Family and friends gathered at the Christie Heights Park Friday evening to remember 22 year old murder victim Jeanna Wilcoxen. Those attending the candlelight vigil say Wilcoxen left behind a four year old son and many loved ones. They hadn't seen Wilcoxen since September 17th.
The suspect, 39 year old Jeremiah Connelly admitted to authorities that he abducted Wilcoxen, sexually assaulted her and then strangled her in a van. Her body was found near Fremont. Connelly is charged with first degree murder and is being held without bond. He was stopped by law enforcement after driving erratically on September 21st.
Connelly told investigators that he planned to meet Wilcoxen on September 16th but she canceled that meeting. Connelly then tracked her down to the south Omaha park where the abduction apparently occurred.
Family members and friends showed their disappointment that Connelly was out of prison. He was paroled last June for crimes committed in 2005 when he tried to abduct another woman. His criminal history includes robbery, arson and two physical attacks.