Four Nebraskans Charged with Covering Up Apparent Couple's Murder

Alleged accomplices accused of hiding evidence, disposing of bodies in triple homicide case

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Six people have been arrested in connection with the disappearances and presumed deaths of a Stromsburg, Nebraska couple and their unborn child. Three suspects - Sheena Miller, Ammie Mitchell, and Kendall Hawthorne - were charged with accessory to murder and tampering with evidence. A fourth suspect, Matthew Lickliter, was charged with similar felonies. Authorities allege the four helped the primary suspects, Sterling James and Sayde Titus, cover up the murders of 26-year-old Hannah Neville and her 27-year-old husband Roberto Tanner.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving complex homicide cases, especially when multiple suspects are allegedly involved in concealing evidence and disposing of bodies. It also raises questions about bail reform and the risks of allowing suspects with pending violent charges to remain free on bond.

The details

According to court documents, on January 15th, Sterling James reached out to Sheena Miller and said he needed help buying a firearm from his half-brother, Roberto Tanner. James, Miller, Tanner, and Tanner's pregnant wife Hannah Neville drove to a rural property owned by Kendall Hawthorne. There, James allegedly shot and killed both Tanner and Neville. Miller is accused of helping James move the bodies into Tanner's vehicle, while Mitchell later discovered the blood-soaked crime scene and was instructed to remove evidence. Matthew Lickliter allegedly helped hide the vehicles and bodies, while Hawthorne is accused of encouraging the burning of evidence on his property.

  • On January 15, Sterling James contacted Sheena Miller and said he was coming to her home.
  • On January 15, the four victims traveled to Kendall Hawthorne's rural property.
  • On January 15, Sterling James allegedly shot and killed Roberto Tanner and Hannah Neville.
  • On January 15, the suspects allegedly moved and hid the victims' bodies and vehicles.
  • On February 1, police first served a search warrant at Kendall Hawthorne's property.

The players

Sheena Miller

A 40-year-old woman who allegedly witnessed the murders and helped cover them up.

Ammie Mitchell

A 47-year-old woman who allegedly discovered the crime scene and was instructed to remove evidence.

Kendall Hawthorne

A 57-year-old man who owns the rural property where the alleged murders and evidence destruction took place.

Matthew Lickliter

A 28-year-old man who allegedly helped hide the vehicles and bodies.

Sterling James

A 24-year-old man who is charged with the murders of Hannah Neville, Roberto Tanner, and their unborn child.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on March 12 whether to allow Matthew Lickliter to be released on bail, given his pending sexual assault case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving complex homicide cases, especially when multiple suspects are allegedly involved in concealing evidence and disposing of bodies. It also raises questions about bail reform and the risks of allowing suspects with pending violent charges to remain free on bond.