Police Suspect Foul Play In Death Of Sydney Loofe

DYLAN WIDGER/ACN

After nearly three weeks of searching for Sydney Loofe, the family and the community now have some answers.

At a Tuesday morning press conference, FBI agent Randall Thysse and Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister confirmed that the news that family and friends feared.

"On December fourth, a body was discovered in rural Clay County," said Thysse. "At this time, we believe it to be the body of Sydney Loofe, pending forensic analysis."

Clay County is roughly 50 minutes west of Wilber, the last known sighting of Loofe. Thysse said it was a “collaborative effort” that included a “digital footprint” that led to the discovery of Loofe’s body.

Bliemeister later added that the discovery was made in a rural, open area and the scene has been completely closed off by authorities. While there are still many questions yet to be answered, he did confirm that their investigation has led them to believe Loofe was the victim of foul play.

"We do believe that there is evidence of foul play. We'll continue throughout the day, through the search and then the subsequent pathology examination, determine exactly what that is," said Bliemeister.

An autopsy has yet to be scheduled. Chief Bliemeister stressed that there is not currently an immediate threat to the safety of the public.

After Bliemeister confirmed the discovery, the attention then turned to Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell, the two individuals named as persons of interest in the investigation a week ago. He stated that the two had not been charged with any offense directly related to the investigation, but remained of interest due to them being two of the last known people to see Loofe before she disappeared.

"We continue to speak with Aubrey Trail," Bliemeister said. "We'll continue to do so as long as he's willing to do that."

Bliemeister said that the investigation had not yet confirmed the claim from Trail and Boswell that they dropped Loofe off at a friend's house the night she was last seen.