Nebraska Man Charged with Murdering Half-Brother, Wife, and Unborn Child

Sterling James, 24, accused of killing Hannah Neville, 26, and Roberto Tanner, 27, as wife Sayde Titus, 22, faces aiding and abetting charges

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A Nebraska man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing his half-brother, Roberto Tanner, and Tanner's pregnant wife, Hannah Neville. Authorities say Sterling James, 24, admitted to shooting the couple and then burning their bodies, also killing their unborn child. James' wife, Sayde Titus, 22, has been charged with aiding and abetting. The investigation began in mid-January when Neville was reported missing, and her burned-out vehicle was later found abandoned in Lincoln.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the vulnerability of pregnant women. It also raises questions about family dynamics, mental health, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect victims of abuse. The investigation is ongoing as authorities search for the victims' bodies.

The details

According to police, on January 15th, Neville left her hometown of Stromsburg to pick up her husband Tanner in Lincoln. Witness statements and cellphone data placed the couple at the apartment of James and Titus just before 7 PM that night. Neville's cellphone then traveled to another address in Lancaster County until around 1:30 AM the next day, before going offline. On January 16th, Neville's burned-out SUV was found, though it took time for authorities to realize it belonged to the missing couple. On February 1st, a search warrant was executed at the second residence where Neville's phone had pinged, leading to the detention of several people. James later admitted to shooting Neville and Tanner, killing their unborn child, and burning their bodies.

  • On January 15, Neville left Stromsburg to pick up Tanner in Lincoln.
  • On January 16, Neville's burned-out vehicle was found in Lincoln.
  • On February 1, a search warrant was executed at a second residence in Lancaster County.
  • On February 3, the investigation was ongoing as authorities searched for the victims' bodies.

The players

Sterling James

A 24-year-old Nebraska man charged with two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing his half-brother Roberto Tanner and Tanner's pregnant wife Hannah Neville.

Sayde Titus

The 22-year-old wife of Sterling James, charged with aiding and abetting in the murders of Tanner and Neville.

Hannah Neville

A 26-year-old woman who was 32 weeks pregnant when she was reported missing and later found to have been murdered, along with her husband.

Roberto Tanner

The 27-year-old husband of Hannah Neville, who was allegedly murdered by his half-brother Sterling James.

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What’s next

The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue searching for the victims' bodies near a rural intersection in Saunders County, where Tanner previously lived.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and prevention of domestic violence, especially when pregnant women are involved. It also highlights the importance of thorough missing persons investigations and the devastating impact that such crimes can have on families and communities.