(March 23, 2007)--Authorities in Houston have approved spending up to $500,000 to search area landfills for the remains of a Texas A&M student whose ex-boyfriend confessed to killing her.

The request comes after angry complaints about the decision not to search for the remains of 19-year-old Tynesha Stewart, who disappeared last week.

Investigators say Timothy Wayne Shepherd confessed on Wednesday to strangling Stewart.

Shepherd evidently was angry that Stewart had begun seeing someone else.

Officials first thought that Shepherd had disposed of the body in a large commercial trash bin that had since been emptied.

But they now believe Stewart's body was dismembered, placed in various containers, and scattered in several trash bins.

Stewart was the niece of NFL players Aaron and Jason Glenn.

Sheriff's officials had decided against searching a landfill for any of Stewart's remains, triggering anger from Stewart's family and friends.

Investigators reconsidered after several high-profile complaints from US Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, state Representative Sylvester Turner and community activist Quannel X.

A candlelight vigil was scheduled Friday night on campus for Stewart.

Interim A&M President Eddie J. Davis issued a statement expressing sadness.

“Everyone who knew Tynesha is obviously distraught by this unthinkable tragedy. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family and friends,” Davis said.

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