DELTA, Ohio — The FBI along with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office began a search of the former property of James Worley, the man who was convicted of killing Sierah Joughin, using heavy excavation equipment.
Authorities were seen on Aug. 31 digging up a portion of the property which had been transferred to Sierah Joughin's family following a civil settlement.
A release sent by the Fulton County sheriff in regard to the search reads:
"The Fulton County Sheriff's Office along with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is continuing to investigate matters involving James Worley. The FBI's Evidence Response Team is on scene to assist in collection of any evidence if there is any located.The investigation into Mr. Worley continues and no further information can be discussed at this time."
WTOL spoke with the family of Sierah Joughin. Sierah's family said that Monday's search was unrelated to her murder.
Joughin was abducted and killed after a bike ride in 2016. She was found in a cornfield near the Worley property a few days later. Joughin’s DNA was found on Worley’s motorcycle helmet and his barn.
Worley's barn, located on the property, had a concealed room where investigators found evidence that Sierah had been held there following her abduction.
A jury found Worley guilty on all 17 counts brought against him. He was subsequently sentenced to death.
Worley was to be executed on June 3, 2019, but a long appeals process has delayed his death date. As inmate #A743593, he resides at Chillicothe Correctional on death row.
