Criminalistics Laboratory Confirms Human Remains Found In DeWitt, Iowa, Those Of Missing Person Breasia Terrell
March 31, 2021 – In a joint presentation with multiple law enforcement and community resource partners, The Davenport Police Department announced today that The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory has confirmed through autopsy the human remains found on March 22 in DeWitt, Iowa, are those of Breasia Terrell.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Terrell was reported missing to the Davenport Police Department on July 10, 2020. In the months since her disappearance, Davenport Police in conjunction with the Division of Criminal Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have responded to several hundred tips related to the case.
The case remains a joint ongoing investigation between the Davenport Police Department, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As an ongoing investigation, law enforcement officials could not elaborate on further specifics of the investigation.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the findings from DCI’s Crime Lab. We grieve alongside Breasia’s family and the community,” said Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski. “What’s important to know is this: the work of our investigators is not over. This is an open and ongoing investigation. We understand that the community wants to know where the investigation stands, and if anyone will be charged in this heinous crime. Because we are fully committed to the integrity of the investigation, we cannot comment on specific details – other than to say we are professionally, thoroughly and with our deepest commitment to justice, continuing the investigation. When we can share details with the community, we will.”
Crisis Services Available To Community
As the community mourns the loss of Breasia, community leaders are working together to assure that counseling services are available to those impacted.
“We realize that many in our community feel a sense of helplessness and frustration, and it can take time and often the help of a counselor or mental health care professional to unravel feelings around such a loss,” said Chief Sikorski. “Both the Davenport Community School District and Family Resources have services in place to serve impacted students and our community as a whole.”
According to Nicole Cisne Durbin, president of Family Resources, similar support services made available to Breasia’s family can also be accessed by the community.
“Family Resources is committed to providing services to Breasia’s immediate family as well as members of our community that may have been impacted by her death. We know that times of crisis create instability for many, and we are committed to staying on the front lines with those we serve. Our victim and survivor services are provided free of charge to anyone who needs assistance during this difficult time,” said Durbin.