Sydney Loofe Went on a Tinder Date in 2017 and Never Came Home. Here’s How Her Friend Helped Bring Her Killers to Justice

In November 2017, the disappearance of Sydney Loofe, a 24-year-old woman from Nebraska, sent shockwaves through her community and beyond. A Tinder date that was meant to foster new connections instead led to her tragic fate, raising vital questions about safety in online dating and the darker corners of human relationships. Recently, the new Hulu docuseries “Swipe Right on the Devil,” which premiered on October 22, sheds light on this chilling case, revealing details about Loofe’s final days and the subsequent investigation that followed her disappearance.

Sydney, who grew up in Neligh and later moved to Lincoln, was searching for love and companionship. Following her coming out as a lesbian, she navigated the complexities of dating while grappling with her family’s initial lack of acceptance. Employed as a cashier at Menard’s and living with her cat Mimsy, Sydney was eager for a serious relationship and often used Tinder to connect with others. On November 11, 2017, while matching with a woman named Audrey—later identified as Bailey Boswell—she arranged to meet on November 14, excitedly sharing her plans with friends.

However, Sydney’s excitement quickly turned into concern when she failed to show up for work on November 16. Alarm bells rang when her family initiated a wellness check, leading police to discover her untouched belongings at her apartment, including her car and work clothes. It became apparent that something was amiss; her cat had not been fed, suggesting she hadn’t intended to leave.

Crucial to the investigation was the resourcefulness of a friend, Brooklyn McCrystal, who sought to find Audrey’s contact details via a new Tinder profile. After successfully matching with Boswell and obtaining her number, McCrystal reported it to the authorities. Unfortunately, Boswell was not forthcoming with the police, insisting she had nothing to do with Loofe’s disappearance. However, investigators tracked Boswell’s phone—reportedly a burner—revealing its link to a series of hotels, CCTV footage, and ultimately connecting it to the suspicious activities surrounding Loofe’s last known whereabouts.

The police discovered that Loofe’s phone had last pinged in Boswell and her partner, Aubrey Trail’s, apartment around 8:30 pm on November 15. A search warrant uncovered a disturbing scene: strong odours of bleach and signs of an apparent cleanup effort in the couple’s unit raised further suspicion. Additional cell phone data revealed unusual activity as Boswell appeared to be actively using her phone while avoiding significant contact with the ongoing investigation.

As the law enforcement timeline progressed, the couple’s inconsistent denials of involvement contrasted sharply with their evasive behaviour. Shortly after being named persons of interest, Trail and Boswell attempted to elude capture, resulting in their arrest under unrelated federal charges. With evidence mounting against them, including a series of contradictory confessions from Trail regarding Loofe’s fate, authorities began piecing together the chilling possibility of murder.

Three weeks after her disappearance, investigators unearthed grisly evidence in Edgar, Nebraska, where Loofe’s remains were found in a ditch, and further remains scattered nearby. The condition and handling of her body suggested premeditated actions by those responsible, with Trail’s confessions and cellphone data tying him and Boswell directly to her murder.

At trial, a haunting testimony emerged from three separate women who detailed their experiences with Trail and Boswell, recounting attempts to dominate and control them through coercive tactics. Allegations surfaced regarding a purported desire by the couple to create a “coven” for the purpose of producing violent content, which further illuminated the twisted dynamics of their relationships.

The legal proceedings culminated in convictions for both Boswell and Trail, with each receiving distinct sentences. Trail was sentenced to death, while Boswell, after a poignant testimony regarding her daughter, was handed a life sentence in prison. This verdict provided some closure to Loofe’s family and friends, as they remained steadfast in their demand for justice.

In the aftermath of this tragic case, the memory of Sydney Loofe continues to resonate, prompting conversations around the safety of online dating and the need for vigilance against predatory behaviours. In her memory, the Set Me Free Project, an Omaha-based anti-human trafficking initiative, established a scholarship, contributing positively in the wake of this unimaginable loss. Through ongoing awareness and education, her legacy inspires many to advocate for safer communities for young individuals, particularly within the realm of dating and relationships.