A horrific crime shakes the quiet town of Farnhamville, Iowa, as a 17-year-old girl is found dead and a 21-year-old man faces murder charges.
At a Glance
- Michele “Luna” Jackson, 17, was found dead hours after being reported missing
- Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney, 21, charged with first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse
- Jackson’s mother and sister found Bevers-McGivney covered in blood with the victim’s scooter
- Community in shock; school district cancels activities and offers counseling
Tragic Discovery Rocks Small Iowa Town
The tranquil community of Farnhamville, Iowa, population 400, was plunged into despair when 17-year-old Michele “Luna” Jackson was found dead on Monday, September 23, 2024. The Southeast Valley High School junior had been reported missing by her mother just hours earlier, setting off a chain of events that would reveal a gruesome crime.
In a shocking turn of events, Jackson’s mother and sister encountered 21-year-old Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney covered in blood and in possession of the missing girl’s scooter and personal effects. This grisly discovery led to Bevers-McGivney’s immediate detainment and subsequent charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.
Iowa man now charged with murder of 17-year-old girl found dead in Farnhamville | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/xaETGjEvtt
— KCCI News (@KCCINews) September 25, 2024
Investigation Unfolds as Community Mourns
Law enforcement quickly cordoned off Farnhamville City Park, where evidence markers and apparent blood stains were found. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation joined local authorities in processing the crime scene. Jackson’s body was discovered near a field south of town the following morning, confirming the community’s worst fears.
“We don’t ever have crime like this,” Farnhamville resident Clayton Robey told KCCI. “Like ever.” “This is small town USA,” resident Teri Olson said. “You don’t hear about this happening in the small town. That’s why we moved here.”
The Southeast Valley School District, grappling with the loss of one of its students, canceled all competitions and practices, offering counseling services to those affected. The school community rallied together, organizing a “Red Out” in Jackson’s memory and providing support to her grieving classmates and teachers.
Details Emerge as Charges are Filed
Court documents reveal the brutal nature of the crime, alleging that Bevers-McGivney “willfully, deliberately and premeditatedly cut the throat of Michelle Luna Jackson killing her.” The incident reportedly took place at Farnhamville City Park on Niebel Street, though the motive and relationship between Jackson and Bevers-McGivney remain unclear.
Bevers-McGivney, now held in Carroll County Jail, faces additional charges of failure to disclose information. He has requested a lawyer and remains tight-lipped about the incident. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 4, as the community awaits answers and justice for Luna.
A Community United in Grief
As Farnhamville grapples with this unthinkable tragedy, residents have come together to honor Luna’s memory. A candlelight vigil was held, and plans are underway to decorate her favorite swing set with flowers. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Jackson’s family during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the tight-knit community of Farnhamville is left to mourn the loss of a young life and confront the harsh reality that such violence can touch even the most peaceful of towns. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for support systems in the face of unimaginable loss.
