HOUSTON -- Community activists expressed anger over the sheriff's decision to not search landfills for the remains of a slain 19-year-old college student and said the investigation was bungled from the beginning, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

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Slideshow: View Images Of Missing Student Case

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Tynesha Stewart's ex, Timothy Wayne Shepherd, 27, was charged with murder last week after telling authorities he strangled and dismembered Stewart, a Texas A&M University freshman who was home for spring break. She was last seen March 15 and reported missing four days later.

Detectives said Shepherd burned her body on a grill at his northwest Harris County apartment complex.

Activists said the Harris County Sheriff's Office has handled the investigation poorly from the start.

"Was it because she was a female? Was it because she was black? Was it because she was young? Was it because they were incompetent? Or, is it all of the above?" said Minister Robert Muhammad with the Nation of Islam. "Frankly, the sheriff's department would not have moved on this case if it had not been for the inquires of you, the media."

"They're trying to whitewash and go back and cover their own ineptness," said Minister Deric Muhammad with the Millions More Movement.

They want to know why Stewart's family was asked to come back later when they tried to file a missing persons report and why an extensive interview with the suspect early on did not yield an immediate arrest and search of his apartment.

"Even the greatest prosecutor cannot overcome investigative incompetence," Robert Muhammad said.

The groups' biggest complaint is the halt of a search for Stewart's remains in a landfill.

"Without a thorough search of the landfill... we don't know if they (the sheriff's office) can make the case," Muhammad said.

Over the weekend, Sheriff Tommy Thomas said the search would not be held because Shepherd burned the body parts and there were none to be found.

Stewart's family said they asked Texas EquuSearch to not search for Tynesha's remains.

Community leaders said they are working in the interest of justice and want to ensure Shepherd is properly prosecuted.

"We're leaving the family out of this," Deric Muhammad said.

The sheriff's department did not comment on Tuesday's comments.

Deputies were back at the apartment on Red Oak Drive on Monday searching for more evidence.

A psychologist said the series of events reflects a psychotic episode that was more about wanting to control than to cover up.

"It takes a prolonged sense of anger and hostility to dismember someone and then barbecue the remains," Dr. Ed Reitman said.

Shepherd's aunt said her nephew was a sweet child who came undone when he learned his real father was a man he never met. His father died years ago and his mother and stepfather disowned him, the aunt said.

"Yes, he has a mental problem," Janice Shepherd said. "He snapped. Wouldn't you have a mental problem if your parents abandoned you? It's a disgrace."

Timothy Shepherd was booked into the Harris County Jail on Thursday and his bond was set at $250,000. He has been placed on suicide watch. His family said they believe jail is the safest place for him.

Timothy Shepherd was upset that Stewart had begun a new relationship, deputies said.

The former Nimitz High School honor student was a freshman studying civil and chemical engineering at Texas A&M University.

A memorial for Stewart will be held on April 7. The details have not yet been finalized.

Shepherd is due back in court on April 26.