Body may be missing Norfolk woman’s

NORFOLK, Neb. — A body found in Pierce County is believed to be that of missing Norfolk woman Lacey Anderson.

Anderson, 19, had been missing since Aug. 23. Family members who started a Facebook page titled “Help Find Lacey!” changed the page to “RIP Lacey Anderson” over the weekend.

However, Pierce County Attorney Verlyn Luebbe wouldn’t confirm the victim’s sex or identity Monday. Family members had said they were awaiting DNA tests for official confirmation.

Luebbe said deer hunters discovered the body Saturday.

“We were wishing we would have a happy ending, but now we have closure,” said Karen Schmode of Battle Creek, Lacey’s grandmother.

She said Lacey’s disappearance took a toll on her. “I wasn’t living. I couldn’t think without thinking about where she was. It’s a miracle she’s been found.”

The Nebraska State Patrol, the Pierce and Madison County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Norfolk and Pierce Police Departments were called to the scene after the body was discovered.

An autopsy was planned, and the investigation was continuing.

Anderson was last seen at the Norfolk apartment where she lived with her mother.

According to court documents, Anderson had provided information to law enforcement regarding several different crimes and the individuals allegedly involved. She was identified in other criminal cases as a witness.

At the time of her disappearance, Anderson faced sentencing for revocation of her probation in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and a drive-by shooting.

A warrant had been issued for her arrest after she failed to appear for her court dates.

“I want her to be remembered as a beautiful, sweet girl who happened to fall into friends of the wrong kind,” Schmode said. “We will miss her, and life will never be the same without her.”

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