Nancy Howery, 44, was reported missing from Indian Harbour Beach on February 18, 2023, after she failed to pick up her children from school. The Indian Harbour Beach Police Department’s inquiry produced evidence of foul play and the case was turned over to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office because the incident occurred outside Indian Harbour Beach jurisdiction.

Investigators say Howery had been in a relationship with 32-year-old Daniel Stearns of Palm Bay, whom she met through a dating app. She was last seen on February 15, 2023, after a heated argument with Stearns. According to the investigation, Stearns allegedly shot Howery that day, then over the following days dismembered and burned her body and buried remains in several locations within an undeveloped wooded area in Palm Bay known as The Compound.

On March 9, 2023, members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Game Over Task Force and Fugitive and Aviation Units observed Stearns traveling to The Compound and attempting to dispose of evidence; he was detained. Human remains later positively identified as Howery’s were recovered in multiple locations there. Stearns was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and mutilation of a dead body and is being held without bond. A public meeting was scheduled for March 30 to discuss safety and crime concerns in The Compound.

If anyone has information about Howery, her movements in February 2023, or activity in The Compound, please share what is known.