Polk County in Iowa

Des Moines in Polk County

Susan Diane Hagen

Homicide

Susan Hagen

Susan Diane Hagen
44 YOA
600 Blk Birdland Drive
Des Moines, IA
Polk County
Case # 1998-6532
February 12, 1998

By Nancy Bowers

On Thursday morning, February 12, 1998, a man walking his dog along the Des Moines River near the 600 block of Birdland Avenue in Des Moines found a body under the bridge at 2nd Avenue and notified police.

The body was that of a mostly nude woman who had been burned over her entire body. It could not be determined if she was sexually assaulted.

The woman was identified as 44-year-old Des Moines resident Susan Diane Hagen, who was born September 28, 1953.

At a press conference on February 13, Sgt. Bruce Elrod of the Des Moines Police announced:

“Detectives are currently looking for an individual who is not only a killer, but, judging by the treatment of the victim, a very demented human being.”

 Courtesy photo Goggle Street View

Sixth and Birdland area in Des Moines where the bodies of Susan Hagen and Ky Van Luong were found within two days of each other in 1998.

Two days later, on Saturday, February 14, 1998, the body of 20-year-old Ky Van Luong was found on a bike path at 6th Avenue and Birdland Drive, not far from the site where Hagen’s body was left. He died of gunshot wounds.

Police did not believe the two homicides, despite their proximity and dates, were related.

Information and questions about the unsolved murder of Susan Diane Hagen should be directed to the Des Moines Police Department at 515-283-4824.

Sources

• “2nd body found near river,” Cedar Rapids Gazette, February 15, 1998.
• “Police identify D.M. murder victim,” Cedar Rapids Gazette, February 14, 1998.

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