Missing Nebraska mother Jerica Hamre’s remains discovered in a remote farm shed after 18 months, shifting her case to homicide as a person of interest sits in custody—highlighting the vital role of community vigilance in protecting families.
Story Snapshot
- Jerica Hamre, Lincoln mother of three, vanished July 3, 2024, under suspicious circumstances; remains found December 17, 2025, in rural Furnas County shed.
- Autopsy on December 18 confirmed identity; police state she was at the site for a long period, now investigating as homicide.
- Person of interest in custody on unrelated charges; no known ties to the remote property unrelated to Hamre.
- Public tips and social media efforts aided the breakthrough after extensive 18-month search.
Disappearance and Prolonged Search
Jerica Hamre, a Lincoln resident and mother of three young daughters, disappeared on July 3, 2024. Authorities reported suspicious circumstances as she traveled from Lincoln toward Oxford in southwest Nebraska. Lincoln Police Department led the investigation, believing she headed to that rural area. An 18-month search mobilized public tips, social media campaigns, and law enforcement efforts across Nebraska. Hamre’s parents, Lisa and Craig, described her as fun and loving while raising her daughters. This case underscores the challenges of missing persons investigations in vast rural landscapes.
Shocking Discovery in Remote Farm Shed
On December 17, 2025, a man inspecting a remote farm shed in Furnas County near Oxford for a property sale discovered human remains. Furnas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were human. The shed, an isolated structure with no known connection to Hamre, suggested her body was placed there after disappearance. Lincoln Police, retaining lead due to her origin in their jurisdiction, coordinated with local authorities. This unrelated rural site highlights how overlooked properties can hide tragedies for years, frustrating families seeking answers.
Homicide Investigation Underway
An autopsy on December 18, 2025, identified the remains as Jerica Hamre’s. Capt. Ben Miller of Lincoln Police announced the death as a homicide investigation. Police noted she had been at the location for a long period and are working with forensic experts on cause and timeline. A person of interest is in custody on unrelated charges, with identity undisclosed. Authorities emphasize no current community threat and solicit tips via 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers. Miller thanked social media for pivotal public assistance.
Hamre’s family requested privacy until after the holidays before public statements. Her parents continue raising the three daughters amid grief, seeking closure through justice.
Nebraska’s Broader Missing Persons Crisis
Nebraska faces over 700 active missing persons cases, amplified by the Nebraska Missing Persons Clearinghouse’s 10,000 monthly visits in 2024. Hamre’s case parallels others like Chance Englebert, missing since 2019 with remains potentially found in October 2025 near Gering. Rural discoveries heighten scrutiny on property searches and sustained public engagement. Social media and tips proved essential here, reinforcing community role in resolving cold cases. Short-term, the family gains partial closure; long-term, forensics may yield charges and details.
Sources:
Body discovered in Nebraska may be missing Moorcroft man Chance Englebert
Remains of missing Nebraska woman found in farm shed
Missing Nebraska mother Jerica Hamre dead
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