Story County in Iowa
Chad James Schwab
30 YOA
Southbound I-35 Rest Area
Story County
August 10, 2004
On August 10, 2004, a white male’s badly decomposed body was discovered several hundred yards behind the Southbound Interstate 35 rest area north of Ames in a wooded location. DNA tests later identified the body as that of Chad James Schwab, 30, of Snowmass, Colorado, although the state Medical Examiner’s Office and the Story County Sheriff’s Office ruled the cause of death undetermined.
A vehicle towed from the rest area by the state patrol as an abandoned vehicle several weeks before the body’s discovery was registered to Schwab, and, along with DNA samples compared with family members, helped lead investigators to Schwab’s identity.
Family members said Schwab was just traveling the country, not going any place in particular. He’d been traveling near Ames before he disappeared. Officials confirmed Schwab was traveling alone and was not wanted by authorities for any criminal behavior.
Two men scouting for deer hunting sites found the skeletal remains halfway down a wooded ravine about a quarter of a mile behind the rest area and about 100 yards off the Skunk River Greenbelt Trail System. A polo shirt, pants and a black pair of men’s shoes were found near the body, though no identification was found in the victim’s pants pockets.
Due to the remains being located on state property, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) was contacted. The State crime lab processed the scene and vehicle while the sheriff’s office worked with DCI agents on the case.
Though no evidence of foul play was discovered and media initially reported the case as closed, Field Services Commander Lt. Jeff Dodds of the Story County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Feb. 19, 2009, that it is still considered an open case with the DCI as lead agency.
If you have any information about this case please contact the Iowa DCI at (515) 725-6010 or the Story County Sheriff’s Office at 515-382-6566.
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