A mother desperately searching for her missing child was confronted with a scene right out of a horror movie – her daughter’s killer, ‘covered in blood’ and riding his teenaged victim’s scooter.
The body of Michelle ‘Luna’ Jackson, 17, of Farnhamville, a tiny town of fewer than 400 people in northwest Iowa, was found Monday morning, less than 24 hours after her mother first reported her missing.
Jackson’s frantic mother and sister went searching the neighborhood Sunday night after Jackson failed to come home – that is when they came upon the horrific sight of her alleged killer riding off.
Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney, 21, was taken into custody and held in the Carroll County jail on abuse of a corpse charges, and failure to disclose a known location.
He was initially accused of hiding the girl’s body to conceal a crime, KTIV News reported.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday evening that Bevers-McGiveny was later charged with first-degree murder.
Before Jackson’s identity was confirmed she had been listed as Jane Doe, authorities said.
It was unclear what led to Jackson’s death and if the pair knew one another.
When Bevers-McGIvney was located he had possession of the teen’s scooter and some of her other personal belongings.
He refused to answer any questions, police said.
However, a criminal complaint revealed the location where Jackson’s body was found alleging that Bevers-McGivney intentionally hid the young woman’s body to conceal a crime.
Her body was found on Monday around 9am in a farm field south of town.
The Daily Mail reached out to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office for more information on the case but they were unavailable.
Many in the community were shaken by Jackson’s death.
Jackson’s obituary said she was ‘a victim of a senseless act of violence.’
‘I am shocked. I never thought you would see something like this in Farmhamville. I thought this was a safe place,’ he said.
‘I feel for the family.’
Grief-stricken friends and family described the young woman, a junior at Southeast Valley High School, ‘as someone who ‘brought joy to those around her.’
She was remembered for her ‘love for Minecraft, virtual conversations with friends, and her love for swinging in the park and passion for music.’
‘Luna took great pleasure in pampering herself, often frequenting Bath and Body Works for fragrant delights,’ the obit stated.
‘Her interest in the show Supernatural, combined with her love for anime, especially the series “Soul Eater,” showcased her unique and inquisitive spirit.
Private funeral services are planned for Thursday at the funeral home in Gowrie. A celebration of life for friends and family will also be held ‘sometime’ in the future.
The tribute further stated, in part: ‘Luna’s presence will forever be missed, but her spirit and memories will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.’
Jackson’s high school, South East Valley, was heartbroken by the news and offered counseling for students and staff. ‘Our thoughts are with the family and those affected by the tragedy,’ the school said.
A candlelight vigil was held on Sunday evening at Farnhamville City Park. Attendees wore purple or black as those were Jackson’s favorite colors, The Messenger local outlet reported.
The family also plans to decorate the swing set that Jackson loved to sit on with flowers.
A GoFundMe has also been created by family friends to assist Jackson’s family. The Southeast Valley High School student body has planned a “Red Out” for the remainder of the week, asking students to wear red, which is the symbolic color of National Homicide Awareness Day, which is today.
A GoFundMe was created to help the family with expenses and deal with the incomprehensible loss. As of Wednesday, $more than $2,000 was raised toward their goal of $10,000.
Bevers-McGivney is expected in court for a preliminary hearing on October 4.