UPDATED: Murder charge filed in disappearance of Mollie Tibbetts

POWESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa -- A first-degree murder charge was filed today in connection with the disappearance of Mollie Tibbetts, who was last seen jogging in Brooklyn, Iowa, on July 18, 2018.  A complaint and affidavit names Cristhian Bahena Rivera, 24, who resides in rural Poweshiek County, in the charge of Murder in the First Degree.

 

Dozens of law enforcement officials from local, state and federal agencies were involved in the investigation after the disappearance of Mollie Tibbetts, 20.  A body was discovered in the early morning hours of August 21, in a farm field southeast of Brooklyn, Iowa.  The identity has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be Mollie Tibbetts.

 

The Complaint and Affidavit, which is linked below, provides the details of the allegations against Mr. Rivera.

 

Charges were filed in the Poweshiek County, Iowa, District Court.  The case will be prosecuted by the Iowa Attorney General’s Area Prosecution Division.  First-degree murder carries a penalty of life without parole.

 

The News-Review will have a complete story, including a recap of Rivera's first court appearance, in the August 29 edition of the News-Review.