BROOKLYN, Iowa -- Cristhian Bahena Rivera, 24, is facing first 
degree murder charges for the death of Iowa college student 
Mollie Tibbetts.

Mollie disappeared after going for a run on the evening of July 
18, and was reported missing after she failed to show up for 
work the next day.

Authorities say a body was found in a farm field in the early 
morning hours of August 21, with Rivera acting as a guide for 
investigators. The body, believed to be Mollie, was covered by 
corn stalks.

What Mollie's suspected killer claims happened

Authorities first became aware of Rivera after he was seen in 
surveillance video turned over to police by a neighbor. 
Investigators say the video shows Rivera following Mollie before 
she disappeared.

After his arrest, Rivera allegedly told investigators he 
approached Mollie, running behind and alongside her.

The suspect says he remembers her pulling out her phone, telling 
him she would call police if he did not leave her alone.

Then, Rivera claims to have "blacked out." When he awoke, Rivera 
alleges he was in the field where the body was eventually found.

The suspect also told investigators he had seen Mollie 
previously, but it is still unclear whether there was any 
connection between Rivera and the victim.

Rivera identified as an undocumented immigrant

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says Rivera is 
undocumented and has been living in the United States between 4 
and 7 years.

Iowa officials say Rivera is being held on a federal immigration 
detainer.

https://abc7.com/mollie-tibbets-case-man-in-country-illegally-
charged-with-murder/4018080/4021710/