Delay in toxicology results continues to stall closure in Sidney death investigation
The investigation into the death of 24-year-old Mattea Scheuerman in Sidney is still ongoing. Authorities say toxicology results could take another month due to high lab volume.
By News Channel NebraskaSIDNEY, Neb. — Authorities say it may be up to another month before toxicology results are returned in the ongoing investigation into the death of 24-year-old Mattea Scheuerman, whose body was discovered June 3 in a drainage ditch near the BNSF railroad tracks in Sidney.
Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs told News Channel Nebraska he contacted the pathology director overseeing the case this week and was advised the lab in Greeley, Colo. is currently experiencing a three-month turnaround due to high caseloads.
Scheuerman, a 2019 graduate of Sidney High School, was found deceased around 8 p.m. near 7th Avenue and Maple Street. Her body was identified the next day, and an autopsy was conducted, but no official cause of death has been released due to the toxicology results delay.
The Sidney Police Department and Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the case. Officials previously said they were processing evidence and tracking leads while awaiting toxicology results.
Authorities continue to ask anyone who saw or spoke with Scheuerman between the evening of Sunday, June 1, and the night of Monday, June 2, to contact law enforcement. Tips can be directed to the Sidney Police Department at (308) 254-5515 or the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office at (308) 254-2922.