Authorities state that on Friday, January 5, 2007, Thurber allegedly kidnapped Sanderholm following her dance practice, drove her to a rural part of southeast Cowley County where he allegedly raped and murdered her. They also allege that Thurber then disposed of Sanderholm’s car in the Cowley County State Fishing Lake.
Both Sanderholm’s body and car were discovered on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, by the Arkansas City Police Department with assistance from the Arkansas City and Burden Fire Department.
“The Arkansas City Police Chief Sean Wallace, Cowley County Attorney Chris Smith, the KBI and all local law enforcement have done an excellent job on this case,” said Morrison. “We will continue to work closely as we move towards a resolution.”
Thurber has been held on unrelated misdemeanor charges in Winfield for over a week. His first appearance in court for murder will be this afternoon, Wednesday, January 17, 2007, in the Winfield Courthouse.
These are only allegations and Thurber will be presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
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Justin Thurber
State of Kansas v. Justin Eugene Thurber
White Male
DOB: 03/14/83
119 North 5th
Arkansas City, Kansas
Charges:
1. Capital Murder
2. Rape
3. Aggravated Kidnapping