial grade plastic, sealed with duct tape and hauled out that way. " The Sheriff says there was no evidence of dismemberment.   Shauna Stanzel told us, " I hope somebody will find the courage to come forward and do what's right. "

Anybody with information on the whereabouts of Jessica O'Grady's body should call the Sheriff's Office at (402) 444-6000.