Susan Kersten
Susan Pearl Kersten
Homicide
ARREST MADE IN 20-YEAR-OLD HOMICIDE
Suspect Enters Alford Plea
The Victim:
Susan Pearl (Bollinger) Kersten
38 YOA
$7,000 reward for info in 1995 Iowa City murder,”Radio Iowa, November 15, 2007
“IC Area Crime Stoppers Joins Reward for Susan Kersten’s Murderer,” November 15, 2007
“Renewed Interest in Unsolved Murder Case in Johnson County,” by Claire Kellett, KCRG TV-9, November 7, 2007
“Cracking Cold Cases: Johnson County agencies consider forming a team to tackle unsolved murders,” by Zack Kucharski, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, December 12, 2006
“Family Wants End to 11-Year Murder Mystery,” KCRG, September 22, 2006
“Cold Cases: Technology, tips help clear old homicides, but time takes toll on investigations,” by Christoph Trappe, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 21, 2003
“Iowa City murders linked to stabbing? Detectives look into killing of woman, 19, in north-central Iowa,” by Lynn M. Tefft, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 24, 1999
“Kersten vigil in Iowa City,” The Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 24, 1997
“Wanted: Clues to murder – Family offers reward for information about 1995 Iowa City killing,” by Lynn M. Tefft, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 17, 1997
“Law continues work on Kersten, Marshall murders: Investigators remain optimistic about cases,” by Lynn M. Tefft, The Cedar Rapids Gazette,” May 12, 1996
“Polk County detective: Connection between murder victims a weak lead,” Gazette Johnson County Bureau, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, December 2, 1995
“D.M., Iowa City murder victims were acquainted,” Gazette staff report, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, December 1, 1995
“Clues to slaying sought: Man with custody of victim’s twins denied he was dad,” by Lynn M. Tefft, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, October 7, 1995
“Blows to head killed Iowa City woman: Official,” by Jeremy Olson, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, October 5, 1995
“Burned body investigated as homicide,” by Jeremy Olson, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, October 4, 1995
“Fiery death in car remains mystery: State’s medical examiner joins Johnson probe,” Gazette Johnson County Bureau, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 27, 1995
“Iowa City Obituaries: Susan P. Kersten,” The Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 26, 1995
“Officials probe death in car fire,” Gazette staff report, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 26, 1995
Copyright © 2026 Iowa Cold Cases, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Klein took an Alford plea to lesser charges in this case:
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/steven-klein-facing-count-of-first-degree-murder-pleads-to-lesser-charge-20170217
Everyone is so quick to point the fingers and say that he did it, my question is why didn’t Susan’s cousin say something about the phone call back in 95 when all of this happened and also how in the hell can anyone remember what happened on a phone call over 20 years ago!! Its all BS!!! You guys that are so quick to judge and point fingers and say I’m glad they caught him are stupid!!! You all have no right to judge anyone, plus you have no clue as to if he did it or not, if you guys no 100 percent that he did it then holly hell you all are freaking awesome and you need to go solve all the other cold cases in the world, then you can become everyone’s hero’s!!!!! They didn’t have any proof 20 years ago, they don’t have any proof now, except for they phone call that Susans cousin said she was involved in, so there is a very good chance that he will be found not guilty due to lack of evidence!!!
This must be Steve’s boyfriend
Steve Klein’s trial date has been set; Order for Continuance
Comments: PTC 3-10-2017 AT 1:30 PM. TRIAL 3-27-2017 AT 9 AM.
Thanks so much for the update, Connie! I’ve included the new info on Susan’s page.
I am curious as to the twins position in this. Do they or did they even know about thier motger at all? Have they reunited with thier siblings.
Why intolater time.hasn’t it been long enough?
Tammy Howard Burkman..never give up!
Of course! If you read some of these old cold cases, it is pretty clear that the boyfriend or husband had something to do with it. There was no DNA back then….not enough evidence, they were questioned and let go. I bet some of these would be solved today by going back and revisiting the initial theories. There are people out walking the streets who shouldn’t be!!
Cold justice is a joke, they do it for rateings, they make the suspect look back, they interview people that only have bad things to say about the suspect. They don’t interview friends or family or people that truly know the suspect. Cold justice is just like all the other media, they tell you what they want you to hear, then people are dumb enough to believe it. Steve is my friend and he is an awesome caring human being, he would help anyone out that would need help. I have been freinds with him for over 6 years. He did not murder anyone. Cold case did not interview me, they didn’t interview his fiancée, they interviewed people that were neighbors of steve that steve had called the police o, so of course they are going to say bad things about him. People are so quick to judge someone, when they don’t even know that person! There is only one true judge and that is God!!!
Thank god he is away he lived next door to me and my kids he was a nice person and then he turned to the point I hat to get a restraining order against him and I had to get the cops involved a lot so for any one who says they knew him they didn’t he would stock me and my family so I am thank full he is put away and I feel back for the lady he was with she is so sweet yes u think u might know some one but u really don’t
Let me guess your the neighbor with all the dogs, that are going onto others yards?Tina you are a liar! Your dogs kept going into his yard and he kept asking you to keep them in your yard. You are trash and have 10 people living in your tiny house. I know who you are so don’t play games.
your a lying bitch!!! your probably the nasty bitch with all the dogs and 20 people living in the same house, hes called the cops on you and your pissed off at him!!!!
Yay for the show Cold Justice!! Great work!!
Love cold justice!!
Is her artwork available for sale
That’s a great question, April. Unfortunately, I don’t know the answer. I’ll try to find out.
I just KNEW this guy did it the very first time I read this story here! Thank God another cold case solved!
How in the hell did you just know he did it? You must have super powers where you can see things others cant!! WOW!!! That is truly amazing! Does God know you are trying to be like him??
Hey Aaron, you think your friend is perfect and would never hurt anyone? Have a look at this link: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/defense-attorney-demands-more-evidence-in-20-year-old-johnson-county-murder-20150821
“She pointed to Klein’s extensive criminal record and the nature of the murder as reason to maintain his bail.”
How are they going to get evidence from a phone call that was over 20 years ago. They don’t have anything on him, and besides that police records are public information and I have already looked into his and my other friends records.
Aaron, you wrote, above: “Steve is my friend and he is an awesome caring human being, he would help anyone out that would need help.” Well, he has a significant criminal record according to the prosecutor. A prosecutor would be subject to significant discipline for lying in court. So either you are lying about how awesome and caring your friend is, or you don’t know him as well as you think you do.
great news! now.. lets hope justice prevails!
Whoopie !!
Many more case like this are in the same process-Amen.
fantastic!!! justice will finally b served n this poor woman can finally rest in peace and her poor family now has closure !! and can hopefully start the healing process.
Awesome news, may she rip n her family have closure now.
Great News! Now they have closure and can rest easy now…
So glad to hear. Cold Justice is such an amazing show…it’s the real deal and not just “for show.” I’m glad they could investigate this case.
Bull shit!!! Cold Justice is nothing but a lying tv show out to get ratings!!!!!
Have you looked up your friend’s criminal history? Poss. Firearm by Felon back in 2003, among other crimes? He’s been a felon for a long, long time.
that is wonderful news on her case.. I was told he was the one and glad they finally got him .
I am so glad for the family to have answers. My brother is an Iowa Cold Case since 1975.
? heartbreaking. Hope you & all of his loved ones get this same justice some day soon!
Hi Mary, can I ask who your brother is ?
Michael Carr,hit and run,Dec 26,1975 in Estherville.
I watch that show a lot, thought about writing them about another case on here. Abbie Kay Woodburn prayers for you and yours. This gives me hope for justice for Amber.
I don’t know how a person can kill someone and live with their self.
This is the best news!!! Karma catches up…..
Great news I’m hoping someday I hear the same
Awesome news.
My aunt will get her justice, Happy Birthday Sue
Sorry for your loss :( ?
Sorry for your loss :(
Thank you lord, for guiding this family. Prayers and my heart sent to you and yours.
The Gazette
July 17, 2015 | 1:25 pm
IOWA CITY — An arrest has been made in a nearly 20-year-old homicide investigation.
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Doug Gwinn confirmed Friday that 54-year-old Steven J. Klein has been arrested in the murder of 34-year-old Susan Kersten. Kersten’s body was found in her car in a farm field southeast of Iowa City on Sept. 24, 1995. Her body was severely burned and authorities said she died as a result of several blows to her head.
Klein, who lives in Mount Pleasant and works in Muscatine, was taken into custody at his place of employment Friday morning. He faces one count of first-degree murder, Gwinn said.
Gwinn said Klein has been a person of interest in the case since 1995. He would not say what led authorities to make an arrest now in the decades-old case.
“I can tell you this has never been a closed case,” Gwinn said. “This has been an open case for our department. … The end came as a result of a lot of hard work from a lot of people.”
According to past coverage in The Gazette, Klein is the father of Kersten’s twin daughters. Authorities searched Klein’s mobile home and two vehicles on his property. A search warrant application said investigators were looking for blood, hair and other body specimens, a tire iron or other potential murder weapon.
Gwinn said authorities haven’t spoken to Klein since 1995.
Gwinn said he took another look at the case in December 2014 when it was assigned to him.
“As with any cold case, you go back and re-interview witnesses, look at evidence and just hope you find something new,” he said.
Joining him in the investigation was retired Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Kevin Kinney, who is now a state senator. Kinney previously worked the case.
“He was extremely helpful with the case,” Gwinn said.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
she was a wonderful Artist,!! my hearts and prayers to her friends and family. hope you someday find justice..
Prayers to the family . This is so heart breaking. Someone please come forward to help this family get justice. My prayers and thoughts are with this family.
My god that’s horrible!!!
I can’t believe another year has gone by with no answers for this family…I’m thinking about all of you!!!
Wish there were some answers in this case…..So sad for the family! Prayers to her children and family!
I pray for peace and justice! <3
How awful!
So sad, prayers
Prayers.
This is my aunt, there is still no justice for our family. Please help us!
Jason Kersten Sandra Rohrer
That’s a good question, as Sue’s niece we have our suspects but who’s to say a stranger isn’t the killer?
The Iowa court search engine shows that on 09/30/2013, in the twins’ guardianship case, the old exhibits were destroyed by the court. Why is that??? If you look at the earlier filings in the case, among the exhibits were:
Exhibit 04/30/2003 04/30/2003 04/30/2003
Comments: PUT IN EXHIBIT ROOM, HEARING 04-22-03
PLTF EXHIB. A-CONSENT TO MEDICAL CARE
B&C-FRIDAY FOLDERS
D-CRIMINAL RECORD
E-FIREARMS LOG BOOK
F-FIN & FEATHER RECEIPT
G-NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL REPORT
It should be in the public interest to retain Steve Klein’s neuropsychological report. Also, in the guardianship, Dawn Klein and Julie Music (which you can see from Steve’s mother’s obituary are members of the Klein family) were appointed as permanent guardians/conservators of the twin girls. Why is that? Why should the family of the murderer be able to raise the children as opposed to the family of the victim? Something stinks in Iowa.
Where is the proof that he did it? I am his friend and I know he didn’t do it!
The police must have some evidence, otherwise there would have not been any criminal charge issued. Ted Bundy’s friend Ann Rule also initially thought he was such a nice guy and must not have done it.
@Aaron (if that’s your real name)you have no idea what you’re talking about. I truly pray you and his girlfriend have distanced yourself from him by now.
A confused son contacted me once telling me of Steve’s crazy abusive relationship that he had with his mom. Saying he was punching her and controlling. Those two got out early luckily. The Kersten family was not as so. I was told directly by Steve to my face that he did in fact kill Sue and “they’ll never get me”. Yes the police have this report. Some of us have known Steve most our lives and have legit reasons backed by facts to question his sanity. Like fishing for farm cats with a treble hook or the long meth runs with days and days of no sleep. God only knows what he’s done that he’s never been caught for like the suspensions surrounding his father’s death. He’d have gone away for longer also if the county/courts wouldn’t have gotten rid of her exhibits like stated above by Andrea. They got rid of her car where she was found burned up and her house that was the true crime scene. Her car had residue of chemicals and materials found at Steve’s place and recently purchased by him. I was told the county didn’t want to pay for storage cost anymore. They also screwed up the the whole thing from the start because they found a marijuana pipe on her and ripped through her trailer looking for drugs. The police also let family and friends enter her home right away after tearing through it. The family was the ones who discovered blood speckles, a ripped out phone stashed behind a microwave and her blanket missing from her chair that had a hole ripped in it. They had to call the police again to have them re- investigate the trailer days later.
You’re defending someone and a situation you really know very little about but what he’s fed you over a short time. The whole thing is screwed up and that’s why he never went to trial but made a plea deal with the Johnson County prosecutors without permission from the family. They had no say in the entire process because it was Johnson County Vs Steven Klein. He then admitted in court to hurting her leading to a serious injury causing death then setting her car on fire that destroyed evidence. You didn’t stand up and say anything to defend him during his sentencing or when he plead guilty. Did that surprise you? I really do hope you’ve changed your mind after hearing the ruling and letting time educate your lack of knowledge and real facts. My advise to you is don’t trust anybody. Your comments above to a certain point are insulting and if you’re such a good person, I feel like you would try and say sorry for defending a mentally ill criminal with a long history of issues but after reading your comments above, I’m not holding my breath.
I know it. But innocent until proven guilty. He was the surviving parent. He gets to make all the calls until somehow he is deemed unfit.
What really stinks, is this is a case that hadn’t gone to trial. It should have. A long time ago.
It didn’t because the police messed up from the start. He killed Sue because she was seeking child support for the twins. He never helped with the care of them and wanted nothing to do with them at all. Steve and his mother packed them up hours after the murder and took them away crying from Susan’s house with garbage bags full of stuff in a fit. Susan’s family was deciding what to do with the children as they fled the scene. Eventually they refused visitation rights and isolated the twins from the Kersten family. Still to this day the twins haven’t been reunited with them. It’s a messed up ball of confusion for sure. Not arguing but stating more facts.
I hope some day that Steve will be convected of this murder!
not sure why i know this case but for some reason my research into some things lead me to this page and i feel for the family and can’t help to feel that in some way….. well i just wanted to say i know in someway that the persons that did it will get what is due them.
this is the one i was drawn to in looking for something else, and it lead here.
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/martha-erickson/
Thanks so much, John. We feel the same; every one of these victims mattered to many.
Thank God for the technology that lets this page be displayed for all of America to read.