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Arkansas jogger Sydney Sutherland found murdered near home 2 days after she went missing, farmer arrested

Sydney Sutherland's remains were found after three days of desperate search that involved at least 200 people; cops say she knew the farmer Quake Lewellyn
PUBLISHED AUG 23, 2020
Quake Lewellyn (Jackson County Sheriff's Office)
Quake Lewellyn (Jackson County Sheriff's Office)

JACKSON COUNTY, ARKANSAS: The body of a woman who went missing while jogging has been found near her home. Police said they found the remains of Sydney Sutherland in Newport on August 21, after a three-day search operation where K-9 units and helicopter crews were used to look for her.

According to reports, Sydney disappeared after she went for a jog on August 19. She was last seen on State Highway 18 between Newport and Grubbs around 3 pm. The suspect arrested in her murder has been identified as Quake Lewellyn. The 28-year-old has been charged with one count of capital murder and booked into Jackson County Jail. Providing details on the accused, police said Lewellyn is a farmer from Jonesboro and the victim knew him. However, what kind of relationship they shared is not yet clear.

Before Sydney’s body was found on August 21, police found her iPhone about a quarter-mile from her home. She reportedly went for the jog with her phone and Apple Watch. She was also seen running in the area of Jackson County Road 41 by a UPS driver, The Daily Mail reported.

On August 20, one of Sydney’s relatives shared a picture of her while appealing to the public to help find her. The photo is now believed to be the last picture of her as it was taken from Ring footage at their house just before she went for the jog. In the photo, the 25-year-old was seen in pink sneakers, black shorts, and a white tank top. "This was at 1 pm on 8/19/20 at our house. She went for a walk around 2.30 pm by her house on HWY 18. Please help us find our sassy!!" the relative, Summer Sutherland, wrote.

The very next day after the relative’s appeal, Sydney’s body was found just north of her home. The accused was also taken into custody soon after the tragic discovery. However, the sheriff’s office did not reveal how they identified Lewellyn or if they found any evidence at the scene. The investigation continues as Sydney’s body has been sent to Arkansas Crime Laboratory.

Jackson County Sheriff David Lucas appreciated the locals' efforts in searching for Sydney. At least 200 volunteers joined the sheriff's office along Highway 18, looking for Sydney. He said, "It’s taken a toll, it really has. Just because I know the people of this county. I know this family personally. I know this young lady personally. I’ve known her and watched her grow up. It hits me personally."

Meanwhile, Sydney’s Facebook page mentions that she worked as a nurse at Harris Medical Center in Newport. She and her boyfriend, Alex, were reportedly living in. Her colleagues described her as bright and outgoing. "She’s very close to her family. We just know that she wouldn’t leave on her own without contacting somebody, that’s not her nature at all," one of her co-workers, Jennifer Eddington, said before Sydney’s body was found.

The parents of Sydney’s boyfriend have also expressed their sorrow over the tragedy on Facebook and shared how their son was going through a difficult time. "Please continue to pray for all of them. As you probably have heard by now, they have found the body of Sydney. They have arrested the person accused of committing 'this horrible crime.' He has admitted doing this. Also pray for his family as they have to face what has happened. Pray for guidance, grace, forgiveness, and understanding. This is such a horrible time for everyone. It will take lots of prayers to ever understand this. So many hearts are breaking," the post read. "Pray for Alex. He is going through something a young man should never have to endure. God bless them all. Take care of them."

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