Sheriff’s office IDs body found in Lancaster County; four arrested in homicide

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The body found in a southwest Lancaster County ditch has been identified as an Omaha homicide victim, the sheriff’s office said.

Around 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a body was found near West Roca Road and Southwest 128th Street.

Capt. Tommy Trotter said a crew working nearby was driving down the road and noticed the body.

“They were driving some heavy equipment, which was a little higher viewpoint than most motorists who would drive down the road,” he said. “And so, one of the operators was able to see the body that had been placed in the ditch. ”

After an autopsy, the body was identified as 68-year-old Gary Lew of Omaha.

Investigators then spoke with family members at Lew’s home near 156th Street and West Dodge Road.

“Suspicions arose” during that visit, and deputies contacted the Omaha Police Department, Lt. Nicholas Andrews said.

Police said the slaying happened at Lew’s home.

“Our crime lab and forensics, as well as detectives, processed that scene, collected evidence and that will later be released in court,” Andrews said.

Christina Thornley, 37; Jacob Thornley, 37; Justin Thornley, 39; and Braden Bongers, 26; were then arrested in connection to Lew’s death.

Omaha Police confirmed the suspects’ relationship to Lew.

“So the four suspects who were arrested, three of them are related to Gary Lew,” Andrews said. “Gary’s daughter, Christina; his son-in-law, Justin; and the son-in-law’s cousin, Jacob; are all related. The fourth party, Braden, is just an acquaintance.”

Andrews said the slaying happened at the home, but the cause of the death is still unknown.

Lew’s body was “disposed of” in a Lancaster County ditch about a month ago, according to the sheriff’s office.

Bongers, Justin and Jacob were arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.

Justin and Jacob were additionally arrested on suspicion of tampering with evidence and concealing a body.

Christina has been accused of being an accessory to a felony, tampering with evidence and concealing a body, according to police.

Andrews said there are no other suspects in the case.

Lew’s cause of death is still unknown, he said.