The Latest: Tibbetts family says 'Our hearts are broken'

MONTEZUMA, Iowa – The Latest on a man in the U.S. illegally who is accused in the kidnapping and killing of an Iowa college student (all times local):

1 p.m.

The family of an Iowa college student who had been missing for weeks until her body was found hidden in a cornfield is acknowledging, "Our hearts are broken."

The family of 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts released a statement Wednesday that notes their grief but also thanks "all of those from around the world who have sent their thoughts and prayers for our girl."

The statement adds, "We know that many of you will join us as we continue to carry Mollie in our hearts forever."

Tibbetts' body was found Tuesday and 24-year-old Cristhian Bahena Rivera has been charged with first-degree murder in her death. Tibbetts was last seen July 18.

The Tibbetts family says they need time to grieve in private but emphasized they appreciate the "outpouring of love and support that has been shared in Mollie's name."

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10:15 a.m.

The man charged in the kidnapping and killing of an Iowa college student is expected to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

Cristhian Bahena Rivera is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Mollie Tibbetts, who disappeared July 18 from Brooklyn, Iowa. He's set to appear at the Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma at 1 p.m.

A criminal complaint alleges Rivera followed Tibbetts while she was out for a run, abducted and killed her, and dumped her body in a cornfield. Investigators say Rivera led them to a body believed to be Tibbetts early Tuesday.

An autopsy is scheduled Wednesday by the state medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

Court records don't list an attorney for Rivera, who is jailed on a $1 million cash-only bond.

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12:05 a.m.

Authorities say a man in the U.S. illegally has confessed to kidnapping a 20-year-old University of Iowa student, killing her and dumping her body in a cornfield.

Twenty-four-year-old Cristhian Bahena Rivera is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Mollie Tibbetts of Brooklyn, Iowa. Rivera is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond. An initial court appearance is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Tibbetts' July 18 disappearance set off a massive search involving state and federal authorities. Division of Criminal Investigation special agent Rick Rahn says Rivera led investigators early Tuesday to a body believed to be Tibbetts.

President Donald Trump noted the arrest and called for immigration law changes at a rally in West Virginia. And Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said residents "are angry that a broken immigration system allowed a predator like this to live in our community."