Tyler Goodrich Case Status Update/Autopsy Results
C3008326
Date:
March 18, 2025
For More Information:
Kelsey Cruz, kcruz@lancaster.ne.gov
Lincoln, NE – The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is completing the final steps of its investigation into the death of Tyler Goodrich. Tyler was last seen on November 3, 2023, and was found on March 8, 2025, southwest of Lincoln, Nebraska. The Lancaster County Attorney requested an autopsy and received the pathology report on March 17, 2025. The autopsy determined Tyler’s cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging. The autopsy report concluded there were no signs of violence or trauma. The only injury noted was to the neck, consistent with hanging.
Based upon a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Lancaster County Sheriff‘s Office and contributions by multiple law enforcement partners, the manner of death was determined to be suicide. The investigative team was composed of highly experienced professionals with extensive forensic expertise, including a deputy with a PhD in entomology, a deputy with an MS in forensic science, and multiple investigators certified by the International Association for Identification (IAI). Investigators believe that Tyler remained at the location he was found since the time of his disappearance. Some of Tyler’s personal effects, including his cellphone, watch, wallet, and a key, were found among articles of clothing over 200 feet west of where he was found. Evidence at the scene indicated that these items were moved from their original location by animal activity.
Over the course of sixteen months, hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement officers contributed to searches and canvasses of Tyler’s neighborhood and areas nearby. Investigators deployed expert-level technology to search bodies of water in the surrounding area. LSO interviewed over 80 people, authored over 200 case reports, analyzed forensic cell phones, and placed nearly 100 items into evidence. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Lincoln Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Corrections, FBI Omaha Field Office, FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, the Cold Case Foundation, and other law enforcement partners for their assistance in this investigation.
Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner said, “We extend our deepest sympathies to Marshall, their boys, and the entire Goodrich family. These past sixteen months have been incredibly long and difficult, and we are truly sorry for their loss. We recognize that this is not the outcome they had hoped for, but we hope they find comfort in the unwavering support and compassion from the community during this time.”
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