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Sydney Sutherland: Horrifying new details of 25-year-old jogger's murder

A man accused of raping, killing and then burying the body of a 25-year-old woman reportedly joined a Facebook group to help find her.

Sydney Sutherland disappeared while out running on Wednesday evening (local time) near Newport in the US state of Arkansas.

Her body was found two days later on Friday, which led to the arrest of 28-year-old farmer Quake Lewellyn.

He is facing charges of capital murder, rape and kidnapping, and appeared in court on Monday.

Quake Lewellyn (right) is accused of raping and murdering Sydney Sutherland. Source: Jackson County Sheriff's Office/ KAIT 8
Quake Lewellyn (right) is accused of raping and murdering Sydney Sutherland. Source: Jackson County Sheriff's Office/ KAIT 8

An Arkansas State Police investigator told the court Lewellyn had admitted to abducting and sexually assaulting Ms Sutherland before killing her, local news station KAIT8 reported.

Jackson County Sheriff David Lucas previously said Lewellyn knew his alleged victim.

Special agent Mike McNeill told the court Lewellyn turned his truck around after spotting Ms Sutherland before forcing her into the vehicle and driving to a farm about five kilometres away, KATV reported.

Her mobile phone was found near where her body was buried.

According to People.com, Lewellyn had joined a Facebook group dedicated to finding Ms Sutherland.

Lewellyn appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit and bulletproof vest in front of about 30 friends and family of Ms Sutherland. Several sobbed as Mr McNeill recalled his interview with Lewellyn.

The suspect was refused bail and will appear in court on October 1.

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