Iowa cold case bill gets full Iowa Senate support

April 14, 2021 — DES MOINES, Iowa (KWWL) – In a 46-0 vote, Senate File 561 passed in hopes of creating a dedicated cold case unit with the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

“A similar unit existed for three years up until a decade ago, and some cold cases, as far back as 40 years, were solved,” said sponsor Senator Jeff Taylor, a Republican from Sioux County.

The bill will create a dedicated cold case unit under the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. It would consist of two special agents to pursue past killings regardless of when they occurred.

The bill will increase the cost to the DPS by an estimated $298,600 in FY 2023 and $138,400 in FY 2024.

Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers wholeheartedly supports any effort to fund the investigation of these unsolved cases. With the continuous advancements that are being made in the world of science we believe these cases should be revisited periodically in an effort to give the victim and their families the justice they deserve.

Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers

Full Story at KWWL.com

Please call your local state representative and encourage them to support this much needed Cold Case Unit! Find Your Legislator Here.

We Remember: Upcoming Cold Case Anniversaries

We remember upcoming cold case anniversaries and birthdays the victims would have celebrated.
 

Charles Gearhart
89 YOA
422 First St. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA
Linn County
May 13, 1970

Adam Lack, 33
Nora Springs, IA
Mitchell County
Killed July 13, 2008
Would have celebrated 46th birthday May 13

Greg Dunbar
35 YOA
Davenport apt., 37th St.
Davenport, Iowa
Scott County
May 13, 2016

Riccardo R. Bowers
Age at Report: 44
Endangered/physical
Des Moines, IA
Case # 2001-18805
May 15, 2001

Ronald F. Lipsius
30 YOA
812 South Summit St.
Iowa City, IA
Johnson County
May 16, 1966

Allen F. Shoemaker, 36
Chicago & Northwestern Police
Missouri Valley, IA
Harrison County
May 17, 1925

Helen J. Kelly, 83
3646 Court St.
Sioux City, IA
Endangered/physical
Case # SCPD 14-18463
May 18, 2005

Jovontia Jones
16 YOA
13th & Harrison
Davenport, Iowa
Scott County
May 19, 2018

Gregory Walker Jr.
33 YOA
639 Gable Street
Waterloo, Iowa
Black Hawk County
May 19, 2018

Chad William White
21 YOA
Shot before graduation
Corning, IA
Adams County
May 21, 1993

Shawn Michael North
30 – 45 YOA
1200 Blk Doreen Ave.
Waterloo, IA
Died: Aug. 30, 2016
Crime May 21, 2001

Rose Burkert, 22
Amana Holiday Inn
Iowa County
Killed Sept. 12, 1980
Would have celebrated 63rd birthday May 21