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Introduction
A true-crime author has been charged with felony theft by extortion for allegedly assisting a death row inmate in extorting $25,000 from a prison nurse, according to local reports.
The Grisly Murder
The inmate, Aubrey Trail, was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe, whom he met on Tinder in 2017. Prosecutors revealed that Trail strangled Loofe with an electrical cord, dismembered her body into 14 pieces, and dumped them in ditches along rural roads in Nebraska.
Author's Quest for Information
The author, Samantha Al-Rekabi, was reportedly working on a true-crime book about Loofe's murder. In her pursuit of information, she developed a relationship with Trail and allegedly helped him extort the prison nurse in 2021, prior to his sentencing, according to court documents.
The Manipulation
Trail manipulated the nurse by telling her that he had hired a hitman to kill her husband and that the hitman could only be called off if she paid him $25,000. He also convinced her to smuggle contraband into prison for him, including a phone, chewing tobacco, and a firearm.
Involvement of the Nurse
Al-Rekabi was reportedly present when the nurse withdrew the funds from her bank account. In an interview with the Nebraska State Patrol, Al-Rekabi claimed Trail had manipulated her into carrying out the alleged extortion plot, fearing harm to herself and her son, who was also an inmate.
Authorities Find Incriminating Phone Calls
Investigators obtained phone calls that allegedly show Al-Rekabi and Trail joking about swindling $25,000 from the nurse. These calls raise questions about Al-Rekabi's true involvement in the extortion scheme.
Court Appearance and Charges
Al-Rekabi appeared in Lancaster County court and was ordered to be held on a $5,000 bond. She is currently facing charges of felony theft by extortion.
Fox News' Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
