Palm Bay, Florida — A Florida man has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder and dismemberment of a woman he met through a dating app. Daniel Stearns, 32, was convicted in October of second-degree murder, abuse of a dead human body, and tampering with evidence, concluding a case that horrified the Palm Bay community.
The victim, 44-year-old Nancy Howery, a mother of two, was reported missing on February 18, 2023, by her ex-husband, after she failed to pick up her children from school. Investigators determined that Howery was last seen alive three days earlier, on February 15, 2023, and had planned to meet with Stearns that day.
Authorities Track Suspect to Compound
Following Howery’s disappearance, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation that led them to a wooded area known as the Compound. According to law enforcement, Stearns was seen attempting to dispose of evidence in the area before he was detained by members of the Game Over Task Force.
Investigators discovered dismembered and burned remains at the Compound, which were later identified as belonging to Howery. Officials confirmed that Stearns had fatally shot Howery during an argument over their relationship on February 15, 2023. Authorities said the victim’s body was dismembered, burned, and buried in multiple locations, leaving investigators with five separate crime scenes to examine.
Motive and Court Proceedings
During sentencing on Thursday, prosecutor Samantha Barrett told the court, “The defendant was angry at Ms. Howery. He was jealous, because she was seeing other men and that their relationship was not exclusive. She was not, to quote him, ‘following his relationship rules.’”
Howery’s ex-husband, Todd Howery, described the crime as “demented and defective”, calling it “not just a murder… it was a savage slaughter.”
Sentencing Details
Stearns was sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge. In addition, he received more than 22 years in prison for the charges of abuse of a dead human body and tampering with evidence. Authorities noted that the multi-step process of disposing of Howery’s remains prolonged the investigation and deeply affected the community.
Community Impact
The murder shocked residents of Palm Bay, highlighting the dangers associated with online dating and relationships that turn violent. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity promptly.
Investigators continue to review the case to ensure that no additional accomplices were involved in the crime. Community members are calling for greater awareness and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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