Nancy Howery, a 44-year-old woman, was reported missing from Indian Harbour Beach on February 18, 2023, after she failed to pick up her children from school. Her disappearance triggered an investigation by the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department, which soon uncovered evidence suggesting she was a victim of foul play. Since the incident occurred outside their jurisdiction, the case was handed over to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation revealed that Howery had been in a relationship with Daniel Stearns, a 32-year-old man from Palm Bay, whom she had met through a dating app. On February 15, 2023, the last day she was seen alive, the couple had a heated argument. According to the investigation, Stearns allegedly shot Howery during this argument, resulting in her death.
Following her death, Stearns attempted to dispose of the evidence by dismembering and burning her body over the next few days. He buried the remains in several different locations within an undeveloped wooded area in Palm Bay known as “The Compound.” On March 9, 2023, Stearns was observed by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Game Over Task Force and Fugitive and Aviation Units leaving his residence and traveling to “The Compound,” where he was seen attempting to dispose of evidence. He was subsequently detained by the task force.
Human remains, later positively identified as those of Nancy Howery through forensic testing, were discovered in multiple locations within “The Compound.” Stearns was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and mutilation of a dead body. He is currently being held without bond at the Brevard County Jail.
Stearns confessed to the murder and the attempts to destroy the body by burning it. The investigation involved multiple units of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, including the Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Team, K9 Unit, and Identification Unit, as well as cooperation from the Palm Bay Police Department.
The case has highlighted concerns about the safety and criminal activity in “The Compound,” an area that has been associated with several crimes. In response, Palm Bay city leaders are exploring solutions to address the crime issues in this area, including potential development of the land to reduce criminal activity. A public meeting was scheduled for March 30 to discuss safety measures and community concerns regarding “The Compound.”
