OVERVIEW OF JODI SANDERHOLM'S DEATH

Sanderholm, an attractive Cowley College straight-A student and dance team member, disappeared from Ark City on Friday, January 5, 2007.  Her fellow dance team members immediately suspected Thurber, who'd allegedly been following dancers in their cars that week.

Prayers and vigils lasted four days before Ark City officers found Sanderholm's body in a wildlife area near the Kansas-Oklahoma border.  Earlier in the day, search crews had pulled her car out of a state fishing lake several miles east of town.

Map of Sanderholm's disappearance and crime scenes

Prosecutors have previously said they believe Sanderholm died by strangulation or blunt force trauma.  Officers found her body nude, posed, and covered by brush.  During Thurber's preliminary hearing in May 2007, prosecutors told a judge Sanderholm had been sexually assaulted with sticks and branches.

DEFENDANT

Justin Thurber was 23 years old when he was arrested.  He is charged with capital murder and aggravated kidnapping.  Sanderholm's body was also found sexually assaulted, and prosecutors say they'll use the assaults to strengthen their murder case against Thurber.

In May 2008, the state legislature passed Jodi's Law, and it was signed by Governor Kathleen Sebelius shortly afterwards.