The Search For Mollie Ends In Heartbreak
Mollie Tibbetts (State of Iowa Website/Jenny Fiebelkorn)
Suspect Named In The Disappearance Of Mollie
Montezuma, Iowa – The news leaked out on Tuesday morning that the case of missing 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts seemed to have come to a tragic end with the discovery of a young woman’s body in a corn field.
Authorities were confident that the body was that of Tibbetts, and called for a press conference to begin at 4pm on Tuesday afternoon. Investigators promised that the press conference would have considerable information in regards to the case.
As the media from around Iowa and the nation gathered outside the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, the country waited to hear additional information on the case. Tibbetts had become everyone’s sister, niece, or friend.
Rick Rahn, Special Agent in charge with the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, stepped to the microphone to inform the nation that indeed Mollie’s body had been recovered, and that a person was in custody, charged with her death.
Cristhian Bahena Rivera, 24, of rural Poweshiek County, Iowa, was charged with 1st Degree Murder in the death of Tibbetts, says Rahn.
Rahn said that Mollie’s body was discovered in a corn field, with corn stalks placed over the top of Mollie’s body, southeast of Brooklyn, Iowa.
On Rivera’s immigration status, Rahn said that Rivera was confirmed to be an illegal alien, and was in the Poweshiek County area for 4 to 7 years.
During the neighborhood canvass, Rahn said investigators came across an individual with home security cameras. That homeowner shared the footage with investigators, who were able to identify a vehicle they believed belonged to Rivera.
A tow service is seen here with a black Chevrolet Malibu and a Nissan being escorted by Poweshiek County Deputies just moments before the press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
The vehicle was identified as a black Chevrolet Malibu.
The critical surveillance video had been in investigators custody for “a week or two”, while they pieced together information available in the video. “The video was critical,” said Rahn.
“Over 4000 leads came in on this investigation”, said Rahn.
With the information in hand, investigators approached Rivera on August 20th, nearly 5 weeks after Mollie’s disappearance on July 18th, 2018.
A lengthy interview with Rivera took place, explained Rahn. “During that interview he tells us that he sees Mollie running and was able to come upon her, approach her, and while he was interfacing with her, he actually tells us that he ran alongside of her or behind her. And then at one point he tells us that Mollie grabbed a hold of her phone and said you need to leave me alone, I’m going to call the police. And then she took off running. He in turn chased her down, and then he tells us that at some point and time he blacks out and then he comes to near an intersection, which we believe he then placed Mollie.”
“After we got done interviewing Mr. Rivera, he lead us to her location,” said Rahn, which was near 460th Street in rural Poweshiek County.
Rivera, who is employed by a local dairy operation, told investigators that he had seen Mollie before, but investigators wouldn’t be more specific.
Rahn praised the support the community has shown for the family and investigators.
Rivera Appears In Court
On Wednesday, August 22nd, Rivera had his first court appearance in Poweshiek County Court, with Magistrate Judge Diane Crookham-Johnson presiding.
Cristhian Bahena Rivera, 24, arrives for his initial appearance on a charge of first-degree murder at the Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma, Iowa, on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018. Rivera is accused of killing University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette/Pool)
Allan Richards, who is representing Rivera, argued that the media coverage of the case is impacting his clients right to a fair trial. He cited Iowa Court of Appeals case law, State versus Jack Hayes.
Richards said in his argument that the expanded media coverage in that case could materially interfere with the rights of the parties for a fair trial. “It is based on Constitutional Rights.”
“Essentially, the prejudice here is the decision beforehand to lean in favor of one side or the other, which prevents justice,” said Richards. “In this particular case, the coverage that’s out there is leaning all one way. In fact, the government has weighed in at the highest levels of predisposition that this young man Christhian is guilty.”
“We’re urging the court to prevent the cameras from coming in here, which possibly could show some sort of bias or prejudice and get it into this political controversy of portraying Christhian as something that he isn’t. In some ways, I view this as a political payback for what’s swirling around in terms of the media. And the media is feeding into it. They have not made efforts, as far as I can see, to give justice or any type of leaning towards this presumption of innocence.”
Richards was referencing President Donald Trump’s comment at a rally on Tuesday, “You heard about today with the illegal alien coming in, very sadly, from Mexico and you saw what happened to that incredible, beautiful young woman,” he said. “Should’ve never happened. … The laws are so bad, the immigration laws are such a disgrace. We’re getting it changed, but we have to get more Republicans.”
Richards used Trumps words in a motion for gag order, stating “Sad and Sorry Trump has weighed in on this matter in national media which will poison the entire possible pool of jury members.”
The State of Iowa had no objection to the expanded media request that had been filed. “I think they follow proper procedure here” referencing Andrew Grove, who is the media coordinator for Poweshiek County.
The state said it’s routine in such cases for the media to have interest in court proceedings. “The supreme court has provided rules for the court to follow in allowing media coverage.”
The media at Tuesday’s proceedings was allowed one video camera, and one still camera in the court room. Those images were then part of the pool for all journalists to use, which is a common practice.
Richards argued that the rules of procedure were not followed in regards to allowing the media into the court room for the initial appearance.
Magistrate judge Diane Crookham-Johnson presides over the initial appearance of Cristhian Bahena Rivera, 24, on a charge of first-degree murder at the Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma, Iowa, on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018. Rivera is accused of killing University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette/Pool)
Crookham-Johnson ruled on the defenses request for a private hearing and the expanded media coverage, saying “the defendants right to a fair trial is not prejudice by the publicity as related to the initial appearance. Reasonable alternatives have been established including limiting media coverage to 1 video camera and 1 still camera. Today’s initial appearance will be held in open court and the media will be allowed to stay in the courtroom.”
“Mr. Richards you also filed a motion for a gag order, and in discussions that were held off the record prior to today’s hearing, you indicated that you intended for that gag order to be heard by a district court judge. Is that still your intent?” asked Crookham-Johnson.
“I believe that’s the proper procedure,” replied Richards.
A note was made for the court to set that motion for a hearing.
Moving onto the initial appearance part of the court proceedings on the charge of murder in the first degree and an immigration detainer notice of action filed by the Department of Homeland Security.
“The purpose of an initial appearance is to make sure you understand the charges against you. To review any requests for an appointment of an attorney. To set further proceedings or court dates in this matter, and to discuss your terms of release from jail,” said Crookham-Johnson to Rivera.
“Mr. Rivera, do you have any questions about the things we’ll be covering today,” asked Crookham-Johnson.
Rivera, through his interpreter, said he didn’t have any questions.
August 31st, 2018 will be Rivera’s preliminary hearing, beginning at 2pm at the Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma, Iowa.
Richards, in arguing for Rivera’s bond, said that the defendant had been working for a well-respected member of the community and had no prior criminal record. “We are urging the court to be fair to Christhain with these rights, including his bond.”
Richards asked the court to set a bond that “might be at least somewhat attainable. We will take a look at your ruling and probably ask for a review hearing on the matter.”
Crookham-Johnson asked Rivera if he would like to say anything before she set the terms of his release from jail. Rivera declined to say anything.
Crookham-Johnson set Rivera’s bond at 5 million dollars cash only, in the name of the defendant only, and only after approval for pretrial release by the Department of Corrections.
Leaders Speak Out About Mollie’s Death
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds sent out a statement saying, ““Today, our state woke up to heart-wrenching news. As a mother, I can’t imagine the sorrow felt by the Tibbetts family. We are all suffering over the death of Mollie, knowing that it could have been our own daughter, sister or friend. ”
Reynolds went on to say, “Over the past month, thousands of Iowans searched and prayed for Mollie’s safe return. Now, we are called to come together once again to lift up a grieving family. The search for Mollie is over, but the demand for justice has just begun.”
In regards to Rivera’s immigration status, Reynolds statement included comments on the U.S. Immigration system. “As Iowans, we are heartbroken, and we are angry. We are angry that a broken immigration system allowed a predator like this to live in our community, and we will do all we can bring justice to Mollie’s killer.”
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said Wednesday on Fox News that Sarah’s Law has been reintroduced to Congress after the murder of Iowa college student Mollie Tibbetts.
The Sarah’s Law would require an illegal immigrant charged with a crime that resulted in someone’s death to be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
It was named after another Iowan, Sarah Root, who was killed in a crash involving a car driven by an illegal immigrant in 2016.
“It seems so simple and straightforward, yet we haven’t received the traction,” Ernst said.
Ernst said that the loss of Tibbetts has “deeply” hurt so many residents in her state, and to have the weeks-long search end in tragedy is “disheartening.”
Employer Questioned About Rivera
Shortly after Christhian Rivera was named a suspect in the death of Mollie Tibbetts, questions continued about the immigration status of Rivera, and how he found employment at a nearby dairy farm.
Dane and Craig Lang held a press conference on August 22nd about Rivera and his time working for Yarrabee Farms near Brooklyn, Iowa.
Cristhian Bahena Rivera, 24, looks to his attorney Allan Richards as he makes his initial appearance on a charge of first-degree murder at the Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma, Iowa, on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018. Rivera is accused of killing University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette/Pool)
Craig Lang, a former Republican candidate for Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture this year, read a statement to the press.
Craig Lang shared he and his families “heartfelt condolences” to the Tibbetts family. “In a community the size of Brooklyn, you know almost everyone. We have lost one of our own. What a tragic end to a life that was full of promise and hope.”
“The individual arrested and charged in the death of Mollie was employed by our family farming operation, Yarrabee Farms,” said Craig Lang. “We are a small, 6-generation farm located in rural Poweshiek County. We are still shocked to learn that one of our employees was involved. We continue to cooperate with the investigation and we have provided information about our former employee, including hiring records, to the authorities. There will be plenty of time to discuss immigration, but however, now is not the time.”
“Now is a time to grieve and remember Mollie and her family. Our family stands solemnly with so many in our community and across the nation who had prayed for Mollie’s safe return,” said Craig Lang.
Dane Lang spoke to the media about the employment practices of Yarrabee Farms, which is a dairy operation.
Dane Lang said that when anyone applies for employment with Yarrabee Farms, they must provide government identification. “In this case, the individual did provide a state issued photo I.D. and a social security card.”
Dane Lang said the farm then takes a second step to verify the applicant’s identification, when they screen applicants through the Social Securities Administrations Social Security Number Verification Service. “The information came back verified.”
“That means that the exact name, birth date, and exact social security number were all cross referenced,” explained Lang. “What we have learned in the last 24 hours is that our employee was not who he said he was. And just within the last 4 hours, we have come to learn that the Social Security Administration Employment Verification Service is not the same as E-Verify.”
Initial statements by the Lang family and its farms said they had used E-Verify when they hired Rivera, and Lang apologized for any confusion caused by their early statements about using E-Verify.
Lang said that Rivera had been considered to be an employee in good standing and had worked for the Langs nearly 4 years. “He came to work every day. Was on time, and got along with his co-workers.”
Lang said he found out Rivera was the suspect in Mollie’s death at the same time as everyone else, and didn’t notice anything different about Rivera after Mollie’s disappearance on July 18th.
Lang told reporters that he wished that he had seen a difference in Rivera’s behavior. “But I didn’t. Nobody saw a difference. This guy stayed around for 35 days after he did this. Nobody noticed anything different.”
Preliminary Cause Of Death
Family and friends reacted to the news about Mollie Tibbetts at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
In a press release by the Iowa Department of Investigation on August 23rd, 2018, the Iowa State Medical Examiner concluded the body was that of Tibbetts, and that the manner of death was homicide resulting from multiple sharp force injuries.
Mollies Aunt Shares Her Thoughts
Billie Jo Calderwood, who is Mollie’s Aunt, shared on social media this week, “Please remember, Evil comes in EVERY color. Our family has been blessed to be surrounded by love, friendship and support throughout this entire ordeal by friends from all different nations and races. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The criminal complaint affadavit is as follows:
On 7/19/2018 Mollie Tibbetts [DOB 05/08/98] was reported as a missing person to the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly after Tibbetts was reported missing video footage was collected from an area on the east side of Brooklyn, Poweshiek County, Iowa. The video was from the evening of July 18, 2018. After review of the video, it was determined that Mollie Tibbetts was running near the area of Boundary and Middle Streets when a dark colored Chevy Malibu was in the same vicinity. The dark colored Chevy Malibu can be seen numerous times driving back and forth in the area. It was determined through other investigation that the dark-colored Chevy Malibu was connected to Christian Rivera. Rivera was then questioned by law enforcement about the disappearance of Tibbetts on 8/20/2018. Rivera admitted to making contact with a female running in Brooklyn and that he pursued her in his vehicle in an area east of Brooklyn, Poweshiek County, Iowa. Defendant Rivera stated he parked the vehicle, got out and was running behind her and alongside of her. Rivera stated she grabbed her phone and said “I’m gonna call the police”. Rivera said he then panicked and got mad and that he then “blocked” his “memory” which is what he does when he gets very upset and doesn’t remember anything after that until he came to at an intersection. Rivera stated he then made a U-turn, drove back to an entrance to a field and then drove into a driveway to a cornfield. He noticed there was an earpiece from headphones in his lap and that is how he realized he put her in the trunk. He went to get her out of the trunk and he noticed blood on the side of her head. The Defendant Rivera described the female’s clothing, what she was wearing including an earphone or headphone set, and The defendant further described during the interview that he dragged Tibbetts on foot from his vehicle to a secluded location in a cornfield. Rivera described he put her over his shoulder and took her about 20 meters into the cornfield and he left her covered in some corn leaves and that he left her there, face up. The Defendant was able to use his phone to determine the route he traveled from Brooklyn. Rivera then later guided law enforcement to her location from memory. Law enforcement located the remains of a deceased female in the area Rivera took them to. The physical surroundings of her location and other factors at the scene matched his earlier physical description of the area as that where he placed her body. Based on the interview with Rivera, the clothing found at the scene where the body was located, and tentative identification by the medical examiner based on information about certain articles of her clothing, the deceased female is Mollie Tibbetts.
