Body Linked To 12-Year-Old Homicide Case, Police Say

Lincoln police have identified the human remains found in a ditch southwest of the Capitol City, and they believe they have solved a 12-year-old murder case. On Friday, investigators said the body is that of Melissa Schmidt-Maser, 15, who disappeared in 1995.

Police also told KETV NewsWatch 7 they believe they have a suspect in Schmidt's death who is already in custody on another charge. They declined to release his name.

The human remains were found along a Lancaster County road in mid-January. Authorities started searching for remains west of Capitol City after receiving information earlier this year.

"Although it's incredibly sad that she appears to be the victim of a homicide. In a way, it's good after all these years her family can know the truth and have her remains returned," said Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casaday.

Schmidt-Maser vanished after returning from the Nebraska State Fair in 1995.

On the 10th anniversary of her disappearance, Lincoln police announced a $5,000 reward from the National Missing Persons Foundation for information about the case.

Lincoln Crimestoppers had a $1,000 reward posted for information as well.

Stay tuned to KETV at 5 p.m. for more on the story.

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