Nohema Graber

A homicide investigation is underway for a Fairfield woman who was reported missing Wednesday.

The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office states that human remains were discovered in Chautauqua Park in Fairfield Wednesday. They were confirmed to be those of 66-year-old Nohema Graber, who had been reported missing earlier that day. Special agents from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding Graber’s death, which appeared to be a homicide. Sixteen-year-old Willard Noble Chaiden Miller and 16-year-old Jeremy Everett Goodale have been charged with first-degree homicide, a class A felony, and first-degree conspiracy to commit homicide, a class C felony.

County Attorney Chauncey Moulding states that Graber was employed as a Spanish teacher at Fairfield High School where Miller and Goodale were students. Based on the circumstances and their ages, the minors are being criminally charged as adults. The Fairfield police and fire department, Iowa State Patrol, Jefferson County emergency management, sheriff’s office, and the attorney’s office assisted DCI with the investigation, which remains ongoing.

Law enforcement thanks the public for their tips and concern following the announcement of Graber’s disappearance, and they do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public. The Fairfield School District announced Thursday that they were dismissing high school students at 9:30 a.m., though the school would remain open in case any students or staff seek support. Questions should be addressed to the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office. KCII will bring you more information as it becomes official.