On November 3, 2021, human remains were discovered in Chautauqua Park in Fairfield, Iowa. The remains have been confirmed to be those of Nohema Graber, who had been reported missing earlier that day.
Special agents from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Graber, which appears to be a homicide. Two individuals, Willard Noble Chaiden Miller, age 16, and Jeremy Everett Goodale, age 16, have been charged with Homicide in the First Degree, an A Felony, and Conspiracy to Commit Homicide in the First Degree, a C Felony.
Ms. Graber was employed as a Spanish teacher at Fairfield High School, where Miller and Goodale were students. Based on the circumstances and their ages, Miller and Goodale are being criminally charged as adults.
Personnel from the Fairfield Police Department, Fairfield Fire Department, Iowa State Patrol, Jefferson County Emergency Management, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Attorney’s Office assisted the DCI with the investigation.
This remains an ongoing investigation. Law enforcement would like to thank the public for their tips and concern following the announcement of Graber’s disappearance. Law enforcement does not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.
A criminal charge is only an accusation, and criminal defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.