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Marianna Is my aunt it’s so sad that till today there is no justice for her. she was only 15 she was even able to experience life yet because that was taken from her.
If this gentleman was unfortunate enough to have driven into a local body of water. The family should consider hiring one of the diving teams that post their successfull finds on YouTube. These divers have given families much needed closure.
I feel that a Bown family member did this. A male, he is still alive living in marshalltown.
Curtis Padgett’s trial for the murder of Dennis First started today in Linn County. I’m sure Erin’s family is paying attention to it. Let’s hope that if Curtis is found guilty it results in more information or answers for Erin’s family in the future.
I would assume that since his vehicle is also missing, that most likely he and the vehicle are in a body of water in the area. Supposedly there are about 700 cases of missing persons, whose vehicles are missing
Thanks to various dive teams around the country, they are helping close out some of these cases. Vehicles have been found in a number of different t bodies of water, from lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, retention ponds
It would be interesting to determine what route he would have have driven from where he was last seen to his home. Then look for various bodies of water, along the route.
The use of a drone might be useful in flying over the route. Then using side-scanning sonar to look for possible targets.
The lack of any backpack or luggage suggests that he was either robbed, was staying with someone or had a motel room near by. My theory is that this man was likely drinking at a bar somewhere in the area and was being driven in a car by a man, woman or group of people and a disagreement ensued and he was asked to exit the vehicle. This was likely in the winter of 1985 (October to December) as his skeletal remains were found on March 31, 1986. They likely provided him with the blanket he was found with when they asked him to leave the vehicle. He may have tried to knock on the nearest farm house and either no one was home or do to the time of night they did not hear the knock and he sought shelter from the elements in the barn between the bales of hay. He then succumb to the elements and died.
You would think with DNA today there has to be something anything that con be used for JUSTICE
She was a good friend. We always hung out and walked home together. Loved her singing a voice like an angel. In ROTC we push the rules to a point, but we had fun. I was devastated losing what I considered a close friend.
With DNA technology today there should be something
This was on KCRG’s news today:
https://www.kcrg.com/2024/04/03/dna-evidence-identifies-body-found-missouri-1978-missing-iowa-girl/
Happy Birthday Jeannie, don’t know much about you or your story but i hope your safe, heard about your case January of this year and remembered your birthday. I hope to hear about you anytime soon.
Is there any update in the case? I think about her every single day. I was born a year after she disappeared and I’m now older than her at the time she disappeared:(
Just now reading this in March of 2024 – I am a first cousin to Dennis. I’m thankful they feel they have found the rightful guilty party. Prayers of comfort again for his daughter, Lori, and for Christine❤️ 💔.
I’m sure they found the right person. I’m looking forward to the results of the trial, doesn’t it start April 9th? 15 days.
Has Robert Ben Rhoades ever been investigated regarding Bambi’s death?
The Cedar Rapids Gazette had an in-depth article about Chaffee’s death:
https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/cold-case-cedar-rapids-man-killed-in-1983-while-his-toddler-twins-were-alone-upstairs/
This is part of their cold case series.
Thank you Kim. How did you find me to send a message?
Jerry Chaffee
Hi, I don’t think I sent you a message, I just linked the Gazette article here to Dennis’ page. It’s part of a series the Gazette is doing about cold cases in the area. Last month the story was about Fred Coste’s murder in downtown Cedar Rapids in 1959. You might have gotten an alert to my post if you’re signed up to receive new posts or comments on the ICC site.
https://www.facebook.com/Thundernum1?mibextid=ZbWKwL. Re run the dba!!!
How can the police get a warrant for an innocent person, George Smith’s relative, to provide DNA? That seems like a clear violation of the 4th amendment.
Mr. Johnson, the police got a warrant to most likely obtain DNA, of Mr. Smith’s family. They have to submit paperwork to a judge stating why they wanted a search warrant. The basically have to show probable cause for the warrant.
This means they have to supply information that leads them to believe that Mr. Smith was connected to her murder. This information could be in the form of an eyewitness who came forward and said that he or she saw him commit the crime or heard state that he killed her for whatever reason.
It could be that they reviewed the physical evidence recovered and had it reviewed by the crime lab, and they found DNA, and they needed DNA from a family member, to double check it.
Also remember that the application for the warrant is submitted by a states, district attorney to judge who has to review and sees that it meets the standards for a search warrant.
They do this to show that they followed an established protocol in their investigation. They could have gone through the garbage,or asked the family to provide one. But they could refuse to cooperate. So, they go to a judge by filing an application for the search warrant.
It’s an extra step, but it’s nice to go through the extra step of going through the legal process.
IN my opinion, assuming that Dougherty was murdered, the perp must have been particularly COWARDLY for him (or her) to have targeted a defenseless individual with a prosthetic hand.
I knew Roger I was 11 at the time of his disappearance, His brother Gary and I talked many time after and I remember one day the suspect was pointed out to me by Gary . He wasn’t tall and black curly hair slight build. Our family and their family lived 3 blocks from each other. I think of Roger often.
I wash my hands of this filthy world. They will never clean this filthy world. I’m connected to this case somehow. And it is my believed hunch that the murders are unsolved due to it being sanctioned. It just feels that way. I’m alone in this world with nothing and no one and I know the root of all of you myself included and if the future is now? But it’s all in the past? Then time is of the peasants.!! Yours truly, Brian Force
I may be freta bostiks kid. I’m having a hell of a time and I have secret society members and authorities I do different organizations oppressing me terrorizing me and I know it is not solved because it was sanctioned. I know it in my heart. But my heart is stupid alone I. This world with nothing and no one. I wash my hands of this dirty world. Sincerely up yours everyone. It must feel good to be the center of the universe, Brian Force
Some of these need updated. Like Trey Lee. His killer wasn’t charged because he had an immunity deal but the guy admitted he shot him under oath. The prosecutors made a mistake with the forensic evidence and gave the wrong defendant the immunity deal.
Was this in 2009 or 2004? It says 2009 at the top of the page, but reading the case summary, it states 2004.
We are coming up on 10 years since Ryan has been gone and still no answers. Someone knows who the guilty are, we need answers.
We meed justice for Ryan.
(Margaret had 9 kids)How did Margaret have her last kid when she was 40, even tho she killed her husband when she was 32 …….. suspicious. AND she has 20 GRANDCHILDREN THAT’S CRAZY ?!?!?!?!?
The article says she was his wife “of 32 years,” meaning they were married for 32 years at the time he was killed–from 1868 to 1900. She wasn’t 32 at the time of his death.
A reminder another year has gone by with no answers, no real investigation, and no justice. I really hope the new Union County Sherriff will look into the the unsolved cases in his jurisdiction.
I wonder if the Creston News Advertiser
will finally agree to do a story on Ricky’s case now that Kenyon is (basically) out of office…
The Chief of the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Tillman Thompson said, “There is no question that this is a murder” in an article published in the Gazette. If that is a correct statement, why does the death certificate indicate the cause of death as “unknown”. Why or how could there be such a discrepancy?
Andrea, at the time, whoever conducted the autopsy most likely could not determine a cause of death, with the medical knowledge and the available forensic tools available, at the time
I am of the mindset that the autopsy results should be reviewed by more experienced medical examiners. Then if necessary, they could recommend that her remains be exhumed, for review by them and a forensic anthropologist. Hopefully, they could determine an exact cause of death.
However, in the minds of law enforcement her death most likely was caused by someone. Since the autopsy states her cause of death is undetermined, they can’t close it out, one way or the other.
I’m not sure what the autopsy report says only the death certificate. It was a doctor that signed it. It’s odd to me that detectives are saying there’s no question and the death certificate says cause of death unknown. It would be interesting to see the autopsy report.
One would think if there’s obvious neck bruising and fractures , there would be more information than cause of death unknown. Wish there was more information available about the state of her body when she was found.
I feel terrible for those who’ve wondered all these years what happened to their loved one.
Andrea, the other issue is that at the time, most communities had a coroner. A good number of these individuals most likely were undertakers and not certified medical examiners.
Again this makes me to think it would be a good idea to have a team of medical examiners to review all these cases where the cause of death going bacK 40 or more years are undetermined.
This would help law enforcement to decide whether her and many others deaths were homicides or a non-criminal deaths.
We have teams of cold case detectives reviewing cold cases. We should have teams of medical examiners to review these cases.
What’s interesting is the Smithsonian Institute in Washington has forensic anthropologist who have been reviewing bodies at the request of many agencies for many years.
Quite often they have found marks and other indications that a person was murdered.
Also, the initial investigators most likely did not have the training that a homicide investigator in many of are major cities did.
I remember two major crimes here in Chicago back in the late 1920’s. The first one was the kidnapping and murder of Bobby Franks. He was the son of a wealthy family in Chicago.
He was found dead in a rail yard on the far southeast side of Chicago, on the Indiana border. At the crime scene Chicago Police Department detectives found a pair of eyeglasses.
The eyeglasses were made by a well known company of Almer & Coe. The detectives got lucky with these glasses, they were a newer model frames. Also only three people had glasses with those frames.
It led to one of two wealthy college educated men. They were arrested and charged with murder. They were defended by Clarence Darrow, who pled them guilty to avoid the death penalty.
The other is the St. Valentines Day Massacre. A Cook County Coroners Jury was impaled. Two wealthy members of the jury brought in a Dr. Goddard. He was a U.S. Army Reserve doctor. But he worked.st a private crime lab.
He reviewed the crime scene of murder of Bugs Moran gang. He said that two Thompson submachine guns were used. One of them had a twenty round straight magazine, and the other with a fifty round drum magazine.
Dr. Goddard is considered the sort Father of Ballistics.
However we now have scientists reviewing the science behind many things that were considered a slam dunk over many years.
I believe one of his friends killed him. They obviously knew that he just sold his horse and had that money, which was a lot back then. It wasn’t the person he sold the horse to because they would’ve just stole the horse without giving him the money. Then said “friend” made up the story about him going to visit his sister. Of course it was believable because ppl trusted said “friend” word and it bought him some time before they found the body. This is just my opinion.
The newspaper says she was in fair condition, having been shot in the face by her ex, who committed suicide. Also, she lived on 35th, not 25th.
When I search her name in Iowa missing clearinghouse, there’s no match using her name. https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/criminal-investigation/missing-persons
Pali8r, she wouldn’t have been listed there because it wasn’t a missing persons case.
The list of cold cases provided by the Des Moines Police Department shows the crime address as 1300 E. 25th Ct.
This is such a strange case. She’s not listed on uncovered under Iowa unsolved murders and I cant find anything about her under any other unsolved murder cases. I’ll have to check out the DM PD. I hope she truly is alive but it’s proven difficult to find anything on her. I may check out ancestry and see what I can find on there.
I found one of the articles.
It won’t allow me to attach it.
With a middle name like Samsoudina, I surmise that he is from Burkina Faso.
Anon, a good call. The other question, what is his immigration status. I assume he entered the country legally Could his visa expired and he did not want to return to wherever he came from.
So, we should have some answers from ICE. Also, the State Department Office of Diplomatic Security Service, could a resource of information. They are the Secret Service of the State Department. Plus they have regional security officers all over the world.
If anyone has any information please call the authorities. We are coming up on 10 years since my son passed and still nothing….Someone knows something.
They should exhume his body if he was buried and see if they can extract any DNA. Then, they could send it to ancestry and get some familial links, that could very easily close this case if that information is out there.
My uncle my dad brother please someone come forward please
That’s my uncle my dad brother my dad is the only brother left of the jordon please if you know anything please come forward plese.
I know who killed Bill and Kay Wood. I’ve tried numerous times to contact the Indianola police dept and the dci but noone will return my calls. I would like to get this case solved so the family can have some closure. I know if it was my family member I would. I want these criminals off the streets before they do it again. Someone please contact me Brad Greene email brdgreene@gmail.com phone 515-480-5723 call or text.
Contact Patti Shaw immediately her email is ps2467@yahoo.com
I know as well and they have done nothing. I wonder if we are talking the same people? I have spoken with DCI and haven’t heard from them in several years
This case is not closed there is still reward money available thru crime stoppers please notify if you have any information regarding this murder still unsolved, reward money available to who ever comes forward with information.
Still holding on to hopes that her case will be solved as well. My thoughts are with you Alicia. <3
Alisia <3 Spell Correction
Alisia, I’m juggling about four cold case conversations right now and will follow up on Kathleen’s case when finished. Thanks for your patience. Jody @ ICC
The roadside memorial cross was apparently removed a few years ago.
Interesting piece in a recent CR Gazette article about this cold case. It echoes a lot of the information contained above plus some recent developments. It’s interesting how they uncovered the daughter living in Columbus, OH to better distinguish the blood evidence for DNA testing.
It sounds like they have a probable suspect but will likely never be officially solved.
https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/cold-case-daughter-of-finance-manager-slain-in-1959-in-cedar-rapids-still-hopes-for-answers/
It’s been confirmed that the remains found in November are those of Brian Burns: https://www.kwwl.com/news/crime-courts/human-remains-found-in-delaware-county-confirmed-to-be-those-of-missing-man-from-2013/article_e143b466-beed-11ee-9af9-d7026daec391.html
I found this on a list on a website called
THE LINEUP. Thought the peach tattoo might be significant
6. Girl with the Peach Tattoo
The body of this murdered woman was found by a hiker in a wooded section of Long Island, New York in 1997. It was missing both arms, both feet and its head. But there was one very identifiable mark: a tattoo on the left breast. It showed a heart-shaped peach with a bite taken out of it and two drops of juice.
Police published a picture of the tattoo and a tattoo artist came forward to say he remembered giving it to a young woman from the New York area. In 2016, investigators linked other skeletal remains found on Long Island to the torso with the peach tatton It is now believed she may have been an es
Top
victim of the Long Island Serial Killer, also remains unidentified.
the-line-up.com
Looks like a plea deal was made in this case:
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/cedar-rapids-man-takes-plea-deal-in-2016-death-of-a-fort-dodge-man#
The parents of the baby have been identified through DNA testing, according to the Iowa DPS website:
https://dps.iowa.gov/parents-identified-1996-newborn-death-investigation
https://dps.iowa.gov/parents-identified-1996-newborn-death-investigation
Maybe all 3 individuals were involved with her to some capacity and she had some type of dirt on them and they got rid of her together and made some type of pact? But hey what do I know I was 11 around the time she disappeared
Bambi was my cousin. Aunt Evelyn dies 5 years ago and her father dies two years ago. There HAS to be some way to solve her murder, With advancements in DNA and other Forensic development the answer IS THERE! Reopen the cold case and star again, Her remaining family has a right to know what happened and that she hasn’t been forgotten on a cold storage shelve.
I would love to get my uncle and my grandfathers cold case reopened. Gary and Mike Anderson. They were murdered in mount pleasant Iowa and the men still walk free today due to lack of evidence due to it happening in the 80s
Lonnie Bell has passed away…
https://www.teahenfuneralhome.com/obituary/lonnie-bell
i think im connected to a cold case in some way. i know that i have been lied to all my life stolen from and i even have a twin that lives in kansas city i have learned. i think i may be a child from the morningside murders i dont know. lots of corruption and big operation nvolved in this travesty. here is my dna let’s get justice!!!
Well what have we found it’s been 7 quite years
It had nothing to do with drugs.
Anyone know if this case has been looked at again with all new DNA technology? I was her friend and lockermate in Jr High. She would come to my house after school sometimes and my mom would take her home. I’ve thought a lot about her over the years. She was such a gentle soul.
BACK 2012 I HAD VISION OF A LAKE OR POND NORTHWEST WITH AN (AEIOU) NAME WAS THAT IN THE REMOTE AREA?
Any new information to this
Linda Mayfield was my best friend when we were kids. I hope they solve this case.
[…] authorities because they “understand” why she did it. This story is based on true events of the 1901 Hossack Murder Case which Glaspell covered as a reporter. A farmer’s wife (Margaret Hossack) was accused of killing […]
Would be nice if the contact information provided was correct for law enforcement. The area codes are wrong they should be 515 not 712 and why is there no update…….cause the case isn’t being worked on.
Jonetta, first I would like to offer my condolences on your brother’s unsolved murder. It gets no easier after waiting eight years for answers; by contrast, each passing year creates more frustration, anger, and mistrust.
Wendel’s case was written a little differently, using actual news pieces in their entirety rather than just references, and some media outlets don’t always put an area code in front of the number to call. That can be confusing for those who don’t live in that particular area. I take responsibility for the incorrect area codes listed at the end, however, and have corrected them as well to reflect 515 instead of 712.
This may not come as any consolation, but just because no updates have publicly been posted does not mean the case isn’t actively being worked. By the time the case is 48 or 72 hours old, LE officials must then contend with other crimes just committed, and try to run out every possible lead before that case starts to go cold, too.
Cities like Fort Dodge have a slightly increased crime rate as compared with those in smaller jurisdictions, but there is always one constant theme. Killers, accomplices and witnesses like to talk. They like to brag in bars after a few drinks. They embellish details never released to the public, and police have them on their radar. (It’s true that in smaller cities “just about everyone in town” knows who did it but fear coming forward.) Agencies often must hold specific details close to the vest.
Please don’t think your brother’s murder is any less important than the others. It isn’t. You also have something else on your side; Larry Hedlund, a former FDPD detective who proudly served 25 years as a well respected Division of Criminal Investigation agent, was added two years ago to the Webster County Attorney’s Office to fill a new investigator position.
Don’t be afraid to call in and request a status update. You might learn something new. I wish you all the very best in seeing your brother’s killer held accountable and brought to justice.
What’s happened to the Hardy family mass murders please? July 1910, on farm 4 miles South East of Melbourne ( the old train station before Melbourne was as big as it is now) where only the son Raymond Hardy survived the dusk killings of his entire family.
I am the last surviving member of my family. I am Eileen’s sister. I am the only one who can describe what we knew about her disappearance. We have been silent too long.
Bob Dill was a violent man. He was abusive to Eileen multiple times. One time he choked her till she passed out. She stayed with me for 3 days because she was so afraid of him. Unfortunately, he was quite good at sweet talking her to come back. He controlled every aspect of her life and was extremely jealous. She started hiding money in case she needed to get away.
When my parents received a call from her friends saying she was missing, I went with my father to file a missing persons report in Des Moines County. We later heard the investigator that did Bob’s polygraph was a good friend of Bob. When my family was finally able to clean out her house, Bob showed up and began harassing us. He wasn’t concerned about Eileen being missing. He only wanted some antiques in her house. We had to call the sheriff to keep him away while we loaded the U-Haul truck. In her house we found wet clothes in the washer and a cake on top of the fridge. Her car was parked out front but her keys and purse were missing. We had to make special arrangements to get the car moved. My parents were so afraid Bob would hurt them that they started locking their house. Something they had never done before. Eileen’s disappearance nearly destroyed their marriage and we all suffered varying degrees of anger, helplessness and grief. After seven years my parents had her proclaimed legally dead. Every time a female body was discovered in the tri-state area, law enforcement would contact them and drag all the pain up again. Eileen’s name is engraved on the back of my parents’ stone. I pray her bones will be discovered so I can lay her to rest with my family before I die.
Eileen made many mistakes in her life. But she loved her daughter Mindy with all her heart and would never have willingly left her with Bob.
I still miss you Nene. 💔
I know who did this. I am certain beyond a doubt. I would bet my own life on it. I turned this bastard in 25 ago but made the mistake of going to Chickasaw County sheriff instead of DCI. The ball was completely dropped.
I think it is so sad that Bill Carter will most likely never get official confirmation as to the guilt of his son, Jason. It seems obvious that with competent investigative procedures this case would be closed.
As it stands the guilty party must live with himself and know that his actions will be judged by the Almighty. I wonder if the internal guilt eats away at him.
I have heard Hurky (?) Moore may know something about this murder.
Adding KCRG’s story to the recent update that Brian Burns’ remains may have been found in Delaware County.
https://www.kcrg.com/2023/11/22/human-remains-found-delaware-county/
Thanks so much, Kim. I’ve got KCRG’s update posted. Such a tragic ending for a good man so well-liked by his community.
Thanks, Jody. I hope they’re able to figure out what happened to him. He seemed like a really good guy.
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/brian-burns-went-missing-a-decade-ago-now-human-remains-have-been-found-near-his-manchester-home
Remains found Nov 5, 2023; info released to news outlets today (Wed Nov 22, 2023). No official confirmation yet but evidence points to this being him.
My gut tells me this is a possible Larry Hall case.
I’d be interested to know if Iowa has made attempts to discover this.
Also be interested to know if there were any war reenactments
going on in iowa/around the area that time.
Larry Hall would find his victims while he traveled to war reenactments
He was known to target women alone- walking, riding their bikes fold victims clothes as an act of “care” and he was also
A grave digger and would usually bury victims in fields/woods.
Between 1980-1994. I’ve found a couple more from Iowa that fit the profile.
Lmk your thoughts!
Hannah, I’ve never heard of Larry Hall, but if you believe he is a possibility, please email dciinfo@dps.state.ia.us with the information.
Hello my love another year has went by. It is now a few days before my birthday. Thinking about how we would’ve been celebrating. You are so very much missed and I’m hoping one day this will all be solved. This ways on my mind heavy every day I wanted to let you know Yeah David is having a few bumps in the road, but he will get it together. As long as you keep your hands wrapped around him ,your son Darius has moved onto the special forces. You would be super, super proud of that young man at who he become, I really really miss you and love you to death You would so love these beautiful grandchildren. We would be grandparents of seven if he was here which I fully take on by myself, you are truly missed. I really really hope one day I will see you again. forever and always
There was someone else in that house just before the explosions… Cynthia, who was that?
I’m guessing the private investor in South Dakota who thinks it was the same killer as Jodi Huisentruit’s was Jim Feldhaus?
yes, according to this article he thought it was a serial killer who was a Newton native and moved to Arizona. That sounds like John Vancise but he wasnt a serial killer
Yeah, not sure if I would subscribe to JV being a serial killer, but I would be interested in knowing if he had any sort of connection to Bobbi Crawford. Did he or any of his friends or acquaintances ever date her? I guess her son could answer questions about her social life and who she dated in the past. I can’t quite place my finger on it, but I feel like Bobbi and Jodi have some similar facial features.
Wasn’t there a thin connection between Vancise and the Copper Dollar ranch murders? I think it was mentioned in Beth Bednar’s book about Jodi H’s disappearance. Vancise either worked on the ranch or knew the owner at the time/around the time of the killings, something like that.
Yeah, I remember he has some sort of connection to it. If I recall correctly someone said it was a talking point for him to mention being close to it in some way. That whole case and trial got botched, but that’s a whole other topic of conversation.
I don’t think the copper dollar ranch was JV. I think it was a drug connection.
I am a niece of James Bright. Why isn’t he on this list? His nieces and nephews think about him all the time and wish we knew who attacked him.
Let’s pull together to convict her and wake up her husband Lord have mercy on there souls and don’t allow them into heaven palms 23 they are not wanted
She is in the well.
Curious to how you may know this?
How do you know this?
How on earth would your know this and what well!!!
I’m only assuming this but maybe he’s talking about the alleged serial killer that buried bodies in Thurman, IA?
I believe you already know whom did each one you just need to find more evidence.
If the Peggy Giddings murder case has not been solved after all, is there someone working on it now? Her family deserves to know who committed this horrible crime. It is just as horrendous now as it was when it happened back in 1970, and someone should be brought to justice even after all these years. Peggy did not deserve to die the way she did. She was not perfect, as none of us are, but she was a very sweet girl who had no guile. She loved her parents, brothers, and new little sister. The heartbreak her parents felt when they came home the night of Peggy’s murder was agonizing. Her dad told my friend and I the next day that the reason they moved out west from their former home near Benson High School was to provide a “safer” place for his family to live. It is unconscionable that this case has not been solved, especially with all the DNA advances in forensics since then. I often think of Peggy, her smile, and beauty, and occasionally visit her grave when I am in Omaha. Rest in Peace dear Peggy…
Paul is my uncle. His car was found in the Mississippi River near the Hawthorne boat ramp around Oct 11/12 as Newt Marine was dredging the river to make it deeper from the current drought we are experiencing. It was caught on the dredging equipment and pulled up and the detective said it was buried under around 7 feet of mud/silt. There were NO remains in the vehicle. Another vehicle was pulled up as well, a 1970 Pontiac GTO. No remains in that one either. At this point we still don’t know where Paul is.
https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/dubuque-police#
From KGAN website today (Thurs Oct 26, 2023)
I am from Dubuque, Iowa. It was in the news today that Paul’s car was pulled from the Mississippi River on October, 12th!
The car was found 10/12/2023- No remains found in the vehicle.
THONLINE released this today:
A recent dredging operation along the Mississippi River resulted in the retrieval and identification of a vehicle belonging to a Dubuque man who went missing over 30 years ago, police said.
A 1981 Mercury Zephyr belonging to Paul J. Knockel, of Dubuque, was located earlier this month near the Hawthorne Street boat ramp in Dubuque by employees from Newt Marine Service, according to Dubuque Police Department Lt. Brendan Welsh.
Knockel was reported missing on Nov. 25, 1990, after failing to show up at a family gathering and missing work for several days. The location of the vehicle is the first major update in the case since his disappearance.
FYI, Police indicate local dredging company found Pauls vehicle Oct 12, and Police recovered what they could shortly afterwards. No remains were found but the entire vehicle was silted in.
10/26/23 — For Immediate Release
DUBUQUE, Iowa – On October 12th, 2023 the Dubuque Police Department was notified that employees from Newt Marine Services, while conducting dredge operations in the Mississippi River near the Hawthorne Boat Ramp, located a submerged vehicle. This vehicle was pulled from the river and identified as a 1981 Mercury Zephyr. Investigators from the Dubuque Police Department were assisted by Wenzel Towing in recovering the vehicle. During the subsequent investigation and while processing this vehicle, investigators were able to identify it as belonging to Paul Joseph Knockel who had been reported missing in Dubuque on November 25th, 1990. Knockel was 53 at the time he was reported missing by family and his case has remained open since then. No human remains were located while investigators processed this vehicle. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Corporal Clark Egdorf at 563-589-4430 or Cegdorf@cityofdubuque.org. Anonymous tips can be submitted online via the Dubuque Police Department’s Official Page: http://www.cityofdubuque.org/209/Police or by calling Dubuque/Jo Daviess Crime Stoppers at (800)747-0117.
They just pulled his car out of the Mississippi river in Dubuque. No human remains were found. The Dubuque PD is continuing to investigate.
Have they ever checked the unclaimed bodies at the police departments
I don’t think anyone cares about this guy or there would be answers to questions like the phone records just saying
It’s not that nobody cares about this guy, it’s that getting phone records that are over 33 years old would be nearly impossible. Phone companies have changed over the years or even gone defunct, so their records have been destroyed. Unless he called his family collect from wherever he was at, there’s likely no record on the family’s end. IIRC, the only numbers to show up on your bill were long-distance numbers that you made as outgoing calls. Incoming calls weren’t likely noted on the bill unless they were collect calls. Technology in 1990 was nothing like it is now and phones back then were probably landlines and not cellphones.
This isn’t like a tv show where a mystery is solved in an hour. Investigations take time and resources are often spread thin. That doesn’t mean people don’t care about Mr. Keller. It’s just that there’s not a lot for investigators to go on for leads. If you read the comments, there’s been some folks who’ve mentioned a few John Does that have been found that kind of match Mr. Keller, but all anyone can do is submit the information to the NAMUS page or Doe Network and hope that it gets investigated.
Thank you for responding. You are absolutely correct. There wasn’t social media documenting his adventures. There weren’t cell phones to check in. He didn’t call home. He showed up on our doorstep between his cross country trips. He was a traveler. A dreamer. A hitchhiker without a plan. It’s not that we don’t care. We’ve been on TV. We’ve been in the paper. We share on social media. We search Namus and the Doe Network. Unfortunately, after 34 years it’s hard to believe that he is still alive and hasn’t returned “home” or been seen by any friends or family. We still hope that one day we will have answers.
this has franklin scandal written all over it
I have found 2 people named Eileen Jaeger (in Dubuque County) that could possibly be her. One died in 2017 and the other in 2022. I have tried to find if these could be her, and I am not sure. Is she possibly still living? Did she change her last name? Does she still live in the area?
Any help is appreciated.
The Iowa Inspection and Appeal’s Office at the end of 2005 released their 25 pages of Citations against the Nurse and Mercy employees who drugged Gary Lack and caused him to fall and hit the area of his colon surgery on 01/13/2004, then after Gary was bleeding internally, Linda used drugs stolen from Ray Powers, after Ray died on the morning of 01/14/2004. Linda refused both Gary and Ray Powers the care they required and instead did not deliver Ray’s prescriptions to Ray, but instead Nurse Linda brought Ray’s prescription drugs to Gary’s home and administered them to Gary who had no prescription for Ray’s DBR gel and other pills. She dabbed the DBR gel in Gary’s throat and he drowned in his own blood.
More than 6 years ago an officer with WPD had commented on this case with me and said they reopened the case with substantial new leads. If I remember correctly there was video surveillance that had been brought to their attention. I’ve never heard anything else about it… I’d have to agree that there isn’t much concern with solving many of these cases, it’s very sad. RIP Lil’ Rod…
None of this points to Ryerson being involved.
I feel that the girlfriend and the brothers who he fought with need to be looked into. The girlfriend insisted he was in the river, which is odd, she was so convinced. Why? Also, it is easy to assume that something further happened with the brothers outside of the bar. Perhaps they threw him off the bridge or simply just into the river. More needs to be looked at and done here. There are people who could clearly be involved that were skimmed over.
My thoughts are the sheriff and the pd in cresco and Howard county are lazy they take everything face value they don’t investigate I know first hand they call murders suicide there u got my opinion and as for cold cases I. Howard county they have a lot of cold cases cause they don’t investigate nothing
Please check unidentified male UP8588 on Namus. Found in Illinois. Photos look very similar except UP had a mustache.
If you’ve got all this information on Ryerson being involved with all those murders/missing persons cases, why haven’t you gone to the police? Why haven’t you contacted someone in the DCI and said “Hey, I’ve got a suspect in these cases and here’s how to connect the dots to prove his involvement”?
I just don’t buy that he’s this insanely successful serial killer who has gotten away with a whole list of murders/missing persons cases. From what I’ve read about him in the stories you’ve linked to this site, he seems more like an inept bumbler who MIGHT (emphasis on might) have a fringe connection to a small handful of cases. He seems like the kind to like to brag about his “connections” in order to look like Iowa’s version of Ted Bundy.
All the cases you’ve listed that you claim he is involved in have different MO’s and different victim profiles. There’s different theories behind each one as to why the crime occurred. They’ve happened across a wide range of jurisdictions and it’s a little ludicrous to think that not only the DCI but all those different cops in different jurisdictions are ALL acting in collusion to cover up Ryerson’s alleged involvement in their cases. Even if he’s acting as a drug informant for them, the heinous nature of the crimes would essentially outweight any benefit he could give them, so you’d think they’d arrest him.
Contact Jody on this site, maybe she can help? Or go to the FBI? That’s the only advice I can offer.
In the same general time frame, there were some paper boys that were molested in Edina, Minnesota by a guy named Charles Walter Bathel. He got caught, went away for couple of years, got out and met a man in a bar and murdered him during rough sex. He actually showed up at the police station with the body in the car, saying he’d found him on the side of highway 100. He JUST got out in the last couple of years. Paperboys and Edina is a couple of hours right up 35.
Paul M. Campbell’s body was recovered from the Mississippi River near Muscatine in 2021:
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/remains-of-man-missing-since-2020-identified/
https://obituaries.clintonherald.com/obituary/paul-campbell-1083243458
Maybe I missed it. But it was stated a man remembered a license plate #. But I don’t see anything stated what became of it. This crime is so disgusting. Just awful. Killers ramp up. So I believe the perpetrator fantasized about children. Then went on to molesting. Then progressed finally to this awful murder I would bet the perpetrator had a history of sex crimes against children. And like 1 too many. Let out of prison early. It is STILL going on. I’m sure everyone reading this knows. IT HAS TO STOP!!! NOW!!!! The public hets it. Why are the parole boards. The ones in charge NOT getting it?!!!!It has been stated by psychologists, Psychiatrists, They CANNOT BE REFORMED!!! They ate allowing more victims!!! Have them live on YOUR block then. I bet things would change then.
I was wondering the same thing. They said the place who could help with wasn’t open until Monday. Weird that nothing else seems to be said about after that. Another strange thing, the man found in Nevada gave too many eerie right on details for someone who was supposedly in Des Moines during the kidnapping. They also don’t discuss anything that was done with the ones who failed the lie detectors test. So many things seemed to be missed or just moved away from.
At the time, the DMV offices probably did not have a way to access the records until, the next working day. It most likely take an order from the governor or head of the DMV, to get several staff members to dig through paper records. Iowa license plates have the county name where the vehicle is registered to. Don’t know if they did back then.
Also, lie detector results are not admissible in court. Plus, who administered the test. Was he most likely certified to a standard as they would be today.
Also, being strapped to one of those devices might have created a stressful situation for the person being interviewed allegedly. Plus, how many people have been convicted on false confessions.
In Lynbrook, New York in 1986 or so. Three men were convicted in the disappearance, rape and murder of Teresa Fusco, ,(16), in November 1984.
The lead detective basically rewrote the youngest suspect’s confession at least seven times. The suspect was a high school dropout, drug abuser and may have been still high.
In 2003, he and the two others were cleared by DNA. The lead detective ignored and never mentioned about a car was stolen the night she disappeared and later found with a pair of jeans she was wearing in his reports. Also, he got wiretaps on the three claiming her blood was found in a van owned by one of the suspects. However, the crime lab people did not find any blood in the vehicle.
His actions cost Nassau County millions. On top of it, the rope used to strangle her and the jeans, were never tested, in a crime lab. Also, they were conveniently lost or misplaced.
With computers, radios, NCIC and other databases we can find information in minutes versus manually searching through paper records.
Neighbor Berger seems a little off considering they had farmland in the area she was found. Look up obit. for George E. Berger-Arizona Republic Archive. Let me know anyone
Not finding anything about that person in the Arizona Republic Archive.
Just the Sioux City Obit stating he had land in Dakota City.
https://azcentral.newspapers.com/article/sioux-city-journal-obituary-for-george-e/139030670/?locale=en-US
Thank you for link. Not positive it’s the same Earnest Berger though. Going to search
I mean George E.
Hey mom, it’s me again. Little update, Freya was born a month and a half early. She is 8 months old now and today we are taking her to her first pumpkin patch with dad! She is also getting so close to crawling! Wish you were here, you’d absolutely love her. We love and miss you so much mom. Stay close. ❤
I miss my nephew
I’m Praying for justice Leroy.. you should be here STILL 💔 Ur Son miss you bro !
I dont see how all these people are connected.
My Husband Gary and my son Adam were tortured and killed to cover up Proud Boy Republican politicians (Branstad/Kleckner/Grassley/others) on-going Point Source Contamination of 1/2 million Iowans Tap Water or drinking water.
Have they ever looked in the homeless shelters cause he may have stade in one
Brian’s mother has now passed to be reunited with Brian and Arnie. Like Arnie, it’s fortunate that Laura lived long enough to learn who tragically killed her son.
https://www.thegazette.com/obituaries/laura-belle-schappert/
https://www.cedarmemorial.com/Obituary/2023/Sep/Laura-B-Schappert/
I don’t quite understand though. He took a shotgun to the lounge but then was shot with a shotgun? Was he shot with his own gun? Or did the shooter already have a gun and shot John and John’s gun is the one they found?
Just learned about this case today. What a horrible end for such a promising young woman. I tend to believe that Arthur Charles Scott Jr. had something to do with her death.
There was a lot that everyone does not know about. There was family dysfunction and so much more to the story than anyone knows. I have questioned my elders and investigated the entire family for proof of the stories, by each person’s behavior and demeanors, and patterns, as well as consistency in the stories. I know, for a fact, that there are things said that are not true, for my Aunt Mickey’s events, as well as what is. They dysfunctional patterns from Mickey’s life to the patterns of my life are incredibly parallel. I don’t believe Arthur Scott had as much to do with the situation as everyone thinks. Not sure how well he knew my Uncle Ray, Mickey’s brother, but I do know he didn’t murder her.
I just found out about Marlene’s story, through a YouTube video, from “Fascinating Graveyard”, posted yesterday. The more I’ve been reading about this Arthur Charles Scott Jr. person, he sounds like the likeliest suspect. The video is well presented, and very respectful. These old cases fascinate me, especially when they’re solved. And hopefully, this one will be solved as well. And then, this case, which I still find infuriating.
When I was about 17 months old, Dr. Edward C. Branson, of Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC, was treating me for my club feet and pigeon toes. He and a friend, T.E. Drach, drove to Jacksonville, FL for a vacation, late May, 1955. Dr. Branson encountered an 18 year old Navy man, Robert Owen Emmett, in a Jacksonville bar, and the two went for a ride. Long story short, after falling asleep/passing out in a Green Cove Springs woods, Dr. apparently made “improper advances” to Emmett, who proceeded to club Dr. to death with a hickory branch, robbed him of his wallet, stole his car, and confessed quickly. He got virtually no punishment, since it was a “g@y panic” murder, which was a thing for years. Robert Emmett died at age 80, Dr. Branson was only 31.
I litteraly heard her tell me with her own voice her two lips they were at a get togather in a back yard got to argueing she hit nhim with a gallon glass alchol container then that’s when she stopped talking and would talk about it to me ever again
Please provide this information to the Fairfield PD. It may help.
Why tied to all these other people?
are all these cases connected to DCI agent Bill Basler?
IMO I don’t think it’s ryerson
Mar 2023 – Paget was in the news for killing a man in 2007.
https://www.kcrg.com/2023/03/02/man-charged-2007-cold-case-connected-cedar-rapids-missing-person-case/
RIP Precious baby. You are too good for this horrible world.
So did he also work at Lowe’s?? Or nearby? What was the motive according to the State? Seems like we are missing key information here.
She was murdered. Hit-and-run hired by gee husband. That’s my theory as my mother dated her nasty husband after she passed away.. . He is a very violent and abusive evil man…. started dating my mother not even a month after his wife passed away.
My son Dayton Matlock was murdered may 15 2021 in waterloo iowa and nothing done or said about him
Sweet grave….
yo thats my father
first id check any waterways on route from albia to avery 2nd id find out what cop stopped harry the 17th to give him ticket seems shady but this case and albia iowa are seeming shady the more i look into it someone has to know something.god will judge them in the end 3rd id interogates the two men who last seen him alive they would be 1 suspect.
[…] Harry Milligan – Iowa Cold Cases Harry Dennis Milligan – NamUS Harry Dennis Milligan Still Missing – Facebook […]
Jerry Goff is my father
Wondering if this has ever been solved?
A friend of my father’s came by our place the night after this happened. Said He knew who it was and had been with them at some point before she was murdered,or right after. I always wondered if He was being truthful.
This was a very close friend of the family. Today is her birthday. Her children are now my siblings. Brianne’s children now all have children. She’d be a grandmother of three. All boys. We miss you Brianne.
It was Felix Baccam, he also participated in the murder of Anthony Anania
Definitely seems capable
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/waukee/2023/02/18/waukee-police-department-releases-name-of-victim-in-thursday-murder-suicide/69918643007/
Please elaborate on how Felix was involved with Tony’s murder…
http://www.rave.ca/sp/news_info/126061/all, stick up boy just like his uncles.
Rachel Anne Reuter died. https://www.channel3000.com/obituaries/rachel-anne-reuter/article_30a8e221-b28e-56bb-82c3-effe0b13f8ab.html
Never understood how people could live in the same town With people that murdered your family without some kind of Vigilanti justice smh
It’s was a Hit and my Brother took a Hit and the the plane crashed.
I don’t want to say these things on here.
Lonnie Bell is now residing at the Heritage Specialty Care center in Cedar Rapids 200 Clive Dr SW….was once the Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center…he is well know for his derogatory and racist comments he will call all black person whether employees or residents “N…..” and other names and continually tries to get them fired by telling lies.
He is pure evil and hateful and very vindicative towards anyone.
Lonnie Bell has passed away…
https://www.teahenfuneralhome.com/obituary/lonnie-bell
Lonnie Bell has passed away…
https://www.teahenfuneralhome.com/obituary/lonnie-bell
They should get Tim McKnight’s DNA cross reference it with evidence. He is hiding out west somewhere in Oregon…
X38, it would be nice if you elaborate on why we should get his DNA, in connection with this homicide. The first question would be does he know the victim. Secondly is he from the area. Does he have a criminal record related to what happened to her. Also, has he made any comments that suggests that he was connected to this case.
I am sure the police would appreciate some more details such as his description to include his age, date of birth, height, weight, hair and eye color as a start. Plus answers to the questions, I posed above, as a minimum.
The Cops, facts, Dateline got it right. The fantasies and admissions of Annette Cahill’s were quite Delousional of what & who she was & meant to a bartender. It so Clear she was trying to catch & trap someone for a financial future. She wasn’t at home with her kids, but trying to trap & catch someone who was 7 yrs younger, by often getting drunk & asking for a ride. Realistic Annette was just a convenient side piece and that’s all. Annette’s claims of love was lust, and her claim they were going to go look for bars and start a life!? What a fantasy! Annette is a coward, liar, a murderer. And unfortunately She wasn’t nailed & arrested & jailed 25 years sooner.
I lived in MC in 2006. I can’t remember the guys name…he worked at Best Buy and had a French name.
He lived in the same apartments as Jodi Huisentruet and he knew her. He was obsessed with the story and told me that they would never find her. That she had been thrown into mill. He creeped me out and I never went out with him again. 😬
As I remember he was released. Saw him at a country bonfire party. I believe it was 1975.
Around 1966, I spent three days in the San Francisco Children’s Hospital for a tonsillectomy (yes, that was a three day thing back then). Wilma’s sister Mona was there at the same time. I was totally transfixed by her just sitting there in a wheelchair, just staring off into space most of the time. The nurses told me that she “lived” at the hospital and I tried to talk my parents into adopting her. I never forgot her and was shocked when I heard Wilma’s story on “The Trail Went Cold.” I reached out to Robin Warder about this and he told me that Mona ended up living in a group home in Southern California for her adult life. What a sad story.
It truly is despicable that the Des Moines police claimed that they could do nothing until he had been gone for 48 hours. Too bad the cops involved can’t be named and shamed. Even today certain Des Moines cops lie to people and pretend that the law is something other than what the statutes actually say when doing their job becomes too complex for them. For example, my disabled sister was recently the victim of theft by bailee (among other types of crimes) and despite what the Iowa statutes unambiguously state, the officer involved falsely claimed that it was a civil matter, rather than applying the facts to the lesser-known subsections of the theft statute. Iowa has a far smaller proportion of its citizens incarcerated than does Wisconsin, but having strong ties to both places, it’s clear to me that Iowa simply allows more of its citizens to be victimized without holding the perps accountable. Iowa doesn’t have less crime; it doesn’t have fewer criminals; it doesn’t do a better job with rehabilitation.
Prayers . Better investigation in this field. We suffer enough on these crimes. Bring Jacob from Minnesota
What bar was he leaving when this happened? to many things tying together with a little research about this.
It am frustrated, with the comments by Col. Stuelke, from 2010. Well, the pathologist supposedly could not determine the cause of death, and they are waiting for the right piece of evidence to mysteriously sprout legs and walk in the door. Well, what,have they done to push the envelope to generate tips.such as the one provided by the girl she babysat.
The LAPD, solved a cold case from the 1950’s. They periodically had it reviwee. Then a female detective was assigned to the unit. As the new York kid on the block, she was given the case. She dug and started taking notes and solved the case. Although the offender was deceased, since the 1950’s, as he had committed suicide.
I guess other police departments don’t wait for someone to slip an envelope under the door, or over the transom. Maybe they can call NCIS, who was the first and get some guidance on investigating Cold cases. Since, they kind of established the book on it after getting with authorities.
How about getting a medical examiner to review the autopsy report originally done. I would assume that what wasn’t understood then, should be better known. If that does not help, then exhume the body, and do another autopsy, based on today’s standards. I would ask that a forensic anthropologist be asked to review the initial one and a second one if needed.
Most cold case units start with reviewing the case report. Then they look to see if there was any physical evidence recovered. The forensic tools available are incredible.
So, the county sheriff needs to take the 1st step. If not then the State of Iowa should walk in and take everything. Then they get the credit, and not the county.
Look at the recent arrest of a suspect in Long Island. It involved investigators from a mix of agencies.
My daughter had a dream where Daniel came to her in a dream! I looked up everything she said & it matches this case perfectly! Who do i contact about this???
They should have looked harder at Ed. I still think it was him
The truth is very different than the Government Abduction Coverup’s narrative that we are expertly given by the likes of Noreen and the M.S.M. so much so that the truth is difficult to understand even if told by the abductee.
Suppressed facts.
Ted Gunderson found me in South Texas where I was being used to further the New World Orders agenda and Ted was made to work with the cover up by pointing at another person in Washington DC in order to draw the attention away.
Noreen told the news and it aired locally before the coverup regained control of the narrative.
Noreen and I were used as monarch slaves using trauma based mind control. T started awakening from my enslavement 15 years ago.
I was made to visit Noreen with a 2 person mind control programming team to hypnotically access Noreen in order to manipulate her memories of Ted finding me.
25% of the hundreds of people I’ve spoken with about this in the Des Moines area remember when it was on the local news here.
This is just one of thousands of memories that Adam has become Consciously aware of. We are in the process of integrating my Johnny and Adam personalities as we become aware of each others memories.
The technology used in these secret government programs are advanced and often extremely abusive.
What’s wrong with you? You must have no decency. Mental illness is not an excuse to pretend to be a missing child.
Ignore the evidence and attack the truth speaker’s credibility. A common coverup tactic.
Nonsensical ramblings does not constitute evidence. Kindly leave this forum alone and seek out mental health treatment.
‘ditto’
WILLIAM FULD + AJIUO + ME-LA-S.
Before my Grandfather passed away he couldn’t let go without telling my mom that he knew what happened to her. He said he was afraid to come forward because he didn’t want them to come after him and his family. He said that a local biker gang took her and murdered her and put her in a one of those drums. He didn’t say what they did with the drum.
The question is, who benefited the most financially from the alleged abduction?
Who and where were all the major drug dealer and hustlers in town ? No body knows anything ? Come on people, spit it out already ?
After watching the People’s airing of this case, Tammy, why don’t they pursue the genealogy route w that DNA they finally lifted off her clothing? Many murders are solved now by hiring a Genealogist to track a family start then begin narrowing it down. Just a thought. They family deserves closure.
I’m curious why Bob and Bonnie Swanson aren’t on this list. My (step)grandfather was Bonnie’s father. He was also the sheriff of Des Moines county during that time.. Merritt quick. They were murdered in 1969 and it’s never been solved. Me and my grandpa spent a lot of time looking into it, he’s since passed. I’ve just started getting back into it and if anyone knew the couple or anything about the case that might not be public knowledge I’d really appreciate you reaching out to me!
My email address is justiceforswanson@gmail.com please don’t hesitate to email!
This article says they were killed in Missouri.
Robert and his wife was murdered during their honeymoon 1969.
From the newspaper September 1969: MISSING IOWA COUPLE FOUND SLAIN IN WOODS, Jackson, Mo. September 1, The bodies of a missing Iowa newlywed couple were found yesterday in thick woods in southeast Missouri. Authorities said they were murdered and dragged to the spot. James W. Kinder, chief deputy sheriff, identified the victims as Bonnie Quick Swanson, 19, daughter of Sheriff Merritt Quick of Des Moines county, Ia, and her husband Robert Conrad Swanson, 19. Kinder said the couple were en route to New Orleans in late March when they were reported missing by their families. The couple had been married in February and were last seen in Burlington, Ia., about March 20 in their blue and white Oldsmobile which had Iowa license plate number 29-19347. Kinder said Mrs. Swanson had been shot in the right temple and that her husband´s skull had been fractured. There bodies were found by a timber buyer who was checking the woods.
SLAIN COUPLES CAR FOUND AT TRAIN STATION Fort Madison, Ia., september 3. The car in which Bonnie and Robert Swanson, both 19, left for their honeymoon last March was found yesterday at the Santa Fe depot, four days after their bodies has been discovered in the wooded area of southeast Missouri. The slain newlyweds were daughter and son-in-law of Des Moines county Sheriff Merritt Quick. Charley Huck, a reserve Des Moines county officer, was driving to the depot on business when he spotted their abandoned car about 200 yards east of the depot. Local authorities said fishing equipment belonging to Quick, clothing for a man and woman, and a 22-caliber bullet were found in the car, which apparently had been abandoned on the depot parking lot sometimes between May 1 and May 15. The bodies of the newlyweds were discovered Friday in the thick woods four miles north of Oak Ridge, Mo. Mrs. Swanson had been shot in the head and her husband had been beaten about the head, police said. The couple had been killed somewhere else and dragged to the wooded area.
Right.. but it says they were killed and taken to that spot. They were killed in Iowa, I believe Burlington or ft Madison and then they were moved to Missouri. Otherwise the car wouldn’t have just randomly showed up in Iowa at the train depot.
Tammy…I don’t understand why you keep professing that Rose was your best friend when I understand that you and Rose had a falling out over a guy and hadn’t spoke to each other for a year or more before she died. Isn’t that true?
Our family ran this motel from 1959 to 1964.
I am the widow of Roger Atkison. I just published my book on his murder. It can be found on Amazon.com. The title: AXED! The 1980 Amana, Iowa, Ax Murders by Marcella Hatcher-Atkison.
Just ordered it.
This looks like Sharla Mcahren. There is only one Sharla Mcahren in the state of Iowa according to data aggregators so she appears to be alive and posting on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093400122307&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Anon, I attempted to pull up that Facebook page. It seem to show her as having some connection to Scripos Memorial Hospital. However she seems to list Waterloo. Iowa as her home town.
I assume this is the one that is posting to her page. However, there is very little detail on her disappearance. I was looking for something that suggested she worked in the medical field, especially with the reference to a hospital in the Dan Diego metro area.
Do you any further details on her background. I get frustrated that with the limited details on many missing persons cases. In this day and age there should be more details that law enforcement should develop and provide to us who like to help find them.
Also, I don’t have access to Facebook. I had a page on there many years ago, but stopped off. Too many strangers wanted to be friends, but no enemies.
I think this is the missing Sharla Mcahren on fb: https://m.facebook.com/sharla.mcahren.7/
They need to make a new law that in cold cases, the amount of years that they get to just go on with their lives, is automatically tacked on to the sentence, and can’t be plea dealed down.
From to the Cinemaholic Apr 16, 2022 :
“…According to Pilcher’s criminal records, he was in prison till 2017 and served probation till 2020. Since then, Pilcher has preferred to stay below the radar and prefers privacy. However, as things currently stand, it appears as if he is still residing in the state of Iowa.”
The guy is 77 and undoubtably living on social security now and I highly doubt he has accumulated much of that. Personally, I don’t want to pay for his 3 meal and a cot with medical, dental and YMCA lifestyle thrown in for good measure. He will find it MUCH more difficult on the outside unless he is getting assistance.
He is on housing now living free of charge telling everyone the total different story he saying he was in prison for 40 yrs and the case finally got overturned that 40 years was taken from him i.was shocked when I found out the truth
So Sweet .
My Nigga.
He was my husband’s great grandfather.
Maybe if one person does one state asking questions and another person asks in another and talks back and forth to each other Maybe we can find him if we get a lot of people asking questions Maybe it would help to find him that would work too so then you can narrow down the search
I’m slightly confused as there is an upcoming burial for her. I don’t see any arrests or anything to that degree. Did MPD release her remains just now, or is there something that has changed in the case? Prayers to the family. https://www.sandhfuneralservice.com/
Her remains were just finally released and thats why there was a service for her.
Yes they need to do that too ask these places where he could of been at to become famous if was to and ask around for information to find him too
Could she be the Vernon County Jane Doe?
I thought so at one time, but I spoke to the detective working Vernon County Doe and this woman from Iowa was ruled out due to dna. Yes, it’s a striking resemblance.
What’s bizaare, which absolutely no one has explained, is why on a 9-1-1 call, the son, who is not a medical examiner or coroner, puts his mom’s death at 2 hours ago. That right there is so incredibly bizarre that I am surprised that the police didn’t interrogate Jason on it. And why did he call others before calling 9-1-1?? Another thing is that the propensity to start “crying” almost on queue. Also, the female-like screeching that Jason does, such as on the 9-1-1 call. I could understand anger and yelling, but the screeching voice at 3 raised octaves is waaaay over the top, a bit dramatic for a grown man, especially a man who thinks he’s got big enough balls that he can have an extramarital affair.
I have tried to tell people, there are these things in the woods. They are a cross between a dog and a monkey. They are invisible to the naked eye, until you hit them with direct light and the moment it hits them they will move away. I know how crazy it sounds. But someone actually caught one on video recently in England. You can find the video on TMZ.com search Demon Dog.
Act accordingly.
He was shot twice in the head . Contact me if you need to know anything else I am his daughter!
My theory. He saw something upstream. a person, a dog etc,, he went over to investigate and was grabbed. or followed whatever it was..
This sounds like a textbook missing 411 case , David Politis is a investigator who has researched thousands of missing people who just vanished out of thin air. This is definitely a missing 411 case that David investigates
Any details?
So sad. We pray for Ackerman family today and far into the future. I believe this is a missing 411 case that fits Dave Pilaides profile points. These disappearances cannot be explained and we can only hope and pray these mysterious disappearances will one day be solved, so the pain and suffering will cease. God Bless you All!!!
Anybody know the disposition of the death of one Kenneth J. Krakow ca 1970 or 1980?
He was a class mate it was a sad day. Can’t believe it is still unsolved.
I’m sadden by this…….I’m the step granddaughter of this. I came looking for answers……..not slander.
I’m Jeff’s Youngest sister I think they need to do a DNA test on the towel or washcloth. I was just told two names that are involved in his death.
Have you contacted a detective with the DMPD? I would start raising hell. They should have the evidence right there.
Another name for that style of dress was sizzle dress or sizzler dress. They had a matching brief of the same color and pattern as a dress so it blended in and didn’t show your underwear to the whole United States. My sisters had some and I wore a kid’s version (without the built in bra) in the early ’70s
why is she not on namus?
Normally, it’s up to the investigative agency to enter the missing person into NamUs. However, many law enforcement agencies don’t use it, for whatever reason. A number of states have laws that require law enforcement agencies to enter all missing persons cases into NamUs.
I look at NamUs, as another tool to spread the word that a person is missing. The other issue is that many agencies are not aware of the different websites related to Missing Persons, such as Iowa Cold Cases, The Charley Project, Websleuths and The Doe Network.
Also, the number of people who are into True Cime, Cold Cases and Missing Persons is extremely high. In fact an early PR guy for NamUs, was involved in identifying a young woman found murdered by his then future father’in-law. When the internet came along it helped him figure out who she was.
Also, a number of missing persons cases have been solved by people connected to The Doe Network.
I even found a missing woman to apparently ran away from Camden, New Jersey. I searched her online about five years ago. I came across an entry for her on LinkedIn. Everything seemed to match up. I called the Camden Police and spoke with a female in investigator. She was upset that I did not have the full case report number. Plus, she seemed bothered that I was a complete stranger and had basically did their job.
Also, I almost wanted to tell her to get off her posterior and dig through the records and find the original case,report. I was a former detective with a federal agency, and would gave soebtctge time to dig through are records especially if it was from a previous computer era case file.
I should have offered to fly into Philadelphia, wrote up a follow-up and then borrowed one of their marked cars and driven to where this,young woman was,living and working.
Plus, it would given me a chance to visit my former partner, who lives in Philadelphia. I figured out that they did the work, when the missing woman’s entry on NamUs, was restricted. I did not fetxa thank you from them. Nut a free tour of the USS New Jersey, a retired U.S. Nsvy battleship would have been nice.
Would be amazing to find out who killed my father. Almost 41 years of wondering why someone would do such a thing.
where is her namus profile?
Lillian’s mamus case has been closed. Mason City was supposed to update this site and close her case. After years of searching her family finally has answers. Lillian passed away in 1969 in New Orleans. Her remains are interned in Charity hospital cemetery.
My family isn’t from this town originally but I grew up there. My mom knows the story to a degree and from what she’s heard from locals she knows who probably did it. He’s still alive and still lives in town. I won’t name is name because if I’m wrong it’s a terrible thing to accuse them of. But I think she’s right.
I just checked my records, Shirley Magee disappeared on her way to Harlan High School on July 23, 1973. However. I get frustrated with the number of missing person Cases, with no further details.
I assume that she may have been attending summer school. But this is only a guess. Because of her age, she would still be in grammar school, unless she was going there for something else.
Also, a Kelly Juanita Staples (8), disappeared on January 8, 1980, whilexwalking to school again on the Southeast side of Chicago, about 73rd & Merrill. Again few details.
Then in April 1984, a 10 year old was kidnapped while walking home at noon. The offender was identified as Thomas Sykes (29) at the time. He was also arrested on April 13, 1984, for kidnapping another girl, he abducted on her way to school. He attempted to bring her to a building where he once lived. The landlord denied him entry to the building and she was recovered. At his trial the judge allowed the prosecution to mention the previous kidnapping.
There is another case of Betty Ann Moore (12), who was staying with her foster grandfather’s house in Robbins, Illinois, while her mother was in the hospital. She was last seen at on June 3, 1986, when she went to bed. It was assumed she left the house voluntarily in the morning and went school. However, her naked and beaten body was found in the Calumet-Sag Channel
Her clothes were found alongside her body. Her father had died a,few months before her. She did not interact with other kids. The other interesting part, was that she wrote an fictional murder story for her Englush class, where an adult victim with her name. She supposedly read it in class. It was found in a,photo album.
its simple,fairfield police did not do thier job sufficiently.lots of evidence points directly to the culprit.a little kid could solve this case.shame on you.jefferson county p.d..JUSTICE FOR D.J. NEEDS TO BE GIVEN.
is it me or do we have the worst police in the history of police.if someone didnt even report the situation for two hours and had others come help (clean up) and neighbor saw crystal and other men carrying his body upstairs with blood coming out his ears ,i think the answer is clear.plus there was no clothes found.i think a 5 year old could solve this case.the fairfield police dept. dropped the ball big time on this.i myself have recently contacted the internal affairs and a lawyer to make sure justice is served and the police and crystal knight answer for thier actions.pam and doug deserve better than that and so do we d.j.s family members.i love you d.j. and misss you so much.
I agree with you 100% Sean they botched my daughters investigation up left a lot of evidence untouched never even checked it I’m not real happy with them right now Fairfield police my daughter was the one that was killed and laid on the railroad tracks on Easter
Sadly, no resolution as to why…very sad for his loved ones.
Josh’s mother posted something interesting in the facebook group recently. She said that the detective working on this case is Matt Denlinger, who is the one who worked on the Michelle Martinko case. He recently took cadaver dogs to a Palo, IA property and also drained a septic tank to look through the contents and that it wasn’t the first time this has been done. She mentioned that Denlinger said he is very optimistic about the future of this case. Since she mentioned septic I’m guessing it was rural Palo.
Was this oitside of a bar?
Veronica, I am deeply sorry that your family has suffered so much by trying to do the right thing. I am appalled and saddened to see just how corrupt our system is. I applaud you for continuing the fight and doing what is right. I am glad you keeping bringing attention to this, especially for not giving up. You have lost so much to give up now and let these people win, or let other people suffer. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Sincerely,
Judy
Hello. Just moments ago at the time of me typing this , ( April 25 , 2023) I came across a picture of Kimberly Sue Doss on a random missing persons website . ( It could have been Fandom, but I don’t want to back out of this post to check ) . Whenever I see photos of a young female that might fit the description of Vidor, TX Jane Doe, I stop scrolling and look at their missing dates. I looked at Kim’s age and height and hair and so I searched further and found myself on this Iowas Missing Person page. It’s very eerie to tonland on this page and find out that Kim had ties to Texas . The Vidor, TX Jane Doe’s remains were found on January 1, 1984 not far from Interstate 10. They believed that the person had passed within the three preceding months ,but most likely in December 1983 according to the reports. So If this can help her family , please look into the case of the Vidor, TX Jane Doe.
Why doesn’t anyone answer anyone’s questions about this matter
Sorry about repeating myself just didn’t realize you were the same website I commented on earlier in the week
Sorry about repeating what I asked 2 times just didn’t know if you got my questions
So did the police ever check parents phone records to check where he was last at so then you can g from there where he may be at and ask around Florida California New York City just saying you gotta start from where he was last at to find out if anyone has ever seen him since 1990 you gotta check things out
Wow, John Rose did some nice work in his 35 short years. Not too many can say that he actually killed his father and then was killed, presumably, by ex-cons that he looked.
* looked up (his ex-con buddies I meant to say, I hit enter too soon).
I would like to know if the police asked for the parents phone records to see where he last called from to go from there where he might be at cause you could ask people from that last area that he was at if they knew where he was at Did they ever ask around in Florida California and New York City if he was ever even really there plus that would also narrow your search for him
I found an article from 2022 that said they were investigating a man named Algene Vossen for Emma’s murder and for the 1978 murder of Anna Miller. I can’t find any follow-up articles, other than Vossen was declared incompetent to stand trial after he was charged with murdering Mae Herman in Minnesota in 1974. Recent DNA testing found his blood on her sweater. I just thought I’d pass on what I’d found, even though authorities aren’t saying if he was the killer of Anna and Emma.
Read my, 2019 Iowa Supreme Appeal #17-1933 of my case CVCV046761 it is a public record at Iowa’s Supreme Court. Branstad and Kleckner’s on-going Point Source Pollution Plume mapped out by IDNR’s Russ Tell in 2008 has taken out at least 3 public wells for Cedar Falls, at least one for Waterloo and 100’s of private wells in Russ Tell’s mapped out “Plume” in the Cedar Valley Group Aquifers. The State of Iowa and the Iowa DNR continue to cover-up their profiting from their on-going 30-year former Republican governors’ and former Head of Farm Bureau’s profiting from their promoting on-going PFAS Nitrite AG chemical point source contamination of the Tap Water of our “left” side or “Bloom” side of Iowa Source Water our drinking water. Branstad’s 2017 staff attorney C. Smith agreed in 2017 the illegal channeling of 50,000 acres of Flood Water from parts of Worth, Cerro Gordo, and Mitchell Counties Flood water to be illegally drained down the Aquifer Recharge Area Sinkholes in Cedar (W) Township, Mitchell County Iowa’s 1991 Designated National Wetland’s Aquifer Recharge Area (Sinkholes). Branstad’s profits included the damage or costs to 1/2 million Iowans health in at least parts of 8 Iowa counties.
IDNR’s Russ Tell had mapped out the growing on-going contaminated “Plume” in the Cedar Valley Group Aquifers from Mitchell County Iowa’s 1991 Designated National Wetland’s Aquifer Recharge Area in Cedar (W) Township in 2008.
I had always heard “rumors” that the perpetrator was one of her male high school teachers or mentors. So sad! Hope they find him some day, and that he suffers a worse demise!
I was watching today program and was worry why no body try looking firmy camera of Tammy should be exoensive and maybe killer try selling
Has any one looked into the brothers drug store. Could a customer family member have a beff with the family. What was career path. We’re there any connections between the families finical dealings. Did the husband have a lady in the side
Forever holding on to HOPE. ❤️ Missing you a little more today. Happy Birthday Blacky.
It is amazing how no one has mentioned or made a distinction that the victims are surviving families of WW2 and the allied American forces. I mean really Ronald Lee Nowack. The Davis’ , Sanders, Searcy, Meadows, Martin, Olsen, and I can personally tell you I’m relative to maybe %100 of the victims or they have relative or friends names. Murdered Roma murdered Auschwitz survivor name. It never stopped. Even my grandma has a nephew named Donald John Duitsman that got hit by a semi in 1983 in Harris IA. The dates case numbers everything mean something personal to me and my personal history. I think that I should leave my phone number here in case anyone wants to contact me for family tree information. (515)410-5160.
It bothers me that there is no mention of the caliber of the weapon used in his murder. Also, were there any shell cases recovered. If there were shell casings, they could provide a fingerprint and maybe even DNA
My gma said a law enforcement officer from Mapleton was gonna testify who it was he was found shot and dead in in cop car and the way guns were in placed and how he was shot he did not kill himself…
The night she was last seen, I was in the back seat of my dad’s car waiting for my step mom to get off of work at airlight. It sticks in my head very vividly, she usually would walk out the building talking to her step brother or would often wait right out side the doors until he would come out before walking to the parking lot. However she came out and didn’t even look back and quickly shuffled out to her car she was alone when she drove past. Normally a wave to me and my dad but not even a glance that night. Moments after she left her brother rushed out and looked around then came up to the driver’s side window and asked if we seen her come out yet. My dad said yeah why what’s going on. And my dad even tried to start a conversation but Matt walked away looking all around the parking lot even walked towards the building several times but not back inside. Before he jogged to a vehicle that pulled up along the side of the building. There were two men in that vehicle. Not positive if they worked there since they had been parked a little while before everyone else was dismissed. Although my dad was sure that one man was waiting in the car prior to dismissal and the second man got into the car and it pulled off then returned for Matt all within 10-15 minutes of the second guy exiting the building however Kim was already gone. She was the fourth person to exit that night. But no officers seem to have questioned my dad. I was a minor at the time. But it was a strange behavior from Kim and Matt.
I’d look into everyone who has commented on public media with insensitive rude remarks or even comments that seem to mock the incident, poking light onto details of the case ,see if there are connections between those people and suvs as well as living proximities. I wouldn’t put it past a killer who is sick and twisted enough to do this to children, to be some way want to still be connected to them one way or another.
With the nature of the internet this would be a needle in the haystack method of solving the case. Unfortunately anonymity + public forum = insensitive and rude comments. Internet 101.
I am familiar with this case because I was a dance student whose recital was at Hoyt Sherman close to when this happened. I was a junior in high school and moved away from Des Moines during the summer of 1962. Now that I find relatives for family members and adoptees through DNA research, I hope that the Des Moines or state police crime labs can find grant money to pay from analyzing the DNA with an Investigative Genetic Genealogist…I would even help if I could. I have never forgotten this case as it was so horrific that people around the apartment heard her screams and no one took action immediately. I know if there is enough DNA available, the killer will be found. Every day now cold cases are being solved and the group of IGG is growing to fill this need for both victims families and also Jane/John Doe cases. God Bless her family and the cold case investigators who have continued to work this case.
No DNA Or Physical Evidence Connecting Theresa To The Crime That Is Why She Was Aquitted Of The Double Murder…
I Have Always Had My Suspicions That This Was A Murder For Hire
well sweet little man 22 years ago you were brutally robbed and you life stolen from your precious heart my thoughts always turn you this time of year I will never forget that cold cold morning when you gained your angel wings,my heart aches that no one was ever held accountable for your murder you never got the chance to become a young man get married start your adult life you were robbed of that!!!what a sweet little baby you were I knew you would grow up and do good things im so sorry that was stolen from you!!!! I’m also ashamed as tax payer in iowa and union county that they haven’t held anyone accountable and just brushed it under the rug!!!!!you were a human and should have had the chance to live your life!!!!I think of you often and visist your resting place but know you arent there you are flying with the angels!!!!
https://anchor.fm/the-first-24-hours/episodes/Into-the-Darkness-e1o8c6j
I saw this case was covered on an episode of a podcast called Missing In America: The First 24 Hours. In the episode “Into the Darkness” Marc Allen’s brother is interviewed. According to this podcast interview Marc did have a paper route. In this article on Iowa Cold Cases it says reports first said he did have a paper route, but then it was said he didn’t. I understand he wasn’t on his route like the other two boys, but there seems to be a pattern here. This is my educated guess, but the Register really wanted to hide something. It’s been decades now, and the employees from that time might not be around anymore. So there might be some cover ups that are very hard to expose. I know it also could have been a random person who took Marc as well. There’s just so much information we don’t have, and so much time has passed.
I am with you regarding Des Moines Register connection.. Find it also odd that two of the three usually had someone with them? Were they LURED by secret offer of work bonus?
I have tried to reach out to who I can. I feel maybe nothing had been done since I was never contacted for more info/leads. When I first got my info, not too long after this horrific night, I immediately called the police. Still nothing. Less than 6mo ago I gave info to I believe a grand daughter, but no one contacted me still. I’m not sure what’s going on. The mouth I heard it from was supposedly there that night and witnessed/contributed to this crime.
Abbey Eslinger
Contact Melonie, patty, or I, we will take your info and give/ask detectives. And I say ask because we tell them info and give them contact information to contact source, but unfortunately because it is an ope. Case we don’t always get an answer on the tip….but I know we want this solved, we want to have justice for William and Grandma, and we want to be able to bring her home!
Abbey, my email is ps2467@yahoo.com you can contact me there or work phone is 847-777-2647
Padgett was arrested today and charged with Dennis First’s murder:
https://www.kcrg.com/2023/03/01/cedar-rapids-police-make-arrest-2007-cold-case-murder/
There was never much information exposed about this case. DNA or confession may be the only hope to solving this case. The person who did this needs to pay.
29 year’s now still not solved, God please take the wheel and solve this for them since no one cares to do anything else or bother to at least follow up with us the family shouldn’t be our job to do their job to communicate with them they’re the ones that supposed to be reaching out to families that they have not forgotten about my mother or others unsolved!!
Love my mother and pray this is solved before my time comes , I will see her again and then I will know and they will not be coming to heaven because I’ll kick the door shut the devil is waiting for whoever did this to my beautiful mother she wasn’t just nobody she was somebody so let that sink in.
Still holding out hope that the killer will be brought to justice! Although he has to live with it in his head everyday it isn’t enough. Justice for Kathy <3
DAVID, THIS IS ARLAN KICKBUSH . LYMAN BUILT SOME CLOSETS IN OUR HOUSE AND MY DAD GAVE HIM A RIDE HOME TO A HOUSE THAT RALPH MOSER HAD ON YELLOWSTONE RD. I WAS PRETTY YOUNG BUT I REMEMBER DAD HELPING HIM TO THE HOUSE. I LEARNED OF HIS DEATH WHEN I GOT HOME FROM SCHOOL.
Blacky where are youuuu
could she be the Barstow Jane Doe? BJD was a female hispanic head found in a back pack Feb 10, 2010 and TOD was determined to be approx 3 days prior to discovery
Are there no pictures or no other facts about this missing girl that can be posted?
Tricia, the police should have requested a photograph. It begs the question, was she active on social media. Which many of these young people are.
What frustrates me in many missing person’s cases, is the lack of details. Quite often investigators,hold back some details especially with certain crimes such as homicides. However, this is a missing juvenile, and the more information they obtain, can help them find her.
So, the question is that they just assumed she ran away, and did make the effort to obtain as much information as possible.
We don’t what she was doing, when she was last seen. When she was last seen. Did she have a job, a boyfriend, was she in school.
That’s what I am thinking. Why is there no photo? they basically described half the area. I think they are hiding something, and i can not find any information on this sweet girl.
Kelly, I agree. There are too many missing persons cases, where we have very few details. It frustrates me as a former police officer and detective with the Veterans Administration.
We had to conduct investigations on missing patients, which required us to obtain as much information on the patient, including his or her medical or psychological diagnosis. If quite often would dig through medical records and administrative records to cross reference information.
We also conducted extensive searches of the medical center property. Then we briefed our chief, who then determined if we had enough information to brief the hospital director.
He would then decide if we needed to notify the Chicago Police Department, so they would make the patient a missing person.
The VA was responsible for patients while admitted or been seen at a clinic. Also, if they were placed in a nursing home under VA contract, we were still responsible for them.
This bothers me even with cold cases, where don’t release some minor detail in relation to the incident. Such as maybe a piece of jewelry was taken from the victim, or the caliber of a firearm used in a shooting. Especially after 20,30,40, years. I get tired of hearing they are protecting the investigation.
Yet that small tidbit could jog someone’s memory.
WEBSITE UNCOVERED.COM HAS APLACE FOR DONNA SUE DAVIS.
Has it ever occurred to you that some of these shady characters may have reason to try and “claim responsibility” for Jodi’s disappearance? Has happened frequently with other high profile cases.
What about Kia lorez, Indian Joe, Jake Davidson, Thompson’s, Police negligence.And all in connection with Lori Alexander’s homicide??? SOLVED, m, my ass… What about the appeal, not mentioned??? Another appeal, who shot my son Shane Wessels??? And the others who helped kill my son, and never received no charges??? Guilty as shooter. Police need to be investigated here, and I can’t wait until BIRD visits here.
I understand your frustration, with authorities in Fort Dodge in charging others in relation to your son’s death. However.it takes evidence, such as witnesses to come forward, and physical evidence.
These forensics programs such as CSI Las Vegas and Miami, have juries looking for forensic evidence that may not been recoverable, such as maybe trying to match up a mark one body, to a punch thrown or body part grabbed.
Plus the authorities may have certain evidence to support their beliefs. However, the prosecutor has to say yes there is enough to go to trial, or he or she wants more to put before a jury.
The prosecutor has to approve all felony charges, at least here in Illinois. We hear of a number of cases where people were wrongly accused of serious crimes and sentenced to jail for crimes they did not committ.
One of them involves the disappearance, rape and murder of Theresa Fusco. 16. In Lynbrook, New York in the early 1980’s. Three men served almost 20 some years. Then DNA cleared them. However, the DA wantedcto retry one of them, based on his confession.
However, the confession was basically written orxrewritten several times by the lead detective on the case. Also, he got wiretaps on their phones, claiming her blood was found in one of the offenders van. However, no blood was ever found in the van,. Plus he claimed that her hair was found in the van. However, the hairs he claimed were found in the van, had signs of banding. According to forensic experts this banding occurs several hours after death.
It appears the drtective had unfettered access to the crime lab. He also never reported to any other detectives working the case or the states attorney, about a car stolen, when Theresa disappeared. The vehicle was recovered and her pants were found under the front passenger seat. However, another police agency took the evidence found, but never had it processed, andvit disappeared.
There is a whole lot of unsolved murders that are not even listed…I want their families to have closure and these “supposed to be a cop” have taken no time in arrest people who do drugs without a hint of searching for facts but they can’t even be honest with our community that they don’t have the guts to say there is murders that are not listed and it’s awfully funny that they want to help the community then why are they hideing behind their badges and be on the take and labeled everything as drug related and has SNITCHES that are guilty and let them get away with being involved in the murders because of being a SNITCH, I have never seen cops like Fort Dodge cops in any other town…..all I can say is Good Bless to the families that are still suffering
They were probably using drugs and that is why they were cleaning the scene . They did not want anyone to no they was getting messed up with a pregnant woman..
Hey Mathew Ratliff I see you are decently active here and I was wondering if you and your sister are in any way related to the Jim Ratliff who was recently sent to prison for human trafficking and soliciting sex from minors?
Also I believe “BRYCE PETERSON” was involved with the murder of “MOLLIE TIBBITS”, also, Bryce has “co conspirators, Megan Walford Baustian, and Ben Ardvinson” from Brooklyn, Iowa whom Bryce brought from Brooklyn Iowa after meeting her on a dating app, whom I caught in my apartment together, they were having sex, and smoking crack, when I came home to this, they shoved me in my bedroom and held the door closed so I could not get out for sometime, for 2 years they were covertededly in a relationship in my face, hone, bed etc, they are part of what “Bryce calls his perfect circle”, after I caught on Megan Walford Baustian and Ben Ardvinson went back to Brooklyn Iowa thinking they were going to “escape criminal investigation and prosecution”, to this day that’s exactly what is happening even after I have reported a multiple of times to the Iowa City Police Department, Johnson County Attorneys, and the Judges” THIS IS BEYOND CRITICAL AND SERIOUS”!!! I had previously just commented on Kenny Joe Johnsons “murder”, A concerned person!
I have been reporting “Bryce Laurence Peterson”, for the last 2 years now, absolutely NOTHING” My uncle is an “unsolved murder ” in Des Moines Iowa, and when I showed Bryce my uncle’s story, he brought up Kenny Johnson, I had not known about his murder until than, I grew up in Des Moines, Bryce Peterson wanted to take me to his hometown and take me to MAUS PARK, Bryce has an obsession with “males, knives, and strangulation during sex”, Bryce is a “COVERTEDED, MALIGNANT GASLIGHTING PSYCHOTIC SOCIOPATH, WITH BPD, WHO WAS EMOTIONALLY ABUSED BY INCEST, AND WAS SEXUALLY INCESTED BY 1 OR MORE FAMILY MEMBERS “! Bryce will tell you for “no apparent reason” his “adopted mom and dad” Lyle, and Jean Peterson made him leave the house as soon as he graduated from Dubuque High School, Bryce “pulled knives on me multiple times, stuck knives in my neck threatening to kill me, cut up my furniture, physically and sexually abused me with a multitude of people in 2 years and less, he was in jail over a year of the two years”, Bryce is now in PRISON NO ONE WILL INVESTIGATE HIM, FOR Kenny Joe Johnson, his family and all affected, and “All VICTIMS VICTIMIZED BY BRYCE PETERSON AND HIS PERFECT CIRCLE” SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! Thank You and God bless all of us in Jesus name! SWIFT JUSTICE!
https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/90738?nav
Another body part was found in Keosauqua, IA (only about an hour from Burlington) from an unidentified male victim in February 2022. Just in case this may be connected.
My thoughts are that it doesn’t take a genius or rocket science to link or connect these murdered to either WW2 or my family from WW2 I mean quite many of them are on my family tree.
Rhonda’s brother Bob attends the same church that I do. It would be really nice for Bob and his family to finally get some closure by finding their loved-one’s killer.
What I find odd is that the B-I-L, Anthony Jackson, has no headstone. Jodi and their two kids share a headstone, but Anthony Sr;s name is nowhere to be found. There’s no separate headstone listed for him anywhere else either. It seems pretty obvious that he’s the one that killed Traci, but sadly hasn’t been proven.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120117211/jodi-l-jackson
Harold Kempf cheated justice. He died in 2021.
Has there been any up dates? why don’t we put this on 48hrs or cold case !! we know the truth. What ever happened at the trailer was not good!! Craig was kill by his brother because he wanted to tell the truth!! So Jeff and Kevin got away with murder
Katie, I agree that the members of the Petersen family and Jeff Daly are responsible for the death of Kim. He borrows a car and pesters her to ride with him to pick up another girl for the party. Instead he takes her to a trailer and she ends up dead. He makes no effort to call 911 to get immediate medical attention for her.
Then the authorities sort of hide the fill extent of her injuries, Then they appear not to conduct a full investigation. Then the police identify Kim, as Jeff’s girlfriend. I assume they never interviewed Kim’s family, since they told them the full extent of her injuries.
Then one of the Petersen brothers died after an argument with his brother. Their mother appears to be non-chalant about the death of her son, possibly at the hands of another son, and their possible involvement in the death of of Kim.
These are adults whose actions resulted in the death of a minor, and the authorities take action or hold anyone responsible. I guess the residents of this community are okay with this.
A good lawyer, would look at filing wrongful death lawsuits at Jeff and the Petersens. Then we can get to the truth.
No I have not heard anything.
No updates. Thank you for asking.
Poor guy survived WWII only to have some gutless punk shoot him for nothing.
Most likely became intoxicated the night of new years eve and was abducted. She was last seen out around a large area of apartments so it is possible one of the residents of these apartments at the time might have something to do with it
She’s 7 months pregnant, gets into a fight with her bf & he says she gets out & chooses to walk the rest of the way at 7 months pregnant?
I have a hard time buying this.
I feel like he didn’t want the responsibility & that’s what they were fighting about.
I feel like it gout out of hand & she ended up dead.
Praying this is resolved.
Praying the truth comes out
Praying they are able to find his wife!
Here we are almost to the 12 year mark. I can honestly say I was hoping this would all be over by now. Why we can’t get this case solved is frustrating as hell. Someone knows what happened and who did this…please step up and help get us answers to why…….
Patty,
I just posted a comment. If you’re family, please contact me.
I am bills daughter you can contact me
Praying she is found!
Are these old cold case is still being worked on? I want to help solve a cold case. Is there a place we can find out more information? For example was their DNA put in CODIS? It would be beneficial if some of these cases were opened up to the public to try to solve, especially old cold cases like this.
*Jim
Feathers Plucked per say Turkey. SEEMS reveals a HAM per say? More SO than a TURKEY. I had both this year.
Very unfortunate she was beautiful
I do not have any first-hand information about this case, but found my way to this webpage as I grew up in the area.
In reading the case description, one thing I noticed that was unique physically about Ben was that he had been in an accident and sustained a skull fracture. Given the length of time between when he went missing and today, I suspect that Ben is likely deceased, but wondered if his remains may have been found but not properly identified as his. So I went to NamUs.gov and started searching for any unidentified remains that might match his physical description. I did find one record I thought might be worth following up on. Here is the summary of the information with a link:
White male, between 20-50 years old. Estimated height of 5’9. No estimated date of death. Found on December 3, 2012, when a hunter discovered skeletal remains in an area of wooded brush, several yards from any roadway in Sauget, Illinois.
Distinctive Physical Features – The decedent sustained a blunt force head injury resulting in a skull fracture during life. It is likely that medical records and imaging exist for the decedent as a result of this trauma. The decedent also sustained a broken nose during life.
Link: https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/11511?nav
Again, I have no first-hand knowledge of this case, and there is a lot that doesn’t match up here, such as the remains being found in Sauget, Illinois, which is a 4 ½ hour drive from Clinton. The description of clothing and coins found near the remains also doesn’t seem to match what Ben was wearing/had in his possession when he disappeared. However, the injuries to these remains were similar to injuries Ben sustained in life, and while the Iowa Cold Case description does not mention a broken nose, in reviewing his pictures, it appears he sustained a broken nose in the same area depicted in the FBI’s facial approximation image for these remains.
I hope the sharing of this information does not cause any of Ben’s loved ones additional heartache. I am sincerely sorry if it does. However, as several family and friends seem to monitor this page, I figured it was worth sharing on the off chance its a lead that has not already been investigated.
He is still alive, as of last summer and I believe he’s still alive now.
If someone can help me get in contact with someone who might be looking for him, other than the police or anyone in the public sector who would be intimidating. Preferably a person who he’s been close with in the past or someone that has a history in missing persons cases: I would like to meet with you and discuss this further.
My email address is gem.rose2@icloud.com or mkc523@skiff.com.
I have a lot more information about a lot more missing persons and it’s been very difficult to find the right person to talk about this with.
If he’s alive how come his family and friends don’t know about this !?
I was looking at this case on NamUs: https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/11893/details?nav
Adult male skull found in 2013 in Jackson Township, IL. “Forensic Anthropologist from the University of Illinois indicates that the fractures surrounding the left and right maxillae are more extensive than a simple broken nose and would be noticeable in life.” I don’t know if Benjamin had fractures in the area of the scarring, but wondering if anyone has compared to see if it could be a match?
Any new leads or updates on the case just read about it on reddit
Is he even still alive?
Yes, he is still alive. I still find it hard to see him doing this. He was my 6th grade teacher, I’ve known him for most of my life. A lot of people pointing fingers at him without even knowing him.
I am surprised that the information given regarding Ms Christopher now Mrs. Slaughter has not been looked into.
Mr. Knapp, thanks for the information you submitted. However, the names you provided are nice, but law enforcement needs further information on these two individuals. Thus would include a date of birth, also what information that you might know that connects them to the crime. Besides having a criminal history, for this type of crime.
One of the other problems in this case, is that the original murder took place in 1966. Then the letter naming the woman, came in 1976. We don’t know if the original case reports still exist. Also, do they still have any physical evidence, such as fingerprints, shell cases, etc.
Also, a district attorney has to look at the evidence and say yes or no to approving charges.
I am Patty’s first cousin, her father and my mother are brother and sister. I just learned about this today, decided to do some research. Don’t know anything about who is who either. Have never heard any talk of any kind, Patty died in 2014
Maybe some day there will be someone with a decent soul to help solve this case for my Dad and Debbie, god rest their souls. Ray had one Child me and that is it to the person above that does not no what they are talking about.
I’m Larry’s little sister.. I’m still waiting for justice for my brother and cousin’s brutal murders. Please don’t give up.
Why are you suggesting this guy for multiple cases? i.e. Elaine Doris, Roberta Crawford, etc ???
I see…do you have any information on him? I can’t seem to find anything and I’m interested in him in relation to another case.
Is John Wakefield still alive ? And why have they not work to get closure ?
I did some searching and I think he still is. In his 70s and is living in South Dakota. Wish they would reopen this and test those bone fragments with todays technology. It’s very clear what happened here.
You be good to call the State! Iowa has DCI criminal Investigation.
I’d bet they already know about it. I still think a captain had a mental breakdown and killed the girl.
I’ve always had my own theory. People ask how no one woke up? I have always believed. They invited someone they knew over for dinner. Or they were hiding in the attic. Thus the uneaten food. And they had some how drugged everyone in the house. Through their food. Therefore they never woke during the attacks. This happened way before forensic science. So who knows.
If any of the family of Colleen reads this you may want to follow the Donal Studey investigation in Thurman Iowa. Lucy Studey Mckiddy his daughter claims he killed multiple people and was witness to it. One of the people she claims was a 15 year old which is close to Colleen’s age. You may want to follow this case if they are able to excavate and find remains.
Long shot but Donald Studey investigation in Thurman Iowa. Lucy Studey McKiddy claims one of the murdered victims was 15 and Colleen was 14. I just felt like I should mention this in case they find remains. I’ve continuously thought of this girl since I moved to Bedford. In case someone is reading this who’s family you may want to follow that case.
John Hossack an L for this
I lived right around the corner and walked down to Hyvee the same night and time as he went missing. I would have walked down the same block he did. Always wondered if I missed something, If I would have seen something if I was looking around.
Was there an investigation done at the time or during the time she was identified? Cause of death? Any issues in her personal life at the time? Cold cases are solved everyday with news fresh eyes and attention.
Here we are in 2022. Has there been any DNA evidence processed? Even though hard to process but if DNA was not collected at the time, there is an option for exhuming the sweet baby and with advances in ancestral DNA and the popularity it might be worth a chance at finally getting justice for him.
Why would there be a Boy Scout camp-out in February? It’s the second coldest month of the year, on average, in Iowa. Were they actually sleeping in tents outside or would they have been in a building? I find it kind of bizarre to be camping outside in the winter. Most campgrounds in Iowa are closed that time of year.
I found that alarming too but apparently it was the norm.
I never fell in with extra curricular activites so I’m no one to judge.
It does appear strange though that not only was it cold February but they were also playing outdoors AT NIGHT.
That poor family.
This case is frustrating. Mr. Anderson is found injured on November 30, 1987, and dies the next day. There are no details, on how he was injured. I guess he purposely walked real fast into a brick wall, and the medical examiner could not figure out how he died.
So, the police department keeps it a secret to protect the investigation. So But wants the public’s help to them figure out how he was injured. So, I guess providing a few tidbits, such as was he shot, stabbed, beaten, thrown off a tall building.
So, he has been dead over 30 some years and the Davenport Police are still protecting the investigation. Maybe they don’t want the public to know that they mishandled something in the investigation.
Here in Chicago, two girls ages 17cand 13 were found murdered in September 1972, in Washington Park. They were shot with a .32 caliber firearm, also their bodies were positioned in the shape of the letter VEE. Their murder has not been solved, but we know the cause of death and the caliber of firearm used.
I later learned from someone, that the 17 year old girl, worked at the restaurant and motel for truckers. However, the place was owned by a member of the Chicago Mob, who worked for some senior mob leaders in the Bridgeport section of Chicago.
I recently came across a book about unsolved murder in Canaryvill section of Chicago. Canaryville borders Bridgeport. A high school senior was shot in a drive by in the same time frame. The shooting was witnessed and they went to the police. However, the offender was the son of a local mob guy, so he was protected by his dear old dad, and the senior leadership of the Chicago Police Department, and the mayor.
The offender later shot and killed his girlfriend with a .32 caliber firearm. Again he was protected by fear old dad.
But, at least we have some details to work with. So, maybe someday the Davenport Police will admit to some details before a certain place freezes over.
Who exactly reported that she was planning to hitchhike to Iowa City, and also who exactly reported seeing her hitchhiking around 6pm the evening of the 18th? Also, why could the firearm used never be identified? From what I understand 4 rounds were discharged and the caliber or make, model or the gun was never revealed.
Jim
Another “Turkey Day” or “Ham”?
Anything to Add? The DIVERS and probally “Cavers”!
I have been told twice,
that jeffrey bond was the killer via his daughter and friend, Bond died last year. I dont believe anyone jokes about stuff like that.
Happy Heavenly 30th Birthday John Jr….You Have Touched So Many Lives & & Will Always Be Loved ..
Remembering You Today & Always
Forever In Our Hearts ❤🎈🍦🎂
Thinking Of The Snyder Family Today ❤🙏
God Bless
Thank you LuAnn — as his killer sits in a Wisconsin prison only to be released in July 2024 we can only imagine what madness grows. This person, IMO, is a classic example of a sociopath with no feelings or remorse whatsoever. The most dangerous of the dangerous. The DCI guys commented that, “he’s something” when I asked about the conversations with him. He did try to kill his girlfriend, but got the attempted murder charge dropped. I guess he had threatened to kill her whole family too. Yeah, he’s a real gem. Good luck Wisconsin.
“At the time, Matlock was dressed in a white Denver Broncos ‘Terrell Owens’ jersey, blue jeans and black Nike tennis shoes.”
Terrell Owens never played for the Denver Broncos. This is misleading. I would guess he was wearing a Terrell Davis jersey.
Not a big deal and most likely not enough to make a difference but thought it should be pointed out.
Why have they not done reverse DNA? I heard they had a person of interest and this may have been a murder for hire. She was a good person and did not deserve this.
Could it have been Clark Perry Baldwin the serial killer that was arrested in wloo 2020????
Extreme negligence on the part of police department. I’d sue the hell out of them.
I find it really incredible, that if the local agencies had no one properly trained to process the crime scene. This did not take place in the 1950’s, 60’s or 1970’s, but in 2007.
They should had an agreement, with the DCI, another law enforcement agency, FBI or whoever to someone process the crime scene.
Also, they should have also had the building restricted and posted no entry until the fire department of state fire marshal could certify that it was safe for entry.
The FBI has mobile crime scene teams that are trained, and could have been requested.
Why do you think it’s him?
Sounds like one of DeBardeleben’s crimes. I wonder if he’s been looked into.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_DeBardeleben
I’m sure they have, if I recall his name is all over Dustin Honken trial. Mason City PD has clearly shown us who they suspect with these GPS warrant years ago,.
The murder of Jackie Folkerts in 1999 was committed by Brad Erdahl. DNA from the scene was matched to him and he admitted to killing her. Doesn’t look like anyone else was ever involved in her death.
Billy Pruin’s death is considered an accident by his family, as per their own investigation into it. He was carrying the gun and somehow it went off (theory is he tripped) and killed him. I think his daughters would like people to stop thinking his death was a murder or somehow connected to Jodi Huisentruit’s disappearance.
I think you clearly are off on your own “island” with some of your theories. Billy Pruin very clearly and obviously died in a terrible accident. Haven’t you studied the evidence? And JV is 100% responsible for what happened to Jodi. Look at the timeline. The events leading up to. He lied about her being over at his place the night before. Why do you suppose he did that? Look at the birthday party video. Him picking her up and holding her like she is his in his mind. Classic case of “if I can’t have you no one ever will” by a man with a very aggressive, hair-trigger temper.
I’d like to know what proof there is that Pruin was on the Vansice boat outings. He was never mentioned as being on the trips in any of the documentaries or books or interviews about Jodi’s case.
I also read over Brad Erdahl’s case and there was no mention in any of the articles that were available or even in his appeals that there was a passenger in his car the night he killed Jackie. I think if there’d been someone else with him, he would’ve thrown that person under the bus and said they were the killer.
Angela Johnson and Dustin Honken were the killers of DeGeus, Nicholson, Duncan and her daughters. Again, no other person was mentioned as being involved in those murders besides those two. And they were both cagey enough to have thrown another person under the bus in a hot minute in order to save their own evil skins.
I just don’t think this Ryerson is the criminal mastermind who is behind a bunch of the unsolved cases in northern Iowa. The MO’s are different, the victims are different, the case situations are different. Even the investigating agencies are different, so even if one agency missed evidence in one of the crimes, surely another agency would’ve found evidence in the crime they were investigating. So if he’s behind all of them, why hasn’t there been any evidence to link him to them? If he’s cocky enough to pull off that many crimes, you’d think he’d get sloppy somewhere and leave DNA or trace evidence behind.
Hey do you know why he could be tied to Melissa Jo Olson’s death? Wasnt hers a accidental death?
I believed what my family said at the time and still believe to this day. A Dubuque Police officer committed this crime. It was known as a police restaurant and officers were known to be there at all hours. There is a reason no progress was ever made in this case and the only reason is because an officer was involved. Back then the Dubuque police was known to ” protect the badge ” at all cost. I was raised in that town in an area known then as the “flats” and I can attest to just how crocked the PD was back then. 1 honest cop in the bunch and that was “Pig Smitty”. He had a pigs head belt buckle and a tattoo the said “proud to be a pig” with a pigs head on his forearm.
Mr. Wilmot. I would agree with you, but her murder actually look like a rage killing. It appears someone was upset with her, for whatever reason.
I agree that the crime scene was mishandled, but then that was sort of the way, things were done, back then. How, the crime scene is handled and processed, including taking pictures can provide many answers. It surprises me that she was hidden in a cooler. The other thing, that bugs me is this is a restaurant, yet there is no cook. Did she do everything at this place.
There have been any number of women killed by being stabbed more than the 30 times that Jackie was. A 18-year-woman, was found murdered in New Jersey. She died on blunt force trauma, to both sides of her head. Then she was stabbed 66 times after she was already dead from a skull fracture. This incident took place in 1965.
In Wisconsin another young woman, working late to answer the phones at a manufacturing plant, was stabbed to death over 100 times. Her boyfriend was looked at. However, hexwas basic training and laterxshipped out for Vietnam. He was killed in action.
Plus, the weapon of choice was a pair of scissors, and not a knife. A knife in a restaurant would definitely be a weapon of choice.
You refer to the area called the flats. I assume that is an area from the A & B bar was down towards the river. I am somewhat familiar with Dubuque. Have not been there in a number of years. I remember the single lane toll bridge going to Wisconsin, and the restaurant there.
I have a few questions. They were last seen at an auction in Stuart. It makes me wonder if they purchased something, that someone wanted really badly and was outbid. Maybe it was something they might have sold at that auction.
Then we have their truck stolen and then dumped 200 miles away. Which seem a long way to drive a vehicle and dump it. Also, I wonder what route they may have taken to get from Norwalk, to Kansas City. Such as taking Interstate-35 or U.S. Highway 69. It might be that Kay, body was dumped along the way.
But, why take her along. Was it someone they knew and trusted, and if they truck was seen by driven by a stranger might have attracted attention. But. If she was along for the ride, it would be okay.
Another question is does the auction house, have any clients in Kansa City, that they might send them a flyer about the auction.
These are all good questions that we asked back when this all began. Unfortunately we have little to no information. William’s truck did have on star but what they have found from that we do not know. The dci did go to auction house but no information of what came of that has been shared. We have gotten vague timelines as to when they left the auction (sometime around its ending) when the truck arrived at the apartment complex in Missouri. (Late afternoon early evening) and the fire started around 11 pm…….most of what we have are rumours, and not very many answers or updates from the DCI…..William was shot multiple times, whoever did this to them is still out there. They deserve justice and we the family deserve answers….Thank you all who are helping keep this alive with questions, sharing the story or fliers on Facebook etc. And even for the theories and questions I disagree with! (My grandmother did not do this to William she too is a victim) but I understand speculating and wondering and as upsetting as it is to see that too keeps their story out there. So again Thank You!
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother Kay and William. I am just learning of this case. Could you please tell me if your uncle Ross Allen has any relation to Richard Matthew Allen? Thank you.
I don’t understand this at all. An ancestry.com test costs a few hundred bucks – why on earth can’t the DNA be run through a database like that? What am I missing?
I am sorry but the testing and the necessary research runs about $5000.00. However, there are organizations that take donations and provide the funds the do the testing
I have come across an individual who has kicked his own money to find the cost of the tests.
id say lets do it regardless of cost. its amazing how much our local and federal government will waste on endless wars and funding ukraine but will not even blink an eye to figure out whose child this was
I have been reading through all of the comments regarding William and Kay Wood. I am the oldest child of Kay. She has six children three live in Iowa and three live in Maine. I live in Maine and I can tell you it is very difficult for us to believe that we still have no information regarding the disappearance of our mother. I see lot of posting regarding William. He was a wonderful man and so good to my mother. They visited me in Maine once a year and would have been making the annual trip after William’s birthday. Although sad William’s family has some closure as they have their father’s body. We have nothing, we have no closure. All we are asking at this time is to find out where our mother is so that we can have some closure. Find her and worry about who did it later. I have started letter writing to Warren County Sheriff Dept. regarding the case as they are handling the case. It is very confusing as to who is doing what sometimes I don’t know if the right hand knows what the left is doing, but I keep hoping that they come up with something. Don’t want this to be a cold case. If you know anything about where to find our mother please, please let someone know
I believe you are right. Although we all would love closure as to who and why. Knowing what happened to To Kay should be top of the list. We both lost the people we loved that night. But we only know what happened to my father and were able to lay him to rest. I’ve never stopped thinking about Kay or wondering if it may be possible to lay her to rest also. We all need answers. Please believe me when I say my heart feels your pain and your loss. This case needs to be re opened.
The couple were Catherine Christopher Slaughter and Rodney Layne Johnson. Both were U of I students.
Thank you for sharing this info, James Knapp. I know the victim’s family.
Krista,
I knew Steve when he lived in New Jersey. He worked for me for a couple of years. He would often talk about his two sisters and his grandmother back in Iowa. I hope they find out what happened to him.
Art Capriotti
I was 4 years old when this happened, and I lived right next door. My mom, who is now deceased, always said she believed that Darleen was buried under the basement floor. She believed this because she said she was awakened in the middle of the night to the sounds of loud banging coming from the corner house. She didn’t remember for sure what the date was, but she felt it coincided with the date that this woman disappeared. My mom and Darleen were neighborly friends and were only a year apart in age. I’m sure my parents were probably interviewed by the police at some point during the investigation due to their bedroom being directly next to the Fitchett home. I sincerely hope that at some point, if her remains are really buried at 717 Franklin, someone will find them so she can have a proper burial…
Ken Whitehead II, thank you for stopping by Mother’s Cold Case site. Mother’s body was not found in the basement during the DMPD dig there. I can only imagine what plans Father had to dispose of her body. Like the “Bog Man” what is left of her will be found someday. Remember to honor Jodi who keeps my Mother in our memory. I must say I am mortified that your Mum and Dad had to hear the disturbing things going on in that house that night.
Jeanette Stutsman, I would love to talk you. [Edited by Admin]
Julia Day Torres, As I explained to my high school sweetheart, Mother’s Cold case site is the incorrect forum for anyone to be discussed except Mother and her murder. Respect for Jody and her work is a sacred thing to my Family. My reclusive life is of no interest to you. Please move forward with your life, not back.
.
Dear Janette Stutsman! I hope you remember me! [Edited by Admin]
Cindy Haffner, thank you for visiting Mother’s cold case site.I am happy that you are blessed and healthy .Please remember this site is not Facebook. It is a serious work to forward the investigation of the unsolved murder of Darleen Fitchett. Unless you have new information pertaining to this case please don’t post on this site.
I made a comment, and checked spelling twice, yet comment appears with spelling errors! GRRRR!
Common denominators; The boys were paper boys, they all were abducted
In the Des Moines area, they were all the same age group,. Look for what is there that belongs there,Molokai for what belongs there but is missing, look for what is there tha should not be, and ask who stands to gain from the actions taken. Ask who was in the area, and left the area after the crime/s.
Ask who acts “that way” and check if they bought handcuffs, rope, condoms
Maybe the 2 year gap was because the perp was incarcerated or assigned to work out of the area.
Here’s my theories:
-Maybe a lot of kids were sexually attacked, but only a few were killed. Millhouse had other victims, as did other pedophiles from the Des Moines Register, like Frank Sykora and his older brother. Those kids weren’t killed. Other pedophiles in that area had victims who weren’t killed.
-Maybe the sicko that did this gave a sick treat to themselves, and killed a kid every few years on a holiday.
-Maybe there were attempts that we don’t know about. After the last boy, Marc, went missing the kidnappings stopped. This conveniently happened after Millhouse was arrested. There were also other pedophiles in Des Moines busted around that time. However, there were kidnapping attempts until 1989. Then it all stops. I don’t know what happens in 1989 that finally ends it all.
-Maybe the kidnapper moved around to different states and towns. To avoid being caught.
Could the young man be the missing paperboy Johnny Gosch. He bears a resemblance?
He is in the height and weight range, but far from the estimated age rage that they determine based on the bones.
“Sheriff Burt Muir says he thinks the case will be solved quickly.”
“I believe this is going to get solved. How quick I’m not sure, but it’s going to get solved,” the sheriff said.\
Yet still cold case? Wonder what fell through?
There are people who believe I had something to do with Ryan’s death and to be truthful I don’t understand how someone would even mention My name unless that same someone had something to hide.
I also want to include that there once was a female officer of Leon by the name of Blake Kofoid who once told Me something I will never forget. She was in tears when She told Me She believed Me and that She knew I had no part in His death. She stated that there was a female who was not in uniform in decatur County who had the authority to discontinue DCI’s investigation with the case. Something about lack of evidence and I believe some political BS concerning jurisdiction or the length in timing of the investigation. Furthermore I do understand now and am led to have determined and in My own belief that the woman She didn’t know who but the woman She had spoke to Me about is Lisa Jeanes whom is also known as the decatur County district attorney. Lisa Jeanes has a nephew who is named Nick Phelps whom I am led to believe is one individual behind Ryan’s death. I pray that Ryan’s family and others as well as Myself will one day see the justice that is deserved! I wish I knew more that I could say however I must leave that to Ryans family. More specifically His Mother Tammy. I am so sorry that I was not there to help Ryan when He needed it the most and if He is watching I just gotta say that I Love Him like a brother and I will never stop piecing the facts. Fact is Belinda Reed You are guilty of knowing some critical information in regards to this. Also why was Ryan’s FBT never spoken of when found and pulled out the ditch next day on h45 north of leon. Also what about this gun that Ben Grove had spoken of seeing when interacting with either Ryan’s babies momma or Nick Phelps or the two individuals altogether. May We solve this one day and place all corrupt officials on the stand and out of office. Lisa Jeanes You are protecting either Your nephew or You are protecting Your interests. I’m confused because I thought all people had to follow by the same rules and laws which are supposed to be applied to US all but I guess just as Angela Hill gets special treatment from the prosecution so does Lisa Jean’s and all other corrupt officials or non officials working amongst Us with legal authority in the Decatur County iowa and other surrounding areas!!! Try to prove Me wrong and U may just solve this case!
Just watched Accused, I believe the ‘evidence’ doesn’t prove or disprove John. The whole time I was leaning towards the father Bill’s involvement but I don’t think that was clear cut either. I think the whole investigation was conducted with tunnel vision and Ludwick/Ludwig (whatever his name) was embarrassing and proved he never followed up because he went with his own judgement! Not facts! I personally don’t believe Jason committed this crime.
I agree fully. Sadly once tunnel vision becomes the direction of any case the evidence does not take the investigator/s in the right direction. This case may never truly be solved because Ludwig’s tunnel vision meant that many issues were not followed up on and quite possibly evidence was ignored that didn’t fit his theory.
As someone who studied Criminology, I struggle to understand his thinking and his processes. Whether a Cold Case Team could solve this case is something that without all the complete facts is doubtful
So many lives have been ruined completely because of this very sad case. Not only did they loose a wife, mother, daughter, sister etc but false accusations hang over all involved as long as the true culprit is not caught, send to trial and found guilty. My prayer is that the Police finally do their job right and start from scratch with open hearts and minds and follow only the evidence to it rightful conclusion.
So clearly not the father but feel free to point fingers.
Hi Betsy. Wanted to ask if there has been any updates to your Dad? Your Dad had dated my mom. Your Dad was always very sweet towards me. Always had a smile on his face and was so welcoming when I would see him at my moms. I pray there will be a day your family receives resolution for your Dad.
Hey there will be because I will never give up to finding him. So bill jr better know that!! Because we are fighting for Douglas. I have video of of grandpa loyal there and it’s great to hear his voice and see him. Even though I never met him before!! I’m loyal s grand daughter, and I am the one who will solve this case I promise u that!!
This is the newest video on his Youtube account that has had the name changed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H8bUxP5vbw
Anyway, if you go in to 57 seconds, there is a written statement:
“Jesse Nimaja y Abel Efebo unidos por siempre tiene un relacion.” This means Jesse Nimaja and Abel Efebo are united forever and have a relationship.
Seems to me like Jesse might be a child predator.
One of his aliases is “Juan Carlos Simay Nimaja.” The “Simay” is likely “Simaj.” Here is a facebook for someone with that purported name: https://www.facebook.com/juancarlos.simajnimaja
If you save his photo and do a google image search, it’s actually a photo of a Spanish rapper named Porta.
Jeff Gannon is Johnny.. changed his name few times but always keeps the initials the poor soul here thinking he’s Jonny needs help .. noreen has personally met jeff now and they’re keeping that private . You must understand that Jeff is in a very special situation and only those privy to that information know. Noreen and Jeff are in contact and that is all I will say so please respect their privacy and to that man who thinks he’s Johnny . It’s very sad that you are experiencing this . Please get help and for the missing memories in you’re life please don’t add other people’s memories to suit you I’m sure you will find the truth eventually. I’d like to add this even though it’s all very sad , noreen is full welll in the knowledge regarding what happened to Johnny and has some sort of peace of mind now and will not be looking further on the quest to find Johnny as she doesn’t have to now . Make if it what you will but please like we asked leave the family alone and Thankyou fir all of you’re concern over the years .
My memory isn’t great, but I seem to remember a mcdonald ave having a 50313 zip code. If that’s correct, the address would be a north and south street, just north of Euclid.
Soon will be 7 years and still not a lead or nothing while my son was taken just a cold case. With no answer
I am a life long resident of Des Moines. Born and raised. I am not familiar with McDonald Ave. Even when I google it, nothing comes up. Is it possible the street name has changed since this awful murder? Just trying to find out where this took place. I haven’t heard of Frank’s place either but I’m sure it’s a different business now.
McDonald is at the intersection of Dixon and Euclid Ave. McDonald is north of Euclid while Dixon is on the south side of Euclid. If you go north, Franks Place was on the west side of the street on the corner of McDonald and Madison Ave. It has a chain link fence surrounding the building and is now a detail shop I believe. The gun man shot dad from across the street on top of the hill. Dad worked at Ford Implement factory that was at the end of McDonald Ave where it T’s into Aurora Ave. Frank, the owner lived just behind the bar in a brick house at 1707 Madison Ave. Hopefully this helps with you finding the place.
Kat, it seems your information points to the gunman, being in a different location, then what is posted on this forum. So, it could point to someone specifically targeting your father and not for the money and beer stolen.
Also, there is no information on the caliber of firearm identified. That is something missing in the public information on many shootings and murders
Sometimes, the authorities identify the caliber, sometimes they don’t. In one cold case in Chicago, from the early 1970’s, the girls were shot in the head, with a .42ccaliber firearm. In another cold case in Elgin, Illinois, a young girl was taken from her farm home and shot with a small caliber firearm. Which makes me wonder, why that information was withheld.
So, it could be that someone had a grudge, either a fellow employee from where he worked or possibly blamed him for some slight.
We periodically hear of gang bangers shooting someone because he disrespected the shooter. We routinely hear of rap artists who get shot or murdered around the country.
Who wrote this article
See my post on facebook.
Which Norma Black are you on Facebook? Could you help with my finding your post?
[…] was adopted at 18. Harry was adopted by Mark's grandparents when he was just a few months old. Iowa Cold Cases reports that Mark told Dateline, "That's how me and Harry became brothers. We don't […]
Three person of interest that should be looked at.
#1: Jerry Wintz: Jerry was part of the 5 guys that went to prison for the child sex ring. He was Chatsworth The Reindeer at Merle Hay May and lived at 6114 Rollins Avenue ( 8 minutes from where Johnny was kidnapped ). What interesting about Jerry is if you look at the profile of the Omaha Paperboys the FBI said the killer would be a loner and would take jobs that would interact with children and most likely be a soccer coach or scoutmaster which John J. Joubert was a scout leader. Jerry is involved in the Boy Scouts Sexual Cases. https://boyscoutssexualabuse.com/wp-content/uploads/iv_files/bsa_jerry-d-wintz.pdf. He doesn’t look like the person in the sketch and was 235lbs, but depending on his sex ring he may be involved in some way. Jerry worked at the Iowa State Fair – I find it odd that Johnny left for his paper route without his dad because he was going to go to the Iowa State Fair and Eugene article mentioned the Iowa State Fair – IS there a connection to the Iowa State Fair back in those days like Peony Park’s Sprite Night was in Omaha?
#2: Sam Soda: Sam was the private investigator who involved himself in the case and supposedly told Noreen that an “informant” told they knew when the next paperboy would go missing. Sam ran for City Council in which he was caught in a lie stating he received some war medals. In the article that mentions Sam running for city Council it list his home address as 14th and Emma. Marc Allen went missing from 10th & Emma and Eugene went missing from SW 14th & Highview. Both of these locations are roughly like 5 minutes apart of each other. Sam also lived in Martindale, Iowa at some point would would put him in the Warren County area ( The license plate was warren county ). Sam wewnt to Dowling High School and would be familiar with the location Johnny went missing. Sam also travelled lived in Buffalo, NY and Kansas City and travelled a lot when he worked for Robert Bosch company – It’s mentioned that Sam as a private investigator would drive around at night and possible he may have shown the boys some type of badge to make them feel comfortable in talking with him. Sam was also a Polk County Deputy according in one of the articles and Noreen said Johnny was talking to some type of cop under the bleachers at her other son’s. Sam is also a dead ringer for the sketch that was taken and his family came from Italy that might make him look more latin as the description indicates. Does Noreen seem more crazy in here theories because of Sam’s involvement?
#3: John J. Joubert: The Omaha paperboy killer actually killed an 11 year old boy 14 days before Johnny Gosch went missing in Maine. The thing is in the 14 days there is no real information on the whereabouts of John J. Joubert. He at some point had to report to Bellvue, Nebraska Offuett Air Force Base. John Joubert fits the weight and height of the sketch and in most of his pictures he really looks like three different types of people. John Joubert was driving a tan Nova Sedan which looks similiar to the Ford Fairmont. The main difference with John Joubert is all his victims were found and Johnny has never been discoved and he was arrested before Eugene Martin and Marc Allen went missing.
Wilbur Millhouse would be another potential player, but yellowbag who says he was approached by someone knew who Wilbur was, but did see they guy who approached him with Wilbur at a some type of Des Moines Register event. Wilbur had 2200 peoples names in a book and said he was trying to recruit paperboys. Was Johnny and Eugene’s name in this book?
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26108166/mar-15-1986-reg-man-who-had-been/
Jerry was busted with the other men mentioned in the article. Maybe they look like the sketch?
The man who tried to abduct me in 1982 was driving a Ford Fairmont, not a Chevy Nova. I remember the two rectangular headlights, which was I see online was standard for the Fairmont Futura that came out in 1978. The car was covered with snow, but I remember it as white, or maybe two-tone white and grey. Funny thing–I went out East for college in 1986, and had a girlfriend who drove an old Fairmont. It creeped me out every time I saw her car coming because I remembered the evil dude who tried to get me into that same kind of car four years earlier.
It’s hard to remember a lot of details 40 years after the fact, but I don’t think Joubert would have been old enough to be the man who tried to abduct me. I’m guessing the abductor was at least 25 years old. The thing I remember the most is his orange and blue reflective jacket, and the way he kept looking in his rearview mirror to see if anyone saw him talking to me. He did not look like the photo of Wintz at all, or John Rossi’s sketch of the guy at 42nd and Ashworth the morning Johnny was kidnapped. Dark hair, angry dark eyes, well-trimmed mustache, Caucasian, and accent like he was from somewhere out East.
I actually met Sam Soda through the Faded Out podcast and had lunch with him. Anyone who thinks Sam was involved is barking up the wrong tree. Yes, Sam could brag and tell some stories, but he came across to me as a guy with a big heart. Sam thought the kidnapper was a total lone wolf (if he partnered with anyone someone would have ratted him out for reward).
Yellow Bag,
I’ve been following your story through this post, and I find your story regarding the Gosch disappearance to be the most truthful, and logical.
Are you at liberty to expound on your conversation with Sam Soda?
You have made prior mention to Wilbur Mihouse, and his strange behavior and comments regarding Johnny, do you feel that Milhouse was physically present on the morning of 9/5/1982? If, yes? Did someone assist Milhouse?
Or, do you believe that another party is responsible?
Thank you Yellow Bag for your honesty, and candor.
Dave
Sam talked to criminals, pedophiles, and even Mafia types. He came up with exactly nothing. His final thoughts were that only one man kidnapped Johnny, not a group of men. If it were a group, someone would have talked by now. Sam also believed the man was probably connected with the Des Moines Register.
I do not know if Millhouse was physically present. He was, though, repeatedly claiming to know who took Johnny and why from the day Johnny was kidnapped. Millhouse became angry and visibly agitated every time he talked about Johnny. I have no doubt he was involved, but I have never figured out to what extent. Millhouse probably had dozens of victims (he received a 30 year sentence for sexually abusing 6 teens), and I still think the key to solving Johnny’s disappearance is for one of those victims to reveal the identity of the Fairmont man. Someone who knew Millhouse knows who that man is.
Yellow Bag, don’t you have a photo of the man who tried to get you into his Fairmont?
Yellow Bag, thank you for sharing this valuable piece of information. Did Sam have any thoughts about the Martin and/or Allen abductions? Sam made a comment in an interview that the Gosch and Martin abductions were slightly different. Did he make any comments as to how or why the abductions may have differed? Sam also made mention about how both Martin and Allen were taken within a short radius of Sam’s home.
The victims of Frank Sykora, and his brother James Sykora, might also know something. Those kids would be men in their 50’s and 60’s now. At least some of them must still be alive. All three men worked at the paper. They could have been in the same pedophile circle together.
Have you heard of a man by the name of Raul Saca Ancer? Rumor has it he was the abductor of Eugene Martin.
Yellow Bag, are any of these people the one who tried to kidnap you?
Yellow bag. Are you aware of Ken Newell? He attempted to kidnap a wdm paper boy in 78. Was a scout leader and school janitor. Should have been around 32 years old at the time of your encounter. Dark hair and mustasch.
While searching, I found his name to be associated with an AKA Linn, Allen Snyder that goes by Linn, Allen. The same source showed a current address of 2221 S Indiana Ave., Joplin, MO. since March 2016. It also showed a past address and AKA matching Snyder, Linn Allen – 21950 Green Valley Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.
Associated persons listed on the site (also listing Linn’s former Council Bluffs address) were a Snyder, Jimmie Wayne and Snyder, Amy Neomi (married) belonging to the same address 2221 S Indiana Ave., Joplin, MO. since 2008, which I verified on the Jasper County Missouri Beacon site.
I completed a search of Snyder, Amy N on Spokeo which returned to a female in her 70s living in Joplin, MO. Under the “Family Members” section read “Amy resides in a single family home in Joplin, Missouri with Jimmie.” as well as “Amy and Linn Snyder reside together in a single family home in Joplin, Missouri.”
I guess I don’t know the source is just associating Linn with the address in Missouri, but I found it odd that Jimmie and Amy belonged to the address starting in 2008, while Linn starting in 2016 – and maybe something to look further into.
I love that the police department could not take the time to provide us the public.on how Mr. Wright was murdered. I assume an autopsy was conducted by a coroner or medical examiner. The cause of death. should at least be provided to back up their claim, that he was murdered. I guess it wasn’t important.
Recently county authorities in Pennsylvania, are reinvestigating the death of a young women. She was found stabbed to death, and it was determined that she committed suicide although she was stabbed in the back and her neck.
Authorities did not find any signs of forced entry, so she stabbed herself to death. I guess it was not worth it to determine that she might have let her killer into her residence, possibly someone she knew.
The gun used to kill Stump maybe in kensett Iowa now
Has anyone ever looked into Reza Kargarzadeh? He is a wealthy business man in West Des Moines with a private jet. He has plastic manufacturing plants throughout the country and family ties to Colorado. He looks like the suspect composite.
If he is that wealthy, he probably would not have been driving a cheap Ford Fairmont.
He wasn’t wealthy only middle class the year Johnny was abducted. In Persian and Afgan culture it is common for a thing called boy play where its a status symbol to have boys for sex slaves and pleasure. “Straight” men do this as part of the Islamic culture all the time and as disgusting as it is even the women accept it.
I know that he has been involved in lots of illegal activity including recording sex tapes to pass around. He is known for providing favors, jobs, etc. He is a master at grooming young moms with children. The locations of his plastic plants should be aligned with other cases as he is known to frequently travel using a private jet to his business location where I am sure he does other activities.
Here are the locations of his manufacturing. Interestingly one is in Mexico. He has family ties in Colorado, California and Florida. He has also been known to travel internationally to places like Iran.
EPC plastic manufacturing is the name of the business. EPC, Inc. plants span across the following US locations:
Alabama: Bessemer and Leeds
Indiana: Scottsburg
Iowa: Corporate Office, Grinnell and Kalona
Kentucky: Lebanon
Mexico: Reynosa
Michigan: Saint Clair (Christian Haas Dr. and Range Rd.)
Missouri: Columbia North Carolina: Siler City
Ohio: Bellevue and Lebanon
South Carolina: Anderson
Wisconsin: East Troy and Osceola
As well as our Mexico location: Reynosa
Has anyone ever looked into Reza Kargarzadeh? Is is a wealthy business man in West Des Moines known to be above the law and excellent at grooming women with children. He looks like the photo and fits the description only he is not latin but Persian.
He has a private jet with manufacturing plants all over the country. He has signifcant family ties to Colorado. Strangely although in different neighborhoods (still very close by) he lives on the same street as Johnny Gosch. I have more information that I would love to share but it would reveal my identity.
He is no doubt in operation with human trafficking even if he is not part of this abduction. I have more details but I cannot share here or would reveal my identity.
Justice- is there any way you can provide more detail as to how you know these things without revealing your identity? Have you had an encounter with him before?
He mi brother and I’m going to find who kill u I love u bro always
I want u to be able to rest in peace
I miss u so much it hurts to mi soul
Your sis Georgia
I have so many questions. The only reason I came upon this was because u googled unsolved murders in Appanoose County. It brought up this woman and the Deteach man murdered at his home. I don’t know how often this page is updated but there is nothing about the Ty Husted case. And I find it very disturbing is agencies say she’ll never be found, she’s either in a well or buried in Missouri…very odd, a friend of mine said someone had said the same thing about Ty. I find it absurd that Appanoose County law enforcement has so many cop cars sitting in their parking lot but do not have funds to even attempt to find missing people, whuch don’t mind the new jail being built here. I understand with Crystal happened in Wayne County but counties don’t work together nor was the Ty case ever brought to public attention. I feel Appanoose County should shift their focus on important matters other than “drug busts” that never change. Same people in and out of jail. But what do I know….
If these departments don’t have the resources, then the Iowa DCI should take it over. They have the resources to work this case.
I am sure like most cases if if was one of their own it would have been solved by now, just saying,
I searched Sebastian Husted’s case again. One thing that bothers me is that he disappeared from a hog farm, where he had been working for a few weeks. I assume this hog farm has a formal name, unless it’s a unauthorized farm.
Also, I assume that Sebastian was an employee of this hog farm.
So, it bothers me, that they should have been concerned about one of their employees who disappeared.
Yet, we hear nothing from them. Their should be some comment from them, showing their concern, oroffering a reward. This sort of makes me wonder, about some suspicious activity going on there.
Also, could he been seriously injured, and did not want OSHA, coming in and finding out they violated federal safety regulations. In my time enforcing federal pollution regulations with the U.S. Coast Guard, many facilities had issues with OSHA inspector’s, who assume you are guilty, and not innocent until proven innocent.
Also, his brother gets some text’s supposedly from Sebastian. The text’s asked him to come and get him. Yet, his family has no clue where he is working at. Also, the text’s seem to claim that his co-worker, also unidentified is supposedly getting aggressive. I wonder if this text was actually sent by him. Yet, his family is unaware of any previous problems with any co-workers.
There is no explanation of what the co-worker was doing. Also, pictures of Sebastian mention his tattoos, which gave me the impression that he was a gang banger. Which might explain his disappearance, as revenge for possibly leaving the gang, or his refusal to do something illegal.
I have new recovered memeries involving this satanic political cult manipulating this web site to delete my testimony from this web site about 5 to 10 years ago I had put several post on this site that contained most of the results of my investagation at that time. Shortly thereafter
Mdybe 5 to 10 years ago all my post on this site were caused to be removed by the satanic political cult. I assume Jody Ewing would have a record of this. And be a honest witness. She has not responded to my email. Can somebody find when why how and what evedince was retained to prove this act of the cover-up?
My mistake, they were not deleted but are under the Johnny Gosch photos.
This recovered memory still needs corroborated. It’s a memory of me being subjected to one of programming hypnotism sections , always by force and unable to remember afterwards, where the perpitrators were trying to sirpress my testimony. There was a phone call made to this website and the conversation involved the removal of the post. The person s[oken to was a lady IDK who and they s[oke to me briefly and to the lead programmer who was working for the CIA. He spoke for some time explaining other actions he wou;d take to have the post removed. This memory is most likely not fully emerged and has other memory fragments that will further emerge. I do not try and force them but each time I think of them there’s a chance that they have expanded where others disassociated memory fragments have reconnected to there original memory. I have decided to include this to help the reader have a better understand of how my memories have been e, erhing these past 14 years and how I have always tried to be open about them. My memory of this conversation between this web site and the perpitrrater still needs to be looked into. And should demonstrate the danger that me continuing to be outspoken about this is effecting me and how my creditabilty is damaged each time they make me forget or attempt to alter mine or Noreen’s memories.
Johnny; it was 40 years ago yesterday that you disappeared. You have not been forgotten.
I am glad they keep these cases open. They identified the guy that was found in lake Meade. I bought A small farm near tiffin thirty years ago. After buying it I bought a bulldozer. The guy I bought the farm from said not dig any holes on the place. He told me he buried some farm machinery. Then a a few years later I told him I was going to dig up that junk and haul it to the wilton shredder. He told me something’s are best left buried. . I often wondered what was really buried there. I know he had a barrel of agent orange and figur Ed maybe it was something like that. Then an elderly neighbor told me that whole place was buried with construction waste. I notified the DNR that the place may have toxic wastes buried on it. Never heard anything back. Then due to a chain of unfortunate circumstances including major illness I lost my little farm. Somebody should follow up on this. Lewis Cassill the address of the place is 4018 Ivy Ave SW Oxford Iowa. The burial of this stuff was in the seventies and eighties
There was a new house just built (according to Assessor website) in 2023 https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=86&LayerID=841&PageTypeID=4&PageID=572&Q=1104603598&KeyValue=1121227001
The Government Cover-up narritive is primarily promoted by members of “THIS” Satanic political cult. Most members are NOT consciously aware that they are in the cult, like Noreen and most of our related families. The people I refer to as perpitrators are the conscious member who starting at about puberty consciously aware they are in the cult and are further trained to become monarch programmers in a 30 year menter protosai relationship who work in together. They drug and hypnotis us monarchs to control our actions. They alter our memories and place post hyp otic suggestion that we have been further programed using trauma, to create amnesic barriers and binding that I’ve been told changes a [pst hypnotic suggestion I to a personality traits. The government uses monarchs as school shooter and many other thing. They are used by most of the large organization to gather Intelligence because thier memries can be downloaded easily and they can’t keep secrets from thier handlers. This is a widely known secret and is vibable in the midea around us. TV Programming edigecational programming monarch programming that was even tattooed on many of is children which is the rocking X tattoo, which is the image on the top side of a monarch butterfly’s wings.
The act of awakening is directly tied to this.
It is the power of the human mind to believe something just because it was told to them. And the human ability to not consciously process our decision before taking action. That makes this technology so dangerous. And therefore valuable to the leadership and power.
This technology is information based and it is access to this information that can trigger the awakening process to begain in somebody . Even just by reading what I just wrote. This more complex than just this but it is the ba of the hidden knowledge that is house at the Vatican. And many old books. Spells = hypnotism & pottions = drugs the government’s have just taken this to the point where they want a NWO. It is this underling features of the control system that is being changed now. Earth entering the information age triggered the great awakening cause the masses to awaken fast than TPTB can do the maintenance on thier amnesic barrier’s allowing people to awaken from a state of sleep similar to an mild hypnotic trance that further allow control of people subconscious.
I am no expert but I nut know how it has effected me. My research is in complete and I’m about 80% correct so don’t through it out just because you find a mistake, this is just the nature of Satanic Ritual Abuse. I have tried to be completely honest and why I have chosen to not candy coat my testimony. I further want to express that I have no memories that point to ether one of my moms being perpitrators. And you need to leave my family’s alone, you will just cause some to be hurt or killed for something they know nothing about.
Adam,
Both of Johnny’s parents have confirmed that you are NOT their son. Your delusions may seem real to you, but you have to accept they are just delusions. You can’t remember being Johnny Gosch because you are NOT Johnny Gosch. There is plenty of evil in the world, but your stories of CIA mind control, satanic murders, a million people singing Johnny Gosch songs…it’s all in your sick mind. Take your medications and leave Johnny’s family alone.
You are trying to discredit the truth,
No Adam. No. You are not Johnny. Stop harassing everyone.
Is there any new news regarding Willie Mae Rucker disapears?
They found a female jawbone and other remains in the Iowa River a couple of weeks ago. I wonder if it could possibly be her?
Isn’t it funny how everyone who is all aboard the “Faded Out”
podcast starts to not believe the factual evidence gathered in the Netflix
Johnny Gosch story, which involved America’s
Most Wanted and Paul Bonnacci? Or Conspiracy of Silence? Then start viciously attacking Noreen, in particular “Tri State Girl”? Sounds quite personal for them so assume some of their family or locality may have been implicated. Somehow they “all know” he is dead…
mmmkay.
I’m not attacking anyone. I just follow facts. I feel bad for Noreen, and the families of the other boys. No one should lose their child this way. I just can’t believe how many people ignored obvious suspects, and then made up the current more well known story. A lot of people who “helped” Noreen ended up being weirdos. Faded Out is the only serious source to cover local suspects. There had been discussions on this site before about local people, and a little bit on Reddit, but nothing solid. There’s been coverage on other podcasts and YouTube after Faded Out, and it’s all the same old stuff again. The Netflix documentary showed a lack of investigation, and has been proven wrong. You have your beliefs though, and I have mine.
I think you didn’t realize you got played by interviewing and perhaps taking the side of Johnny’s father who is definitelu
not up to snuff. A lot of midwestern people
might come off as unassuming and innocent, but doesn’t mean they don’t have some sick secrets. Look at JonBenet’s mother… she took her secret to the grave and how did that end up helping her other child? Would have been better to clear the air when confronted, then to face the afterlife with a guilty conscience hidden away.
I didn’t interview anyone. Faded Out isn’t my podcast. I’m just a fan. I don’t understand why so many people don’t want to believe it was someone local. Faded Out isn’t perfect, but at least it looked into a realistic timeline.
There were 2 possibly 3 locals and more from a few other states that I can identify. I am begining to think about half of the people or AI BOT that frequent this page are here to prevent justice from accuring. If you can protect me from our government so I don’t end up like Edward Showden or worse like Julian Assange. Everybody needs to wake up, this is not the republic that was originally created in the late 1700’s. This new government is trying to legalize what they have already been doing. Crimes against children are unforgivable. Why are so many people refusing to accept the fact that the government did it and are continuing to do the same to other children.
Look at the PHYCHICAL EVEDINCE that surports my finding. And don’t let these cult members influence you to not look at ALL possibilities.
https://johnnygosch.wordpress.com/
Adam,
Physical. Evidence.
I think there was a married police officer that didn’t want his infidelity found out or fell in love with Jodi . I think he was with her at her apartment when she overslept and while she was getting ready for work pulled that white police van up and snapped her neck or killed her in parking lot as he was putting her in van . Conscience at that time he was building a machine shed on his property. 27 years of covering up his affair.
In 1974, Frank Sykora had a 10YO boy staying overnight at his house to help him with his paper route the next day. Frank’s brother James S. Sykora molested the child and was arrested the next day. Another potential suspect.
Did this happen on the Mississippi River?
Jason’s attorneys solved the case on A&E in 2021 where is the updated case information 😩
My aunt Alice is a missing person. Wondering if this skeleton is missing the lateral incisors
My brother Adam and I were born as conjoined twins who were both drafted into the CI*’s monarch program. The phychic research branch of thier phycological (mind control) research MK-U;tra.
Because of the extensive use of hypnotism used to, manipulate my memories, my narritive needs nongovernmential investagative resources to help with the finel draft.
Conjoined twin are known to be born with a phychic ability that allows them to know what each other is thinking. This This telepathic connectedness was the target of thier phychic research. The truth will be known.
https://johnnygosch.wordpress.com
Definition of delusion: “an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument, typically a symptom of mental disorder.”
That black and white photo of the guy Noreen says partisapated in the abduction is my other dad. The lower part of his ear lobe has been amputated, he’s blowing his cheeks out, there’s a 3.5oz gold Cuban link chain around his neck. The photo was taken by members of the, anti pedo alliance who kednapped him to exact information and evedince from him. The photos delivered to Noreen were his personal collection of political blackmail photos that have links to other child rape photos. The photos and thier agreement to allow me to fully awaken were exchanged for his freedom. They were partially photo shoped by the lead programmer responsible for my programming and then left on Noreen’s porch for my use and protection aftered I was allowed to fully awaken.
Attacking my creditability and egnoring the evedince is not going to keep the current cover-up narritive in place.
They have repeated that narritive so many times that it has become a false truth.
My nongovernment and evedince based investagation is continuing on my site where we can prevent the large satanic political cult who operate in the shadows of our government from manipulating us with there many tactics like Rattus and others are using against me.
Just because it sounds crazy, doesn’t mean its not true.
You are Sick! How can you actually come on this page under Johnny Gosch and protray and present yourself as something you’re not.
Please Stop. Johnny’s Family and Friends visit here.
So in the sixties many girls went missing in The same mason city so could it be the same person twenty years later yes. Yes yes
Why did you never see your mom if you are really Johnny Gosch?
I am very interested, can you please tell me information about your childhood that the public does not know about, that only your parents would know about?
Do you see a therapist to talk about what happened to you?
[…] at 18. Harry was adopted by Mark’s grandparents when he was only a few months outdated. Iowa Chilly Instances experiences that Mark instructed Dateline, “That is how me and Harry turned brothers. We do […]
[…] was adopted at 18. Harry was adopted by Mark's grandparents when he was just a few months old. Iowa Cold Cases reports that Mark told Dateline, "That's how me and Harry became brothers. We don't […]
I might be his daughter so if y’all find him please make him contact me 651-463-2190 is the landline
Hey Kasandra- Just curious why you think he may be your dad…. get a hold of me…
I have over all these,many different theories, and most are all the same…Ethan owed a drug dealer money for drugs…????cocaine,meth.most likely meth.maybe they were cooking meth out there and other illegal activities, that’s why no one has spoken a word this entire time???they would al be in trouble for accessory to the fact,ormaybe they just didn’t like eathan,or someone accidentally killed him,or he overdosed,or alcohol posioning,and everyone was to afraid of getting in trouble them selfish selves …..
From what people who know him have said on Facebook over the years he wasn’t that kind of person. People paint a picture of kind of a band geek who was also into drama and theater. People said he attended the University of Iowa and was part of the marching band there, but didn’t graduate. He appears to maybe be at kind of a lost stage of his life not sure what he wanted to do and there were also rumors about his sexuality. I have the feeling this is one of those cases where we will never know the why and the family are under no obligation to say anything.
I see her grave says Connie Jo Choate. Was that her legal name when she died or did the family just not want to have Bodensteiner on it? I can understand if they did it, but would be nice to know what her legal name was at the time of her death. Old DM Register archives seem to just call her Connie Bodensteiner. I’m guessing that was her legal name at the time.
These cases remind me of a very creepy occurrence. Back around 2000-2003 a guy that worked on my construction crew would get very jittery everytime we drove over this bridge. The creepy part is when he said “there had been a young girl found choked to death down there years ago”. While telling me this he was rocking back and forth on the truck seat rubbing his hands together. If these are still unsolved I think I need to contact DMPD. I’ve long forgotten this guy’s last name, I’m sure work records are still available…
Why isnt chuck flint listed?
These dirty Sheriffs Dept Set me Up Dumped Tires in My Noryh Field Prosucted me Huge fire Jail time I. 66 Tears old with Health Problems Had a Stroke inside Jail denied Hospital. Starved Me in Kail yet No one will listen We Called Iowa Civil Rights No Help denied. No Justice. I’m forced to leave my Home. Sherriff Yelling at Me telling me to shut my mouth stop talking to FBI They won’t do anything any how.i hate The State of Iowa CORRUPTION right down through their Courts system Police Judges They came stole our children Waz Terrible. When doctors te me I’m dying I’m going after a few. That did this too me. Left out was Beatened Up by Mitchall County Seriiffs Office Told to get out of Iowa Your not wanted Here. Deputy Jackson Beat me while I was Handcuffed Denied Attorney for Court too. Judge says You don’t need a Attorney. I was in a wheel chair Sick Couldn’t walk. Went from jail when I was released to Austin Medical Center I Life saving surgery I was minutes from death had lost 85 lbs. Too. Yet I had no health Issues.oh Sherrif Denoed me My Heart meds 7 days too.
WHY IS THIS A COLD CASE?! THERE NEEDS TO BE. BOOTS ON THE GROUND CITIZENS ROUNDING UP ALL THESE DIRTY COPS SO THEY CAN PAY THE PRICE FOR WHAT THEY’VE DONE, F#CKING COWARD ASS SISSY PIGS
I was celled with this man in federal prison and I hope the family seeks justice for what he and two other was involved in.
I asked Urbandale police in 2016/17 to consider my mother’s death a cold case, with possible autopsy and cremation despite Roman Catholic affiliation. Urbandale is also DSM in zip codes. They looked at me as if I were a public nuisance. I think technology and housing killed her – she had mercury fillings, not Alzheimer’s.
I am an Iowan by birth but lived elsewhere for many years. We returned to Iowa during the era when the Dennis Chaffee murder occured and because I am a Chaffee, I have been interested in this unsolved case. I encourage Marie and Adam to pursue a solution.
No Steve wasn’t a veteran.
It’s still so sad to me that there are people that were her so called friends know who pulled the trigger and took this beautiful life. She was love just plain love and she lived these people that are suppose to be her friends. For God’s sake someone who knows needs to come forward. They need closure the kids need closure. Someone who knows find the strength to come forward. Have the courage to say it’s been to long. Lisa deserves this. We all do. If you truly loved her say something be strong it’s time.
All you people think it’s a walk through the park during a house fire. It happens so fast that you don’t realize how fast the fire spreads. My wife didn’t do anything wrong and blames herself for not grabbing the baby first. She thought she had time. It’s pretty sad that people want to lay blame on someone when they don’t even realize how hard it was on us to lose our son. People also want to post how I went to Federal Prison and guess what I paid my dues and have been drug free now for 25 years. Fucking hypocrites need to clean their own porch off before they judge anybody else
Has anyone submitted a public records request on this case? Does anyone know if Marie is still with us?
I see on a few other sites he’s listed as deceased. Have they found something or has me been declared dead?
It sounds to me like Hathaway feels guilty for encouraging him to get the motorcycle parts back rather than him feeling guilty as if he hurt Kenneth himself. It is absolutely not his fault if this is the case but I know it’s human nature to blame yourself.
Word on the street was she overdosed, and her body was put into a 55 gallon drum of lye and built into the house of someone out in the Durango area supposedly.
https://www.kcrg.com/2022/07/29/man-acquitted-2011-robbery-killing-cedar-rapids-face-trial-federal-charge/
Has Kenneth Scholz ever come up as a suspect? He murdered my uncle (who was also 13) in Crete, IL in 1951. He moved to Des Moines to be with his mother, Elsie Scholz, after he got out of jail in the 70s I think, and they are in the Des Moines phone book in 82. Kenneth would have been 49 in 82. How many people living in Des Moines at that time had that kind of backstory? Here are some articles about my uncle and the trial. https://mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com/2013/03/01/billy-rodenburg-murder-1171951-crete-il-17-year-old-kenneth-scholz-confesses-to-killing-13-year-old-billy-rodenburg/
That is a name that I haven’t heard before. Thank you for sharing this story. I’m sorry about your uncle.
Matt, thanks for sharing that information. It introduces a new name of a possible person of interest into the disappearance of Johnny. However, the body of Billy was found. A big if in relation to Kenneth Scholz, would be if he kidnapped Johnny, where he hidden him or his remains all these years.
Also, one of the articles refers to Kenneth as a Iowa youth. But, it did not mention where in Iowa he was from. Also, you have him moving to Des Moines, after his release from prison.
I have Elsie Scholz’s address in an old Des Moines phone book from 1985. 1079 22nd St, Des Moines, IA. He lived 5 to 7 miles from each abduction site. That house is still there. Is there a way to find out if he or his mom owned a Ford Fairmont?
Kenneth Sholz was born in Crete, IL. He moved to Des Moines to be with his mother after he got out of jail. He died in 2004. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121330632/kenneth-carl-scholz
I see they have a photo of when he was caught. He was young then and wearing glasses. Does anyone know what he looked like in the 80’s? Maybe he looked like the sketch of the man in the car in Johnny’s case, or the man Eugene was seen talking to. Maybe someone who grew up with Marc might recognize him from just walking around or something. Maybe he was at Des Moines Register parties with Wilbur Millhouse or Frank Sykora. Maybe he went around the mall where Fred Sayre went after kids. Most of the adults are gone, but maybe a former paper boy from that time would remember.
I think they were likely taken by a loner. And Kenneth Scholz was a loner.
There’s a podcast called Faded Out that follows the theory of someone at the Register doing it. Maybe Kenneth was friends with Millhouse. What kind of job did Kenneth have in Des Moines? Did he work for the Register? Did he work at the mall? Did he work at the bookstore?
Maybe Millhouse took Johnny, and Kenneth took Eugene and Marc. Or any other kind of combination of that scenario. I know the towns are close, but it’s definitely a possibility that different men took each kid. Or maybe Kenneth worked with local pedophiles, Millhouse included. There was a pedophile ring with other pedophiles busted in 1986. If Kenneth was left behind that would explain why there were kidnapping attempts from 1986 to 1989. Then it all stops. Maybe the group fell apart and Kenneth wasn’t as good.
This post also shows us just how many bad people can be around you at any time. This is why children can’t be out alone.
If Kenneth did this I bet he did it alone. I don’t think the theories about a ring in Who Took Johnny added up to much.
I don’t believe the documentary either. The people I listed were covered in Faded Out. Local pedophiles who could have come in contact with Johnny. Millhouse specifically.
In Faded Out, and on this site, Yellow Bag talks about how Millhouse said Johnny was taken because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. The Paper really messed up. Letting two pedophiles work with kids.
Millhouse had already been charged, while working at the paper in the 70’s. Sykora had been in the same home his brother molested kids in during the 70’s as well. Then Sykora was busted in the 80’s as a pedophile himself.
There was also a pedophile ring in Des Moines that was busted in the 80’s. Other men, that as far as I know, weren’t attached to the Register, but maybe they knew Kenneth. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26108166/mar-15-1986-reg-man-who-had-been/
There were also the attempted kidnappings from 1986 until 1989. I don’t know what to make of those because Millhouse, a prime suspect, was already in jail. Maybe Kenneth was having his go at it. A lot of this is lost in time since all of these men are dead now.
Nobody has ever asked me what happened. Never. My truth can not overcome the false truth created by repeating the narrative above. It was not a physical kidnapping. It was an inslavement of the mind using trauma based mind control.
You are not Johnny, and you have a lot of nerve. I really don’t get how some people can be this heartless. His family misses him everyday, and a lot of people know he is dead. Get help.
The way TRI State Girl attacks the truth because it doesn’t fit with the cover up narritive shows everybody here that she is working to keep the cover up in place. Using tactics taken out of the government\ CI*’s play book.
Don’t address the evedince only attack the creditability of the truth speaker. The evedince so overwhelmingly supports my truth that nobody is even allowed to think outside that narritive.
I’m here after the truth and this conversation involves me.
I was there. I have the answers to many questions that the people have a right to know. I refuse to candy coat what happened to me. They manipulated my memories because memory control is mind control. But the evedince is physical. 100’s of physical prices of evedince.
I will answer some questions if three of you are able to maintain an open mind and are willing to learn about the tactics used that made this possible. The truth is so different than the current narritive and that the cover up is so compartialmentialized that few of the individual parts can stand alone but become more understandable as it relates to each other parts. I’m telling you that
This was done by the people who also operated the MK ultra programs and other government mind control programs.
Johnny; if this is you, please know there are others out there that know your pain. I was a victim of a sexual predator when I was very young. I did not go through what you did, but I can understand the pain it leaves you with. I wish I could help you.
Prove it
Sorry not you
I have the evedince. I want everybody to help Protect me from our government who has been manipulating me since birth. I realize how crazy this sounds but I refuse to candy coat what happened which would only hurt my creditability more. To also understand that the CIA never does anything without taking a detour through the land of deniability or crazy land. That’s just how they do thing. I know because they trained my subconscious using trauma based mind control that allowed them to control my subconscious mind which had overwhelmingly influence of my conscious mind. Basically they compartialmentialized my mind into different personalities and personality parts who were completely unaware of each other. Although my individual programming dramatically Changed after Anton killed my formerly conjoined twin brother. Which caused the fake kednapping so I could be moved to Adam’s family. when I was I had already spent about half my life, 6 years living as Adam who was one of my well established personalities. Think of it like there were two Adam’s and two Johnmys but never activated at the same time who switched places with each other every 6 months in order to keep us as identical as possible. Both mom’s wrteneber aware of the experiment but victems of memory manipulation as I was. Memory control is mind control. This was done as part of thier mind control research that was also researching the connectedness that allowes conjoined twin to know what thier siblings are thinking, a telepathic ability used in prayer but much stronger which also gave Adam and I a strong connection to the sprit world which is the source of the power that is used by the elites to dominate the masses. The reason for the cover up of the research projects is it classified as hidden knowledge. The same knowledge that has been systematically hidden from the masses for thousands of years that is hidden the Vatican. This powers makes it possible for the, elites to dominate the masses. Allowing them amunity from prosecution so many became addicted to sex with children creating the elite pedo problem. I am God’s Messenger and I want everybody to know about this knowledge to eliminate the unfare advantage and the abuse of the children.
What is hard to wrap my brain around is ..If you have an identical twin Adam ..no one ever saw him in all those years …? Where is He now ? Where is this other family?
I have one recovered memory of being on the kednappers bed where they say “Adam died why don’t we ,ale him Adam ” and when the who done it question came up the answer was always Anton.
If you are really who you say you are prove it
Why did you never see your mom if you are really Johnny Gosch?
I am very interested, can you please tell me information about your childhood that the public does not know about, that only your parents would know about?
What happened to you? I would love to hear what you have to say! I have a very open mind!
Contact me on my website where we can arrange to speak by phone
https://johnnygosch.wordpress.com
My apologies, I do not feel comfortable sharing my phone-number with you because I am 13 years old. I cannot help you. I am sorry about this.
This was just supposed to be for an extra credit assignment for summer school because I got a bad grade in Social Studies last year. I was only going to put information from you that I got on this forum.
There’s a podcast called Faded Out that covers this case. I think their more realistic approach would help you with your project. It’s on various platforms. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-faded-out-29268528/
Episode 13 of season 1 is when it starts to get really good. Season 1 covers Johnny’s case. Season 2 is about an unrelated case in Connecticut.
Also, I’m glad you didn’t give out your personal information to that weirdo. This guy pretending to be Johnny is clearly very disturbed.
If you listen to Faded Out as Tri State Girl recommends, I would be very cautious. The podcast has a very flagrant agenda to discredit Noreen Gosch and Paul Bonacci no matter what the evidence actually says. It uncritically accepted anti-Noreen and anti-Bonacci statements from the likes of Chris Birge, Johnny’s father, and Sam Soda, even though all three witnesses’ statements had seriously credibility issues. Chris’s witness statements of that morning were contradicted by all other witnesses; I’ve written about it before here: https://www.reddit.com/r/JohnnyGosch/comments/e948gx/chris_birge_and_the_sighting_of_a_van/ Johnny’s dad Leonard John Gosch repeatedly contradicted his own prior statements along with other verifiable evidence; I’ve written about that before here: http://cavdef.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Gosch_abduction#ljgliesSam Soda was a prime suspect of the Gosches who lied on the podcast about many things, including a claim that the Gosches hired him when in fact he tried soliciting them. He also tried to dissuade the podcast host from believing that Johnny’s abduction was premeditated and tried to convince her that Eugene Martin (whose abduction Sam knew about before it happened, according to Noreen) was unconnected to Johnny’s. Gee, I sure wonder why this prime suspect would do that.
Faded Out is so egregious that even when they receive evidence contradicting their star witnesses, they either ignore the evidence or somehow claim that the evidence actually proves their witnesses are truthful. At one point, Sam claimed that while he was interviewing Des Moines Register pedophile Frank Sykora, another journalist named Mary Bock was in the room with him the whole time. He used this to guard against claims that he had in any way coerced Sykora during the interview as there would have been an independent witness. Faded Out interviewed Mary Bock, who stated that she may have been in the adjacent room (i.e. not the same room as Sam) but she was actually pretty sure she wasn’t with Sam at all that night and only got his tape of the interview the next day. Somehow, even though Bock entirely contradicted Sam’s account, Faded Out presented it as if she had confirmed it.
There probably isn’t anyone out there with a truly objective view of the Johnny Gosch case. What you should do is read the arguments for and against various theories, then dive into the evidence to see how closely the different theories match it. I have my own website with the page http://cavdef.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Gosch_abduction which is a summary of the case that has extensive footnotes to sources that can be checked. Whether someone agrees or disagrees with my presentation of the case facts, they all follow from specific pieces of evidence that you can verify.
Your information is interesting. I have one question. If Johnny went alone to deliver newspapers, why didn’t at least one of his parents hear him pull the wagon out of the garage and/or hear the dog bark? The garage is right below the master bedroom. Both parents got up routinely at dawn for work and family responsibilities. Yet, supposedly, both parnets didn’t wake up until more than an hour after Johnny allegedly left the house.
I think if you are really Johnny, you should see your mom. She will be open to hearing you. She loves you very much.
This is not Johnny Gosch. Everyone fake Johnny has taken his story to (including a friend of mine) has come to the conclusion he is a sick young man with serious mental issues. He looks absolutely nothing like the real Johnny Gosch.
Hey, does anybody know if ‘YELLOBAG’ is still around?
He is still alive, but I don’t know if he still goes on this site. If he wanted to add something I think he would. I don’t know if there is anything else to add though.
It’s weird how you say everyone knows he is dead. What is your source of information to say he is dead?
Matt,
Let me know if you would be willing to discuss more about Ken Scholz.I can figure out a way to get my contact info to you. Thank you.
Just saw this, how do I send you a private message?
Also let me know if you need or want to share more information about Ken Scholz. He may have been in Pontiac prison at the same as John David Norman. He also lived right behind another Cold Case victim, Diane Schofield.
You bring up an interesting name John David Norman, who along with a Paul R Paske ran a major pedophile ring out of Chicago in the 1970’s.
They were supposedly sending childten around the United States and the wotld. Supposedly John Wayne Gacy claimed that Paske was dangerous.
Paske supposedly murdered three boys in vfc 1977. One of them was supposed to testify against Norman.
Happy birthday dad
Is she going by Sheryn Drewelow now to hide her past?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryn-drewelow-a02538a8
And https://www.facebook.com/sheryn.drewelow
this one really gets to me
I am visiting Shenandoah at the moment and i’m trying to figure something out about the Tall Corn Inn, we found a photograph of an overview of the Hotel from what appears to be the 1960s. The photograph shows a woman being dragged by a man, she’s wrapped in a bedsheet or something else but she is clearly alive in the image. If anyone knows anything, please let me know.
I’m a former investigator and have some tips. Can someone contact me, I have an idea.
Is anyone aware of why Michael Klutner has been cleared for these murders? The timing of things couldn’t be more suspicious. Im concerned the white van is a red hearing.
I remember reading that they had a dedicated team to heavily investigate Michael Klunder in relation to this case. They were able to confirm a bunch of things that show he wasn’t in the Evansdale area at the time. He wasn’t even familiar with the area, and where the girls were found at Seven Bridges Wildlife Area is the kind of place where only locals who grew up in the area go to. Michael Klunder did his crimes in places he lived and worked. My thought is that it was a local man who one of the girls knew. Probably a family friend who grew up in the area and had a hunting or fishing license at one point.
From my understanding, Michael Klunders first crimes did in fact happen in the Waverly area. Which would mean he was somewhat familiar with the area. And the crimes he committed there and in Dayton seem to be somewhat similar. I also often wonder how they were able to rule him out.
All this week KCRG is airing stories about Elizabeth and Lyric’s abductions and murders.
https://www.kcrg.com/video/2022/07/10/evansdale-cousins-went-missing-years-ago-this-week/
Fingers crossed that their case gets solved soon!
A commenter has said that the molesting uncle Roy Beach had an adopted son named Paul. Although the Beach family was cleared by DNA, was Paul cleared?
Well I just found out that Paul died in 2004.
I’m sure this has been brought up over the years, but has Brown’s Woods or Racoon River woods ever been checked thoroughly? Seems like a good place to dump a body. Browns woods is basically a middle point with easy access from where Eugene went missing, with conjunction to where Johnny went missing in WDM. Browns especially. It couldn’t be more in the middle of the two areas the kids went missing. Did any of the suspects frequent those areas for any reason?
Not just Browns woods but Des Moines Water Works Park. People don’t realize how big it is.
Please don’t forget that on 4 Feb 1984 Tim Earney also from Albia was murdered in his home. The case is still unsolved.
“Dachshunds were bred to be hunting dogs, and like all hunting dogs, they tend to bark. Their bark can be loud, especially considering their small size. Many Dachshunds are sensitive to changes in their environments, which increases the likelihood of excessive barking.”
So, the first mute daschund in history miraculously finds its way back to the Gosch household without waking up the neighbors with an incessant bark. This breed is known for barking, and barking loudly. Yet, the daschund Johnny supposedly took on his route the morning of September 5, 1982, did not make a sound.
Must have been heavily sedated or the entire story is BS.
This case is all about Gretchen, the daschund, that never barked on its way home to sit outside for more than an hour at the Gosch home without barking.
And there is a Santa Claus.
What about Jasons wife? My theory is they planned it and it was all about money. She killed mom, staged it, crossed arms and legs and left. Then Jason shows up to call it in 2 hours later with an alibi.
In addition that is why Shelly was so opposed to Jason taking the plea deal, because she was worried he would end up breaking his silence about who really pulled the trigger. The affair didn’t matter at that point.
Ridiculous
Praying for justice for this man!
Freddy it’s your brother Chris and u are still missing it’s been obver 9 years just wanted to let you know I’m a dad I have three kids and three step kids all girls hopefully u will be able to meet them someday I really miss u and I am hurting all the time because I miss u so much and love u so much I can’t wait to find u brother please contact me 6415755609 please call me Freddy I miss u and need u around u are my brother and my closest friend there will always be a hole in my heart a spot only u can fill so please call I really need u it is killing me inside not knowing where or what happened to u please come home I love u always and forever ur brother Chris
Chris, thanks so much for sharing this on your brother’s page, and I’m so sorry you and your family are still without answers after 9 long years. I can’t begin to imagine not knowing what happened to one of my siblings. It’s true that somebody out there always knows something, and I hope that person will one day soon slip up or follow his or her conscience and come forward with details that will provide some type of resolution. All my very best to you and your family. Jody @ ICC
Mark Millihan did Interesting PODCAST “UNFOUNFD” Harry and Car, I.ll Check bsck or “routte” to CONTACT remain “Jim for NOW.
Jim(per say)
July 1? Turkey Day obvious passed as MANYbhave since 1984
Davis Brother or (s) you had mentioned Richard would be 80s in PRISON if Still ALIVE. Did you get Chance to Speak with or ANYTHING to ADD?
My wife and I have seen literally thousands of true crime docs and this one ranks up there in the top 3 of weakest cases ever! The other 2 were Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey. One girl has the memory, the other girl does not remember it – they cancel each other out. Was it a planted memory by a mother with a vendetta? A dream? And I’ve never heard of someone committing a perfect murder with the exception that they went home and started confessing out loud to the victim. Makes no sense. The drug addict’s story makes no sense. Why would a murderer take the bloody clothes out of the bag in plain site of others and then burn them? Wouldn’t she just throw the paper bag with the clothes still in it into the fire and burn everything at once? And why didn’t he say this 25 years earlier when questioned? He can’t be trusted. Why weren’t the hairs tested? And the judge should have allowed this to be a hung jury. It’s obvious there was no evidence. This was a guilty until proven innocent case. I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, but it sounds like this guy’s suspect list could have been longer than the Nile. This is one of those cases that leaves you thinking if she could be convicted of murder with no evidence, then anybody could.
The DATELINE episode should bring about another look at this case. Why are her appeals being denied? Unfortunately Cahill had a weak lawyer and that should be a consideration for a re-trial. The judge should be recalled. I intend to keep following this case.
I just saw Dateline on 6/18/2022 and was stunned at the conviction. When Cahill said at her arrest “you don’t know how wrong you are” something rang true to me. I looked at the facts and there was no case for a conviction. A questionable 25-year-old memory from a 9 year old girl and a drug addict saying he saw the defendant burning bloody clothes – how are these considered evidence? And neither of those testimonies were offered during the 1992 investigation. Worst of all is the second judge not accepting a hung jury for the second time, and instructing the jury to come back the next day with a different verdict. I am blown away how this guilty verdict was railroaded by the judge, the detectives and the Weineke family’s desire for a conviction. It’s possible Cahill is guilty, but this trial certainly didn’t prove that.
I couldn’t agree more. I also watched the Dateline episode and read everything I could on the alleged “evidence.” I normally don’t question law enforcement’s decision to indict, but this case left me with a “you’ve got to be kidding me sick feeling deep in my gut.
There are cases on this site that contain — in my opinion — more than ample evidence to charge a suspect and ensure a conviction, and yet years go by with no arrests. If someone wrote up this story as a novel, any agent would find it ludicrous and tell them not to quit the day job. Mike Z. is correct in that the possibility exists that Cahill is guilty, but I saw no credible evidence whatsoever to support even an indictment, let alone a guilty verdict at trial.
If anything, the Dateline episode illuminated the nonsensical rationale for Cahill’s arrest.
Can you say…”Salem witch trial?” Watch out Justice. And the softball bat, how many ounces was it – because to swing a bat and make perfect contact to cause unconsciousness you need skill and strength- try it out on a tree- frickin impossible unless you’re built like a weightlifter and play for the MLB- Any male suspects or just a mother of 2 kids that has the time to kill during a weekday? Oh no- somebody of this 8 billion person world, who might have a repressed memory slightly askew, and you’re going to jail for 50 years!!
DM Register 04/30/1962: “police alerted hospitals and taxi cabs, officers combed dozens of blocks”.
The initial description was somewhat misleading.
From 14th Place the murderer had a straight line (due) north trajectory to reach neighborhoods with relatives and friends.
About 1.5 miles to traverse.
There was no freeway to deal with.
His biggest exposure would be crossing Keosauqua.
If he stuck to alley ways, his exposure was minimal.
Assuming a pace of 12 minutes/mile, that is 18 minutes travel time.
He was probably indoors before Clark and I returned to Clark’s apartment.
What I misunderstood, as many people do, is that trailing is highly problematic.
According to trailing expert, Jeff Schettler: “… most trailing-dog deployments rarely find what they are looking for.” [K9 Trailing The Straighest Path (p. 62). Kindle Edition.]
What likely happened on 04/29/1962 was:
The bloodhound(s) got started with the right scent article.
Contamination of the scent article occurred before exposure to bloodhound(s).
The bloodhound(s) did NOT get started with the right scent.
The handler was handicapped by arriving at the scene after other investigators. He never got control of the situation.
The murderer-rapist’s scent was not the freshest or strongest on the scene, and the bloodhound(s) didn’t “select” it.
Inner city environment contributes to odor confusion.
Trailing failure did not detect that the murderer-rapist fled the crime scene on-foot.
After he jumped from the window of the house at 1526 Woodland, he ran south to the alley, east to 15th Street, north to Woodland, east to 14th Place, north on 14th Place.
Interesting article highlighting the unfortunate occurrences of tragedies impacting Native American Iowans including this case…
‘Where is she?’ Iowa Indigenous communities grapple with missing and murder cold cases https://www.thegazette.com/news/where-is-she-iowa-indigenous-communities-grapple-with-missing-and-murder-cold-cases/
(Via The Gazette)
Interesting article highlighting the unfortunate occurrences of tragedies impacting Native American Iowans including this case…
‘Where is she?’ Iowa Indigenous communities grapple with missing and murder cold cases https://www.thegazette.com/news/where-is-she-iowa-indigenous-communities-grapple-with-missing-and-murder-cold-cases/
(Via The Gazette)
At one point this entry mentioned a fare Mr. Massouris was to have picked up at a rough old honky tonk bar that was under the viaduct. I believe a waitress was wating for it and you alluded to the fact she had something to do with it. Now all that is deleted. I wish I could remember the name of that bar because my mother told me how rough it was. I think it was called Ranchero or something similar.
Has any one looked into this https://www.kcrg.com/2022/04/11/human-remains-found-advanced-state-decomposition-outside-fairfield/
Tim is my cousin. In 2019, I sent letters to the newspapers in Ottumwa and Albia and have not gotten any responses. Please help by writting more letters.
I worked with her at Wendy’s. When I seen this I had no idea she was murdered like this. Sad asf. She was nice and didn’t deserve this
Jeff Smith did this. Run the DNA
I would like to hear from any of you and give you my thoughts. Janet was my aunt. I had spoken with Frank’s sister, Mary a few years back. She died in 2007 or so. She had lived in Des Moines and had spoken the truth to the 2 children. Frank married a woman named jean who told the two kids a lie that Janet had committed suicide. Glad she had kept in touch with P.J. and Chris.
My name is Larry Teig. Janet was my aunt. My mom was Marjorie and we were stunned when Janet died. As time passed, we all (cousins) have concluded that Frank, her husband had her murdered. This was confirmed by Franks sister, Mary La Fratte later years. She was a wonderful mother to her two children P.J. and Chris. I believe they both live in Des Moines. Someday, all will be revealed.
I still love you and miss you everyday Mom!!!!
Janet was my aunt, her husband Frank was my mom’s brother. The day Janet died, she had dropped off her children at Grandma’s just up the road. She told grandma that Frank needed her to help him in the field. Later that day she was found drowned in the pond. Interesting that the next day, we were all told by Frank that it was a suicide when in fact that was never the case!!!! Jean the woman he married 6 months later also told Frank’s children that Janet died by suicide. There were facts at the scene that without a doubt ruled out suicide.
Hello Helen, My name is Larry Teig. Janet was my aunt. My mother was her older sister, Marjorie from Jewell, Iowa. I had kept in touch with Frank’s sister Mary who lived in Des Moines. She too believed Frank was responsible. Mary had kept in touch with the two Children, P.J. and Chris. She told them the truth. I have been trying to contact P.J. Tony’s son told me he found an address for him in Des Moines. He wanted to contact him as his cousin and although I never got a hold of P.J. I would love to show reconnect with him as his cousin. I understand Chris is married and lives in Des Moines as well. You can contact me at larrylarew1@hotmail.com
Just came across this case. I was rightfully suspicious as to why such a paucity of pictures of this rapist and murderer. Another Killer Koon. Just how many even live in Iowa??
If your looking Mark Edward Handlon. You should stake out his exwifes residence at 4903 28th Avenue, Moline, IL. Because if he’s not there. She will definitely know how to get a hold of him. And definitely knows where he’s at for sure. Because she is constantly calling him. She is probably hiding him at her house. Or at one of her relatives houses that live around her house. That’s probably for sure where you will find him. Don’t stop looking for him at all. And when you find him. You need to arrest him immediately along with his exwife. Marilee Handlon at 4903 28th Ave, Moline, IL.
How does one go about getting in touch with Lt. Frank Stearns, or Lt. Ron Vande Weerde, or a Bill Basler?
Hey jade! I miss you and think about you often. I don’t know where you are but we used to be best friends in school. I have picture’s of us. Your family have been in my heart and prayers. I hope they continue this case.
Cesus show norma swope born 1925 and died at 15. No records found if her death why?
record keeping in the 1920’s probably wasnt done thoroughly, been a hundred years so might of been lost somehow
Mary I would like to know where you get your information from ?this was my grandpa And I don’t know who you are so I will see you in around our family I don’t see how this helps find my grandpa!
He’s my grandpa. I know this information because my mom was married to his son John Jr. And no you won’t see me around don’t threaten me. There’s a reason my mom left because you and your mom are fuddy duds. Total trailer trash. I don’t care if you’re my cousin. You’re gnarly. 🤢🤮 My mom and siblings moved far away from your families crazy AZZ. Good thing because I might have ended up as trash like you 😂 are you saying that you want to fight me? Ok tubs.
Also how do you know he’s dead? Are you subconsciously admitting that your family has something to do with his disappearance? Because I hear y’all do. 🤔🤔 Wondering if it has something to do with drugs…..
I’m just curious while everybody’s saying all this stuff about the dead and it doesn’t even pertain to Anything about their disappearance Thought this was supposed to help find them not to bash upon the dead and missing
The staging of the scene to resemble a “robbery” where nothing was missing save the murder weapon and that the body was also staged strongly suggests to me the killer was a family member, either the husband or one of the two sons. The killer didn’t bring a weapon but knew there was a gun safe in the basement and retrieved the murder weapon from there. It seems clear Jason was not the killer since video places him far away at the time of the murder. Comment from family member above indicates husband was also far away at the time of the murder. That leaves Billy Dean Carter. Where was he that morning – why was he never a suspect? Can any other family members be implicated or have motive? And Jason’s wife, she seems 100% convinced from the beginning that Jason wasn’t involved – not the slightest doubt. Is there a reason she is so sure? It’s baffling to me that this remains a cold case and that not a shred of physical evidence was ever found.
im sure the police have thought about this as many others have also. maybe there isnt quite enough evidence to move forward……yet
I just watched the A&E Accused Guilty or Innocent series episode about this case. Presented from the defendents point of view. It elaborates on a very generous plea deal offered by the state and statements by others implicating the Followill brothers. At this point I am convinced that not only is Jason not culpable it is likely neither are any family members. It is upsetting that his life has been greatly impacted and that he is being held responsible with no further appeal possible for a 10.2M civil judgement against him.
Billy was at work. I worked with him, and remember the day he found out about his Mom being killed. He was devastated. Hi alibi was checked a million times, and verified by several people who interacted with him at work the days leading up to the crime, and the day of.
I am in agreement with William Hilder, Jason is innocent. The last person to see Shirley alive and m concern here is why would he do everything to blame his son. I am not blaming anyone because to jump to conclusions is exact what has damaged so many lives.
Without doubt I do believe that the Police made three crucial mistakes
1. They told the Billy they had someone they were looking at and would be laying charges within weeks. Of course the famiily were going to get frustrated. How Jason got a fair trial is testament to the wonderful jury.
2. The Police did not follow the evidence. They made an assumption and without doubt attempted to make the evidence fit their conclusion.
3. There were a number of clues that the Police didn’t follow to their conclusions. They were so harassed by Jason’s and I think the Civil Judgement left them looking inadequate So they jumped on that banned wagon, a case that leaves a loving parent wondering why he would deliberately push to blame his own son.
Personally as a Criminologist I would love to see all the evidence as heart breaks for Jason and his family, he has been found innocent by a court of Law, yet his own self righteous family have found his guilty….why, because he had an affair. Something that had nothing to do with his parents. There is far more to this story and all parties, especially Shirley deserve someone to investigate this from an open mind.
As I was looking up information on the case, I came across testimonies of those involved in the case. Billy Carter was supposedly at work when his mother was killed, but I have no clue if his alibi checked out. From the follow up episode, the rumors of others being involved was investigated by Jason’s attorneys. They found a truck that was possibly seen in the area, plus the phone belonging to someone of interest pinged off the closest tower to the Carter farm at 9:23am (or very close to that time, as I don’t recall the exact time they said). Sounds to me like the police have some work to do. I truly find it difficult to believe that Jason or his wife were involved. His brother is extremely weird though, but weirdness doesn’t indicate guilt.
ok so how hard would it be to solve the case bc my dad knew her in high school and i would like to bring her family to peace about what happened to there child
Newspapers.com has a story about him from 2000, in the Des Moines Register.
They had a little museum at knotts berry farm when I was a kid in the 1970s they had the axe from this crime at there museum it was shut down years ago wonder what happend to the axe!
I heard the axe is on display at the Iowa Historical Museum in downtown Des Moines.
I want that axe!
Maureen Farley did not know that she moved to Cedar Rapids and moved next door to a murder who was trying to hide his murder by killing more people, or hiring a person to kill possibly the only person who saw him commit the murder. Maureen Farley moved right in next door to the possibly murderer of Paula Oberbroeckling. Maureen Farley’s next door neighbor in Cedar Rapids was Doctor Thomas Sturgeon (a chiropractor). Paula Oberbroeckling was murdered at a prostitute’s house. The pimp at that prostitute’s house was Ernest Jordan . Doctor Thomas Sturgeon bought the gun and paid Perry Harris to murder Ernest Jordan, the pimp who most likely saw Doctor Thomas Sturgeon murder Paula Oberbroeckling when he was trying to rape Paula Oberbroeckling.
Today marks 60 years since the murder-rape of Ramona Jean Cox. This case has been of lasting interest to me because I was walking within 150 feet of 1526 Woodland, WHILE THE CRIME WAS IN-PROGRESS.
My friend and I went to Foodland (630 14th Place) to buy cigarettes. The clerk had to face east as he pulled the cigarettes from the shelf, and that is when he mentioned a black guy running shirtless past the store window. I couldn’t see from inside the store, so I stepped out of the store door, and looked north on 14th Place. He had a white shirt gripped in his left hand. It enabled me to see him in the dark, on an overcast night (no moonlight). He glanced back, and saw me, but kept slow trotting north.
When the first squad car arrived, my friend and I walked back to the corner of 15th and Woodland. After the police informed the three people in the yard at 1530, that they found the dead body of their neighbor at 1526, the women started yelling and crying. That would be Sharen C and Jackie P. Charles R, the boyfriend of Sharen C, tried to console her, but she wouldn’t be consoled. From 150 feet away, my friend and I, interpreted it as a boyfriend-girlfriend spat that had gotten out of hand. When the vehicle with the bloodhounds arrived, our theory didn’t seem to fit. Why were the bloodhounds on the scene?
Charles, Sharen, and Jackie identified the man who jumped from the window as white. Later, the FBI analysis of hair fibers, indicated a black-white mix. The guy I saw slow trotting on 14th Place was black. He was in the neighborhood, at the right time, and had about the same stature (5’9”, 160 lbs) as reported in the newspaper, so why don’t I think he was the murderer? The bloodhounds arrived on the scene in less than an hour. If the guy I saw was the murderer, the bloodhounds would have been on that trail in a heartbeat. Instead, the newspaper indicated the bloodhounds only tracked to the back alley. This indicates to me that the murderer fled the scene in a vehicle parked behind 1526 Woodland.
Reading your previous entries regarding this case, you indicated that you didn’t see anything. Now you are saying you did indeed see “a black man jogging”? Please explain.
You are probably referring to when the officer asked us “boys” if we had seen anyone in the neighborhood, and I said no.
Keep in mind, my friend Clark and I, didn’t know until the next morning what had happened, and how serious the situation was. That night, we thought it looked like a boyfriend-girlfriend spat that had gotten out of hand.
We actually hadn’t seen anyone in the neighborhood on our walk to Foodland, at 630 14th Place. The streets were desolate. We were the only ones out and about. Not unusual considering people were getting ready for the start of the work week, and were headed to bed or already in bed.
The only activity we saw was the guys screech off the stop sign at the south segment of 15th at Woodland. We were positioned right in front of them, if they had came up over the curb onto the sidewalk, they would have hit us. But, the driver cut hard left and sped west on Woodland. I figured out the next day after reading the paper, that this was Charles Russell, and his friend who was driving him back to 1530 Woodland.
We had run out of cigarettes, and that was why we went to Foodland. We were underage, but Clark was 6’0″ and about 200 lbs. I was 5’10” and 98 lbs. He looked old enough if the clerk didn’t check id.
We spent a few minutes looking around getting some candy, then when Clark asked for the cigarettes, I lingered in the store doorway, getting ready to run if the clerk questioned our age. I just realized last night, in a flashback, that I actually saw that jogger come up the south segment of 15th, headed for Woodland. I went back into the store, and chatted with Clark and the Clerk. When the clerk faced east to grab the cigarettes, he said he saw a black guy, shirtless, jog by the window. I stepped back out of the store doorway, and could see him jogging north on 14th Place. He had a light colored shirt in his left hand, wadded up. Since it was an overcast night (no moon, no stars), I probably wouldn’t have seen him without that light shirt.
I believe he had the shirt on when I first saw him, and must have taken it off when I went back into the store.
Clark was in the store the whole time, and wouldn’t have seen the guy. I never mentioned anything about the jogger to him. The clerk only got a poor glimpse as he jogged by. I say poor glimpse, because the store window had cardboard signs and a neon sign that would have prevented him from getting a good look. The best view I had was when he was jogging north on the south segment of 15th toward Woodland. The view I had of him as he jogged north on 14th Place was inferior, because there was no close by streetlight, his back was to me, although I saw him glance back over his shoulder.
I’ve been trying to refine that memory image, but it is from 60 years ago.
Wasant Mike Flowers a suspect in the hill murder didn’t they find him wearing the Mr hills ring?
Jose Canas Is the true killer of Amber Hayes!!!
I always pull up google maps when reviewing these cases. I don’t know why but it tends to give be a better perspective of what happened and how.
The girls’ bikes were found on the trail in the South East corner of the park. This is the most obscure area in the park and is next to I-350. It is obvious why everyone jumped to the conclusion it might have been a trucker.
What I want to know it the address the grandmother lived at when this occured. I would like to try and track the path they took TO the park as I feel someone watched them and followed them in there, waiting til they got to this remoter area.
People jumped on to the idea that it might have been a trucker, but there is a large fence between the park and the interstate. I don’t want to give the exact address, but the grandma’s house was on Brovan Blvd Evansdale, Iowa. It’s a small street and if you look at street view from 2012 you can’t miss it. The park where the girls were found is very remote and only the kind of place locals who grew up in the area ever visit. Not the kind of place and random trucker would know about or be able to drive their truck easily into.
I pray my sister gets the justice she so desperately deserves. I hope the person or persons that were involved in taking her from us pay the ultimate price. There is a special place in hell for people like that! I miss her so much. Sh was an amazing person with the most peaceful mind anyone could possess. She helped anyone when they needed it and never asked for anything in return. Such a beautiful soul and I know she’s watching over me everyday.
Kim was the only person who showed me kindness when i was being bullied at LC and we became school buddies. I never forgot that.
I am wondering how much it would cost to get the DNA testing done to close these cases.
probably quite pricey so you know the state of iowa wont do it unless it is absolutely necessary. youre right though leaning towards DNA because i believe most of these cases could be closed if they would approach it that way
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2020/06/30/genetic-genealogy-golden-state-killer/amp/
I didn’t read anything about “Goose” or Therese Miller in this particular artical, where can I learn more about Ron Novak’s case? Please send me any link(s) with more details @ WiseGirl_Kim@hotmail.com. Please & Thank you ahead of time.
Travis Jamieson, the Monticello man who was arrested and acquitted at trial in Cathy-Jo’s murder, has recently passed away. I’m not finding a case page other than this one for Cathy-Jo on the ICC site (I may not be looking in the right spot), but I wanted to share that information. Here is a link to an older story about the case:
https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sex+clue+pointed+to+the+PARTY+ANIMAL%3B+Pretty+Cathy+Jo%27s+vicious…-a060756653
My grandparents lived next-door to the Brûlé for years. I basically grew up with them. I never realized that it was not suicide until a few years ago. I hope and pray that whoever is responsible is caught and prosecuted.
Evidently the authorities charged Patrie with killing Kenneth Gallmeyer back in January of 2022. Did not see this on the news back then, but here’s a short piece about it from KCRG: https://www.kcrg.com/2022/04/15/iowa-man-pleads-not-guilty-2012-home-invasion-killing/
Excellent, I love it when that happens!
Did anyone ever check with the friends family to confirm that they weren’t home?
Yes…on a crime show they did on erin..they said that the family just ran out for some snacks maybe?
check out this guy…https://www.newser.com/story/318987/33-years-later-the-i-65-killer-has-been-identified.html?utm_source=part&utm_medium=uol&utm_campaign=rss_crime
So the Murder for Lee Rotatori was solved just this February. Maybe Thomas Freeman also killed Linda?
The guy looks like Harry Edward Greenwell who was just identified as the I-65 Killer/Days Inn Killer in Indiana he died in Iowa in 2013
Andrew, yes, there’s definitely a very close resemblance to the third sketch from the Chickasaw County Sheriff sketch. I’ll be watching closing to see if answers are forthcoming in Rhonda’s case.
But the I-65 killer had a specific M.O. that doesn’t appear to match this case, right?
Lisa was one of my best friends Jerri was my cousin. I lost a lot of people that year including my grandmother. We were teenagers we were kinda wild. Evidently she had a whole life I knew nothing of. The most we did when I was with her was drink cheap wine in a graveyard lol She was a good person and an even better friend! Definitely was murdered! Rest in heaven all of you and I think of you often I hope one day this all gets solved but unfortunately I doubt it 😭🙏🏼
Her house was actually 705 3rd Ave, not 703. Census document from 1925 has house number listed as 705. So it is the red house right next to 703 3rd Ave.
Would like to talk about Bobby Crawford murder.
Why would the father wait 3 days to report his daughter missing??
She was not a Hooker, she wasn’t old enough to be anything but a child!! I wish someone would solve this case, but I bet the killers are dead! Still would be nice to understand, after all I wasn’t feeling to safe myself after lisa died! We were In school together. She was so shy, never saw her talk to anyone!!
Type of truck displayed in 1971?
Hi you can contact me at 3152758084 and thank you
There is a tictok about Lindsay Buziak from British Columbia Canda with many similarities, down to thier hairstyle and blonde streaks and similar facial features, being described as vibrant, successful and cheerful, age, jobs, etc. There was a cell phone purchased and used only to call Lindsay once, registered to a man’s name, Paulo Rodriguez. But a blonde woman was with a man and Lindsay was found stabbed multiple times in the master bedroom of the home she was showing them, she also had no defensive wounds. I can’t help but wonder if they are connected. They have so many similarities in personality and physically that it seems like a serial killer. Just wanted to put this out there for investigators to check if there’s a connection. The tictok mentions Ashley Oakland’s case. 😟 my condolences to both families.
They aren’t at all connected. Lindsay’s murder (most probable theory) had a personal motive involved which wouldn’t at all include Ms.Okland.
https://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/politics_and_administration/city/update-missing-ames-teenager-found/article_cb11a336-10b5-11e6-8162-e38162c8c1d3.html
It appears Jade Colvin was found back in 2016. Needs updated!
Abby, that story was updated May 4, 2016 (two days after Jade Colvin went missing). She went missing again June 10, 2016, as reported by the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse and NamUs.
Jody, that was nice of her to runaway again. Maybe the authorities should have handed her a statement of the costs of searching for her. Plus, a booklet listing all the runaways who were murdered. Plus the unidentified bodies around the country.
But, then she has more important stuff to do. But not at home.
Happy 20th my love! I hope so much you had a good one. Autumn and I think of you everyday and we need you.. No matter what . We will do anything to get you back in our life and keep you safe . No matter what it is, we will go thru anything and anyone to find you. You are our world .. we love you so much Jade. -summer </3
Is the evidence for this case still available? Anything that could be tested for dna, even after all this time? Although, from the articles with numerous photos, it looks like the crime scene was grand central station within a short time. Even that the evidence was flown out of state. No telling whose dna is mixed up with it now.
The Quad City newspapers reported a blood covered hat was found. If it’s still around blood could be matched to the Bachers, maybe skin or hair from the person who wore it.
I am Literally watching AWP right now while I was looking through this list. Those guys are seriously AMAZING
“We encourage thoughtful discussion here but ask that comments remain civilized and constructive … i.e. without personal attacks or name-calling. Be respectful of others and remember that victims’ family members visit these pages, too.”
Literally every comment on this page is a willful violation of your impotent policy. Maybe try harder? Or, even better idea, get rid of the comments altogether. There is absolutely nothing that anyone can, or should, contribute to these complex and difficult topics via an internet comment. All they engender are wild speculation, open prejudice, bitter resentment, and the further erosion of the already deeply scarred state of civil discourse among Americans.
Considering all the foot traffic that park gets, especially during morel mushroom hunting season, I’m thinking he isn’t there otherwise someone would have found something. I too would be interested in his internet history. Ledges, especially the parking lot isn’t an uncommon place for people to meet up. In the early 2000s I was a student at Iowa State and my roommate went there alone one day to meet a girl he was talking to on the internet. He is an outdoors type so he didn’t think anything of it. It was a bad idea in retrospect because it’s rural and nobody really around that time of year.
After doing more research and hearing his dad on a podcast, it sounds like things were meth related. It’s really unfortunate that his dad made the mistake of touching, getting into the vehicle and driving it home.
yeah why did his dad take the truck? I guess we dont know what was going on in his mind. Maybe he just wanted it home, i dont know?
I remember hearing Erin’s stepmom say in a podcast that police wanted to search CP’s truck, but he had sold it not too long after Erin went missing. Shouldn’t there be a paper trail for that? At least a title transfer? I guess I want to rule out that the truck wasn’t just abandoned in a forrest or Cedar River etc.
I’d start by looking for the description of these cars at junk yards.. they have some old cars piled up from years ago..
There are only 2 ways to get to the house. You have to know exactly where you are going. Back in the 70’s it was all farmers, and you could literally count on both hands the number of farmers who had land around Churchville for a few miles in any direction.
In mid June, farmers should of been out in the fields. If you drive the route from the east or the south to their property, you see the road. You would notice a strange car, and definitely recognize a vehicle owned by anyone who lived around there. It was 1973, the DCI probably didn’t exactly canvas farmers. The other thing that’s never been brough up is where were the kids, and why. Janet was not the type to ever leave her children. Her family and church were the center of her life. Someone saw something strange, and has never come forward. There is no way a person could die as horribly as she did without someone seeing something, and the person responsible having some kind of connection to the family. It was not a random act. It had to have been planned, and whoever did it knew exactly what to do and when. I’m not a conspriacy nut, I don’t need a tin foil hat, Janet didn’t deserve to have someone take her life, and those kids never deserved the life they were stuck with after her death. Fifty years later, everyone who lived around there is dead, and sadly so is this case. As with all of these cold cases, someone got away with murder.
I agree with you and as for the dozens of other cases like this someone had to see something but never spoke up and like you said they are gone and dead and got away with an awful crime
Thank you.
I’m pretty sure no one in that area even knows this ever happened,
I’m not even sure if there are any of the original family descendants in the area anymore. To see a few people have commented over the years Is nice. I used to live around there, over the years one person came to mind, but is also long deceased. It’s pure speculation.
Hopefully they are in a special section of Hell wether connected to this tragedy or not.
I am a niece of Janet’s and was in high school at the time. Janet’s husband was my mom’s brother. We all believed as a family that he was the one responsible for her death. He was disowned from the family after her murder until the day he died. I remember the next day being told that she had committed suicide which was what Uncle Frank had told us!!!!!
Interesting
The day Janet died she had taken her children up the road to grandma’s house. She told grandma that Frank needed her to help in the field. She was found dead later that day.
His family lived in KS where he returned to. His younger brother died just a few years back, I knew him fairly well, they were generally good people. His dad just died three days ago. I have pictures of the incident as it took place here in Coffey County leading to his suicide. They have searched around here but I doubt he carried her here. If he did they were countless places to put her that would not have been on the property.
When was the gate put in place? The one the dive team had to drive around?? And why was one installed? Didn’t look like much back there that you need to gate it. Also, I think it is really odd that IF that is where the party Was then why hasn’t anybody from the party come forward?? I have been to plenty coal mine stripping cut parties in my day and nobody would have left like that and not be unnoticed no matter how loud the music was.
I read the news that familial DNA just cleared this case. Thomas O. Freeman of West Frankfort, Illinois was the source of the suspect DNA. Not sure what the source of the DNA was. Thomas O. Freeman decomposing body was found in October of 1982 in Cobden, Illinois.
Here’s a link to one of the stories about Freeman’s murder of Lee and his own subsequent murder as well:
https://news.yahoo.com/cops-crack-hospital-worker-40-193818413.html
Very interesting read. I love this got solved.
It’s pretty clear that authorities believe her husband, Nemke, killed the Freeman. The most likely scenario it seems to me is that Freeman foolishly talked about the crime and Nemke heard about it since he evidently lived in the area.
That’s the only plausible scenario I can think of since the authorities were unable to come up with a suspect all those years and Nemke would have no other way of identifying Freeman.
Interesting stuff!
That’s a far stretch based soley on a murder/rapist bragging about their crime. Hardly plausible. I am more inclined to believe he followed her from the truck stop area. That truck stop was very busy then and the area was not nearly as populated as it is now. The casinos were not there then. Being on the I-80 & I-29 corridor it attracted a lot of traffic and criminals.
All these years and I couldn’t help but think it was connected to the Mayfield murder that happened a couple of months earlier.
I either didn’t make myself very clear or you misunderstood my comments.
I was referring to the fact that Nemke (her ex-husband) allegedly killed Freeman (the recently identified killer of his ex-wife Ratori). The article is pretty clear that law enforcement believes that Nemke killed Freeman and that they both lived in the same area in Southern IL. I don’t know how Nemke would have otherwise would have known Freeman did it unless he foolishly talked. Clearly Nemke wasn’t at the scene and LE didn’t know who killed him until just recently, long after Nemke passed and Freeman was killed.
I don’t doubt the fact that Freeman, a trucker, and the fact that the hotel Ratori was killed and the truck stop were very close in proximity is likely linked.
I suppose what’s needed is confirmation that these three actually KNEW each other as opposed to being from the same area.
The husband was a person of interest in the murder of three women, at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. He was arrested in a stolen car on the Northside of Chicago.
Someone suggested that his connection to Illinois makes him a suspect. Well I live in Illinois, which makes me a suspect also. We can add all the residents and former residents of Illinois, as possible suspects.
Also John Wayne Gacy was a resident of Illinois, makes him a suspect. But then I seem to remember that he worked in Iowa.
I prefer that we come up with some links that shows thst the husband had previous contact or knew Freeman.
To quote Sgt. Joe Friday, “just the facts”, and not assumptions.
It’s speculation, not assumption; the former of which is in part what this message board is for – as long as it’s qualified as such. Heck, I’ve seen you make similar speculation often on this very board.
As for the basis of said speculation, I suggest you read these specific quoted comments from LE Officer Weddum – the officer working the case…
“I’m not a real big believer in coincidences,” Weddum told the Nonpareil, explaining that Rotatori’s husband, Nemke, who died in 2019, is considered a person of interest in Freeman’s murder.
“With his known history of being in the area of where our suspect lived and where our suspect died, it raises suspicions of his involvement. That he possibly could’ve been involved,” Weddum said.
Quite a stretch extending the specific, quoted, on-point comments from the LE officer above to you and Gacy’s residency.
Cobden, Illinois is located in Union County, which is northeast of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Not exactly close to Council Bluffs. Also West Frankfort. Illinois is in Williamson County, close to Interstate -57.
I wonder how her husband would be able to identify him as the offender in a short period of time, when the police had no clue.
The other question is Freeman connected to the murder of Linda Mayfield, F/B, in the Starlite Motel, also in Council Bluffs on April 9, 1982. She appears was stabbed multiple times in the face, chest and stomach.
Yes, I wondered how her husband identified the killer too (see my posts above if you’re so inclined).
Since Nemke spent a lot of time in Southern IL, I speculate that Freeman talked and Freeman heard about.
Now that I think about it, a couple of other possibilities: 1) Freeman returned home with stab wound injuries, some people knew he was in the Council Bluffs area, people connected the dots, and that got around to Nemke. 2) Nemke hired Freeman and then killed him to silence him.
I also wonder whether it is possible that Freeman knew Nemke years ago when they were younger. Nemke was 39 when Lee was killed, if my math is correct. Freeman was 35. Could they have served time together in juvenile corrections? Could Freeman have had anything to do with the suspicious fire which killed the female juror (serving on the jury for Nemke’s murder trial in the 1960s) and the juror’s teenaged daughter when Nemke was in custody? In one of the articles I read, it said when Freeman was found dead, no one had reported him missing for at least 3 months. That raises other questions as well. My gut feeling is that yes, they knew each other.
Sweet heart I pray you get the answers you are looking for there’s Way to many lost.out there God be with you
Can’t they check dna through teeth Etc now?
They have to use a combination of DNA and genetic genealogy. The DNA gives them the genetic profile of the deceased individual. But they have to have something to compare that to. Yes, they could compare the DNA of the unidentified individual to that of Matthew’s family members. Otherwise, if they don’t have a potential match to compare to, they have to use genetic genealogy to trace the family of the deceased. Usually at best, they get a hit on a distant relative in a database of people whose DNA profiles have been voluntarily submitted.
28 years now still unsolved ,but we have a new cold case team in Des Moines Iowa , I hope and pray they open my mom’s case and re review it.
Yes have faith. I believe that they’ll solve her murder one day. Prayers .
Continued prayers for closure, an arrest and conviction is long overdue!!
Rip tio Nelson u were and always will b in our hearts
I agree 🙄just wondered where is this Boy Scout camp , or Kiwanis cabins ? Exactly 🙄in toddville or Palo ?
I wish the Dallas County Sheriff’s department would look into this “suspicious death”. There were witnesses there that need to be talked to. This was a murder!
And now I see that former Des Moines register staff writer Frank Santiago passed away last year. So any institutional memory that he might have is long gone also. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/obituaries/dmr117504
I must’ve struck a cord because I have a lot of people reacting negatively to what I said but I have one question for them I will I’m not going to stop preaching what I know because I know what I saw and you’re not gonna stop me from voicing what I saw unless you plan on killing me too like you did Eric and you know who you are and I know who you are too and I guess if you think I’m a danger to you then you’ll have to do something about it won’t you but let’s be real I wouldn’t be a danger to you only a danger to your freedom because of what I know so come and get me!
This was not an accident Eric was my friend and I know for a fact he was murdered, his father absolutely hated the fact that Eric thought he might be gay and he killed him for it when he found out about it this was all a really huge issue when does homicide happened and I was not surprised that Eric ended up dead he was always afraid of his father. I never thought his father was serious when he told Eric if you ever become gay or try to be gay I will kill you boy I thought he was just saying it I never realize how serious he was!
The funny thing is the parents said they were at home that evening and that’s an out right lie because I heard the shotgun go off from my bedroom door I remember standing there with my back to my bedroom window in the doorway and I heard the loudest sound I’ve ever heard in my life. I turned around and looked out the window and I saw Eric‘s dad‘s truck and his moms car both in the driveway and a short time later Eric‘s dad came out of the house threw something in the garbage can got in his truck and left by this time Eric‘s mom had already left the house. I know he killed him!
I am not sure how Lisa’s comments is helping this case? are you serious with your slander and lies? Stop telling lies for the truth cuz you definitely was not around the family or I would know you.
I am John Thomas Jr Johnson daughter. My grandpa is John Thomas Johnson sr. I am trying to find all of my family. Please contact me at 4022496613
my thought is that if the officer thinks it will never be solved then give us a name and some more details of the crime if there is any.
I’m the great
Great granddaughter of James Nicoll and the same thought came to me Linda, maybe he was having an affair! M.O.
Father died in 2016
Are there more photos of Rodney John Olsen? Here it says he was out visiting someone but i found another site that said he went back to Britt to visit the son.
if you want to know more let me know.
Hi mom, it’s me again. Today is a very hard day for all of us. 25 years and still no answers… I still hope for the day we have some closure and justice.
I talked with a news reporter today, in hopes to get things out there..
I love you mom, to the moon and beyond…not a day goes by where I don’t think about you.
Love always, Autumn ❤
I’m guessing the waterbed had bullet holes in it?
I think of you everyday. I love you forever, Im waiting for the day to hear your voice again. Autumn and my heart is broken for every second that goes by missing you. Love you always – Summer
Have the police rocated and re-interviewed all of the people who were at the camp? Both leaders and former children attendees should be interviewed again. If children targetted him as a joke, they may not have desired the outcome and then didn’t want to admit it once he was in the river. Now someone might be more willing to tell if they were only an observer. Secondly I belueve that all family members of missing lived ones should take an Ancestry DNA and 23 and Me dna test and upload the results for free to Famiky Tree, My Heritage, abd especially Ged. If a body is ever located it can then be identified through the dna. If a person ran away or was kidnapped and they eventually grow up and do a dna test. they will find out who they are and locate relatives. Also save a stamped envelope or toothbrush of the lived one because soon these items will be able to be tested to match someone’s dna.
I’m the eldest son of Gene Oathout, who owned Oathout Funeral Home at the time of the 4/2/1962 fire. I’m surprised to find this arson in the “cold cases” file, as my clear memory is of a firebug who was apprehended after a string of arsons. He was accused of torching 3 churches in addition to the Funeral Home. I don’t know if he was convicted.
Has anything more been done here? Are people still local? I would be interested to dig into this and find out what happened to people after the event.
No nothing has been done with any of the Loose family deaths.
John Rude was electrician
In searching newspaper articles I notice a pattern of killings from 1970- 1974 this could very well be a serial killer in that area, I will need to look further before I am 100% sure.
His Social Security states he was living in Iowa when he retained his Social Security Number, I am still search for addresses and places her was after he returned from service.
Name: Alexander Sauceda
Social Security Number: 483-66-7724
Birth Date: 17 Jul 1950
Issue Year: 1966
Issue State: Iowa
Death Date: Oct 1973
I found him in a article for a traffic fine he got for $10 in Colorado Springs Newspaper in 1971.
CLIPPED FROM
Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph
Colorado Springs, Colorado
04 May 1971, Tue • Page 25
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93819544/alexander-torres-sauceda/
People need to watch the 20/20 episode January 29, 2022 with Bill Pruins 2 daughters about the Jodi Huisentruit case with Krystal and Scarlett and their setting the record straight saying there is no connection between their dad’s death and Jodi’s disappearance. They want to people to stop with the rumors they are hurtful to both of them. The police, both of them Krystal and Scarlett and the private investigator are saying their dad Bill Pruins was not murdered but was an accidental shooting and there was no indication of foul play but an accident! They want the rumors stopped period and let their dad rest in peace and whatever his legacy will be so I agree with them let this go their dad wasn’t murdered but an accident.
Here is a link to that 20/20 broadcast on YouTube. Don’t know how long it will be up.
https://abc.com/shows/2020/episode-guide/2022-01/28-gone-at-dawn
My mistake. It’s on the ABC website.
I’m pretty sure that episode is still streaming on Hulu as well.
I don’t know if anyone watched the 20/20 episode about Jody Huisentruit’s case, but Billy’s case was discussed as well during the episode. There were rumors that his case was linked with Jodi’s, but according to the private investigator that Billy’s daughters hired, the shooting was accidental. According to the episode, Billy had been carrying the gun and somehow tripped and fell on it, causing it to discharge. If that’s true, then his case isn’t linked to Jodi’s disappearance and his death was a tragic accident. The 20/20 episode is entitled “Gone at Dawn” and just aired on 1/28/22.
Yep, I saw that. No evidence of anyone else in the house and the way that PI explained it, I believe them
Bill Pruins daughters did an interview with 20/20 and say there is no connection between his death and Jodi’s case and they wan the rumors to stop. His daughter’s, the Police, and private investigator all agree his death was an unfortunate accident and they want his legacy to be what it may be so again they want the rumors to stop.
Have you guys got any updates or it’s still unsolved
No still nothing 😭😭😭
I used to live in that apartment building, in her apartment. She didn’t live upstairs, it was the downstairs apartment she lived in. My landlord told me that, that’s how I know that .
The Dubuque PD knows that Arnsdorf is dead. The brothers she was seen with had their car compacted at a friend’s junkyard in central IL a few days after her disappearance, police couldn’t get a warrant. She’s in the trunk of that car.
Hi Kelli and those who new Judy,
I was a 6th grade student at Madison Elementary where Judy volunteered as sort of a playground director. A classmate Robert Graves used to walk to school with Judy at times and as i recall he broke the news that something was up the Monday after her murder.
Judy was beloved by all of us but especially the rowdy mischievous bunch, which I was part of. They played Bridge Over Troubled Waters at the funeral at St. Paul Lutheran. I was sitting in maybe the 3rd row slightly behind and to the left of my good friend Leroy Williams in the row in front of me.
Leroy had a scar beneath his left eye and I remember vividly the tears streaming from his eyes as a kind middle aged woman offered him a tissue.
When my kids were young we were driving back from a ski vacation in California when Bridge came on the radio. I had to explain to my wife and 2 sons why I was balling as I always do when I hear that song.
I check up on Judy’s case from time to time hoping that you and the rest of her family, and the many, like me who’s life she touched can find closure. She was a fun and wonderful person and we are all lucky to have known her.
Please pass on my prayers and condolences to her family and friends.
Best wishes,
John Platter
I know this answer might be lost in time, but does anyone know if David Morris was related to the Tommy Morris who was killed in 1972? It would be crazy if they were brothers or something. https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/tommy-morris/
This guy looks like a man that stalked me in 1974, he followed me to Mason City, Iowa and forced me to go to OKC and then to Danville, Virginia. The perp used the name, James B. Sizemore of Moore, Oklahoma. Could be they switched identities or something because the Danville PD claims they have no record of the incident although I was at the PD and escorted out of Virginia by an undercover agent. The couple who told me to go to Iowa were a white man with one leg and a black female. They had to have notified the perp because he found out I was there. There are stories of criminals switching identities.
I’m noticing so many disappearances in Iowa of disabled people from even the 1970s, unbelievable, seems like the State or some agency may be involved with so many of them. I also find it unusual that the more recent missing persons have no photo, most everyone has photos nowadays with cellphones and facebook, seems suspicious they have no photos, more like deliberate.
I don’t think Owen did that. I never heard of back door bill, she never mentioned him.I hope the truth comes out before I die.
Does anyone have a picture of this dude Curtis Padgett
Could this be Kimberly sue Doss? She came up missing in 1980 not 1982.
Did they respond to you on this?
I had it checked out a couple years ago and they say it’s not her
Dashawn Smith who killed him? I want to know for I can do my job as the Equalizer
ok sure….
https://katv.com/archive/arkansas-siblings-search-for-mother-missing-since-70s
There is only one male in the doe network that fits the timeline of this one, and they lived about 90 minutes away at the time and on the date, but the physical statistics are too far apart. I’m guessing that since the clothes could be described, the body wasn’t burned far enough to reduce it this much. Looks like the one was found on the morning the other went missing, so, mech, that doesn’t match up either unfortunatly. https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/5510dmne.html
Probably too many months between this woman from the doe project going missing and this woman being found, but i wonder if anyone looked to see if the two were related, since this woman was pregnant and the other lady had two kids by a guy who dumped them off with their grandparents and never saw them again after his wife went missing. Fort Campbell, Christian County, Kentucky is directly south of clinton county iowa where the body was found. I wonder if anyone ever tried to compare the two and see if it might have been her. https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/3720dfky.html
https://katv.com/archive/arkansas-siblings-search-for-mother-missing-since-70s
Would be so awesome if these folks could get some closure on this case.
cant be here, she was missing since july 4 and the doe was discovered in april.
I don’t know if anyone has heard or not but Diane’s sister Twyla passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with them both.
Tonya, thank you so much for letting us know about Twyla’s passing. She so diligently pressed for justice in her sister’s case, and she will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Jody @ ICC
Madonna robbins was dating Terry brian was her ex he was meeting her at walkers …
are the supposed killers still living in clinton or the immediate area?
One works at Walmart night shift
Brian rose….hance and Joseph robbins sr killers…..joseph jr tainted car
I always thought this case was fishies!! I didn’t know Kim but I know the the boys.
As for the house fire the fire chief and the investigator should of found the cause of the fire because I know when we had our house fire they found the cause of the fire !!
So surely law enforcement has asked for cell phone pings at the Lake when the girls were there and then tracked those pings to actual owners of those cell phones. Then did they also look to see if any of those cell phones also ping in the 7 Bridges area between tge time tge girls were mussed and the time the bidies were found. Secondly, there are commercial satelites that periodically cover the area where the girl’s bodies were discovered. If the lication where the bodies were discovered, couldn’t law enforcement pinpoint when the bodies first appeared in that location. Then couldn’t cameras on private property identify vehicles en route to the seven bridges area pror to the time the bodies appeared?
very good questions.I believe that the site where they were found was a known meth lab dump site.In the heart of the park.definitely someone local!!!
Malinger says: “It was unfair to accuse just the Clinton Police,” he said. “We weren’t the only investigating authorities.” But you WERE the first ones called, the first ones on the scene, and the first ones to investigate. You went through the trouble to find the car, check the registration, check the doors but you couldn’t make ONE PHONE CALL to this business? I wouldn’t think twice about calling anyone on my street if I saw their car running that long. A business would practically expect it.
Sorry if this sounds mean spirited but this show up and do the minimum type of response is inexcusable. And nothing has changed from what I can see.
I respect the police and pay good money for their services. But don’t EVER expect blind allegiance to them, or anyone, from me.
mallinger is an idiot, prob to busy thinking about dressing as a woman back in those days.
he is probably in Mexico
Do you have a reason to think this?
being of mexican descent he would fit in there no problem especially if he was running from someone. thats what i would do
I was in the same Harding Middle School gym class that Adam S. described and remember Curtis Padgett’s 20+ minute mile. He laid down near some bushes along Collins Road near the northeastern-most softball/baseball diamond while all the rest of the students were closer to the school waiting for Curtis to finish his mile “run”. It’s like he didn’t even want to try. I remember thinking he could have just slowly walked the mile in a faster time than what he ended up getting.
I also remember his occasional sudden angry outbursts if someone tried messing around with him. Some students definitely tried to provoke a response from him on purpose just because the response was often so outrageous.
I think he only made it through 1 year at Kennedy High School before dropping out or going to Metro Alternative High School. His freshman picture in the 1995-1996 Kennedy yearbook is the same as the one on this webpage and there were no other pictures of him in future yearbooks.
I’d guess Curtis’ home life growing up couldn’t have been very good, seeing the way he turned out.
I’m surprised any girl would have ever been remotely associated with him, unless one were to use him to buy cigarettes or to get a ride somewhere. Even then, you’d think they’d find someone other than Curtis.
There is a guy online that looks so much like Eugene’s age transgression photo. His name is Troy Lund and he happens to be an actor/director, etc. He has the same eyes and facial features. There is not much info on his past. Could this be Eugene?
No. Johnny, Eugene, and Marc were probably abducted and killed by either someone from the Des Moines Register, one of the men from the Des Moines pedophile ring that was busted in the 80’s, or another local pedophile who was never caught. I’m not from the area at all, but the case has pulled at my heartstrings. It’s unfortunate that obvious suspects were allowed near children. I don’t like when people push ideas that honestly don’t make any sense. Johnny’s case has had the worst of it, but the other two cases suffered as well. Not to mention the attempted abductions from 1986 to 1989. Someone local clearly took the kids.
Absolutely it could be him.
Brian’s father, Arnie, recently passed away.
I trust he’s reunited with his son Brian now in heaven.
https://www.cedarmemorial.com/Obituary/2021/Dec/Arnold-Arnie-E-Schappert/
Thank you for sharing the info about Brian’s father. I’ve since added it to Brian’s page, and am glad his father lived long enough to see his son’s case closed. Have a Happy New Year!
You’re welcome Jody. I’m happy to help in some small measure.
I enjoy this site. Keep up the good an important work!
Brian’s father, Arnie, recently passed away.
I trust he is reunited with Brian
i most deff think that this is the weirdest crimes iv heard it kinda makes no sense to me,what did he have agianst them? what was his motive where would he have hid if you can hear every tiny thing like a sneeze it blows my mind the things people do to others
DNA can still be collected but they would need to exhume the body.
Praying for the truth to come out!
Another alias to add: Junior Giovanni Pol
Beware, this site has actual child porn pictures on it. Someone should report this one and get it taken down: https://soundcloud.com/j-nior-giovanni-nimaja-pol
can someone report that site so it can be taken down
Dear sweet Aunt Martha, my Mom (Elaine) is with you (and my Grandpa Arnold) in heaven now :( I was just a girl when this robbery/assault happened. We are from the Chicago area. My Mom, Aunt Jackie, Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Lou and Grandma Helen were devastated by the news of Martha’s murder! I pray the offender has somehow served justice and has remorse. I see a comment by Karen. I’m wondering how we are related?
I believe that Annette Cahill was wrongly convicted and that Robert Morrison commited the Cory Weineke murder.
She murdered him. A little girl over heard her talking about it, and then reported it.
Maybe Kayla should think about the person she’s trying to defend. The reason he is a registered sex offender is because he sent inappropriate pictures to her underage sister “on accident”! I’ve known him since we were kids and he admitted to me that was why he has to register.
The comment about it being over drugs is ridiculous…that is not what happened at all I personally think the Fayette Co police are lazy and flat out don’t want to ever deal with anything because when first reported they wanted to write it off as a vehicle incident…but not until backlash did they go oh well ok and point out allll the obvious staging it was 100% wade lenth and it was over wades still girlfriend and im sure she knows about it as well i have not lived in the area since I was little but all my family lives there and I know alot of people …did they check laynes phone?? Maybe look at the texts he was sent from wade saying things like how he’s going to kill him for talking to his girl and crap like that or how about laynes roommate (and maybe this is hear say) but wasn’t it his roommates pickup that layne was found in….wasn’t the crime scene in the house poorly cleaned up by someone who probably had access to the house?? Wasn’t his roommate good friends with wade? The crime is practically solving itself but….wade walks free smiling in his Facebook pictures…meanwhile laynes family still has to suffer.. seems fair huh?
I may not know all about the girlfriend issue. However, Layne is beaten up and then dumped in his roommate’s pickup truck. I guess the roommate was not home, but left the keys to his truck for anyone to use.
It appears that some agencies in the criminal justice field, try to claim that some cases are not criminal. This involves them less work, and it fits in with their claim, that crime is down
In Pennsylvania a woman was found stabbed to death, almost 8 years ago.There was no signs of forced entry. The pathologist based on that information, claimed that she committed suicide. Although, some of the stab wounds were in her back and neck.
A real medical examiner disputed his findings. So, now her death is classified as a homicide. So, now the police have to investigate it although they never did, because it, she committed suicide.
On top of it, the woman was engaged to be married.
Has anyone thought maybe the suspect got entertainment from strangling people?? I’ve been reading another case, Sandra Dee “Sandy” Kinney was also strangled and thrown in the river. She was also found nude.. maybe this killer, Jerry Lee Huff, had a sexual desire’s before strangling and dumping the bodies into the river. He cannot be tried for the murder of Sandra Dee Kinney but maybe we can get him for the killing of Roger Warren. Also sounds like Jerry is still living in the Davenport area. Both murders happened in the downtown area of Davenport.
Leon Sr.
Yes, I noticed these two babies. The towel on the first baby had two tea towels, one with numerals “49” on a corner. Could that towel be trom a hospital? Hotel/bar/tea room/restaurant? I think that ordinary people like us are giving hope to cold cases.
Could the towel be from a??? What do you think?
I was a classmate of Guys. I remember talking to my mom after his disappearance. I remember missing him from my class the rest of the school year.
Harry Lyle Meader III
better know your FACTS before you start slinging names like its real…you can put anyones name in there as the perpetrator of this crime…and cause negativity in their life. Harry Meader is not a part of this fiasco….I think its sad what happened to josh..whatever that may be. But until you have facts dont fill in the blanks with personal opinion or rumor. That is a real messed up thing to do and all it does is muddle up the investigation and allow the real perpatrator whoevr it may be get away… between this Abe Froman and Chad Willman spreading bullshit that aint true it will be a wonder if the real person responsible gets caught….way to go guys…way to assist in whoevers escape from justice
Nick do you remember the conversation you had about this and the home that records it all. I am sure you just make up stories and events on camera all the time then pretend that it is not available. Nick meader your bringing yourself and others into something yourself blaming others? I guess you must decide what you want to say on this platform as I seem to think your covering up for what your always doing and that’s blaming your brother and my friend for your troubles in and out of the justice system you go and return and go do low low IQ things. Tell the group you really are that guy. Breaking the law and preying on the good people in society again and again. . Why are you the one committing the crimes alone and actions you take to commit crimes are your own doing. Nick not because you had a brother that picked on you and the world that abuse (There is none) has watered down onto others false impressions of moral qualities you display to others . You best stop the story you tell here of what’s really true and false to me. Do you have me on video doing anything that you describe here? I ask that you would you be willing to stop the slander here on me here? if your really the one that forgets the days of explaining what only not be true as you came with here to make sure I was ok from her vicious false claims on me by herr in a slanderous event itself.What you said on that night of the so called recorded conversation I believe makes everything you say here to this group about me and to them a very big lie and your a fool for it . lie and lie …Nevermind I’m sure like everything you just said I am causing here says different if I do recall. People here this man is so full of falsehoods and just as he sits telling you one thing you should ask him this . Say Nick do you belive that this man is the one stirring things up ? Or Nick can we trust your never really saying that to slander him and deflect from the stories you tell? I would stop blaming myself and telling this group anything more its so sad you can say this knowing what tells of events you may be on devices yourself. Now stop hurting everyone in this lie crap where is your dignity and respect to them . Your way out of line
This stream of consciousness diatribe is very bizarre. It sounds to me like Nick is standing up for his brother, rather than accusing him of something.
Comment on FB says this guy killed him: https://www.facebook.com/linncountyiacurrentinmates/posts/318020040323265
This Harry Lyle Meader III has a criminal history a mile long. His outstanding fines and court costs are well into the 6 figure range. Looking at public records it looks like he was out of jail at the time Josh was last see, although he did have a failure to appear warrant set on October 15th of that year. He wasn’t taken into custody on November 22nd in Benton County. If I’m reading the records correctly there was certainly a window of time where he could have been involved. Both this man and Joshua Wellman have meth related convictions. Interesting stuff.
Harry might be a criminal but a killer he is not! He doesn’t even like to fight! His extensive criminal history is non violent mostly drug charges an eluding law enforcement! Why don’t people understand the effects of serious accusations such as these. Calling someone a murderer is something you’d better have a lot of evidence to support otherwise you throw the police into their life for no reason at all! Sharing misinformation is just as bad as being the person doing the original misinforming if not worse! Your minimal theory as to his involvement includes….oh well he was out of jail during that time is pure BS using that theory anyone who came up missing or dead during those couple months was Harry’s fault!? C’mon now that is just asinine! On a serious note … condolences to his family for having to live with constant belief he is probably deceased. I prefer to believe he’s just fine an had to go cause he was adamant about not going back to prison!!! Good luck I hope y’all get the closure your seeking!
Jet Drie, since you are replying to me, let me take a moment to correct you. I didn’t call anyone a murderer, I only did the research to see he has an extensive criminal history and was free during the time Josh went missing. I came at this from the opinion that you are innocent until proven guilty. I am looking for every reason to rule him out as a person of interest. Saying he was out at the time doesn’t mean he is guilty, it just means that he isn’t necessarily in a position to be cleared. He ran from a custody/treatment program that Linn County had him in recently so as of the moment of this comment he currently has a warrant for his arrest and is on the run from authorities. He is only making the future worse for himself regardless of this case.
Looks like police may have found Alicia’s cell phone:
https://www.inforum.com/the-vault/7304442-Murder-on-the-Missouri-River-Alicia-Hummel%E2%80%99s-unsolved-murder-inches-closer-to-justice
Sheriff Howe said he is now more optimistic. Is that because they just now obtained the phone? It seems there are two mysteries involving this case. 1, the murder, & 2, the investigation! We are definitely in the dark here. I understand why, but it just seems like they are being extra extra vague with evidence and details. How was this story leaked, & what prompted it? The phone? We still don’t know when they “found” the phone. I sure hope the FBI and/or NSA are working on that phone. Seems to me that a likely scenario was that whatever these people were doing in that car, Alicia wasn’t supposed to see (possible rape?) & poor Alicia was killed for it. Purse found with cash still in it tells me they were in a big hurry, & that timeline sure is narrow! I’ve never seen these snap chat photos. Such a peaceful looking day yet such a dark cloud of evilness…
Something else seems troubling. There was a 15 minute window between the time she sent her last text, and her body being discovered? Seems to me that the Game Fish & Parks officer would have had to see the vehicle in question! Wasn’t there just the one road leading to and from Myron Grove? Seems like he had to see something.
I am glad they admitted to having the cellphone. I am frustrated with the various little tidbits they have not released. We have to many cold cases with agencies holding back little details to supposedly protect the investigation. This includes cause of death, weapon used, caliber of firearms used, etc. We have too many cold cases that have not been solved for over 20, 30, 40 years. Yet, the agencies are still holding back these basic details, that might have jogged someone memories.
Alicia was murdered 6 years ago. Yet, we know that she purchased a fishing license at a Walmart. Also, that a couple was making whoopee in a car. So, no one else was at the fishing spot. Yet, she was murdered within 15 minutes of her sending her last text. Now, we hear that they have her cellphone. They won’t tell us if they had it since day one or just found it.
Maybe, someone overheard where she was going fishing at the Walmart, and followed her there.
In Chicago, Illinois in 1972, we had two teenage girls murdered. They were shot in the head with a .32 caliber firearm, and they were posed with their legs in a shape of the letter V, in Washington Park. The park is located on the south east side of Chicago. There was no sexual assault of the victims.
Their murder is a cold case. An individual claims that their murder may have been ordered by Chicago Mob figures from the Bridgeport Section of Chicago. It appears the older girl (17), worked at a waitress at a restaurant connected to a motel for truckers on the Southwest side of Chicago.
The motel was operated by Chicago Mob connected individuals. Supposedly senior mob guys hung out there and the older girl may have overheard something she should not have heard. The senior leadership of the Chicago Mob, should have educated them about keeping their mouth shut.
However, we have all those details from a 1972 murder. Plus where they were last seen. We even know the older girl attended Gage Park High School, until she dropped out of school.
Also, just for general information a Frederick R. Burke, aka “Killer Burke”, who was part of the Rat Pack out of St. Louis, Missouri. He also was involved in the St. Valentine Massacre in Chicago.. He was captured based on suspicions by a civilian, who was into True Crime. He even wrote to the Justice Department in Washington, for a description of Killer Burke.
Killer Burke was taken into custody, and transferred back to St. Joseph, Michigan, where he faced charges for the murder of a policeman.
Anyone who takes an advanced interest in this cold case eventually comes to realize that one of the loudest voices has a history of spreading disinformation and fabricated stories in an attempt to keep Johnny’s name out there. If you publicly discuss the case in any form of media, and don’t follow this person’s narrative, they will attempt to discredit you. It has to be exhausting maintain their narrative, and I wish this person would clear the air. It’s probably the best thing they could do for the cold case at this point.
This is confusing and disturbing at the same time. I wish the known evidence and facts were the focus on this “documentary” and not the conspiracy theories. Do not get me wrong, I believe in some conspiracies and I think like everything else; there is a time and a place for such but not here.
The photos that were left at Noreen’s door in 2006 look to be Johnny and some other boys, just by looking at the photos they appear to have been taken not too long after he was abducted.
I am not sure what to make of him “visiting her in 1997”, that does not make any sense. We do not know if he is even alive after all these years and if he is alive, where is he?
Truth Bomb
I was a totally controlled Monarch slave when I wäs made to visit her in 97. The purpose of the visit was to hypnotically access her and erase her memories of Ted Gunderson finding me in S. Texas as carried by most
of the local news. And to make her react favorablly to the other guy who Ted pointed to in DC after Ted started working with the cover up. Many of you probably remember when they found me. I live in Lamoni, Iowa now and will continue pursuing the political cult who harmed me and continues to harm other children as you read this. And FYI I’m not a pedo as she says Paul says
https://johnnygosch.wordpress.com/
You are deranged for associating Operation Monarch with Johnny’s disappearance. Nice try, Noreen.
Mike, why don’t you just man up and say what you really think. Rather, you are just an annoying troll adding nothing to this conversation. Please just go away.
You added nothing as well. Do the same and go away, troll.
You and I know Mike is referring to Noreen, and he is 100% correct.
I did though. I think the person that I’m talking about has been spreading harmful disinformation for the right reasons. I don’t think they are a bad person, but I think they’ll do anything to keep Johnny’s name out there. Unfortunately opportunistic people, pranksters, cons, and trolls take advantage of that person. This person backed themselves into a corner where I think they face legal action if they change their story.
Anyway… just look at all the comments here. It’s sad how many people pretend to be Johnny or know exactly what happened to him. One of those people pretending I think is the person I’m talking about. Sad.
The FBI refused to answer some simple questions in the documentary Who Took Johnny, and seeing how unhinged they are now, it isn’t hard to imagine how badly they have used their powers to destroy many lived and refuse to prosecute the guilty- or worse, if they were useful idiots to advancing an agenda.
Johnny’s father was super weird in the documentary. the fact that he backs this faded out podcast tells me all i need to know about any “facts” presented in it.
this Johnny guy was probably a victim of similar trauma and he probably believes he is Johnny because the real one also had severe trauma. If Jeff Gannon or Jeff Guckert wasnt the real JG then he too came off as very weird and controlled and the correct age. If the guy who claimed he was JG who died in Iowa a few years back, he too probably was screwed up. There was some sick stuff in the 70s and 80s going on because blackmail was even easier to do without the Internet and supposed deep fakes to deflect.
I don’t know if JG is still alive, but he was alive for a long time after imo. Too many sightings with handlers to deny they wanted to use him. Paul Bonacci took AMW producers to the house of the prison guard. The children’s names were written under the house where they kept them.
And a detective in Florida thinks some old dude taking bondage pics of young boys is just a joke? What bc the boys went along with it? In Conspiracy of Silence some producers had interviewed teenage boy prostitutes in Texas from the 80s. They didn’t think to help that boy? Just interview him? And, oh by the way, he was killed before the show was published as the interviewers casually states.
This stuff was even stuff people watched and considered it entertainment. Think about The Sopranoes… so it’s okay a girl who is barely an adult is being used and hit on the show?
So, according to you, the only “sane” people that are telling the truth are Noreen and Paul? The people that are talking about really elaborate conspiracies? Okay, then. This is exactly why the case won’t be solved. Too many people have decided conspiracies make more sense than using common sense when looking at this case.
Praying this man gets justice!
What a beautiful soul & it breaks my heart that he was killed let along so young & then just left there to die!!
SICK!
Jim
Listen To Vanushed Episode 283 Harry Milligan(By the way Very Well done)
“thar day” you mentuined
Vickie(mom) Hot ob the Trail by 730 pm LE Stopd ny Missing REPORT
Initially Indicates Lenard and Vickir Home unless had Left and Returned
ok Plausiable leaning more towards not Probable
Riual Farm AREA Quiet(Very) hear Cricket Chitp Block away.
You outsude? Saw heard Harrys Car Driven across Street to Shed?
1984 Vickie and Lenard imagine 30s to 40s? No mention Deaf mutes
2 to 3 guys did something Harry, No NOISE.
Heard LOT Names ie last known Harry with Jeff and Doug.
Never HEARD ANYWHERE POCAST any DAVIS Mentuined? Person Interest or OTHERWISE.
Jim you have Audiance. me Included. (Reaches for POPCORN per say
Reported weather FOG. I dont know how THICK.
I’m Interested who “jim” is now?
You Blame me? You told me(audiance).
Note” Last FARM gig Security I did SO Dark. so DARK placed Light senors motion Dwtecrors know if something MOVED and what. Had 12 gauge on my shoullder.
cone on jim
37 years?
recall saying s*** or get OFF thr Pot(maybe both types) 37 years?
listen Vanished
Tho now Im Interedted hearing from Jeff and Doig Disscussion basis or simple what happened rgeir version “thar day”
later
Jim
:Power, drtunk or Dugged induced.
Don’t wanna wake Up Next Day. Gal or Guy Friend like Harry his “Buddies” and ASK “Did we have Nuce Time”?
Harry apparently did not at point to Missing.
Here is my Theory to that all three of them were inside the trailer harry was thought to be sleeping for what they may have thought passed out drunk but harry didn’t drink as much as they thought and tryed to take his winnings while he was sleeping but harry woke up and harry got into it with them made to the front porch the porch faced tords the field away from the road only possibilites up to the point moving forward
Jim
recommend VideomAbott and Costello “whos on Firsr”
Tho Cute, himrtous. Not thid CASE to some. I am NOT Monotised and dont NEED to Draw Large Audiance to You.
My Offer 3 days 2 Nights, meals, LE or Mark Milligan in “Safe” Enviroment,
Ypi can Purchase Cheap Throw Away Phone $20 WalMart, Walgreens ect
I Would NEED substancial Answers First, as LE or Mark Milligan.
“SAFE ENVIROMENT “ALL Concerned.
I do NOT wanna Play “Whos on First”
Consider ONCE at Fla 7 Elven going in.
Street Guy got $5 for Bus fair?
Both walkrf out same Time,
Street guy Bottle Wine, Me less $5 Bicks for the purpose.
Like Trailer? Have to REVIEW, thought you mentioned Hattys House.
REVIWED You dsid Harrys Property.
My understanding Milligans haf HOUSE.Lived with Vickie and Leonard.
Wont write OFF Utailrt on Property. Till Researched
interesting
later
Jim
Matk as Town Albia and Avery want HRRY and maybe VEHICLE RCOVERED.
37 years? Come on Jim.
Iv Put Out to ANY Mine Shaft Explores Interested wanna Drop Cameras or repel contact info Monroe County
already posted.
Text into Mr Beast possiable Funding. Already has Millions in Donations.
Sometimes may take interest.
Liked Jimmys last VideoLast take Hand OFF LAMBO keeps it.
Jimmy I mentioned 1sr Put Hands on 21977 Pontac may be Cool Challenge.
Endining to Half Century(close) Cold CASE
Batter Up? [er say
.
Jim
Main POINT?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HARRY or WHERE HE IS?
No Need Idle Chit Chat.
Jim
Will Continue Interest in CHAT as long as can VERIFY as we go.
I this Point you said Harrys Property. I dont Know if TRAILER pn PROPERTY 1984
YOU indicated SO. HARRYS Property you said.
Facing away from Street.
REFRESHING Uou said in THEORY what YOU Did not SEE.
However mentionrf YOU did SEE car Driven to SHED across Street and 2 to 3 GUYS(no names) Did SOMETHING to HARRY.
Oh excuse ME you did MENTION Ricjhard Davis.
Very limited Cell Phones 1984 tho I had Bulky pne
Were YOU at Albia know someone Used Pay Phone?
Richard waiting Trailer? Brings mote Questions. SEE
Understand Richard IOWA Prison IF hasnt PASSED. Maybe Charles(?) pther brother knows.
IF YOU wanna Fill in Blanks go ahead.Would recommend make Contact Mark Milligan as he requested.
I will listen to POINT
Answer PREVIOUS make Lomg STORY Short
Keep ME INTERESTED
DO YOU KNOW or SEE what happened HARRY or WHERE he is?
Then Fill in the Blanks.
Go fot it,
Avery and Albia. ANYONE care to Provide VISUAL “Mikkigan” Property and House 1984?
Jim,
Today I’m finding, a Turkey Plate~ Shouldnt be to difficult lol
My Mind races in Wonder place like Albia or Avery this time year.
Snow, XMas Lights, Enjoyment Holiday Season.
Ok Cities do also. One my Favoritr Xnas Trees about 12″ tall delivered,
Sleds, horses and walking about, tho extra Eye passing Drug Stores or Large Dept Stores, Albia imagine few small stores.
Ill be Lurking Background. Info Checkrd OUT you Threw ln Revelent
Harry Made it Home(checks out, seperated from car9do not know how long)
Any 3 Giys Mentioned Harrys House Disappear few days recalled revelent.
Imagine cute quaint Resrarauint Albia, Enjoy
Might catch you later
You mention them and I(you) imagine said what wanted
see anything INTEREST May pop IN now and then
gone for now
Leathal Weapon Christmas Opening Scene (1987)
Gret Start,, kinda Bummed me Out, The Drug Scene Drug Induced
The power of drugs and alcohol you can get answers without asking questions sometimes just listening tells all
Actually
Jibgle Bell Rock
Non Repeting
Once is Fine(maybe twice)
Jim
Not Playing Patty Cakes
other things to do.
Romper Room came to Mind. Lady with Spy Glass. “I See” “I See Jim, I See Richarf,, I SEE Harry ect.
interesting
thanks for initial reply
Factual” Harry moves into Avery out of Albia per say.
YOU Obvious have REASON Needing to REVEAL 37 years Later.
Right Now actuall Wanna find some Turkey, and NONE repetitive version Jingle Bells
Sometimes you just want to forget and then one day a drunk old man desides to run off and make comments about the situation people would not believe how dangerous one person may be but if you would go as far as your own brother says a lot just saying
Jim
Mentioned Me Former Military Police Jnvestigator Plain Clothes
. Arrive. Intial Interview. No Indication Drugs.
Wgat happened to Mother? Spoke well not errational
No drugs, no beating, calm woman ecr ect
Turned case Over to CID complete
Mother had put BABY sxalding TUB Hot Water. She said to Quiet BABY!
Mark Milligan
OBVIOUS LE will Vet(quaify or discard)
“jim” siaid that day” Me lot more Questions
Matter Discussion ONLY
Seems refering to
Sunrise 543am. July 1sr `1984 “that day”
Didnt check Visibility, ie tain, fog distance Sighting or hearing factors, sure Avery and Albia on it.
or Jim still peekin in?
Obvious ypur leisure care to.
Color Shed
Metal or wood
Big enough Car?
barn doors or open ended
How far sighted, clos
neighbors recall
close enoigh hear
rain. fog rhat day?
Trees 1984 impair sight, bushes ect
colot clothes All contrasting car, maybe Harry Stoog OUT
Obvious Who Drove Car across Street
1984 Description Housings, Scenery ect for Visual
Cell Phone? I started using 83 – 84
Dusturbance wake you or headed out
Iowa NEXT Chapter us Yours.
Other Issues for me tho will Look IN now then
Addios
If you went to Tech High between 1983-85, and you never heard about Penny Watson death then you most of not been in school. There is NO WAY you could have missed her death in school.
Mark Milligan
POINT
Recall Harry `1sr Reported Missing Hoq Handled 1984
Yoir FORMWR LE.
Plenty of Qualified LE to Resolve Incliding NONE LE can RESOLVE.
Mark Milligan
Saw News HAVE Harrys DNA obtained. Would ask LE Examine Helmet. Confirm,
according to where stored.
If Matches Sourse, Not Criminal Case but should be BEYOND Reasonable DOUBT.
This “Point” have what belived Harrys DNA from “sourse”? Sibblong or Bio Parent?
Thats THEIR DNA believed part HARRY.
Harrys DNA is Harrys and ONLY when TAKEN from Harry and match, maybe personal items Secured or Stoted.
May have something USED with Harrys DNA Im NOT Privy to.
WHY EVIDENCE CHAIN CUSTODY IN PLACE COURT. at LEAST trying to be FAIR to Determine beyod RESONABLE DOUBT
Not Red Herring, a Fact.
Then “Harrys ” DNA matched to Sourse for comparrison Match.
If LE did HOMEWORK Cool.
Reason MENTIONED Helmet.
Which LOTTA People may Tried On thru years Inless Stored.
Not just Courthoise Paperwork for bio mother . Tho accepted by LE as bio Mother or Sibling.
Point “if yuo HAVE Harrys DNA from Persobal ITEMSa snd Matched with RECORDED BIO Mother, You have Part Harry and a BIO Mother. FACT
RECALL Dragnet? Only the FACTS Mam during questioning?
All with a REASONING ONLY Why Jphn or Jane Doe NO DNA DATA Bases NO MATCH,
Babies Bought Sold, given away r, kidnapped from Hospital, financial reasons ect
RUNNING DNA from accepted SOURSE why John or JAne Doe still Mystery. to % pSTILL some Missing.
Take to Next Level Unless Satisfied and USED Harrys DNA for for search
Interesting.
Harrys DNA ran or Recorded Bio Sibling or Parebt Data Base?
Mark would ASK LE “Harrys DNA or Outside Sourse recorded as Part of Harry?
Mark Milligan
Facebook was Public gander Overer for Info. I do not Facebook so locked OUT has changes. Ok
DNA seems like your Dad did All Legal for adoption ‘ so Bio Parents KNOWN,
If Not KNOWN ? Nice PHOTO “Harry” with Marine Helmet if you Kept Gear, My Army Helmet liked to keep few Hairs and LOT sweat ect. Stick in Closet>?
Jim
Suppose if yoir in Toich LE may not want Info Divulged LE reasoning
however Mark Milligans whole Senerio Changes at END if VERIFIED dates and times
Ibstead Harry riding off to Sunrise, NOw Trouble House believed Headed to?
come on Jim?
At least date” Shouldnt be Issue with LE
New Chapter or not?
Ill reapect LE asked. ypu only said “them and I” keep beyween
Jim
Mentioned 2 to3 men fid”something to Harry?
Van at LEAST say DATE Harry went Missing?
Struggle?
Someone may wanna do Reasonable Metal Detecror Search Dog Tags or Glasses ect if Tossed could still be around.
I posted time Sun Rose Harrys Day. Can mention if Harrys Date early Morning?
Ill stay away to many questions
Suggestion Only
Move Up Few Years
Harry may assumed Unwanted NEW NAME “John Doe”
Would Conder if HAVEN’T
LE or Mark would Understand You know or Located Biological Parents for Harrys DNA to bust OUT the Data Bases? John Does Found ect
Ember to Fire Up ir out OUT
Anypne ASK FBI or Matines CID to Run Harrys Prints SEE Any Activity, on FILE
Marines should or at Least Maybe have on File. Even change name Lot Jpbs require Prinra
Important Side Note
Notice Harry with Big Glasses?
Latenr Prints research Indicate have been Raised (llifted) ip to 40 Years. Research Indicates No Scientific Evidence How Long will last.
Tho Avery or Albia May wind up with the Answer..
Harry was Young Marine. As “Jim” Mentioned 2 to 3 Giys on “point to subdue no Knife Gun. Would probally Knock off Harry Struggle. Example ONLY Jim only said “Did something” with Harry.
Both Towns Probally Full tems sitting atound 60 to 80 years
Wonder LE Interest on Fingerprint training? Might be Fun find some Old Furnitire
If was Atruggle can determine may picked up glassea TOSSED 20 30 yards or into Car.
Avery and Albia Hot on TRAIL per say Handle with care. Even Locate car CONSIDER Fragile to this day.
One would think that considering all of the available resources to state & federal agencies they could figure this out. All of the Spyware & surveillance technology they use for other things could be used in these unsolved MURDER CASES.
Praying for justice for this man!
Everyone describes him as sweet & it breaks my heart to think that such a kind soul was taken like this!
Ethan was on mushrooms at the party that night.
self orrected
Marines Semper fi
Army? (me) More like “Get it Done)
Correction
SEMPER Fi
Jim
Cool. Thanks Return Post Reply. Me? Former PI Manager Miami New Orleans and DC
Independent Operator NOT for HIRE tho what involved with since 70s
l do not “hang shingle” in buisness per say
personal interest? To Long . Lots embers ect Put um out or Fire them Up
Like reading Nancy Drew Mystery cept has LIVE Brother Waiting.
Harrys case caught my attention. Anything Important? May be willing Meet and apay Expenses, room, travel, meals. Short Window tho but will pass oN as needed.
Never in News, except NO Name Case resolved; Nor No Intention
YOU? Most Direct to issue. pointed, no BS. Somewhat REFRESHING. I will be Shadow bpxing in Background per say”
my Interest Resolved Not Headlines Except “Harrys been Found like to SEE
Army to Marine this case “Simpi fi”
.
Mark Milligan
Jim BEST Clue ir Person lnterest Iv SEEN Comment Yet “jim”
Factual Obvious Revelent. They Did Something to Harry? Jim said
Time Date Large Factor for Fpllpw UP ie Hatty Missing Date ect
Car Driven Off?
Even IF Red Herring Revelrnt
Jim Why TOSS in 37 Years Later on Missing Person is Question?
Small Roewn Albia got some Interesting Cases
Russ I would love to answer each and every question you have but at this time I can’t irs not that I don’t have an answer but the people that need the information at this time needs to only stay between them and me however there are a few things I can point I grew up around the Davis family most of my life and the question about gary Richard and jb gary did not want any part of Richard and JBs doings Gary did not use his practice in any way to benefit the other two
Russ looks into Cyber Space. Knock knock, Jim you in their?
Not like Zach 2 Words gone. Figure Supernowl NEWS Chasing
Never heard reporter tell someone “Shit Up” Scratches Head
Lil Off Subject
Hey Zach srill around? May SEE Superbowl. Told Ford Think Once Look Twice “Futurlitically. Optimized. . Reliably, Driven, FORD
Excuse me Harry. Sjort Pause for the CAUSE
Jim
Mentioned 2 Eaglea Fighting Earlier 2 Birds of Feather Flock Together earlier Posting
37 yeares later Saw Harry argue, 2 men, “the car Driven OFF?
Red Hetting keeps popping up to me.
A Davis, maybe Brother who Murfered Brother their. I don’t know if same Davis Btothers
This is getting endless
Interesting
Raises eyebrow.
Lets Talk. Ill buy if using factual bassed internet address
jim
relevent
the day observed Harry argue and Car “The Car” Driven ACTOSS stteet, Was SAME Date Harry went Missing with :The Car:?.
Jim Im an IO. Anything IMPORTANT to say? Ill buy YOU Ticket Weekend Dinner meet YOU, Know few LE mighr have Interesr, or arrange meet with LE,
Not doing Much today my end.
The Poker Room Ill throw in $100 biuy i
chew the the Steak.(Fat per say) ight Ruffle FEW FEATHERS
jim
Is Richard Davis same wo killed Dtr Brother 2011 Driveway?.
ome on Jim.
Could Google address wpould prefer 1984 Visual on recall.
Why would someone Drive Car across Street? Bacck dirt road exit another roadway behinnd a Jouse?
If Davis Brother Connection Id Check who RECEIVING Presctiption Drugs. Then and NOW.
1984 Prescription Drugs Showing Up. Popular 84 still today.
IF Doctor Davis Brothers(killing)
recent video post 2 Eagles Locked together by Talons Tussling on Ground
2 birds same feather flock together. To me expressing Focal Point of Interest
jim
l found interesting
richard davis killed gary davis his brother doctor 2011 in driveway 2011(convicted)
lim WHP are YOI? How connrected?
what was the shed? you mentioned, tools ect?
any OVERJEARD Argument?
You POSTED PUBLIC left us Waiting Part 2
Can someone tell me why they wont release how he passed? This whole thing just doesn’t add up- at all. Like is there a reason they are holding the cause of death back?
Probably to validate the veracity of a tip or confession if either materializes.
Seems solvable but only if someone talks.
This is another act of violence that is tough to swallow. A young man, just starting out. Seemed like an impressive and good guy.
KA, it seems some law enforcement agencies hold back some details, on homicides. I have seen where some police agency, claim they are holding back the cause of death to protect the investigation.
Yet, we have a number of agencies that released that the person was strangled, shot, stabbed, blunt force trauma, etc. was the cause of death. So, there is nothing uniform about it. If I remember right there are three cases on this forum, where the victim was murdered, but how they were murdered is not stated.
It bothers me that holding back the cause of death, on a cold case that has not been solved for more then 20 or more years, just bugs the heck out of me. Some agencies will hold back some other detail such as a ring was missing from a victim.
They will use the excuse that they don’t want someone wandering in and confessing to a crime, that they did not commit. So, holding back some details is a way of preventing it.
Still an open case, so they will not release some details.
did anyone read that murderers obituary, should not of even been linked. dont want to give a killer any type of recognition thats anyway positive. hope he rots in hell
I had one of Julie’s sons in my Sunday school class. My heart breaks for this family and I was shocked at the time at how little media coverage this story got. Still so sad the case hasn’t been solved!
My father Franz Curtis worked as a butcher at Federal Fruit Market when I was young. I remember going to their house when I was young and knew both Connie and Maria. They were all great people!
I was wondering why my cousin Ameisha Heard’s homicide hasn’t been listed here, She was shot and killed in May 2014. There was a person of interest in her case but because witnesses back out he was let go from jail. I never got to meet Ameisha because at the time of her death I was living in Texas. It’s been 7 years for our family and no justice for Ameisha.
The only person with keys took witnesses with him to find the body?? Interesting
I am wondering about siblings; the article states he had 11 siblings, yet only identifies 8. Also, all the links only repeat the same information found in this article.
Who was the friend he spent the evening with at the Filling Station? Did that friend also walk home or did they have a vehicle? Had he done this walk home from Filling Station any other time? I assume he was walking back to his parent’s home.
That boy Anthony know what happened if he knew where the body was….period
Here’s a little more in-depth piece about the confession and arrest:
https://lawandcrime.com/crime/its-emotional-its-relieving-police-say-iowa-man-in-prison-for-burglary-confessed-out-of-the-blue-to-2012-murder-of-homeless-man/
Looks like an arrest was made in this case:
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2021/10/27/des-moines-police-department-says-inmate-confessed-killing-man-october-2012-first-degree-murder/8557488002/
It’s about TIME this case is solved.
With so many mysterious deaths and searches for someone to question, makes me wonder who are those that would be questioned in Mike’s death??? Seems like no one ever mentioned a thing about this then 1975! So much time has passed by …. It would be such a relief to get some answers. I pray that we could get some answers! Thanks to everyone who works to help families of victims get some help to help healing of these deaths.
I’m telling you the killer is from this area!! I followed Lyric and Elizabeth’s murders and told a lady on the phone they would be found by a body of water in a park.. this person has been killing people for a long time and I get the vibe that hes an older man now that EVERYONE KNOWS and wouldnt expect! I see and older truck with a camper and he has the nicest smile and vary polite! May even of owed a business in the area.. He also owns several properties in the area!
Another possible match; I just submitted to the Doe Network: Victim found 3/7/1991 and matches Matthew’s height/weight. https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/7385/details?nav
Great find. That one looks really promising.
Doe Network says that the match has actually been submitted before, and that they forwarded the information to Law Enforcement. Clearly there was no follow up by LE, because Matthew is not in the list of exclusions for that unidentified person. A different organization (The DNA Doe Project) working on that case through genetic genealogy is checking into whether he could be a match for Matthew now.
Thanks for the update, Jenni. So many things match in this case, and the physical similarities are remarkable. I look forward to hearing whether there’s a match to Matthew. The “list of exclusions” you referenced is invaluable; it saves both researchers and investigators from running out the same lead and hitting the same dead end.
Can’t they use the dna found to identify the body
FYI, this individual was determined to be a missing person from St. Louis. One less John Doe out there now.
It almost seems like a case of her seeing something she shouldn’t have and getting murdered for it. Evidence could be on the phone. Could be why no one has come forward, because their the perp & why phone is gone. This case has always bothered me. Such a tragedy..Evilness is everywhere
What if Millhouse was the one late night calling the Gosch residents hoping Johnny would pick up the phone?
Cecil DuBois was my great uncle. Not sure who see this? Was there any forensic Evidence? Maybe someone could look into this? My name is Randall Bertrand
Cicil was my great uncle. Not really sure who see this? When was the last time someone has looked at this case. Was there Forensic left that my could help? Phone 520 808 2720
Maureen Brubaker Farley’s murder was solved and the suspect George M. Smith of Cedar Rapids was identified through dna but he will not be brought to justice because he died back in 2013.
they should dig him up and desecrate his body for the public to see. deserves to be disrespected even in death
Um…..*scratching head*
CRPD announced today that they’ve closed this case. The man who murdered Maureen died in 2013 but he’d been one of their main suspects from the start. He knew her from the diner. It was solved with DNA technology.
https://www.kcrg.com/2021/10/05/cedar-rapids-police-close-homicide-cold-case-1971/
I saw this news too. Luckily the Farley family has a little bit of closure. I can’t help but wonder how George M. Smith’s family feels and if they knew he was a suspect all those years.
He knew her from the diner. I would be nice if we knew more about his background. It might provide a possible motive for her murder. He was in his early 50’s, when she was murdered.
From what I read he was a known suspect, whether or not his family and friends knew that is unknown. I’m just kind of curious if the family of George M. Smith are nodding in agreement or if they are more defensive and thinking he is innocent until proven guilty? When a police department closes a case like this is there any 3rd party review of their evidence?
https://www.broshchapel.com/obituary/5356293
According to the new this case was finally solved thanks to DNA.
Investigators linked and confirmed one suspect, George M. Smith, that had died in 2013 at the age of 94.
Smith had been identified as an acquaintance of Brubaker-Farley’s from the diner she worked at, had gone to police multiple times to inquire about the progress of the investigation, and worked at a liquor store near her apartment.
He was interviewed in 1971 and declined a polygraph test but never charged.
Sarah, your comment about him going to the police and inquiring about the investigation, reminded me of something in the book ‘Mindhunter’, by FBI Special Agent John Douglas. He was one of the leading FBI criminal profilers.
He mentioned consulting on various cases, and that the offender might be the one who interjects himself into the investigation. So, a criminal profiler might have been able to take notice of that. Mr. Smith might have have caught sooner if this had been brought up.
It also makes you wonder if Maureen’s murder was the only one he committed or were there others? He sexually assaulted her and then must’ve redressed her and washed her feet before placing her body on the car trunk. She was not wearing shoes when she was found, so did he keep the shoes as a trophy? I’d definitely be looking into other unsolved cases in the areas where he lived, see if any of them have similar M.O.’s.
Kind of makes me wonder about the Paula Jean Oberbroeckling case from a year prior to Maureen’s.
Paula Oberbroeckling was murdered at 810 5th Street S.E. on July 11, 1970. This was a prostitute’s place of residence. If you ask the question……why were Paula’s hands tied together? I would quess that Paul’s hands were tied together to prevent Paula from leaving the prostitutes’s house at 810 5th Street S.E.
Paula’s autopsy shows that her toes could have been broken. I would quess that Paula broke her toes by kicking a person who was trying to rape her. This person then killed Paula by smothering her to death with a pillow.
Was that the place they called Big Lulu’s? Wasn’t it somehow connected to the murder of US Marshal Dick McKinney in 1972?
Case solved through DNA and ancestry.com
George Smith did it. News will break soon.
This is another one that irritates me to no end.
I can hardly believe after all these years Kevin Petersen and Jeff Daily hasn’t been brought to justice is a total injustice.
Your birthday was a couple days ago and you have been on my mind a lot. I am older now then the age you were when that man took your life. Your grandson that you wanted born on your birthday, however he couldn’t wait an extra day is 25 now, just celebrated his birthday the day before yours. I wish he could have gotten to know you, I have the one picture of you & him that I treasure. Your youngest daughter has grown into a beautiful woman and she is the best mother to your 2 youngest grandchildren. I wish you could have met them, they are so stinking cute! Your sons on the other hand could really use you to watch over them. I wish I could say they are doing as well. Help them as much as you can.
Love you
Lisa
Lisa, what a beautiful tribute to your mom for what would have been her 68th birthday. It’s always so nice to hear from a victim’s family member and learn how his or her children and grandchildren went on to build lives while never forgetting the one who set them on that path. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and our readers. Your mom would be so proud.
Jody @ ICC
Jody, thank you so much for you comment. I appreciate it.
The woman who was murdered in Boone by the name of Penny did they find out who murdered her and left her son in the house. The house is or was on old highway 30
Waterloo Iowa, near a convince store, kum & Go, near a park, on a motel poperty, this could be a possibility, look into.
You remind me of my little brother. You both have similar features, and your case hits really close to home. I hope we are able to find you alive buddy, as I can barely stand this, and I am sure your family can barely either. My heart breaks for you as the months keep going and no closure to this yet. I wish someone would speak up because I know someone knows something out there. Your smile is infectious little man, all prayers towards you.
what happened with the psychic who was hired? or didn’t that happen?
It’s too bad more information isn’t available. I wonder if a FOIA request to the Webster County Sheriff’s Office could result in any information that isn’t already publicly available.
Mike D, I assume that the agency will not release any more information, since the case is still open. However, it bugs me that we have all these cold cases, and especially with homicides they quite often hold back some detail, so that a person who did not commit the crime, will not come in and confess to the crime.
Many agencies, usually hold back some details, on the murder. What bugs me, is that in some cold cases we know the caliber of the firearm used in a murder. In other cases that information is not released. Some agencies will release the cause of death information, other don’t claiming to want to protect the investigation.
I don’t know what they are protecting it from, besides they being beyond their expertise. But, then many agencies never reached out to bigger agencies for help.
We have cases that have not been solved for 10, 20, 30, 40 years or more, and yet they won’t release these small details, that might help solve a case.
if they are still holding back some small detail, it has not helped find her. But, then many agencies really never put the effort forth to investigate missing adults. Adults who disappear have not broken any laws.
But, then they should pull the case file and see if they can develop some new information, or fill in the blanks they never answered.
There was a young woman, in Texas, who disappeared over 25 or more years ago. Her father mentioned it to a constable with Harris County. He never filed a report. The missing woman’s sister, filed a report with another agency. After 22 years she asked them what they did on the report. She found that considered it a well being check, and never completed a report.
I believe the missing woman and her car were found in a body of water, a year or two ago.
There was a case in Omaha, Nebraska, where a young boy was lured away after getting off a bus. The family reported him missing to the Omaha Police Department. They never made a report or conducted an investigation.
So the family hired a private detective, who traced the boy and his kidnapper to a cabin in Idaho. So the FBI and the local sheriff officers rescued him.
So, how we handled missing persons is mess. We make a bog deal out of the disappearance of Gabby, but others never get the necessary attention, except being added to the “The Charley Project”, Redditt, Websleuths, and the Doe Network.
I wonder if Mr. Handlon is such a wanted person, why the service of the warrant was not turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service. They should be able to track him down. I wonder if he was in the scrap metal business, he may have disposed of Mr. Delaney at some facility.
Mark Handlon is definitely a felon. He stole money from me. And he was cheating scrap metal recyclers in the Quad-Cities area. He stole two trucks from lady that I live with. And he he lived there. And stole $1,000.00 plus more money from the lady & me awhile lot.
Maybe the serial killer Samuel Little? I know he was a serial killer during this time frame who murdered tons of African American women. Not sure if he was ever in Iowa but he apparently killed 90+ people.
I know Mark Edward Handlon is a felon & a thief. He stole money from me & tried to kill me in the Motel 6 motel in Moline, IL. He had such a terrible & threatening anger. And it was worse when I worked with him. Doing scrap metal business. He always said, he would watch out for me(Gary Sobie). And give me money from the work that we did. But he(Mark)always was carrying lots of money with him. But he would always keep most of it for himself & exwife(Marilee Handlon). Her address is: 4903 28th Ave, Moline, IL. And if any police department is looking for Mark. Look at his exwifes house for sure. And watch her house, because she is a co-conspirator with Mark.
I have questions. What was the name of the judge who chronicled the domestic abuse and at least partially concluded that Dave was lying? It couldn’t have been the juvenile court judge who gave custody to Dave. Or was it? Because if domestic abuse evidence, that much of it, was testified to, the juvenile court judge was incompetent to award Dave custody. And what court papers are available to the public? I don’t know if it’s progress that someone can be convicted of murder without a body found, because circumstantial evidence is a tricky and slippery slope to try a case on. But I’m surprised, given the evidence outlined here, that the county attorney didn’t bring a case. Terribly surprised. Who was the county prosecutor at that time?
All these people commenting. Where is your evidence? Especially the story of hip bone and a spine being found in the river. I guarandamntee you I would harass the cops until they told me what THAT was about. C’mon.
Also-they reunite on Labor Day because the wife wants to reconcile? Did he? Surely she confided in her friends. Sounds like they were a fairly popular couple and drug users always know alot of people.
Intetesting that Dave claimed sobriety at one point. Isn’t he in jail this very moment for drunk driving? (Monday, September 13, 2021) I bet he went to AA. I went to meetings somewhere else with a man who murdered his wife. AA is such a hide out for predators. Silly cult.
Why didn’t the family pursue a civil case against him? And at least get a verdict of damages, because they would have. And my point is not the amount they would receive. That doesn’t matter. It’s the moral victory of winning the case that shows the perpetrator and the community that he’s never going to really get away with anything.
I’m surprised the dude had the stones to stay in Cedar Rapids. And that anybody in the area would avail themselves of his services.
The 2nd wife died of cancer in 2015? At 55? Very young. That’s terrible.
My heart is with the daughter. And, no, a baby’story would never be enough to convict someone of murder. It breaks my heart that the girl was kept from her mom’s family. But I’m glad it gave them joy to finally have contact with her.
I hope Dave Fraley will at least tell his daughter the truth before he dies. Unless she had a lover, it’s pretty inconceivable to me that he didn’t kill her.
I miss you big bro and wish you was here…A to Birthday is in a couple of weeks I know your going to turn up ❤but continue to watch over us‼️LOVE YOU 🖤
It appears that Chantal Steeg has been active on facebook since the missing persons report was made. https://www.facebook.com/chantal.steeg.7
An online directory shows her supposedly living in South Sioux City. Nebraska.
The Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse (MPIC) is usually the first to delete a report once the individual has been located. As of today, they still show Chantal Steeg as missing.
For the longest time, Facebook also showed Cari Farver as alive and posting. We now know Shanna Golyar impersonated Cari on Facebook after she killed her. The posts on Chantal’s page (primarily new profile pictures, one after the other, with an occasional link to an offsite article) strike a familiar chord.
As long as MPIC lists Chantal Steeg as still missing (and physically endangered at that), she remains on our Missing Persons page.
My good friend Billy worthen was wrongfully accused and treated so poorly sorry for barb and her family but also sorry for the wrongfully accused as well
I think the key here is the wallet.
Either he didn’t think he would need it for a short drive, or more probably, he forgot it when he decided to go to a specific place.
Then there is the 3rd consideration of kidnapping/robbery.
From the limited information provided I would speculate that he went for gas. The realization of forgetting his wallet is what set whatever scenario in motion. I would have first questioned the nearest gas stations.
I picture him asking for cash from someone and getting rolled or taken advantage of.
It would help if we knew what time of day he left and if his home was locked up.
I knew Patty in the early 1970s. She was so much fun and a good person. When I went to college, we lost touch. I had no idea she had been murdered until my sister shared this post on her FB. I was devastated to find out that she had been murdered and murdered so brutally.
I don’t know whether law enforcement has viable DNA that can be tested, but there are several labs that are now doing Genetic Genealogy and using DNA matches to identify one or more suspects. The first case solved using this method was the infamous Golden State Killer case.
One lab, Parabon Nanolabs has solved well over 100 cold cases in the last few years. There is a cost for their services and the investigating LE agency has to contact Parabon to start the process. I imagine the other labs offering this service operate the same way.
The most important question is whether there is DNA that was collected at the crime scene and whether the DNA has been properly stored for for 25 years.
I hope that they give Janice her own article. There might be someone that is out there that may know something.. I live in her home currently and finding out about her tragic death I feel so connected to this home and her. I wish her soul peace. We go to her grave and give her flowers that her father planted many years ago that still pop up..
Oh no, I didn’t realize that! Prayers that she is found safe!
Does anyone believe Noreen’s account of Johnny visiting her in 1997?
I just reading article dated 4/16/2021 by Leslie Thompson of the Argus Observer which is the daily newspaper of Ontario, Oregon. It talks about a bag of bones recovered and Keith Schuller was called to examine them to determine what they were. He said he used the coroner’s book to identify them as deer. Also last year another bag of bones found were determined to be a cow. Since Keith examined them could they have really been Lynn’s bones and not animal? They should have had a second opinion because of Keith’s background. What an opportunity to finally get rid of the bones if they were really Lynn’s.
His killer is dead !!!!
I find it very suspicious that LDS would block access to a TRAILER for their film on this website. A trailer is nothing more than an advertisement. In this case, FREE advertising for their product. So why block a potential sale? Somethings not right here.
The film is a joke. It’s horrible journalism. They simply looked into conspiracy theories that sound fake anyways. When the film was made the Faded Out podcast didn’t exist, and Yellow Bag hadn’t made his comments on here yet. However, there were still articles from the 80’s about Millhouse, Sykora, that guy at the mall, and the pedophile ring in Des Moines that was busted. A real journalist would have followed those leads.
Tow words and one name… Genetic Genealogy and Cee Cee Moore.
Case solved and closed.
put kenzie lyons on here she needs to be brought home…
Kenzie Lyons was found the day after being reported missing. https://www.kwbg.com/2021/05/09/boone-police-report-missing-teen-located/
I think she was found safe:
https://www.kcci.com/article/missing-dallas-county-15-year-old-found-safe-authorities-say/34556071#
Kim, she was indeed found safe, but she’s since gone missing again. Here’s an article from June 7, 2021.
https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/fort-dodge-pd-dci-searching-for-missing-16-year-old-shelter-runaway-missing-medications/524-b191d953-dbcc-4846-881d-66211838babb
When I see a child missing with no pictures, no information as to details where they went missing. Just their name, location date they went missing i don’t understand why there is no picture, no information. How do they expect the public to help. Very disturbing to say the least.
Theresa, I’ve often asked myself that same question, but the info put out on many missing persons cases can be quite limited. For example, right now, there are 331 individuals listed as missing on the IDPS’s Missing Person Information Clearinghouse site. Of the 331 missing, 65 have a photo.
My understanding is that the investigating agency will provide a photo to MPIC “if” the one filing the missing person report provides a picture of the individual to LE officials at the time they file the MP report.
Missing persons photos may be emailed to mpicinfo@dps.state.ia.us, but the photo or photos will have to be verified by the appropriate jurisdiction.
Is there any DNA that can be tested in this case? Curious if the case could be reopened?
The Huelsenbecks said he had fallen and received bruises several times in the days leading up to his death.
A lot of these accusations about Babe and 1 or 2 others our stories that aren’t all true.
👉 Remember this: Once you get caught the big lie you gotta wiggle your way out of the corner your in and kiss ass. They are phony kiss ass ppl, and whenever they get caught in the big lie, they’ll try wiggling there way out kissing ass. Do not let them do that!
👉 That is true about babe always having a bodyguard but i don’t think he himself was a mobster. He may of had friends who were but i don’t think he ever joined any mafia family. He was a bootlegger at one time way back in the 30’s but who wasn’t. Most everyone was poor back in them days. Once again, a lot of these rumors about babe are stories, right?
Think For Yourself
She is my relative and I don’t remember this happening. I pray someone comes forward with the truth. She made my prom dress one year. Heartbroken.
The address of that location he was seen on camera is never given. Which US Cellular building? How far away from ASAC was he? The sister and friends on the family’s facebook group stay tight-lipped, but they could at least share more information like that. They want people to speak up, but they wont speak up. Let us help.
Somethings can make more false leads and makes it more painful anything creditable they share they know a lot but lots been disproven too
I think at this point they should follow the example of other cold cases and not think any detail is too insignificant. I get not wanting to share their theories and everything, but basic factual details are lacking. Even the question about which US Cellular building he was last caught on camera at gets multiple answers from various people.
Jodi! My heart breaks for you & your families loss!
What a senseless & sick thing for a person or people to do!
They didn’t care that that home filled with gas & would kill people!!
They just wanted money.
I’m so so sorry!
As always praying for justice for him, you & your family & loved ones!
He is always with you & I’m sure he is so proud of you & who you are & what you have done!
Charges were dropped against Roberts because he gave a false confession in this case:
https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/murder-charges-dropped-in-dexter-meeks-slaying/
This is so sad
Maybe if the person had stopped he would still be alive.
Praying this gets solved.
I knew Sheila well in high school. She was bright, vivacious and fun to be around. That this happened to her is more than terrible and that no one was ever caught is even worse.
Iowa’s White more Powerful Proud Boys, have killed, tortured, and lynched, to cover-up their on-going contamination of 1/2 million Iowans’ Source Water. According to the State of Iowa and IDNR’s Russ Tell’s 2008 mapped out on-going “Plume of contamination” in the Cedar Valley Group Aquifers, this contamination continues to spread throughout 8 Iowa Counties, on the “LEFT” side of Iowa.
According to then Governor Branstad’s Attorney, Colon Smith, on about 2/2/2017 this Plume only affected the Bloom or Left side of Iowa, as if we were not important, or our water quality was of no value. Governor Branstad sent for two more Iowa Highway Patrolmen to escort me out of his office in our State Capital.
This “Plume” of Point Source contamination starts in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa’s Designated National Wetland’s Aquifer Recharge Area of Sinkholes. Kleckner/Branstad’s Flood drainage channels were built to channel run-off over roads and through farms, homes, small towns, and bigger cities by the Worth and Mitchell County Engineer, James Hyde, to drain 50,000 agricultural acres faster in parts of Worth, Cerro Gordo, and Mitchell Counties.
Draining Ag nitrogen fertilizers, and long-lasting in-organic Arsenic chemicals (herbicides/pesticides) and E-Coli, Coliform, and Cyanobacteria and their deadly Cyanotoxins, along with heavy metals in Climate Changes increased floods, washing ponding water down into the drinking water source of Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, Benton, Black Hawk, Lynn, and Johnson County Iowa unsuspecting residents.
Support the Biden/Harris Administration’s reinstatement of access to EPA and NRCS data, so my son, Adam M. Lack’s “RUSLE3” equations can again limit Point Source contamination of our US groundwater or Aquifers. Veronica M. Lack
Harris/Booker’s Anti-Lynching bill, would have made “Lynching a Federal Crime”.
Their Bill should have been passed long ago, maybe there would not have been a need for George Floyd’s Minneapolis Memorial Service, or my son’s too.
Republican’s senator’s waited until Harris/Booker were to fly to attend George Floyd’s MN Memorial. Our Republican controlled Senate, pulled this bill out of his pile of about 400 good House passed Bills, and Republican Senators smeared and bad mouthed this bill with lies, as both Harris and Booker hurried to come back from the airport to speak in its defense. Republican’s Speaker Mitch McConnell had held it in the pile backlogged, until he knew they were going to be attending George Floyd’s Service. In a blink of Republican lies, Republican Senator’s voted it down.
I’m just one of the 1,000 of mothers, still alive, waiting for JUSTICE, for our sons and daughters lives. Adam was tortured, killed or lynched and his death is still used to threaten others less powerful than the White, Powerful, Proud Boy, Legislators, Governors, and Conglomerate Corporations that still benefit/profit from Adam’s death. There has been no investigation of Adam’s lynching yet 13 years after Judge Bryan H. McKinley and Dean Kleckner’s Contractors are pictured controlling the Scene, while Adam is being tortured and killed.
Iowa Highway Patrolman, Graham Palas’ photo’s still haunt me as Judge Bryan H. McKinley and Dean Kleckner’s Mayer’s Digging Company contractors stand by joking about 8-9 hours after Adam had chased away Bradley Johnson and Brody Mitchell from my farm home on the night of 7/12/2008. Judge Bryan H. McKinley looks to be directing the scene and Kleckner’s contractors look like they are celebrating the fact that they are refusing aide to Adam still trapped. Adam’s Mom, Veronica Lack
Better picture?
The “neighbor and his child” shown in the photo above with Ashley, is my Grandfather, Albert Dumpman, holding my Mom.
This case keeps me up at night. So many things don’t add up.
Has anyone ever checked the Doe Network for Johnny Gosch or Jody Huisentruitt? I saw a man from Oregon that looked a lot like an older Johnny.
so i’ve researched the villisca axe murders and haven’t saw them in this website and i would say that the villisca case is very cold and unsolved to this day.
The Villisca axe murders are definitely on this site:
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/villisca-axe-murders/
Please see ChampionforLaura website and facebook. New $10K reward for information. True information from Law Enforcement.
I had no idea we have unsolved murders in Creston, Iowa.
The brothers have grown to be the finest young men I know. I am extremely proud of both of them.
My condolences to the family. I hope that you will find closure soon
I searched Mr. William Lee Halterman, born in 1959, on Ancestry.com. I found that he had connections to two different residences in Vicksburg, Mississippi. One of them is 430 Roy Young Road, which lists a Bonita Halterman, William L. Halterman (61) as homeowners and a Vernon Halterman.
Also, an address at 380 Roy Young Road, which appears to be a manufactured mobile home of some sort, which was built in 1997.
Also, he had an address of 1533 Iowa Avenue, in Chariton, Iowa. It is identified as a two bedroom house, with a detached garage. I noticed that there is West Lake in Chariton. A nice place to dump a car.
It seems that he may have lived in Waterloo, Iowa.
It also appears that he was born in L.A. County.
I am fairly certain Lee is not William’s middle name.
Lee is his middle name. This is Bethann’s daughter I can confirm some things.
Lashanda…. is your email address still the same as mentioned below? I would love for his middle name to be Lee as you stated; sadly, I am certain it is not.
Yes my email is still the same
That is his middle name. Now I’m not saying the man that Patrick researched is the guy but Lee is his middle name. I know this for a fact. It’s not even an argument point. I know the name of the man that was intimately in my life. However with that being said why are you so convinced that it’s not? What has you believing that it isn’t even though the victim’s child is confirming that it is in fact Lee.
I sent you an email to your Ilovejeeps380@gmail.com email address you had listed below.
All of the information you posted is incorrect Patrick. He’s born and raised in Warren County, Iowa. Her car was never dumped (in a lake), it’s my understanding it was traded in. But I assure you Patrick, that is the wrong William.
Jessica, If you check Shane brought up a reference to Mississippi. Also, the guy I searched had connections to Iowa.
Also, the fact that I mentioned the lake, was an observation
There are a number of missing persons who have been found along with their vehicles have been found in lakes, ponds and other bodies of water.
I completely understand how you connected the dots; however, after a podcast done in Des Moines that has Beth’s daughter, Shanda, as well as Sgt Paul Parizek giving details of Bill, where they both were employed, what happened to her Prism, etc. I can tell you with 100% certainty that William Lee Halterman, isn’t the correct William.
Would like to know the name of the person that reported it. why that during their Gathering of evidence and going over that they were able to determine that he was only hit once but so incompetent that they couldn’t even take multiple swabs for comparison. So was it incompetence or evidence tampering that caused the swabs to be useless? And if it was evidence tampering was it before or after police got there
And Alvernia Beets died this year, also. Her obit mentions that James Junior Browning (her son) predeceased her. All of the likely psychopathic perps are now dead, except for Wendell’s psychopathic, homicidal, sex offending, son Tony.
https://www.thegazette.com/obituaries/alvernia-franklin/
I meant that Tony was Colbert’s son, not Wendell’s son.
You don’t know what you are talking about because for 1 Alvernia Franklin was a great woman that had no involvement in anything any lived a full blessed life! Unlike your scary self hiding to be anonymous thinking you know something you don’t know anything about! Since you so about trying to put false allegations out here be bold and put that name out here as well!
I’ll not put my name out here because although the psychopaths of that generation are gone, there are still certain psychopath descendants and I don’t want to be the next missing person murdered by a member of the Beets clan.
So just what is a false allegation on here?
Alvernia’s son was James Junior Browning. That is indisputable. He was clearly a psychopath based upon the number, versatility, and violence of his criminal convictions. Are you saying that the newspapers made these things up? Did the police, the courts, the juries, the newspapers, and everyone collude? Of course not. James Junior Browning committed these acts. James Junior Browning — Alvernia’s son — sexually violated a number of girls in the 1960’s. Alvernia’s son also was a convicted thief, extortionist, batterer, and forger. Purse-snatching, car theft, theft of marble chips, you name it, are the diverse types of theft alone that Alvernia’s son James Junior Browning perpetrated. Alvernia’s son threatened to kill a woman he had beaten. James Junior Browning was a one-man crime wave.
And just like Alvernia’s son James Junior Browning committed the crimes that have been reported in newspaper articles over the years that have been reproduced here, various of Alvernia’s siblings have committed terrible crimes, such as Alvernia’s brother sex offender Wendell Beets committing a sex offense against a young lady who was a member of his congregation, or Alvernia’s brother Alvin Roland Beets committing murder and other crimes. Both Wendell’s and Alvin’s criminal convictions are part of the reported jurisprudence of this nation. Their criminal appeals have been published in state law reporters. Those convictions, and the facts behind them, are undeniable.
Various of the children, and grandchildren, of Alvernia’s siblings have committed terrible crimes as have been partially detailed in this page.There criminal records, as detailed in the newspapers of this state, speak for themselves. Heck, Tony Lee Beets, the son of Colbert L. Beets, and Alvernia’s nephew, attempted to rape a woman at knife-point.
Moving on, the former Cedar Rapids police chief publicly stated that Alvernia knew exactly what happened to Paula Oberbroeckling. How can you possibly deny this?
Yet you have the audacity to claim that these are false allegations and that I don’t know what I’m talking about. What a hoot! I have spent hundreds of hours of my life looking into the Beets family, mostly because of this case, but also because it is a very interesting study into a case of presumptive genetic psychopathy.
We know that psychopathy is largely genetic. Certainly, it is necessary for childhood abuse and/or neglect to really set it off and create violent people. But we know that it is largely genetic.
Given the number of crimes that the siblings, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and nephews, of Alvernia committed, and given the extreme violent nature of those crimes, including sexual violence, I think that it’s safe to say that there is significant genetic psychopathy in the family, and that many of the children were abused behind closed doors (or, for that matter, in the presence of family members who covered up for the adult perps.).
Don’t be a gaslighter. Don’t be a false denier. Don’t be a liar. Don’t be an apologist. Don’t be an enabler.
Instead, embrace truth, science, and reason.
Wendell Beets has now died. Now the only brother left is Colbert. https://www.murdochfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Wendell-Beets/#!/Obituary
Also, that obituary is misleading, and contains at least one serious outright lie. The family continues to enable.
Can they get DNA off her clothes the sheriff said he kept?
They should test the DNA of these two children.
If they match then it had to be someone who had access to the shredder at the facility & could access it without anyone really seeing them.
What kind of evil monster would out a baby through a shredder?!
I hope they catch this evil person one day!
I pray they do!!
Praying this gets solved!
He was just walking down the street!!
The Des Moines Register reported in Feb. 2021 that foul play was not suspected. I can say as a resident of Franklin County that Ethan was brought hime after being identified and his family quietly interred his remains and not a peep has been heard since. I think he was either high or drunk or both and accidentally drove into the water and everyone is too ashamed to admit it.
Respect the deceased please ! No one knows what happened, so to say he was drunk or high is just hear say. Less there is concrete evidence then
no point guessing.
I honestly think that there were underage drinking kids and someone did see something and no one had the guts to try and save him or say anything because they were all parting to much and did not want to get caught and go to jail, and by it sitting in water for 7 years all evidence will be gone, BESIDES they said his body was in the back seat hmmm does that not ring suspicion here. and yes I am respecting Ethan because in really why has this not been thought of by someone it’s the only logical explanation of why was he in the backseat and all windows were up…
Bodies are found in the back seat most often because the heaviest part of your car is the engine and most waterways have an incline to their depth. It’s only logical the engine would sink furthest due to weight and be in deeper than the rear because that would be the direction the car would normally be going.
Now since the car is pointing down at this incline the body wil float to the highest point (the rear roof) until all the gasses are realeased and it gradually floats down.
Of course if they are strapped in and/or going backwards this wouldn’t apply.
I’m telling you after putting some pieces together, actions of police, and investigators. I really think they didn’t want the evidence or the victim to be found. I feel that this is a real cover up. He was working on computers and data. Can you imagine the information he may have had access to. Something very fishy here. It could have been an individual foul play or a conspiracy piece of the pie. In today’s political war and things going on right now that are getting crazy, I seriously would consider a conspiracy plot. The body language of the police chief and others was not favorable. Actions speak louder than words. Someone or some people didn’t want Ethan to be found .
The car was intact with a full windshield when the Adventures with Purpose crew found it. After being forced off the property for a day, they were allowed back onto the property just as it was being pulled out of the water. The windshield somehow was mysteriously missing when it emerged from the water, leading me to believe that it had been popped to remove evidence (of an inside job I assume). The body was located in the back seat which rules out the theory of Ethan accidentally driving into the pond. I also think this may have been a cover up, considering that the sheriff told Adventures with Purpose that the pond had already been searched by the county and basically inferred that it would be a waste of time to search again. All of the secrecy and suspicious activity by the authorities in this case has me wondering what really happened. Something doesn’t seem right. Then, after his body was found and identified, there was a quick declaration of ‘no foul play suspected’ and then silence. How can foul play not be suspected when he was found in the back seat?
True .. why else would he be in the back seat and if he was leaving to go home First instinct when you’re leaving to go somewhere you start your car put your seatbelt on in the net seatbelt I may be wrong but I’m not the only one thinking it
according to the people who found him, most people who are not wearing seat belts tend to end up in the back of the car. i dont know if their body floats back there or he tried to get out as the car was filling and went to the back seat. its just sad though it took that long to find him
In their video you can see that the windshield was broken when they found the car under water. They just didnt show it. So it’s not correct that it was mysteriously missing.
The crew of AWP said that sometimes bodies are found in the back when they don’t have a seat belt on.
That is exactly what I am saying I watched Jared clear that car all windows were in tack none broken not one than they refused to let AWP back there and the front window is out Ethan in the backseat maybe one of the cops kids murdered him that night and now he is being protected. its bull crap besides the police were crappy to AWP because they did the job better then their own county 7 years ago.. I just wished I knew if this was ever completely solved after everything was done or is this an still ongoing investigation. I know how these things go with them hiding evidence.
Watch it again. As soon as they swim up on the car you can see for a brief second that the windshield was missing when they found it.
Something is up for sure George.
Try OR plates 035 GGY
I have seen Johnny’s photo so many time and now to know the circumstances, I’m very interested in him being found.
Please do not say hurtful things about his mom. No one can imagine what she’s been through unless you were in her shoes.
For her sake, I will pray for answers.
Noreen has viciously and falsely accused people of kidnapping Johnny just because they made her mad. That includes her ex, the police chief, a journalist, and even a private eye who all tried to help find Johnny. Sorry, but her victim card is wearing thin after all the crazy nastiness she has shown to others.
Pretty much all of those people who you mention made themselves a suspect in the kidnapping by their own actions:
* Noreen’s ex-husband Leonard John Gosch lied about numerous aspects of the case and his own involvement, and was accused by several witnesses of involvement in the Franklin network: http://cavdef.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Gosch_abduction#Father.27s_involvement
* The police chief Orval Cooney supervised an abysmal investigation that failed to even acknowledge Johnny had been kidnapped, was involved in prior misconduct such as police brutality and fixing an investigation for his son (https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19551322/speaking_out_p1/), and shoplifted “blank videotapes” and “screw hooks” (why?) from a Target store after his resignation as chief (https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27064185/orval_cooney_shoplifting/)
* The “private eye” Sam Soda lied about the Gosches hiring him when he actually inserted himself into the investigation without their prompting. He had connections to the Mafia, and was able to both acquire and show child pornography in public yet face no consequences; Ron Wheeler, the first assistant Polk County attorney who let Sam off the hook, later went into private practice and defended Sam on charges of beating his teenage stepson (https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27525831/the_des_moines_register/). Sam told several lies on Faded Out, including the aforementioned falsehood about the Gosches hiring him and claiming Mary Bock was in the room with him during his Frank Sykora interrogation despite Bock herself telling Faded Out that she wasn’t; he also rather suspiciously tried to get Sarah to stop looking into Yellow Bag’s theory of Johnny being targeted by pedophiles at the Des Moines Register. And the Gosch family’s own suspicion of Sam was shared by both Noreen and LJG at the time (https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34484387/gosches_ltte_sam_soda/), despite what LJG tries to claim now.
Not sure what “journalist” you’re referring to, but given that everyone else you mentioned was justifiably suspect in Noreen’s eyes, I have a feeling that they were as well.
Another Des Moines good ol’ boys club member? It’s no wonder crimes of this nature go unsolved in those places- no one has the guts or open mind to see the plain truth because it is too scary for them to believe evil walks among us as mild mannered plain looking folks. Or they know the truth and don’t want it coming out.
Well said. I dont know what i believe but i’d never say anything about a missing kid’s parent.
Any way these could be the work of Ted Bundy? His victims were often around college campuses.
This case should be investigated…. ! It’s a cover up for sure!
RIP Kimmie my sister Kim I miss you soo much Happy bday in heaven today.Tell Mom,Dad,Steven,Michael,and little Larry the second we miss you guys every second! Love your sister,Terrie(nickname) I wish you would have met your niece Natalia,and my husband Monte I love you 😘 Love Always and forever your sister Teresa
It’s clearly the wife. He caught her naked in bed with the guy & was shot & killed.
Probably by the guy but she clearly wasn’t “scared” of him because she was seen talking to him in that shirt the police found in her apartment.
She was ALL about that money when he died too so clearly it was all about the money & being with another guy for her.
He was given 10+5 for rape and murder and he’ll probably only serve part of it,why? they had him cold,DNA last person with her,I’m so sickened,a habitual criminal with very little job history, just watch,he will kill someone else,her little girl has no mother.
The FBI and my local PD have been given all the info placed on this site and more. WH.gov has been contacted as well. Cybercrimes?
Mr.Body,I’ve turned your info over to the local police and the Iowa cold case folks. I’m hoping your tracked down aand prosecuted, you will be caught, your actions are psychopathic and will be looked @. You are traceable, have a great day, and if I were you, better lawyer up, your going to need one. We don’t say this BULLSHIT here in the great state of Texas, ol and the FBI is informed as well
you should contact adventures with purpose for the missing people they could help you search the rivers
Two of the perpetrators died, where is the third one?
We’re is daily??
Is he still alive?!
I think both Daily and the elder Petersen brother are still alive. I could be wrong though.
This whole situation sounds sooo shady!
It sounds like a cover up.
This poor girl was kidnapped & possibly raped.
Then they murdered her by beating her to death, then claimed she “died” in a random car accident…that never happened.
THEN her parents who were trying to get justice for their daughter end up “mysteriously” dead in a fire, however no one can explain how the fire got started.
Praying this gets solved.
He was just trying to work for his family & provide & his life is cut short for what?!
What did they even get?!
God will judge them.
He didn’t do anything to anyone & still someone must have thought there was money in that apartment to be breaking in left & right.
I pray that the murderer is caught & if he isn’t punished in this life time he will be in the next!
It doesn’t seem that there’s a lot of info on this case.
It breaks my heart when it doesn’t list family.
My heart goes out to this man.
I feel like he was lone in the world.
I wonder if he was an orphan.
Praying they solve this one!
Praying they catch the person or persons who did this!
I think the person or people who did this prepared for it since they got a rug & other items to try to conceal the body.
Praying for justice for this poor women!
They have DNA so why not test it?!!
Was the baby a boy or a girl?
They can get a sample & use DNA to find out what happened.
This poor little baby deserves justice & to just leave a baby is SICK.
I think it was someone from the VA!
Someone who knew his nephew.
He talked to people about how much money he had & they tracked him down & killed him.
So sad!
Praying for justice!
That begs the question of where did the phone call come from. Did Amos have a phone, and the offender wanted Amos to be found. However, we hear nothing was missing, and then the DCI suggests that robbery might have been a motive.
It was obviously him if they saw him leave her house RIGHT before the fire… the jury got it wrong.
So sad!
I wonder if he is still alive today.
Praying!
Praying to justice!
Praying they can arrest the man who did this!!
Sick & evil to molest a child!!
Praying to justice!
Penny, praying with you!
What an evil person!!
Maybe it was someone or a group of people that asked for e drink of water just to get into his house?
Maybe that’s why he was killed in the kitchen?
this is fredricks sister ashley we are all worried sick about him and would like help to find him people lets all work together to find out stuff and if anyone knows anything please come forward with imfortmation i would like to know what happend and we need closer we arent asking for much
Please get help , your humor is not needed on here. Maybe your the guilty one or have a guilty conscience???
Reading questions about how the father of Patricia Scott could have even been aware of Donna Sue while he was in town for only a week. My grandparents lived a couple of blocks from where this all happened and my dad and all of his siblings grew up in the neighborhood. Very strong Catholic community at St. Bonifice. Wouldn’t doubt that he could have attended church with the family while in town, possibly to find a small child, and saw her there. It would not have taken much to locate the family and scope out the house.
That is good information. I’m going to see if I can’t find any records of members at that time.
Have you looked into the name C.K. Sullivan?
He was probably a Peeping Tom
How was her kidknapping so perfectly timed then? Someone had to know when she was put in her bed from the other side of the house. The opposite side the man who took Donna Sue came from…
If it was your biological Father you would take more seriously, I disagree with your comments.
I have since looked at a bigger computer and my tablet has better views then the desk top. I hope they don’t brush this off because their not seeing it!
After watching some of the adventures with a purpose, one show talked about a google maps find in Florida of a car in the water. Since I’ve heard of this story years ago sticking in my head I researched for any updates on Dale being found. Not not able to sleep I played around on google maps and looked up and down the river banks. I’ve boated that river for years and know some basics of the river flows. I spotted a red color. Spot on the screen up river from the Iowa side boat ramp but down street from the big Sioux inlet. I called in to the phone number listed and gave them the latitude and longitude numbers. The lady and I talked over the location but the views are tough to see and I don’t know if she was seeing what I saw. I took a photo of the better shot that I saw , but she didn’t seem to want to see it or have me send it to her, but I hope I’m wrong. I will share it with other authorities when I’m back home from the holidays and try a look on a better computer then my tablet!
First i want to send my condolences to Micalla and her family along with Adam. Have they found out where the bullet came from exactly? I know it’s says more then likely someone shooting or hunting but this case kind of remains me of a case i saw the other day on unsolved mysteries about a woman who was shot but survived on a rural road in Connecticut in the late 1980s i know chances are slim but is it possible it could’ve been the same man? https://unsolvedmysteries.fandom.com/wiki/Brayman_Road_Attacker
Basing information off of previous comments, a sibling of one of the people mentioned has a history of lascivious acts on children. Using old newspaper articles, I found at least 5 charges brought against him. Obviously just inferring here, but that behavior was learned somewhere.
Is it true that the those brother lived in Dubuque at the time? Maybe West 5th St?
Miss you little brother. We will one day meet again. Rest in peace. Lynea
If the murders were related to their sexual relationship, Pietism would have been examined and the hardcore Pietists would have been questioned and investigated. This could explain the beating about the head and face for their thought processes not fitting the self-righteous killer.
How did they discover who killed Kaiden? Did Ms. Michael turn herself in or did they use cell phone records to find out who was using their phone at that time and place?
Even though this is a 59 year old case, consider that a 65 year old case was solved in 2021 through DNA technique. In 1956, Kenneth Gould murdered and raped Patricia Kalitzke. Gould, who was never considered during the murder investigation, died in 2007, and was cremated. However, his children volunteered DNA, and using a single sperm cell and genetic genealogy, the connection was made to Gould.
In the case of Ramona Jean Cox, the following forensic evidence was gathered: 1) multiple hairs left by the murderer at the crime scene; 2) a t-shirt left by the murderer at the crime scene; 3) skin matter taken from under Ramona’s fingernails; 4) whatever biological material was gathered by rape examination. And, even if the DMPD lost the evidence inadvertently, the FBI may still have the hair and analysis work that they did.
I had to stop at Iowa Methodist Medical Center today, and after leaving, I drove over and parked in the east side parking of the Hoyt Sherman place. I walked from 680 15th Street down to the location where the 15th Street sidewalk met the Woodland sidewalk, back in 1962. From that location, I stepped off across Woodland, on a diagonal to where I was immediately in front of the location where 1526 Woodland stood back in 1962. Fifty steps, and figuring each step was an average of 3 feet, calculates to 150 feet. It was a shorter distance than I had remembered. I walked between 1530 Woodland, which still exists, and the west end of the apartment building next to it on the east. This is the pathway the murderer of Ramona Cox took that night back on April 29, 1962. The concrete walkway is no longer there, but a stone wall separates the properties. The landscaping behind is totally different. I walked east in what had been the alley to 15th Street, and over to the corner of 14th Street Place, where the grocery store had been in 1962. The whole route was dramatically shorter than what existed in my memory.
Does seven bridges have a target shooting area? If so, gun enthusiasts should be looked at, in addition to hunters
It doesn’t have a dedicated area for target shooting, but it’s of note that the girls were discovered on the first day of deer hunting season. Seven Bridges is basically just a road that loops around the forrest nexts to a river. It’s not really a destination or a place anyone knows about except for locals.
This story was an episode on The Swords and Scales Podcast. The story has always haunted my heart and head. Child Sex Trafficking is REAL and PROTECTED by the detail oriented system that runs this WORLD WIDE OPERATION. Usually involving and operated by people with power, money and fetishes. While being protected by fellow members in all areas applying to life. Ex: Police officers, Teachers, Lawyers, Government Employees, Child Protection Services, Hospitals, Doctors , Nurses, Dentist, Daycares, Nurse Practitioners, Non Profit Groups, Coaches, Truck Drivers, Domestic Violence Protection Shelters, Actors, Singers, Pilots, Captains, Army, Politicians and many other positions that are automatically respected and trusted by us Americans because that’s what we where raised to believe and never doubt. In this episode Eugenes mother repeatedly states that the detective and police officer’s didn’t make her feel heard, respected, taken seriously and was being questioned more then being answered. So much that she hired a Private Investigator. She continued her own hunt for answers even when she was continually shut down or even mocked by her possible theories, fears and overall mother’s intuition. She also states that after months/years of the investigation she had her own doubts and suspicions about Eugene’s father involvement and how the entire investigation was handled and cared for. The end of the podcast we learn that all of his mothers efforts finally paid off in a way she could never imagine. It was Eugene either going to see her or contacted her explaining that she had to stop looking for him. That he was involved in this huge operation that he has a certain role with power and that his mothers fight for him was endangering his life with his new “family” members. So much that he told her to please stop so that he would remain safe in his now normal everyday life. So she did what any mother would do to protect her son- she LISTENED and LET HIM GO. I encourage everyone to listen and hear the pain in this moms voice telling her story. Where do you think these boys that pretend to love girls and promise to give them a better life come from? They are kidnapped- trained and purposely chosen for what ever role they will become and then eventually train others to do. It’s very interesting to me that all missing children in Iowa are mainly Caucasians. In Illinois where I was raised it’s mainly African American girls and some boys. In California where I was born it’s mainly Hispanic women or young star eyed teens who believe that they can be made into a movie star model or living in poverty and promised a better life. I can stand rooted and calm saying all this because I believe in my heart this is our worlds BIGGEST problem. Coming from a woman who’s then 3 year-son was sexually abused and coached by his then 12 year old half brother to perform sex acts that I fortunately walked in on while he was having parenting time at his fathers. Also found strange Craigslist ads posted by my sons father that were in code that a lawyer once told me I needed to dig deep into the meaning and it’s hidden codes. Forensic exams, rape kits, intense therapy, orders of protection, court orders, DCFS involvement, a verbal statement made by my son to counselors, doctors, Dcfs, nurses and the detective who was assigned our case. Nobody listened except our therapist, who wanted to do anything she could to have this boy heard and protected- but had to be so careful as to how to have him heard, while having to jump hoops and hurdles to have the system work for him not against him. It’s not enough for a mother to witness it, report it, and then have her son explain in detail in a forensic exam to be told there was NOT ENOUGH evidence. That me constantly coming in 36+ times to report new information, disclosures, and overall fear of her sons safety was focused on more then the alarming fact that a 12 year old boy was sexually abusing and coaching a 3year old boy- While his father was home and present. In the suburbs of Chicago.I keep journals. I write down everything he wants to tell me- 2 years later geared around safety, structure and rebuilding has brought him to new level of realization and a higher state of concern that if what all my son says is true I’m so grateful I was able to listen, believe and react in a way that has given us a fresh, safe healthy start. However has me fearing for his future because this is an organized, detailed, system of checks and balances. If we don’t stand up, raise our voices, talk about what is uncomfortably true and real, and protect ALL CHILDREN’S LIVES! EVERY CHILD’S LIFE is a target for the dark side we live amongst. Hopefully my truth will open doors for others truth. Or the more information we can collect we can unite and fight.
What an incredible tale of woe. I hope you are getting the treatment/ medication you seem to need so desperately. Take care.
I’m sorry Amanda who is this message aimed for? Are you a doctor?
Danielle Kelly; I would like to hear the podcast of Swords and Scales. Can you tell me how to find it?
Steve peacock ran me over with a motorcycle when i was 4 years old. He broke both bones in my left leg. He was never charged or held accountable. He said i jumped in fr9nt of the motorcycle. When there is a 4 yr old on a path playing with dolls, you dont speed up! You stop! He Sped up! Somehow im not not dead.
YOU ARE LUCKY HE DIDN’T RAPE YOU, I’M SURE STEVE PEACOCK DOES NASTY THINGS TO KIDS
My father Dennis Ross Harmon was the killer of the Delphi girls give me a call at 502-965-3372 Dennis Ross Harmon was his name and my younger son Dylan
Have they called you?
Why isn’t your name listed as a surviving son in his obituary??
Right /s
My best theory:
The man in the living room at 7:30-7:45 pm, dressed like the murderer who fled at 11:00 pm, is the murderer.
The man is an acquaintance of Cox, or she wouldn’t have let him in.
He drops by, and promises not to stay long, since it was Sunday night, and the work week would soon begin. She lets him in and they chat briefly.
He may have gotten aroused.
He notices the open bedroom window, and plans a return to rape.
He leaves the apartment before 8:00 pm.
This accounts for Mrs. Grismore not hearing anyone with Cox, when she went to bed at 8:30 pm.
This accounts for Cox getting into her pajamas, and curling her hair, since the visitor had left.
This accounts for Cox not mentioning the man in her telephone talks with Norma Jean Higgins, at 7 pm and 8 pm, since the conversations focused on the dress she was making, and the man was only there briefly.
He returns about 10:45 pm, in the same clothes he wore earlier.
He parks his car parallel with or behind any car at 1526, as it is likely there was no parking space available.
He does not park in the alley, as attention would be drawn to the vehicle, and it could result in an interruption if he was blockading anyone.
He enters through the open bedroom window.
He discovers the linoleum knife which Cox had brought into the apartment to use, and left in the bedroom.
He decides he has to kill her since she could identify him.
The mayhem begins, and he escapes to the back alley, and drives his car away.
Because his car was parked close enables a quick getaway.
This explains why the bloodhounds only track to the alley.
As my high school friend and I were talking with the clerk in the neighborhood grocery store, I seem to remember the clerk looking out the window behind him, on the east side of the building, and indicating he saw a shirtless man running by, north on 14th Street Place. We could see nothing from the customer side of the counter. The newspaper account on 04/30, indicates the police used bloodhounds for tracking, early Monday morning. Although nothing was reported by the newspaper regarding the results, since the escape route would be only hours old, it would be interesting to know what those bloodhounds detected.
The above article states he was survived by one daughter? He has 3. No evidence to prosecute? Fragments of my father’s skull were found in James Burroughs boot!!! They had plenty of other proof to use to prosecute. I think there is a lot more to his murder.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
It sounds like his murderer has died now.
God will judge that evil man!
According to the 05/04/62 Tribune, p. 9, Ramona had moved into 1526 Woodland in February. Thus, she had only lived there for 2 months by the time of the crime. It is likely she had moved from 930 Bancroft on the “near” south side, where the Aug 1961 Des Moines phone book lists her. Unless there had been an in between move. Not likely.
All times are approximate as reported in the newspaper:
10:45 pm a woman’s scream is heard from 1526 Woodland;
11:00 pm a man jumps from the bedroom window at 1526 Woodland;
11:15 pm the police find Ramona Cox dead in her living room at 1526 Woodland.
At about 10:55 pm my high school friend and I walk from his apartment at 680 15th to the corner of 15th and Woodland and turn east heading for the grocery store at 14th Street Place and Woodland. We couldn’t have known that across the street and three doors to the west, a murder-rape was taking place. We saw no one out that night except us. By the time we walk east and reach the point where we can see south on 15th Street, we see two guys in a car coming north towards us. They turn onto Woodland heading west and were in a hurry. I’m sure this was Charles R. and his friend who drove him back to 1530 Woodland, after looking for police. Charles enters 1530, and he and Sharen C. and Jackie P. come outside. The women are sitting in his car and Charles is standing next to it when a man jumps out the bedroom window at 1526, and flees south into the back alley and heads east to 15th Street, where he stops running to tuck his shirt in, under a street light, before resuming his escape. My friend and I are in the grocery store buying cigarettes and candy while this is taking place. At about 11:10 pm we see a police car speeding by east to west on Woodland with his light flashing, no siren. At this point we leave the store and walk back to the NW corner of 15th and Woodland. It wasn’t long before there were four squad cars. One of the officers walked over to us and asked what we were doing out at that time of night and we said we had gone to the grocery store. Then he asked us if we had seen any one out and about in the neighborhood, and we told him no. We asked what was going on, and he told us he couldn’t tell us. It was obvious the police were checking out the gray house at 1526 Woodland. We didn’t find out what was going on until the next morning when we saw the DM Register headline: “Woman, 25, Slain in Home”.
Praying for justice.
I wonder who knows she had those bonds on her?
Apparently, Jackie P. passed away in 2003, and Charles R. in 2018. Two of the three witnesses that saw the murderer jump from the bedroom window at 1526 Woodland, at approximately 11:00 pm on 04/29/1962.
Hey pat. Buddy, you sure sound suspicious right bow
So someone kept him in that barn & hurt him over the course of two days.
Very sick!
Praying for justice!!
Don’t hold your breath.
This is so sad!
He wrote in blood that the killer was black & older.
He tried to describe the killer.
Praying for justice!
With a limited amount of information, the only person I saw on the Doe Network that could POSSIBLY be the un-id male is Daniel Jess Goldman. He is from Florida, however, but from the research I did the Mississippi goes through Florida and flows into the Missouri river. Obviously I’m not saying this is the for sure identification, just a POSSIBLE identity. It’s hard to know though with only having his skin tone.
… and to think all this time I was under impression the Mississippi River flows North-to-South (like all but around 20 in the US) from MN and drains into the Gulf of Mexico, never coming anywhere near FL, and it’s the Missouri River that drains into the Mississippi River…
Praying for justice for this poor old women!
This makes me sick!!
For no reason at all but just for money!!
Nothing just evil!
“Schuster said she’d learned Jane Doe wasn’t a match after she’d called NamUs. She said she also called the Waterloo Police Department, who told her they had a police report from September 6, 1983 that her sister had filed,” If Viola filed a police report in Waterloo on Sept 6, wouldn’t that mean she made it back to Iowa?
Find out if Mason City has a Cold Case Unit and try contacting them. Prayers…
A lot of people who were listed as missing on this page have been taken down. What happened to the kid with the surname Nissen?
Anon, Brian Nissen’s case was removed from both the IDPS’s Missing Person Information Clearinghouse site, and his case also removed from NamUs, which means for whatever reason, they no longer consider him missing. I cull through our Missing page frequently, and when I see they’ve been removed from the other two sites (some don’t even make it to NamUs), then I remove them from ICC’s “Missing” page. A lot of our missing people don’t have personal case summary pages because there’s so little info about them online. The MPIC staff with the state are adding and deleting names from their database every day.
I wonder if it had something to do with local politics too since he was running.
Maybe someone really thought he was a threat?
This is so sad!
Praying this gets solved so the family can finally have peace
Someone in politics?
I think they need to exhume the body & get better DNA from the bone marrow.
Also, could they test the fetus as well?
The leading cause of death for pregnant women is murder & many times it’s the baby’s father who doesn’t want the baby.
It’s tragic & sick.
Praying that they find the killer!
From what I have been able to gather from personal research i have done in this case, no one is sure where she was buried, just that it was an unmarked grave somewhere in Clinton County. So sad to me that she has been basically misplaced and likely will never be identified.
This case has fascinated me for years and I continue to come back to it over the years.
She deserves a marker…
Totally agree, I’ve tried to do more research to see if I could possibly locate where she was buried but there are so many cemeteries in Clinton County, it’ll take a miracle to even find the cemetery, let alone her unmarked plot.
I wonder if the coroner report of her death would show where show where she was buried. I assume they had some sort of protocol for these situations.
I would try and contact them, and see what information they have. They may not release some information, but they should be able to share what the process was back when she was found.
I know the the unidentified or unclaimed remains from the Cook County Medical Examiners office, are buried in certain cemeteries, in the Chicagoland area.
Recently the Cook County Sheriff’s Police identified an individual, who identified as a man, and had used the name Seven, as a female Army veteran. The self identification as a male, may have been caused by some mental health issues. This is an assumption on my part.
They spent time trying to fill in the blanks of her life. They found she married another member of the U. S. Army, but found no record of a divorce. They were unable to fill in all the blanks.
How are government in Fort dodge iowa, can’t solve cases, locking up innocent, it’s a prejudice movement against the dead population!! They to busy taking money, not improving the community…!!! Living in mansion, pushing their authority in the wrong way in Iowa….
does anyone know the address of wilbur millhouse?? (yes i know hes dead)
Idk exact address but know exactly which one was his first house on the south side of maury past se23rd (I think it’s 23rd) drive by there often
His address was either 2553 or 2453 Maury St. in Des Moines at the time. I’ve seen it listed both ways in clippings, but I know the Maury St. part is correct.
Angela Marie Altman, was this the lady that lived across the old faraway store, in a white house, her boyfriend/ husband told her he would be right back, she responded yes..!!
Mrs, Altman was alive when her boyfriend/ husband was walking toward the flats. I always wondered what happened to this case.?? He’s fully innocent…!!! I hope they find the real young boy that caused this tragic, a teenager.. ” under age individual “
Praying for justice for this man!
rest in peace lisa
I knew her a little bit when i was 7 and 8 (1976 and 1977).
she was very nice and good to me and I would never believe she was a prostitute.
If there was foul play involved then what does that mean with the other two friends named above “Jerri Lee Connelly” and “Patrice Waddell” as far as being related as that is pretty strange.
they all new each other and within 4 months they all are dead.
after more thinking i first new her at a different house by 12th street where i was even younger and the year was close to 1974
Praying for justice!
Hoping they can still use the DNA & get a conviction!
Also, it would be very helpful to know who those two men where who left the restaurant around the time she was murdered
Praying for justice!
I can’t imagine coming home to find your husband dead.
It’s so odd that this case ties into the other case with Gary & his wife.
Praying for justice!
What a senseless & evil thing!
Why would anyone want to murder an old man?!
Praying for justice!
Why does her dad say she is in Omaha NE
Praying for justice!
I thought name calling wasn’t tolerated.
There’s alot of abuse on this thread that needs to be removed.
What would it take to open up this cold case. They need to go back and look at everything. Use the new equipment. I wish they would look into this. They have forgotten Lynn she needs justice. Very sad. And Kieth is over here enjoying life.
Can we contact records and get the police report . I would like to get the police report in it.
Sorry if this has already been mentioned. Can they run or have they been running cars VIN numbers?
said they did lol(scroll)
Missing Report taken Harry and VEHICLE should ENTER VEHICLE VIN into National Crime Information Center Data Bank. Someone ATTEMPTS Reregister “BINGO per say
Even on Reopened Case Should be DONE again. At Least make SURE proper VIN was Entered 1sr TIME. Good Question
Yes. Some of Noreen’s statements seem very far fetched. However the situation and the mental anguish and evil tricks played on her have pushed her over the edge. By no fault of her own. I have great sympathy for her. I can’t imagine the hell she has been througj.
I don’t think there’s any evidence that Noreen has been mentally unwell. Farfetched does not equal false, and what Noreen has said about Johnny’s case, as outlandish as it might seem to some people, is logically consistent and does check out. She has frequently explained the multitude of evidence backing up Paul Bonacci’s involvement in her son’s abduction, such as his knowledge of Johnny being photographed prior to the kidnapping, his awareness of a suspicious van being in the neighborhood that morning (which, funnily enough, Faded Out podcast witness Chris Birge inadvertently confirmed while trying to deny it; https://www.reddit.com/r/JohnnyGosch/comments/e948gx/chris_birge_and_the_sighting_of_a_van/ explains this more), and his identification of Sam Soda as a perpetrator when Sam had been suspected by the Gosches for years prior. More information about how much Noreen and Paul Bonacci’s versions of events actually check out can be found here: http://cavdef.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Gosch_abduction
Then why hasn’t Bonacci been arrested. I read somewhere that he is doing well, has children.
That’s a question for the West Des Moines police to answer. With the volume of evidence backing up Paul Bonacci’s story, it’s inexcusable that they didn’t even interview him, instead deferring to perjury charges against him that the state of Nebraska *dropped*, and later relying on the recollection of unidentified family members a whole 10 years after the kidnapping to claim he couldn’t have been out-of-state when it happened. The WDM police hopped from excuse to excuse not to speak to Bonacci, as if they could afford to be picky in a case that had been cold for a decade.
Were Bonacci’s story to finally be taken seriously by LE, though, it is unlikely he would be held as culpable, given his account that he was forced into assisting the kidnapping: both physically at gunpoint and mentally by being a victim of the Franklin ring nearly since birth.
Makes sense. Thanks.
fake news
She was aquitted.
I don’t see a motive here. Very strange.
they are letting them off agian and the state still wont let me talk to my kids i have had about enough of the shit i need help
Yeah. What are they doing to solve this?. DNA?. No mention of the sex or race of this baby. Not much to go on to get the peopke responsible. I’ll never understand going through all of the pregnancy to kill it and dump it. Stupid. They will pay.
Big man likes to kill animals. Evil SOB! guilty. Murderer. Takes a big man to shoot someone and animals that will kill you because you have a gun
You’ll get yours on earth or after big man.
I think it was someone she knew. The dog is to be of note. I believe the “This” written was a statement that they were killed because of what they were doing. “This” is why they are dead. I just don’t think it was random. The overkill. Personal. The violence and murder weapon used. Very brutal. Like someone was very angry. It doesn’t appear robbery was a motive. No one chooses an axe or the like for a weapon for a robbery. No forced entry. No one heard anything which I do find strange.
I was Rose’s best friend. It could have been someone mad at her, but Roger is the one that was married. So, that in itself meant people , if they knew or found out would have been very angry. His wife’s family was a very strange, some evil bunch. I really think it was either done by the wife’s close family members. Or they paid someone to help. I hope that the DNA that was found can be used to do genealogy. That would bring us to the killer even if they are already deceased. I just need to know who, that will tell why. It has been going on 41 years, we just need the answers!
Why haven’t they tested the DNA yet?!
Evidence now. No. I am sure she smothered them. No marks. Looks like SIDS. MSBP wasn’t diagnosed then. Yes there was a mother finally caught after many babies died. They were all considered a genetic problem. But she killed the last one. Adopted. I can’t remember her name.
Being a prison was nearby has anyone searched released prisoners.
Sue, I checked Floyd Cramer and came across a Find-A- Grave entry for him. It basically has the date he died 12/9/1960. It appears the Des Moines Police made no effort on his supposed murder.
I use that term, since there is no mention that an autopsy was conducted to determine a cause of death for him.
This doesn’t fit the Gosch or Martin disappearances. First they were paperboys.Different circumstances. And I don’t believe Marc was the same person. And second they were never found. This guy apparently had no fear of that.
Heads up. Don’t trust the mods especially Trish on Webslueths. She spends donations on herself. From former members it is referred to as “Jonestown”. Trish goes to the Casino. She also splits the money with her mod pals.
Bundy. No. Bundy was never said or known to be in Iowa. Even at Bundy’s own admissions they would be looking at 3 digit victims in 6 States. Iowa was not one. Oregon, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Vermont and Florida. And none of the “Waverly” would have been on his escape to Florida. I’m really not sure the 3 are connected. Spaced that far A part?. Especially Valerie. I can see the last 2. But once serial killers get started they don’t have a 4 yr lapse. And usually killers kill in the same age range. Valerie was a child. I think it was someone she knew. But who?. Alot of people have motorcycles in cold weather states. The person was smart luring her away from the pool. No witnesses. Around alot of people that would notice anything strange. Perpetrator still alive?. It’s possible. But I think they are not. I also think this person went to prison for something. Just a feeling. So sad. I just turned 1 when she was murdered.
Bundy wasn’t in VT though.
Pietro the father died in 2005 same year as the mother. Not the daughter, The victim.
With little information there is no hope for identification. Also I would bet they have discarded his remains by now.
There really is no information out there on this man. I certainly don’t think it was random. But no mention of any other suspect than the man they couldn’t tie to it. Where do You go from nowhere. To serve in WWII and then come back to be murdered how terrible. This is purely speculation. But for some reason I get the strong feeling it was,an argument over owing money. Friend or acquaintance. I also get the strong feeling this man was a hermit people wouldn’t really notice was gone.
So many suspects. I feel she will never get earthly justice. But whoever it was the person is evil beyond words. I find troubling the dog nor parents heard anything. As far as the dog that would lead me to believe it was someone the dog knew. I don’t believe the father had anything to do with it whatsoever. And it was stated he was finally cleared by DNA. That poor man. That made me cry. What this family had to go through. The way the public acted towards them. Shameful. I have seen that house now. Windows painted over. Creepy. It should be burned then leveled.
I think the man who got her pregnant murdered her. She told him and he killed her. Whether it was right when she told him or later meeting for an arrangement. People saying she was going somewhere else for an abortion. No. It wasn’t legal anywhere at the time. Alot of people missing or found murdered their cars are often found at airports. To make it appear they went somewhere from the perpetrator. When logs are checked for tickets for their names they never find they actually bought one.
I have not yet read or heard a peep from Johnny’s step brother or step sister. Why?
I find it very suspicious the ex boyfriend didn’t seem to be suspect. If not him I suspect the guy they found not guilty. But why?. He had the background of violence. And they let him out on day reease and at a hotel. Idiots.
Found in the back seat. Not intoxicated. In her driveway. I suspect someone followed her home and blitz attacked her and she was dragged in the back seat to be assaulted. Then killed eventhough no evidence was found to support that it majes sense. And the car set on fire to cover up the crime. It was successful.
Start with Richard Davis for one I believe I was standing in drive way that day and Richard Davis and two others did something with harry on his property the dorve the car to the shed across the road
Jim, please reach out to me. I would like to speak with you in reference to this comment.
Matk Mulligan
Suffestion Only
Break into Teams Since a Large GROUP if haven’t ALREADY
Trd Team Example
Research Hicory Grove Cemetary aka Pyramid Cemetary
Any Caretakers 1984?
Cemetary Plot Map Names
Any Names Especially Civil war Vets Misplaced?
May have Severak People Interested.
Blue Team Old Albia and Avery Photo’s
Mught be WHY Private Groups INFO that can VET a “Caller: with
Example ONLY
Mark
Previous Comment to me. Said something to effect. Im working Jimmy Hoffa Case?
No. Have not Delved INTO Hoffa
Pyramids Close to Avery. was Secluded
Research is Middle Nowhere Comments
Grass instead FRESH DIrt
Probally No Regular Visitors Probally to NOTICE Grave “Change ect
If Headstone Sjift may be PC KE Cloder Look
Could Obvious Bury Body on top Original occupent wrapped sheet no coffin.
Why mentioned Caretaker(s) Questioned. UNUSUAL 1984 not enough to report.
Nove Headstone Civik War era probally not NOTICED Excdept MAP
ok Maybe Hoffa could have ASSUMED New Idenity.
Mark Mulligan
My OPION
Common Law
Meets Requiements of Lindberg Act
and Modern BASED on Facts
Might want to CONTACT Feds FBI
1, InVoluntary Dissaperance
2. No Phone Contact 36 Years Previous KNOWN To
3, Known Large amounr Cash Reservist Check Poker Room.
4 Car ALSO Vanished No Re-Registrtion KNOWN ro be WORKING ORDER
5 No Fingerprints SHOWING LE(Jail) or JOB
6 Declared DECEASED
7 “Jims Statement” Tho Vauge Linked with above may be enough
8 Harry NO MEBTION Suicide, “good mood”
9 No Show Baseball Game Jul 1st 1984
10 Various COMMENTS thru YEARS Not FOLLOWED UP ect
“DESERTER” Dropped by Marines CID
Talk to Feds? SEEMS May have INTEREST
Interesting Reading
Attnys Stimell’ Stimnel, and Roser KIDNAPPING
The FBI-
–
Who Probally Could NIP in BUD DEA or Drig Involment
Paragraph #6 ends with: “Pegram walked away a free man.” Yet the Des Moines Register reported on 24 May 91 that Pegram was convicted in the death of Maria Schuler. ~ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35607202/the-des-moines-register/
Cecil was my best friend when I was in facility in Leon and I’m so pissed off that these people have gotten away with murdering him. All these years. I’ve never even been able to visit his grave idk where it’s at and I’ve moved all over the place. Please contact me annarebeccablack.1986@gmail.com especially if you’re his sister if you want to talk I’m here
you could probably look up find a grave, you may be able to find it that way, sorry about your loss.
That’s a good idea. The link is above. It appears he’s buried at Hopeville Cemetery, Hopeville, Clarke County, IA.
God bless his soul.
Yes, his gravestone is at the Hopeville Cemetery next to our mother. It’s beautiful there no matter the season :)
If there’s nothing to “hide”, why not have the police report opened up and name his “friends” that they interviewed. There are people that knows exactly what happened.
To the person that is assuming that she went to the concert alone, she was at the concert with my female cousin. I vaguely recall speaking to both of them while at the concert.
I first hand seen how crystal behaved while at the hospital. How she claimed to not know CPR. It would have been different too say you didn’t do it because you was scared BUT that’s not what she said. Crystal also told my best friend it was ok if we lost dj because “we would have another little dj running around” who says that while your baby’s father is dying???? Crystal may have not killed him but she sure as h*ll didn’t save him. She knows a.lot more then she claims. Best believe I see karma playing out every time I see crystal.
The car was not place in an impound it was placed in a garage where the murderers family member was able to taint the evidence their wass a boot print on the passenger door wonder if they got pics….and a gentlman reported seeing someone getting chaswd nd beat up
Well 27 year’s ago still unsolved , sickening to me he is still free Scott Macy needs reinvestigated how bout another lie detector , DNA in her nails and hair and DNA all around her body did you test and study all that and the garbage bag found with her hair and salvia in it also finger tear Mark’s on it also , come on forensic technology solve my mother’s murder 🙏
Forensics will solve this. The case needs to keep being warmed up and followed and revisited every single year until that murderer is brought to justice . Prayers ❤️
I only can hope and pray Jesus will take the wheel and help the police catch Scott Macy , tweeker out on the east side because he is a meth head .
This discussion makes me sick to my stomach. I knew Pennye, and I believe she was murdered, not because she was black, but because she may have trusted the wrong guy. she spent her whole high school years being shy, and kept from everything. I remember she said she lived with her Grandma, and wasn’t allowed to wear make up, she would come to school each morning and put lipstick on first thing. I think she was finally enjoying some freedom, and someone took her life, I was at that school, none of ever knew or heard what actually happened to her, and if I did I would most definitely have told someone. I will remember this gal for the few memories I have of her, and not focus on how her life ended. I will always pray she is at peace, and I know someday someone will come forward, until then, I wont listen to anyone try and make her life a rumor of race.
I was reviewing the cold case murder of Betty Ann Moore (12) of Robbins, Illinois, in my neck of the woods, on June 4, 1986. She was a young black girl, whose mother a nurse’s aid, was in the hospital.
So,she normally stayed at her foster grandfather’s house. She supposedly did not want to go to school, because of her mother. Also, her father had died a few months before. She did not interact with the other kids in the neighborhood.
She also wrote a short story for an English class in school. The story was titled “The Case of the Missing Body and Murder”. It was about a fictional rich woman, who everyone wanted dead. The fictional woman was named Betty Ann Moore.
Betty Ann Moore was found naked and severely beaten close to the Cal-Sag Channel, not far from where she lived. Her foster grandfather assumed she got up and went to school. She was not home when they got up. She was reported missing when she did not return from school. In fact she never made it to school. This somehow sounds similar to Pennye’s case
Hi Kim,
My name is Sarah Herriott, I have been attempting to gain traction on Pennye’s case, I would love to hear from you.
If you are comfortable, please find me via Twitter @pennyes_cause
I was in Pennyes class. She was very quiet,and she could sing. May she RIP
I remember she was in ROTC.
I remember when the fire that killed the Eberly children happened. I was 10 years old and went to school at New Market Comm. School. My little sister was in kindergarten and the oldest Eberly child, Larry, was in her grade. It was such a tragic fire and affected the whole community. So very awful and sad…
Where can I get in touch with the family? I’ve written a poem inspired by this case and I’d like to share it with them.
Kaylin, I just received an email from someone reminding me I hadn’t included on Linda’s page the fact that Lee Rotatori’s murder had been solved. I did get that added.
Additionally, on Linda’s findagrave site, an individual had posted a short clip of Linda’s obit from the Omaha Star. I have incorporated that information into Linda’s case summary, with a link to the Findagrave page.
Many thanks to “Andy” for the reminder to let readers know Ms. Rotatori’s case has been solved.
The Trail Went Cold just did in episode in March on this case. I guess her daughter has been very active on Reddit and with reaching out to podcasts to garner attention for her mom’s case.
I just wanted to say for some reason I was not mentioned. I am his oldest Denise. I truely pray they find who did this . To my sister and brothers.. I love you guys
Does anyone know whether there was any eminent domain actions taken for this parcel of land before the townhouses were built?
Please follow my Mothers fb page. (Who Killed Jamedia Hines)
My family and I are seeking answers. Any questions, comments or concerns youmay have, please feel free to contact me personally. We just want justice! Thank you
This person is said to be Buried in a field that has lime in it….Southeast of Lakeside the junkyard… everybody in town knows the story including the police
wonder if a single Bucket of dirt has ever been lifted or what excuse they would have to why not…..
Look at the time frame, there is no way he could be buried there unless someone kept the body in their home for months. The ground wouldve been frozen solid. Digging any kind of hole without large very noticable equipment would have been impossible and I highly doubt that anyone would damage heavy machinery to that. This is the first anyone has even proposed this idea that I know of. Seeing that I’m his son pretty sure that story would have atleast crossed my path at some point. I’d really like to know what happenend that night though. Lots of questions as to why he would vanish, leaving me to suffer the childhood I went through. His own family has barely spoke a word to me. Idk kind of messed up if you ask me. Ive only been able to piece together bits and pieces over the years and I have an idea of what happenend but without being able to talk to folks who knew him personally I’ve hit a dead end.
Could you share what you have learned? what do you think happened?
It’s all hypothetical, but I think he was tied into the drug smuggling that was going on in the Ohio fish market. He probably stuck his nose where it didnt belong or did some one dirty. The stories I’ve heard all have 1 thing in common and its that drug ring at the fish market. Story goes he was helping smuggle the drugs out, the night he disappeared he was supposedly going with his best friend. I was never tolf the friends name just that this friend committed suicide shortly after. From what Ive been able to gather this is the most likely scenario. His body was either crushed in a car or dumped in the river. Everyone that knows the truth of the matter is either dead or will never talk due to their standing in society. Its a lost cause honestly. He shouldve been pronounced deceased years ago.
Wow sorry to hear.
Can you share what your grandmother said he did before he left?
Unfortunately by the time I actually met his mother she was too ill and unable. Spoke to his sister once, but not much was said about him a few photos and some background info. Most of what I have gathered has been hearsay.
My dad was best friends with your grandfather, your dad‘s dad. I was at my parents home & remember when he disappeared. The story I heard was that he had gotten home late received a phone call and then went back outside and was never seen again. So someone called him to meet outside and it must’ve been a set up. His truck wallet and ID grow up behind. They knew right away that he left in voluntarily. My dad is gone now, but I remember him telling me about a family that was probably behind it.. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the last name, but they had notorious reputation. I also remember there was a grand jury. A rumor came out of that that said he was in a car that was buried somewhere, and that the car was found and unburied, but he wasn’t in it. That’s how I remember and it was so long ago.. I am so sorry that you lost your dad & at such an age..
OK, I was one of the cops that worked this case with the IBI. Here’s what we were able to uncover, which granted is not much. Johnny came home from work, took a shower, changed clothes. Prior to that he put his dog in the back yard. When he had finished with all that he asked his brother to bring his dog in and told his mother he was going out with some friends. I don’t think he was planning on being gone long since he left his wallet. He got in the car with someone that no one saw and wasn’t seen again.
We talked to people from the Fish Market and no one at the time stood out to us. I left the department there the next month, in Jan. During that month working it there were so many rumors pertaining to that family you speak of who has the junk yard. It would not surprise me if they were involved.
I also talked to a couple of the officers after I left that dept and moved out of state and was told there was a house in town where the yard had been dug up and even though they found plenty of junk, no bodies. I’m not positive this happened, but what I was told.
I have to tell you this case has stayed on my mind after all these years and I post it any time I can. It will haunt me till the day I die. I would love this to be solved so I haven’t given up. Good luck to you hon, I can’t imagine how you feel.
So true about that family you speak of in Carter lake. I became friends with his brother about a year after this happened. He said everybody pretty much knows who is responsible but nobody will ever ever talk. The fear of them is real. I lived in Carter lake for years and they are no joke. Definitely not people to be played with very scary. Even making this comment makes me nervous. But I feel sort of obligated to let you know there’s nothing more you could have done. My uncle was a detective with the Denver Police department and I know how this would have made him feel. Sometimes there really is nothing more you can do.
Idk… I don’t think I Could live in the same town as my family’s murderers without doing something myself… That’s just my opinion nothing against you guys Being scared of everything
Most likely his friend had something to do with it if he committed suicide men don’t kill herself unless something is eating at them they cannot change or fix.
Also we had a calm winter that year and it was not too cold to dig. That place always had all kind of diggers and other machine going.
Has there ever been a book about the murders in Ottumwa?
SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK AT JAMES BRIAN CHADWELL
he was caught in Indiana and is suspect in taking two girls together
Look into James Brian Chadwell the II from Lafayette area. He loved the woods and bridges, fishing and was a semi driver. He is now suspect for Delphi murders.
Mike, he sounds like a good candidate. However, investigators would have to be able to place him the area. Also, would he have knowledge of the area. Everyone thinks all they need is DNA. But, it is one piece of the pie
A friend gave me this. They sent it to the cops: No response.
This is regarding the disappearance of Lyric and Elizabeth, the victims of a double homicide in Evansdale, Iowa. I know you have a wealth of information regarding the case, so I will not be redundant. I know you have interviewed “all the usual suspects,” including those named in the Dephi murders, etc. You may have interviewed the gentleman I am addressing here. However, I hope you will revisit your information about him, even though he is deceased, because a lot of evidence points to him.
Many of my friends and I often engage in conversations about local crimes, cold cases, and unsolved murders. One of my friends is from Evansdale and knew the two missing girls. She spoke of them often. She has a large family in that area and they spend a lot of time in bars, fraternal organization, and so forth. As in all small towns, everyone knows everyone and the girls and their families, and the murders were the topic of conversations for some time in all the places she hung out. They do mingle in the same places as the girl’s families and are personally acquainted with some of the family members, as well as with law enforcement officers. My friend’s ex husband has a number of employees, he once had a public works position in XXXXXXXX and most of her family now works at XXXXXXXX.
They all remain in the Evansdale/Independence area. Through the years she has often suggested we take a tour of Evansdale so she could show me Meyer’s Lake, Angel’s Park, and where the girls lived and so forth.
Some of this is simple speculation, but I hope you understand why I am drawing some inferences that I draw. We always talk about local creeps and crimes and she began the “tour” by pointing out a house where an awful person lived, not the suspect, but inferences could be drawn by some psychologists, sociologists, and criminologists if they are related because they have the same name. Many years ago the man that lived there kidnapped and killed a small child. The whole town was looking for her, yet she was already deceased in his attic. He told the creepy stories about how she “liked sitting on his lap” and that she “wanted him.” “She was really cute,” he told the reporter. “I loved her probably as much as her parents did.”
The 1974 Courier article goes on to say that R. Fitz, the creepy perp, had actually joked with the child’s father about abducting the girl. “She’s so cute; I’d like to kidnap her,” the article quotes R. Fitz as saying. He was 27, she was 2.
As XXXXX is telling me this story, she burst into tears. This perpetrator just died in prison and she and her family were discussing his obituary. He was 71, so he had been in prison for approximately 44 years. My friend said that her grown daughter came over and burst into tears and shared that R. Fitz had tried to molest her when she was a child. My friend’s family lived near the Fitz’s and several times he had tried to get her children to come over or go for rides, etc. Her daughter is still very naïve and even now doesn’t grasp the ramifications of some of these acts. Her daughter said R. Fitz attempted to get her to “kiss his …..,” but more alarming, his wife was there and she laughed and said, “Russell, put that thing away” and made some comment that he needed to quit doing that stuff.
Here is where you may feel I am off track or speculating. I have been unable to find out if my suspect, Chad Fitz is related to Russell Fitz. But in my experience, families may share some behaviors, learned or otherwise. Here are just a couple of charges Chad Fitz has had in the past. If they are related, a lot of this occurs in the same families as a learned behavior. Both are deceased now, but Chad should be considered a suspect anyway. DNA could still be obtained from all involved as well as using genetic genealogy DNA.
Chad was convicted with:
LASCIVIOUS ACTS W/CHILD-INFLICT PAIN OR DISCOMFORT (FELD)
KIDNAPPING 1ST DEGREE – 1978 (FELA)
To the investigators: I am sure you must know these things, but you should talk to XXXXXX. She showed me where Chad Fitz’s mom or grandma lived, right by Meyer’s Lake. Within yards! That’s where he stayed or lived with his mom or grandmother and the girls rode their bikes right past his house on Gilbert Street and all around there. XXXXX told me about his car being crushed (I found he had a white PU at the time, maybe his, maybe the person’s he lived with, he/they may have others, but this was at least one of them.) So now he leaves that Evansdale house after the murders and moves in with grandma (or mom) AGAIN, now in Readlyn, near the reserve! A straight shot as it were, across the county. The woman he lived with was first in Evansdale, the moves out to Readlyn. The address there is very close to the wildlife area. In my opinion, if you follow criminal profiling, I don’t see he could possibility be eliminated!!! Look at those two charges! Here are bits of my conversations with XXXXX. Just have her take you on a tour and talk with her and her family and keep it confidential. Talk to the car crusher. They said the car/truck stunk when they got it. XXXXX and her relatives know all these people personally and no one ever asked them anything,
You sent December 7, 2020 to XXXXXXX.
Chad Fitz has a huge record yet no obit anywhere online… just a short death notice in Waterloo Courier. Died at U of I Hospital? Hardly anything about him. That would be the two house addresses. One is on Gilbert in Evansdale and one on a farm or house in Readlyn. This creep has an old kidnappings charge and a charge with LASCIVIOUS ACTS W/CHILD-INFLICT PAIN OR DISCOMFORT (FELD) and KIDNAPPING 1ST DEGREE – 1978 (FELA). Seems so logical that he could be involved. He loved the outdoors too and spent time right there at the reserve. He has lots of meth charges too. Don’t say anything to anyone except find out what he drove from those people, if it really stunk, why they didn’t call the PD, if they really crushed it, etc. Locals in a bar/club who knew the girls and their families talked about this and never did anything??????? WTH?
12/7/20, 5:39 PM
You sent December 7, 2020
Check this out. “Best address match” on Been Verified is 2568 Independence Ave Evansdale, IA 50707. Dates seen March 2005. Other is “Higher Confidence” 2848 270th St Readlyn, IA 50668
You sent December 7, 2020
OMG he lived 16 minutes or 6 miles from the Seven Bridges park SIX MINUTES!!! SIX MILES!
XXXXXXX sent December 7, 2020
Also at the time the girls disappeared he lived on Gilbert Drive
You sent December 7, 2020
I know, that is what I have been asking you. You said it was his mom’s or grandma’s house. I thought it was the house we drove by right by the lake. I thought you said that was Gilbert Drive in Evansdale. That is why I need that address and if his grandma or mom lived there. Didn’t you say Gilbert in Evansdale? That is the only missing link. That and what kind of vehicle he had, where it went and why.
You sent December 7, 2020
What is Rydell? How do you know he bought it there? Where did it end up where you said it smelled?
XXXXXXX sent December 7, 2020
Gilbert Drive in Evansdale and it was his mom he lived with. I don’t know what model his car was just that it was at the crushers but someone smelled a rotten odor but it was cleared by fbi
XXXXX sent December 7, 2020
He was cleared
XXXXXX sent December 7, 2020
Now he is dead
December 7, 2020
I know but I am not convinced. Maybe the FBI didn’t have enough information. I see Rydell is a dealer in Waterloo where he got the car. Easy to get VIN, get crusher’s records, date, etc. I am driving to Evansdale to get the house numbers in that block because I cannot figure out his mom’s name. I am sure it’s not Fitz. So do you know the name of the crusher and how did he Fitz die? Do you recall where you learned all of this? I also wonder, since he had so many meth/drug busts if that is related? There is too much here for the FBI to clear him. They could not have known all of this.
XXXXXX sent December 7, 2020
I don’t know her name I will be in Evansdale Wednesday
You sent December 7, 2020
Ok, do you think you can catch that house number? I may drive up and look at all that other stuff next week.
XXXX sent December 7, 2020
I see it was on the news and in the paper back when Fitz just died this spring. They can get his mom’s DNA, grandma’s DNA, and from other relatives. They have the girl’s DNA I am sure and if the did a good investigation they kept personal items of the girls. His DNA can be on them and their bodies. They can exhume all three of them. And just what ARE they doing with any DNA they have?
To this day it bothers me, I was the last busboy to leave that Monday night and was never questioned by anyone if I had seen anything out of the normal. I knew John and Paul was my boss and I found out about the shooting the next day when I went through the lunch line at high school.
Hi Larry! I’m Tina, Paul Rayer’s granddaughter. I can’t believe they didn’t ask you any questions. Wow! The whole thing has bothered me as well. So frustrating, and sad. Wish I could’ve had the time with him😢.
I can’t help but think that this girl and my aunt’s deaths are connected. My aunt shelia harrison age 20 was found dead face down on a road in 1968 in webster county the man she was with was a sales man from ames.
Hi Jodi,
My name is Sydney Novak and I am a student journalist working on an investigative project at Iowa State University. I would love to hear any insight you have about your aunts case. I think any insight you have would be really impactful for my project and I would appreciate it so much.
Hello I just seen this
Jodi, can you share some more details on your Aunt Sheila’s murder if you know them. The other option is to provide a link to a newspaper article. Hi
I assume it was solved, since it’s not listed as a Cold Case homicide.
Jody, do you know if anyone ever looked at the possibility of Roger’s case being connected to the disappearances of John Gosch, Eugene Martin, and/or Marc Wilson?
So sorry, Marc’s last name is ALLEN, not Wilson.
Why is the Shirley Carter link down? Her case is definitely not solved and the page should be up.
Shirley’s page was down for only a short while but is still available on the ICC website at: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/shirley-carter
Former pro boxer says he knew his longtime friend killed James Booher —
Robert Bleakley testifies at trial of Matthew Robbins in Cedar Rapids
By: Trish Mehaffey Apr. 22, 2021
…..Bleakley admitted he had lied to a grand jury hearing evidence in Booher’s slaying because Robbins had told him he’d be in “a lot of trouble” if he told what he knew. Bleakley said he and Robbins had been friends for more than 30 years. He didn’t want to testify at Robbins’ trial but he did because it has been “horrible” living with what he knew for seven years. Andrew Shaw also testified Robbins admitted to killing Booher while they both were housed in the Iowa County Jail in Marengo.
Shaw said he told Robbins he knew what had happened to Booher but that Robbins at first denied it.
Later, when they were watching a television news report on Booher, Robbins said, “Yeah, I did it, but you already know the truth.”
Shaw was convicted last year of running a large marijuana trafficking ring that supplied marijuana to Chris Bagley and the two men charged with killing Bagley over drug robberies from Shaw.
Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.comhttps://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/former-pro-boxer-says-he-knew-his-long-time-friend-killed-james-booher/
Lost site of him for less of a min, between 3 and 4? Maybe he ventured off into the countryside by Alton. Hopefully the police checked there to. ❤️
HOLLY GOTZ ?? serious ?? Holy Gods is making a very silly but simple joke I would say ..
No jokes here. I reported to the Dubuque Police who I believe is the assailant , a Dubuque resident. I also reported to cemetery officials. I had the grave that is full that is supposed to be empty probed in 2016 & 2017. It went squish. It tapped nothing. I stated this in court disposing the assailant. When he found out I knew he immediately rented a cemented truck out of Duluth MN. and was ticketed on his way back because an officer spotted liquid coming out of the back. He got a misdimeanor.
He was driving the cement truck without a permit. I could see a trowel mark that wasnt there before. Now when you probe the grave it hits cement mimicking a casket. The courts will not allow me to dig an unknown person. It is considered an autopsy by Iowa law. An autopsy can only be performed if a crime has been committed in Iowa. In a certain sense how can a crime be proven if you can’t dig. I’ve gone round and round with every authority. I’ve spent thousands and thousands of dollars trying to rectify. The Dubuque police cited it wasnt there jurisdiction in Cass County. Cass County would not look into. Meanwhile the cemetery plot that was my mother’s who is not buried there was to go to me. I can not be there as it is full. Is it Paul? I can tell you the outline of the person from above ground view was face down, very tall and the first thing I said was this person does not have any shoes on. Like they were snatched from a home. This is a very rural area. I was told by the cemetery clerk a few people have randomly shown up over the years. I was horrified by this statement. If I can see they are not properly buried they no full well. I passed on the info. to your family. My hands are tied.
And by the way the assailant Im talking about was driving a mercury zephyr at the time of my grandma’s funeral in 1994. I and my sister thot his car was so strange because it had nice parts to it but a primer paint color. We were never taken to the correct cemetery. I believe because we would have noticed the strangeness at that time. I never saw my grandma buried. I did exhumed her spot only to find it was not her casket. Could not get a lawyer to touch it to go forward with opening the casket, considered an autopsy. I did find info that she was cremated. Where are her ashes? The timeline and events of what happened to my family and our cemetery plots eerily match up with Paul missing. The grave and body of the unknown person was dug originally in the winter it appeared. Hard to dig deep and also preserving the person for a time. Making an outline above ground.
If Paul were Hoffa, I might have gotten somewhere.
there was no way anyone was driving Paul’s car to your grandma’s funeral because his car was buried under 7 feet of mud in the Mississippi River. They found it a few weeks ago. So take your BS somewhere else and stop trolling this case file.
Or the car was placed in the river later.
They just found his car https://www.kcrg.com/2023/10/26/dubuque-police-investigating-after-vehicle-pulled-mississippi-river/
I’m so glad they found his car. Been praying for that. I hope they can glean more leads from this. I hope the authorities will consider a local person put it there, is a boater, and has boat(s) that are docked out of Dubuque. The person knows the area such as boat launches.
What is his name? If authorities don’t believe you, what’s the harm of telling me? Or make an anonymous tip to the police department. Please! Or more tips here. Was it someone he knew? A co worker or neighbor or just a random stranger? You are either full of shit or the time to speak up is now.
Sara, I believe you are Paul’s niece? I talked extensively to you on the phone, a few years back. I gave you a name and a picture. The police promised they would question him. But evidences have to add up, and I don’t know if the lead is correct. There were too many coincidences not to say something. And I truly hope this gets solved.
go find something else to do, besides troll this case. You know NOTHING factual.
Cathy, not trying to be upsetting. So sorry. I did give a name to Sara and the police. It’s only based on my experience, a tip. I will respectfully not post. Love and prayers to your family.
You Nevet Ever talked to me Holly so you need to stop now. The entire family has discussed this and not one person has talked to you! STOP lying. We all assume you are nuts because your story is full of lies. Not one single person from my family has ever talked to you. Do you think we don’t communicate? Duh!!! Car was found, no primer paint like you said in your comment. Now that you include me in your lie gives me 100% proof you are lying!
Sara, please refer to posts here April 8, 2019 and April 11, 2019. I did in fact receive a phone call from someone saying they were Sara. One of the things discussed was your uncle had a pin or plate in his leg from an injury. That he was handicapped or a little slower and might have been taken advantage of because of this. I was looking for things identifiable that would deteriorate like glasses, dentures etc. if I were able to exhume the unknown person at my famly cemetery plot in Iowa. The conversation was almost two hours. If it wasn’t you, that is alarming!
And yes, the mercury zephyr this man was driving wasn’t the same. Now known for sure!
Regardless my comments are not helpful, so I will leave it there.
You gave your phone number in this chat and the entire family discussed that contacting you was not a good idea. Honestly we were a little spooked – you could have been the killer trying to see what we knew. Or what we really thought was you could be a mentally unstable person that could harm someone in your delusional state. If you received a call it was not from our family. He did break his leg, I have knowledge of that but not aware of any metal pins or plates. If you ever mentioned a name to ANY family member, we would’ve know immediately. Social media makes it really easy to talk to family members.I would definitely say it’s alarming you apparently gave information to a random person using my name. Investigators have never mentioned taking to you but I’ve never asked them either. But I am still curious who was driving a similar vehicle that made you think there was a connection. Did the person know Paul? Live by him? Work with him? Who is it that you say has boat(s) docked in Dubuque? Someone you said has great knowledge of the boat docks in Dubuque. If there was another crime committed it should be investigated too. Concerning Paul, the car appears to be the same color with no primer as far as I can see. The hood was pretty tore up but didn’t appear to be any other color besides the original maroon color. I also don’t believe someone would drive a car around for several years hours away only to drive back a few hours to dispose of it in the river. Thank you for your concern but at this time I don’t believe there’s any evidence that the vehicle you seen was the vehicle Paul owned.
She is buried behind the tavern building at 206 N. Linn St. in Iowa City,no doubt.
Why would you say that?
Patrick D. Baird died in 2004.
Jerry Wintz died in 1999.
Stephen Woodcock died in 2007.
David Graham died in 2014.
Frank Sykora died last year.
Wilbur Millhouse died in 2015.
I found the article on Jerry Wintz that covers the pedophile ring, and mentions some of these men. Is it possible Sykora and Millhouse were part of it as well? I know they were both eventually caught for pedophile stuff, but those were separate cases and trials.
Also, I don’t know if you would know this, but did any of these men look like the drawing of the man in the car who was talking to Johnny? Or did any of them look like the man that was talking to Eugène Martin?
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/desmoinesregister/name/samuel-soda-obituary?pid=196971222
Sam Soda also dead October, 2020.
Frank Sykora died last year.
http://www.warnerfuneralhome.com/obituary.php?view=3144
I was reading this and realized that there had to be more than one murderer and if not why didn’t anyone hear? Especially those in the same room. The oldest guest did have defensive wounds on her body and while she was fighting off the attacker, did she scream? Why didn’t others hear? If the two guests were killed last how come they didn’t hear anyone else scream? Even if all were asleep. You would of had to hear the ax.
My first reaction when hearing about this. It has been stated that the first blows rendered all victims practically motionless so I wouldn’t be surprised to hear it made them inaudible as well, if only long enough for the second blow. Fortunately we can not test this theory.
Still I can’t imagine a killer EXPECTING no one to make a sound as they attempt to kill 8 people. And this brings up the questions:
1. Was only one person the intended victim?
2. If so then who was killed first?
After watching “Villisca: Living With A Mystery” I’ve come to the conclusion that it was a psychopath/serial killer. Most probably Henry Lee Moore.
If any one specific person was the victim then it appears they could have easily committed the deed and left but to go after 8 people in 3 different rooms and on 2 different levels tells me that all of them were intended to die.
I can’t state it enough. WATCH THAT MOVIE
So many repetitive questions here a answered in it PLUS you learn so much more. A GREAT documentary.
I would love to know if there is anything left that was collected from the crime scene. As big of a case that this was nationaly you would think they might have some left. As we all too well now know, when you have a scene this bloddy and physical, the murderer most likey left some of himself at the scene along with his victim. If evidence still existed it would be a great chance to see what these experts we have today could maybe find…….just a thought
ya – test dna from the crazy preacher
https://www.wbay.com/2021/02/10/police-arrest-two-for-aiding-a-felon-in-fox-river-mall-shooting-investigation/
If I remember there was something about a car that she had sold to someone for a very cheap price, and there was cigarettes butt’s in the toilet
It’s still very sad
was this the same Lybarger – his father is listed as Steve….
Zachary A. Lybarger, age 43, of Council Bluffs, passed away April 13, 2021 at CHI-Mercy Hospital.
Zach was born June 10, 1977 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a CNA.
Zach was preceded in death by his wife, Misty Lybarger; son, Nickales Bywater; father, Steve Lybarger and his grandmother, Mary Lou Schroder.
I’m not sure. I would have to look into it. Thanks for the information.
Looks like a very big possibility that this was the same guy. https://crawfordcountynow.com/obituaries/steve-lybarger/
Steve Lybarger was in my class in school (ALHS 1970). I played at his house once in 2nd grade, I think it was. So he was born around 1952 (or late 1951). I’m assuming this obit is for the same Steve, with the Council Bluffs connections & all.
Thanks for sharing. It’s too coincidental for it not to be the same person. Damn shame he got away with it.
She was my aunt:)
We don’t want to scar them for the rest of their lives. I mean someone fired shots in th o her residence and did not care if they killed her, the boyfriend, or the three kids. So, having their picture on billboard claiming they may be involved with her murder, will make them feel ashamed
Although they may have fled the area, to avoid being asked about their possible involvement in the murder of another person. What difference does it make, to quote a former Secretary if State in regards to the murder of four of her employees.
There are ppl of interest in this case that has left state but I don’t see Why there pictures are not being showed on billboards like the other Cold cases All murders deserve the same attention
This is such a recent case too, in comparison to some of the others, it would be amazing if more attention could be brought to her murder so it would have a better chance to being solved.
Ashley was murdered in Dallas County, not Polk County. Please correct this error.
I want to add this was probably a two-tap hit, meaning it was a professional job. Chest, then head. This does not suggest stalker or a random act of violence. If someone close to her was involved, the murder would have been much more messy. Ashley was probably targeted because of the company she worked for, and that should be the focus of the investigation.
I believe the killer wanted to stoke fear into realtors working for the company and/or realtors working in the same area. The instant reaction by the company to protect its employees suggests that someone within the company knew the reason for this senseless crime
Real estate deals gone bad can motivate a crazy bastard to commit a horrible crime like this. Focus on motive law enforcement, and you will solve this crime.
He was the science teacher there before Kathleen Hartung.
Praying the truth comes out!
Clearly the person in the brown pick up truck was stealing.
Did he come back & Mr. Reed confronted him?!
Is this why he was attacked & murdered?
Police should try looking at brown colored trucks in that area at that time.
Praying for justice!
Two of the four people involved in this are now dead.
God will be their judge but there are still two others who need to be prosecuted!
Doris needs to be exhumed & a murder investigation needs to take place!
Hoping Mr. Hildebrand and Jody Ewing are both well, Bless them. Please go to Readers’ Favorite website / readersfavorite.com You will find a
recent review on the Book by Ruth Forrest Glenn, JUGGERNAUT
Jule Sturzenegger (Loy) Gray, and Robert Rolfe should step up and own
what they know and did that night/weekend as they complete the 4 people involved in Elaine’s death and coverup. Lake Life above is absolutely right! There are still 2 people living to answer for at least themselves and their illegal participation
She only had $20. Killed for $20. A 90 yr old woman. POS COWARD!
To do this to this sweet elderly helpless woman. A widow for 15 yrs. Legally blind. Small. She must have been terrified. Emma, You will be avenged. Whoever did this is a COWARD AND YOU WILL PAY! DON’T THINK YOU WON’T. YOU DESERVE THE WORST!!!!
IMO it was someone he trusted. With 75 weapons around. I can’t see it wasn’t.
I really don’t understand how or why anyone would want to hurt an elderly woman. But the criminal minder, They don’t have a conscious. They feel no empathy. No remorse. That’s how they can sleep at night.
He was released only to kill again. Typical of the justice system. More rights for the criminal and not for victims and future victums.
I just re-read Aaron Pate’s sad story. It’s awful that he has never been located. I know what his brother, Ian, has shared and that’s it. I cannot imagine the emotional toll that the surviving family members have endured including the tragic and senseless loss of their sister.
I shared a few of my thoughts a few years ago and I also identified who i am.
I was pretty surprised that some of the responders had choice opinions about me. But, they chose to hide behind their initials and acronyms.
I still love my town. I have, however, become involved in several groups looking to better our town. Anyone who has felt out cast or not welcome is very welcome to join any group they wish and become part of the solution. It is difficult to put yourself out there sometimes, I’ve been there so I know.
I certainly apologize to anyone who felt I was blaming them for not being accepted. That was never my intent.
The original post was about Aaron Pate and I hope and pray that wherever he is, he is at peace. And, i hope his family has some sense of peace in their lives as they have had to live their lives without him.
I agree… this is no place for commenting on the pros/cons of Keota, IA.
I stumbled upon this site online after finding nothing at the local library.
I have since started a blog and it’s gaining momentum.
I had no idea a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere Iowa had so many secrets to keep.
If I learn anything significant from my blog, I will definitely share it here for the family of the missing…
thank you
I wonder if her family knows the identity of the ex-boyfriend. It would be nice to know, if he ever been investigated by the police. She complains to police that she is being bothered by him. Then she disappears, it would make me put him at the top of the list, to be looked at real hard.
I wonder if any other of his former girlfriends are missing.
I believe he was questioned, but because they didn’t find a body or evidence he was let go. -her granddaughter
Wow I’m reading all these comments about myself. You people have never heard my side of this. Did you know that Hal Snedeker knew how the victims were killed before the autopsy ever proved what happened? Of course not because you’re all too quick to judge people. There are so many liescout there and you have no fucking clue what I found in Hal and Linda Snedekers interviews. Bet you didn’t know that he has no alibi for that night. He has 50 plus inconsistencies in his interviews and 3 different. Stories about where he was. AND YOU FUCKERS WANT TO CALL ME A LIAR? He also told my daughter that wasn’t now the murders were supposed to have happened.. I can prove Hal was involved. All I need is for someone to do my story.AND ANOTHER THING— I did not roll Steve’s arm up in a car door, Melisa did. It happened in the 3 speed he had and I still to this day cannot drive one. Ask Patty Hilpipre, she’s the one who told me what actually happened. She was Melisas friend. Steve was ripping off Hal for drugs and was going to turn states evidence on him in court, but he died before he had the chance.
Teri, it’s nice of you to come clean of sorts. However, the victims were murdered in 1983. You have had over 37 years to tell your story, and point at someone else. I guess you could not find an attorney to represent you when you could have provided the statement you just elaborated.
This reminds me that the family in Columbus, Ohio protected their uncle and brother because they allegedly were afriad6to rat him out for a murder he committed. After he was dead, did kind of come clean after a journalist started digging.
I assume Hal, will come clean also, and point the finger st someone else
Terri yeah it made no sense to me either why they waited 31 years and let a Cold Case journalist talk them into bringing charges against you without any new evidence. Seemed kind of weird that if they were aware of possible drug dealings going on at the CDR that they didn’t bust them awhile ago. Make me wonder if he (Hal) was some confidential informant himself or was just a drug dealer that left Florida before it became to hot for him. And if they seemed to know that Steve was involved in drug dealing why they didn’t follow up on that further. Seemed like they just naturally assumed it was the so called criminal Supino family. Well hopefully you can get your story out and maybe they will get their act together in Newton & do some real police work. Best of luck and tell Tim I said hi. If he is still in Newton I will have to look him up next time I am there.
Well hopefully you can get your story heard and maybe even published Terry. Hopefully people will stop trying to pass judgement without all the facts. Sounds like it would be quite a compelling read if you where able to get your story published. Possibly start off with some background on you. Steve Fisher and the owner of the Copper Dollar Ranch. And for those that don’t believe drug hits can be brutal just look at MIAMI, FL in the 80’s . Out of control and brutal murders everyday. They used brutality to make a point. Enough said
This needs to be solved now.
Unblemished hope!
What place was she last seen?
Hello,my name is Donald Garney. And i am trying to find anybody that may remember or help me to find info on a homicide in webster city iowa. My Grandmother was remaried to a man with the last name Daniels, or McDaniels who murdered her and hid her body in a shed, being found weeks later. He had struck her in the head with a hammer and left her to choke on her own blood. Sorry for the detail, but ive tried everything. Hopeing now maybe someone in the earea may remember hearing about it in the news. My mother was raised in a orphanage at a very young age due to this, and has recently passed. If someone ,anybody can help?. Victims name Erma or Irma, Jane or Jean, McDaniel or Daniel murdered in webster city iowa, hamilton county or calhoun county, in 1960’s . Maiden name (carlson) . Thank you. And GODBLESS.
Donald, I recommend an online search for information related to her murder. Also, contacting the local library, they may have newspapers from that time period they could check.
Another option, would be to see if their might be a Webster City Historica Society. The murder would have been big news and they might have some records.
Also, I would assume that maybe the local county would have some trial records, if there was an arrest and court hearing. Those records hopefully would be resource.
The few details claims she took a Greyhound bus from Texss to visit her father in Davenport. Yet, we have no information or proof, she even reached Davenport, or Iowa period. Then we hear that she might have been missing since 1980 and not 1982.
Where is Sgt. Joe Friday, who asks for the facts and speculation. Can we get some more facts of when she left wherever in Texas.
I wonder, if this was a spur of the moment visit or a planned trip. If it was a planned trip, did she have a suitcase. How long was she going to be in Iowa. We don’t where she started, if she made it out of Texas, crossed any state borders or decide to runaway.
Could she have gotten braces ? Or plastic surgery to change her appearance? Had anyone from the greyhound bus seen her get on the bus? Did the bus driver who would of driven it there see her talking to anyone? Did the police even look Into any of these questions ? I am so very sorry for your loss but these are the questions I think people should be asking. Give this family the peace of mind or find the daughter safely. Praying you get the answers you need. The family deserves justice or to bring their daughter home safely.
prayers family gets answers to Mervin, someone knows something and pray their consious will get to them
It’s very unfortunate this man chose that way of life.But that gives no one the right to kill him. However people that deal with meth ruin other people’s lives. Let it be someone else. Don’t deal. Don’t take it. It’s a terrible road.
I believe now DNA, will give this baby the known Mother.
I was thinking the same thing. With all the DNA testing these days why are there any John or Jane Doe’s
He was my Husband
Chad, I wonder if your father was a veteran. I notice that was homeless when he disappeared. Many homeless are veterans dealing with various mental health or other issues related to military service.
If he is a veteran, then the authorities should reach out to the Veterans Administration to see, if he has visited any VA Medical Centers since his disappearance. The VA can’t release any medical condition stuff.
I notice there is no mention of any forensic evidence recovered. There should have been something between the burglary and his murder. Also, no mention if they got a description of the intruder that Smith encountered.
I would guess that the offender Smith encountered may have been a drug addict. I wonder if the rifle was ever recovered. Also, if local pawn shops to see if the stolen property were ever taken to them.
I’d recommend watching the People Magazine Investigates episode on Tammy’s case. It was a good and informative watch,
All signs sure point to Lonnie Bierbrodt it appears from my perspective. The authorities did render an opinion on him and a few others. I want to spoil for anybody who plans on watching the segment.
They said his DNA was not a match …
My little sister.
My cousin ❤️
Bruce. What a great tattoo. A wonderful tribute to your son. Bless you sir.
I believe the evidence speaks for itself and the people or person involved.
I was wondering if there was any explanation for tut he tattoo of the words “Soriano” bring tattooed on her neck. Aside understand it certain tattoos in prison indicates that the person belongs to a particular gang.
It could be a name of a family member, or maybe someone she was dating. It might be something to explore, as it might have made her a target. As being a gang member found hanging around on another gang’s turf.
The DOENetwork says her “Soriano” tattoo was for her mother’s maiden name. ( link: http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/4101dfia.html)
I find it interesting that there was no mention of the police finding any fingerprints. Also, in regards to the .25 caliber firearm found at the scene. It would appear that it belonged to the victim. But, it not exactly identified as his. Which makes me wonder if the laundromat had ever been robbed before. This might explain Mr. Hill’s possible need to carry a weapon.
Also, he was stabbed 21 times, which would possibly point to someone bring extremely angry with him. Also, he was shot once. But, the authorities did not identify the caliber of the bullet. I might assume he was shot with the .25 caliber. But, it is an assumption.
In regards to the suggestion of Timothy Jay Vafeades being involved. It appears that he kept his victims captive. Lonnie Bierbodt, makes a better suspect, for the following reasons:
He lived close to where her body was found. He was visiting family, who lived close to where she first disappeared. The blanket she was wrapped up in had a Kenworth logo on it. He drove a Kenworth truck. Also, the musical watch. Also, he sold his truck within days of her being found.
However, all this is circumstantial evidence. It appears that the authorities most likely did not handle the processing of evidence properly. The processing of the crime scene is very important, this includes maintaining a proper chain of custody, as it is passed along to crime labs.
The two guys caught and charged in the kidnapping and murder of Bobby Frank’s, in 1920’s Chicago, were caught because of a pair of eyeglasses found where his body was dumped. It turned the eyeglass frame was something new from the eyeglass company Almer & Coe. It turned only three people in the Chicago area, had eyeglasses with those new frames.
Also, Colonel Goddard, MD, U.S. Army Reserve, was brought in by Cook County Coroner Jury, to process the St. Valentine Day massacre. He found that two Thompson sub machine guns had been used. One had a 50 round drum magazine and the other had a straight 20 round magazine.
Both weapons were found in the residence of Fred “Killer” Burke, in St. Joseph. He also shot and killed a policeman, who was assigned to investigate a vehicle accident Burke was involved in.
I worked with Mattie Lou also as a teacher’s aide back in 1976-1977. She was always really kind to me and all of the students. I’ve never forgotten her and have always hoped that we would know what happened. Her family should know she is still loved by me and many.
MIKED-its my understanding she was alone when last seen leaving place “a” to place “b” and I don’t think she was actually reported missing until day or days later.
My theory is she left the bar at closing time (or perhaps a little before) and passed out in her car. Both her keys and money were found in the car suggesting Crystal was in the car before she went missing.
But I also think the car moved and whoever moved her car took advantage of the fact she was passed out/intoxicated, and took her somewhere and removed her from the car before returning it to the parking spot.
So the kind of evidence this case needs is proving Crystal was in the backseat or passenger seat of her car and proof someone else was driving. Considering the circumstances and suspects I don’t think they’d gone very far. Five miles maybe. 20 minutes total round trip. The car is gone maybe a total of half an hour to forty five minutes depending on what he/they did. Her car moving suggests two people if they are heading out of town, but returning the car to the parking lot suggests a suspect who lives more locally or someone who needs to be back at the bar to establish an alibi.
Also something to consider: last seen 2am bar time? (bars tend to set their clocks a half hour so they close by 2am with no patrons inside the bar as is the law) or 2am real time when the bar is supposed to be closed with no patrons? Now I don’t know if Knickers sets its clocks a half-hour fast, but it is something to consider when we put a timeline together to pinpoint the time and place someone last saw Crystal and match that up with a suspect.
I think those brothers lived in Dubuque at that time on West 5th St…
She didn’t have her car. Family took it home after the fireworks before she went to tge bar. She didn’t want to drink and drive. Video inside tge bar shows her coming in but never leaving.
This was my big brother and I will always love and miss him. He has a younger brother Anthony who just had a son last year. He named him Chris after his brother. If anybody has any pictures or anything of my brothers I will be willing to drive from where I’m at to where you’re at to grab it for my nephew and my brother. We just want answers as to what happened that night.
Why wasn’t her boyfriend at the time considered a suspect?
Why is no one talking? She didn’t get there by herself! So aggravating & frustrating!
I was her roommate at Prelude with her a few months before she went missing. She was always screaming and crying on the phone with her boyfriend. The minute I heard of this I thought it was him
Have you spoken to the police about this?
Praying for justice for her!
Somebody knows something and no one talks.
From what the family is saying on here it was Uncle Roy who is now dead.
If that’s so then justice will be done in Heaven.
So sad & sick!
If he confessed to it I feel they could have at least followed up on it!
So sad that they both were murdered!
Praying for justice!
Wendell Beets has passed away:
https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ia/cedar-rapids/wendell-a-beets-12362748
Thanks so much for this update, Kim!
I wonder who asked her to hold a gun for them. Also, her ex-husband was doing time. I am concerned about this guy Smith, who is a drug counselor after serving time with her ex-husband at the age of 22.
I think that with her husband being in prison, that she would shy away from holding a gun for someone. She lucked out and got probation. However, her mentioning that she was bring possibly asked to be an informant put her life at risk.
Audrey, you suggest a connection to the murder of Teresa Sue Hilt. However, in Teresa’s case, she was beaten, raped, strangled, and stabbed. Also, the blood at the crime scene was cleaned up, and her body covered with a sheet.
In Judith’s case, she died from blunt force trauma. The crime scene was different. The only apparent connection was that they were both college students. But Teresa was working on a graduate degree.
I disagree with the thought on Teresa’s case, that the offender was a female. This assumption is based on the cleaning of the crime scene and her body covered with the sheet. A good profiler would look at the crime scene, and explain why it most likely was a male offender.
I wonder if the police ever identified the guy, who was harassing her.
Tips4Tess@aol.com
I think they need to revisit this Richard guy. He’s a cheat & I think there’s more to this story. Also, if they can get a DNA sample from the baby I feel like that’s going to help too.
I miss my granny,,, I didn’t get the to spend a lot of time with her as an adult. I loved watching and betting on baseball with grandma. Grandma, I love and miss you
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YOU TUBE
Several Videos LOTS CARS FOUND by Exploers
LAST POST
In Closing
Sink Holes and *Mibes
*Christophrt PelCzarski “CAVER”Black HAWK South Dakota
SEE Article
Found Several Vehicles in MINES and Sink Holes
Imagine NUNEROUS EXPLORED and KNOWN by VARIOUS LOCALS or *Visiting ADVENTURES
May be of INTREST to CHRIS to Explore
Oruginally Starteded SIMPLE Comment
May havr Local CAVERS tho IF Harry and Car DOWN Shaft CONSDER is POINT
Saw Iowa Recently Solved d Triple Homicide 1984 tho Bodies LEFT Fields
Anyone Mention NEW TIRE PURCHASE Time Frame Area on BEFORE Jiuu 1at 1984? Could be Indication PLANNED ROAD Trip Especially “Harry” Lighlty saod to Associate tho “Good Mood” at time I Read Ï might Disappear
Iowa Known Hunting Country
Harry? 21 at time. ANY ^Registered WEAPONS?
Understand Mentioned YOU San Diego Marines. May not of Discussed.
I O PERATED NCIC at a Point Out of Hawaii.
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ReRegistered> Mught be of Interest Interview, Coulf been thru “Lot”Hands”by NOW,
or ANY Lost Stolen Property REPORTED from AVERY HOME 1984? May be REPORT on file. May NOT MENTIONED to YOU.
Mark Mllligan
If ANYONE Should have Idea, You May. What type routine Harry have Mornings. Especially Breafast. Bpwl Wheaties at Home? Maybe Favorite Local Dinner? Cute Waitress ect.
Idle Chit Chat with waitress even not Dating can Reveal a lot. Harry BROKE Routine reveals some type Reason, OBVIOUS as NOT RETURNING Home. One thing your looking FOR. If Frequented Paticular Dinner Still around?(Waitress Somewhere.Example Yes Harry seemed Nervous or Out Place. Mentioned had to go INTO Ksnsas City(Example Only)
.
21 and $1800(maybe) or so $. Ever mention an Adventure or Trip Wanted to do?
Thought read Harry made “Light”talk”Disappearing after Poker game in Square. One of his Associates. Was he Laughing after REMARK. Understood SEEMED good Mood.
College Military Base ect OBVIOUS.
Military had Grad Books like Universities and High Schools.EMBERS that Burn.
Innovation and Ideas Varried WIDE Range @ You Tube el Loco Motion Virtual Train
Harrys Incident
Broght to THOUGHT
Wikipedia Traffic Cameta Enforcement”The Harry Projecr”” Per Say
National BULLETUN put Out
Hpld ONTO All Box of OLD Traffic Enforcemrnt Photos For Cold Cases
Especially DATED Ect
Yes its a “harry””Project” Narrow DOWN a Missing Person Date APPOX TIME
Any Courthouse REPORTS Avaiable ect Photos PUBLIC Intrest Research
Even IF Only ONE Case Resolved? Yes Long Shot
Vehicles Caught Nearby ect ect ect
Wikipedia On LINE Ubformation Service
Indicates1st Fil Traffic Enforcement Cameras USED 1960s
Some Rual Courthouse THO SLIM Probally has Dusty Old Box sitting AROUND
If NOT THIS CASE Open for Would ne Sleuths
An arrest was made in this case:
https://www.kcrg.com/2021/02/25/california-man-arrested-for-2011-murder-in-cedar-rapids/
WE HAVE A FACEBOOK GROUP BASED IN KEOKUK, CALLED THE MURDERS OF ERIC REDINBO & DOLORES HORNUNG. SEVERAL MEMBERS OF BOTH FAMILIES BELONG TO THIS GROUP. IF YOU ARE FAMILY, FRIEND, CO-WORKER, ANYONE WHO MIGHT HAVE INFORMATION, PLEASE JOIN OUR GROUP AND HELP US TRY TO SOLVE THEIR MURDERS. 22 YEARS IS TOO LONG FOR FAMILIES TO HAVE TO WAIT FOR JUSTICE.
It was clearly the father in law!
GROSSS!
How disgusting!!
They are all passed away now.
I hope there is piece for Gary & his wife now.
Praying for justice for her!
Praying for justice for both of these men!
I think these men were murdered by the same person and because I can tell by themselves right now
Praying for justice!
Thank you! From Joe Floyd’s Niece.
Toni was my hunska (adopted) sister, and I spoke to her two days before her murder. I have NEVER been interviewed by DCI, although I have volunteered to numerous times. She told me some things about what were going on, and that have bearing on the case. I do believe that the young man’s death and Toni’s are connected, and that DCI dropped the ball on her case.
To them, she is just another dirty NdN/Latina, and her life wasn’t worth anything to them. I wish that we could have some closure for the family, and for the Tiyospiya who loved her. Eric’s family deserves closure as well.
Well I graduated with both Tim and Terry Supino from Newton High School. I was friends with Tim Supino since Junior High at Berg. Was even over to his house a few times. Didn’t see anything out of the ordinary with the family. I didn’t really know Terri that well, but she seemed ok. And as far as if she killed them I have no idea. Them being out there the night they were killed would automatically put them on the suspect list. Now during the Cold Case interview Tim had said he told his sister they had to let the cops know that they had been out to the Ranch earlier in the night. Now why would he do that if he was guilty? Why not just let it ride and not say a thing. Evidently there was nothing discovered at the crime scene indicating they had been out there. As well I am sure that the police checked their vehicles for blood and evidence since it sounded pretty brutal. Also, to state it was definitely a crime of passion and not a drug hit I beg to differ. There has been many cases of drug hits being very brutal with beatings and even cutting people up. It all depends upon the message trying to be sent. They can even be up close and personal as well. And if it is true they have an unidentified Male DNA they could trace it utilizing new method that they used to convict the Golden State Serial killer in CA. It enables them to tie Genetic DNA to known families which normally match to 98% or so and get to the bottom of who was there. They have definitely come a long way with DNA testing.
As far as the trial goes remember the jurors have to find them guilty without a doubt. Just here say and conjecture does not make a case. The inability to find any physical evidence is very damaging to the case they made. Especially 31 years later? You would have thought they would have left behind some clue or piece of evidence to tie her to the murder. Or used newer methods to look over and test the evidence they kept. While crime scene methods were not as good back then especially for a small town I am sure they could have brought in other agencies for help. And for those blasting people for defending the people they know IE family members and friends I would defend my family to the utmost of my being even if I knew they did something wrong. You can call me evil or whatever I could care less, but family is family period. Don’t berate me for defending my family. I can definitely tell there is a lot of emotion surrounding this case so it is understandable. But the bottom line is she went to trial and was found “Not Guilty” by a jury so unless they come up with some New evidence then she should be left alone. Besides I am sure a lot of us have said things in a fit of anger that are very damning. I don’t understand why they waited 31 years to bring it to trial. Seems to me that even back then they determined they didn’t have enough evidence back then to go to trial and what they had was just circumstantial at best. Well hopefully all involved can get on with their lives and leave it all behind as best they can. Hopefully some day the truth will come out and everyone can move on. Best of luck.
Toni knew what happened and who killed Eric, that’s why they made her disappear and quickly. I don’t know why more isn’t being said about the Anderson family – or what she found out happened in the Anderson home that night Eric was shot. She was concerned and wasn’t accepting the fluff answer that authorities and other’s close to the situation were giving to the public. Following her death, all neighbors should have been equally concerned as SHE WAS or even more-so, but where did we see that? The Keokuk PD put out the false impression that they were trying to investigate when they accused her boyfriend Lewis Greer but did not have evidence. Either way, if I am not mistaken – I believe he has now passed away as of March of last year (2020).
Shouldn’t it be mentioned that the Anderson family in one way or another now has at LEAST 10 different lots in their name surrounding the two crime scenes? There are no neighbors to “find anything,” let alone witnesses since 10 different lots and a number of the homes in those few blocks are owned by different members of the Anderson family this can easily be verified to this day – this wasn’t long ago. Who’s concerned that two murders happened in two days on the same block? I know I sure would be if my entire family lived up and down the street – even if it was in 1999.
Eric’s homicide still being accepted as an ‘accident’ after what happened to Toni after she started to talk about the details of what happened are such an obvious cover up. I am sorry but the hush hush KPD does not have a reputation of being honest or straightforward, just look at how they treated the family of Theresa Lund after her disappearance and murder and I quote – “well it looks like she finally left you” to Terry Bell her fiance at the time before she was found dead. I think anyone who knows Keokuk even a little has story or knows someone with a story about the crooked police, it’s not exactly a secret in Lee County or Iowa for that matter.
What kind of condition is Toni’s house in now vs. then? Why weren’t Eric’s friends at the Anderson’s house more forthcoming about the tragic incident? If this happened in your home to a ‘guest’ wouldn’t you be doing so much more to remember that person and talking about what could have been done differently? If your family/extended family owned at least 10 city-lots with two tragic deaths – (one a confirmed murder and another that IS supposed as murder) – wouldn’t you be doing so much more to encourage police investigation and to improve a neighborhood that you supposedly ‘cherish’ and own? Who’s muffling the squealers around there?
The biggest problem here, and it’s sad I have to point this out – is that Toni and Eric didn’t get the investigation they deserve. Toni’s case was a quick distraction to shut everyone up. Eric was never investigated fully either let alone as a murder. The shoulder shrug lip service was ‘stick with the gun loading accident.’ More investigation needs to be done for Dolores. An ACTUAL investigation needs to be done for Eric. This was not a long time ago and the answer is definitely out there.
I would also like to mention, Keokuk is not a place that changes – the answer is out there like it’s yesterday.
Family and friends should be enraged, not defensive. Not investigating Eric’s death as a murder is truly the crime happening here. Both cases would unfold rather quickly.
Who are you A Martin
A. Martin, we have a Facebook group called THE MURDERS OF ERIC REDINBO & DOLORES HORNUNG. I hope you will join, we would love to have you as a member.
Mark Milligan
Only Very Brief on Automated Traffic Control Records
Your Case Supreme Court? Imagine Extensive Research.
I Dont Know if ALBIA Iowa USED 1984 Just BUMPED ino article some places started 1972. Iowa One of Limited States that USES
If EVEN still around Micro Can Imagine Dust
Interesting Note
Mark Milligan saw Supreme Court Case you Lost on Automated Red Light Ticket around 2016.
Automated Traffic Control was in USE all the way Back to 1972.
Saw not Public Record.
May be why Harrys Headlight Incident Not RECORD. Just Newspaper.Sometimes MICRO Taped placed In Box Stotage, Lil Dusty by NOW
LE may have access if FILED X # Years. Sometimes Do May NIP Harrys Ticket ISSUE in the Bud.
I’m not an expert by any means but I have been a domestic violence advocate for 15 years. The personal nature of Pat’s murder points to someone close to her. Some marriages aren’t as happy as they seem from the outside. I’m sorry to all of Pat’s family and friends. I know how hard this must be, no matter how much time passes.
It’s an open secret in North Iowa that the police killed Jodi and have been aggressively covering it up for 25 years. Anyone who looks into it gets heavy retaliation from the police and sees their lives ruined or ended suspiciously.
At this point, there’s no one left to get justice for in this case. Jodi’s dead, her mom’s dead, and the silenced witnesses are dead. MCPD remains a bastion of corruption and cronyism.
No justice, just us.
Husband did it. Two thoughts. 1) Based on Bill’s comment about finding out that Jason had an affair, he said ‘We (he and Shirley) did something wrong’. That is a comment based on morality. He felt there was a failure on their part in raising Jason. As a moral man, he may have believed he could do no wrong, and place the blame entirely on his wife. This also sounds familiar with the reports that Bill was a very controlling husband. 2) Where’s the rifle? Husband claims the son hid the rifle somewhere on the property, and retrieved it later to get rid of it. Couldn’t the husband do the exact same thing? Husband had more opportunity to get ride of the gun along the stretch of roads during his traveling to sell the grain. Or on his return. 3) Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to investigate the son is a sign of deflection/guilt. He essentially blamed the son for the death of his wife, because he thought it was her fault that their son had an affair. And 4) most important. It is HIGHLY unlikely that a son who just murdered his mother in cold blood would EVER touch her body to carefully place her hands crossed over her chest
THAT is something that a husband/lover/significant other would do. Basically placing a loved one “at rest’. Jmho
Deplorable
Someone knows something!!!! Please let her family get peace!!!
Too bad there isn’t more information out there. When was the last time he was seen alive? Was he employed at the time? Was that a normal apartment or the kind of place made available to Eagle’s Lodge members going through hard times?
What really bothers me about this case is that it just doesn’t make any sense. First of all, there were 10 other duplexes where she lived and no one heard anything at a time when people are regularly home? The fact that her phone lines were cut doesn’t make sense for it to be just a simple robbery gone wrong especially when there are no signs of forced entry and nothing of note was missing. the fact that she was murdered between 6:00 and 6:30pm, where it would be light outside and there is a higher chance of beeing seen. Also the fact that the medical examiner said that she only had “slight” signs of a struggle just does not make sense. Paired with thte fact that there were no signs of forced entry it makes it seem like she knew the person who killed her. Apparently her husbands alibi checked out. Could it have been someone from her work or school that followed her home? Was the murder weapon ever recovered? Why were the clothes she was wearing described but not much else was? Why was the husband immediatly cleared in the origional DesMoines register article that announced her death? that just doesn’t seem normal to be like “This woman was killed, but her husband didn’t do it!” There are just so many questions
To answer Kennedy directly… Lack of neighbor observation is a little troubling. A re-interview of neighbors after this many years might allay the usual fear of getting involved and anyone who did see something may have tired of guilt over failing to speak up.
The cut lines are also troubling. It was never clear whether the lines were cut outside or inside the home. That alone would make a difference in the timeline and motivation. What kind of tool was used? Was a tool found? I can tell the difference between scissors, knife and wire cutters for example. Outside wires would be harder to cut.
Second or third hand hearsay shortly after the murder from people who rode with her indicated her husband was at work at a shipper’s sorting facility at the time of the murder and could not have traveled in the available time. Further hearsay was that he had called home twice during that time. Once the phone was picked up but no one answer and later the phone was busy. Since both of these are hearsay I would rather see the police reports than rely on it. I would think police would have checked phone records at work and would also have checked whether her husband could have arranged a killing.
We know none of this, so anything one might conclude about the murder is pure speculation. What is needed for any further progress is a lot more information, information the police are unlikely to release.
The detective who interviewed me was interested in her contacts, potential extra marital interests and friends among those who commuted with her to school. I knew of no liaisons and had heard no rumors but I provided lists and schedules of those who rode with her. My job was to maintain the schedules for the commuter club. If they followed up with those people it could be as many as 5 people each way for each day of the week she rode or drove. I got no feedback or contact from police after that interview. Further hearsay indicated she rode back from school in an earlier car which was a common practice in the club. Even more people would have to be interviewed.
In most cases I’ve gotten the impression police are rather exhaustive in interviewing potential contacts in murder cases.
I wonder whether any physical evidence such as her clothing were preserved that could be checked for DNA. That might be helpful, much more so if it were found on a weapon or on wire cutters or the phone or wire themselves.
Yes, there are many questions that we in the public cannot begin to help answer. Especially after so many years, it would be good for the police to release information to a limited review team to get fresh eyes on it, but not wholesale publication. I am sure police are and all of us should be concerned about wild speculation and life destroying false accusations that can go viral on the internet. It is so easy for people to gen up hysteria regarding totally innocent people on flimsy, incorrect or even false evidence and literally destroy their lives. The Atlanta bombing and the drowning of Elissa Lam are two that come to mind.
It is also possible the police know exactly who killed Mary but are unable to prove it with enough evidence to convict. Perhaps they know but that person is serving a long prison sentence already. Perhaps they know but the person is dead. Perhaps the person is avoiding prosecution overseas. Releasing information could jeopardize future prosecution or foil plans to capture that person. Releasing information they can’t yet prove can expose them to defamation lawsuits etc.
I got a hint from what Kennedy wrote that he may suspect some kind of cover up. Unanswered questions about how quickly the husband was cleared are not evidence of malfeasance. They are simply unanswered questions.
Clinton Iowa has the most cold case deaths in Iowa. Very sad
Why aren’t the physical addresses mentioned? Maybe the evidence is still around like the gun? Sorry for your losses🙏🏻.. Kpd threw me in jail with a broken jaw and I had a T.BI. Didn’t care if I died in Lee County…
It depends how they handled it. Also, they may not want to reveal wh as they have. Although they may have used it to try and convict her boyfriend. However, they may not want to spend the money to retest something unless it might provide an investigative lead.
Thanks for sharing that touching story sounds close to mine I’m aka Seville
Seville, Hopefully life is treating you well, as life can be hard,
Take care Babydoll
you worked at Grapevine?
What is Keokuk Police doing? There were comments from Toni after his death?
I knew this family years ago, his son Dovey, Big Earl, Earl JR, Andre.
Dovey helped me survive in 1984-1989,do to my parents kicking me out , being molested, and lots of other factors, not having anywhere to go.
The best advice they gave me was, you can play a victim all your life, or you can be strong and be a survivor, because life is hard.
Sugar Bear helped me when Dovey and I had a falling out, and tried to make it right.
Years later I seen Sugar Bear, he asked me why I left the family, we had a conversation, I explained and he told me no matter what, he’d always thought of me as family, I genuinely feeI the same. I know, Sugar Bear wasn’t the most examplillary person, but him and Dovey did have good advice.
Another piece of his advice was, if I’m asking you something, I already know the answer, so yours better be right.
He will live on , through his family and friends.
He always was hustling, trying to make a dollar, make more than what he grew up with.
He gave shelter to alot of people, at Hollywood Hookup, his car lots and other business ventures. May his family someday get justice for him.
He was always proud of his family, not many knew alot about him except those closest, may he rest in peace.
BabyDoll
Hey Babydoll, This is Amy…was with JR. Good to see your still around. We will all miss Big Earl. He was a good Man
Amy , yes he was. Wishing we were in Florida right now, as the weather here is horrible. Glad to see your around too
I thought that was you, take care
You too
Hello Johnny Gosch,… Please email me we have talked before my friend
Obviously she did this or knew who did.
His poor wife!
To find out your husband is cheating on you & that he’s dead.
Praying the killer is found!
They need to do DNA testing!
Praying this gets solved!!
Praying they catch this killer!
I hate to say it, but is there any way this could possibly be a suicide and coincidentally be that close to Brenda Dailey’s murder? I know, it’s really crazy to be so close together in both time and location, but I just think it’s strange that it happened so close to his wife’s death and their wedding anniversary. So sorry for the family, that must have been so hard to deal with both parents dying that close to one another and not knowing for sure what happened to their father!
I’m mostly wondering why they called it a homicide. Is it because nobody thought he could’ve fallen down the stairs, or is it because there is other evidence pointing to the fact that he may have been murdered?
Yes DCI was never called and the lady that was there owed a lot of people money. I believe she saw my dad as a way the thing in his wallet. And if I remember right his pickup was found in front of house and his Cadillac suv was found in front of Catholic Church. I believe if this happened in any other a deeper investigation would have been executed. Jared Clausen I believe doesn’t have the qualifications to Investigate a murder. When he told me ambulance left my dad would be fine he was up and talking. I find that hard to believe when Kathy called her brother because Dan fell downstairs her brother lives in ida grove 30 minutes from Mapleton. It was said she couldn’t get my dad up in chair and her brother “Had to get my Dad up in chair” now if someone fell downstairs my stairs and couldn’t get up I’d call 911 for ambulance. I’m not a so called investigator like Mr. Clausen but wouldn’t you wanna call DCI for a homicide and on further investigation wouldn’t you wanna pull bank records and credit card records? And wouldn’t her charges be accessory to murder and her brother. I believe there are
More things they know and officer Clausen are know. These are my opinions! My gma hieber deserves a right to know who killed her son and we as children deserve the right to her had four sisters also and my uncle Kenny deserves it to. I hope someone who knows or I hope someone has yo see holes In the story’s given why fight Clausen call dci and why didn’t sister and brother get questioned deeper and why she called him if someone was hurt that bad. Question the ambulance how apparent was my dad is it like they said?!?!
I’m sorry I typed that fast. I meant he had atm cards and credit cards I believe they were used after the murders they weren’t found in his wallet. He had his mother and us kids and 4 sisters who deserve an answer. I’m sorry I also meant I believe if this happened in any other Town DCI would’ve been called. And I believe she saw my dad as a way to pay her debts. I’m sorry for the mistyping. You can piece these things in from the first post.
No way it was suicidal!!
I heard many stories about Matt Kennedy and the family growing up. So sad. Happy
to hear justice will be served.
uh huh, I’ve heard many stories about you too Phil W. Your family really isn’t too fond of you buddy.
i am erin’s aunt and fully believe curtis padgett did abduct erin and i believe he knows exactly where she is.
After reading a small snippet of her story, he absolutely seems responsible. Got rid of the truck, started having violent outbursts, dropped out of school.. did he have family working in law enforcement? I hope they get the bastard to give your family justice and closure.
THIS IS A SCAM THERE IS NO JADE THOMPSON WHO KNOWS MY FAMILY. DO NOT DONATE ANY MONEY
Trivia Comment: How many cows does everyone think is in Montana? I guaranty you are wrong!
Plot twist: Volemort did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE WILL RISE SOON!!!!!!! BEWARE OF MORE DEATH, MORE WILL COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What does Harry Potter have to do with any of this
Who’s Harry Potter?:o I was talking about VOLDEMORT!
Did Rita have a vehicle that is also missing? If so, what are the details of that vehicle? If she didn’t, how did she normally get around? News reports say she was last seen at the casino and other says she went missing after leaving the casino. Casinos have a lot of cameras, even the parking lots. Was she last seen leaving alone or with someone else? Did she get in a car?
I have a problem, with the fact that the cause of death has not been released
She was murdered over 30 years ago, what are they waiting for. Did they expect that someone was going to walk in and confess to a crime they did not committ.
We have other cases involving homicides, where we know the cause of death. Many agencies do hold back some tidbit of information kn these Cases. But again after 20, 30 or 40 years, and the case is unsolved, what good has it done.
Also, many departments are remiss in keeping in contact with victims families. They have no clue, that this causes the victim’s families. So, it appears to the family that the death of their loved one, is not big deal, and that the police don’t care.
The one investigator mentions that most of their homicides were drug related. So, he is okay with that. So, it was the victim’s fault that she was murdered.
A new book about Paula is coming in June:
What Happened to Paula: On the Death of an American Girl
Hardcover – June 15, 2021
by Katherine Dykstra
> In July 1970, eighteen-year-old Paula Oberbroeckling left her house in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and never returned. A cold case for fifty years, Paula’s story had been largely forgotten when Katherine Dykstra began looking for answers. A woman was dead. Why had no one been held responsible? How could a community give up and move on? Could there ever be justice for Paula?
> Tracing the knowns and unknowns, Dykstra discovers a girl who was hemmed in by the culture of the late 1960s, when women’s rights had been brought to the fore but had little practical bearing on actual lives. The more she learns about Paula, the more parallels Dykstra finds in the lives of the women who knew Paula, the lives of the women in her own family, and even in her own life…What Happened to Paula is a timely, powerful look at gender, autonomy, and the cost of being a woman.
Hardcover or ebook: https://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-Paula-Death-American-ebook/dp/B08L6YYFVN/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
[…] instances of Helen Kelly, Thomas Doughtery and Dale Robinson all have been open for a long time and they all have a person concept in frequent. Not only is the […]
….. I’ll tell you.. the certain sacrifices got to be made in life. If that was my family that nurse would be dead and a whole bunch of other people would be gone
because honestly nothing’s work so far trying to do the honest way
There has been misconduct issues with law enforcement, county attorneys and court appointed attorneys. If you of low social status, you get no justice.
Could someone please clarify what specific years Les worked in law enforcement?
he left the Douglas county sheriffs department in the early 80’s
Les is a liar I bet he never worked in law enforcement just like I bet he was not a minister.
Didn’t it state that Hanni brought back a guy with him from the Jet where the two had been drinking? How does anyone know this. Who else was at the home that night that can positively identify or state that the 2 men showed up at the home together or maybe hanni came home alone and this other guy could have tailed him to the home and shot them all stole their dope and took off in the dead of the night. Or wait his new girlfriend was there and how ironic she decides to up and leave in the dead of the night after 1am to drive back to where she’s from? Now how long was she here in sioux city with him? Why she leave so abruptly and at that time. How was she going to get back home drive? What made her decide to go back home. Or did she leave with the other man that came home with hanni? Talk about a lucky gal. And what about the wild bunch that the cops said were known to use drugs that came home with them and trashed the house or left it in a mess? And what about the little rat who goes and tells the cops ” oh by the way I swiped some weed from one of the guys earlier in the night at the house. Who does that?? Only an idiot who wants to implicates himself in the home the night of the murder and now as a thief and possibly something more. What was his follow up interviews like? The 3 were no good that’s for sure. Hanni eats out a big dope dealer in Denver’s prolly because he couldn’t pay his weed bill and was most likely told he’d pay with his A$$ so he decides to be a SNITCH. WHAT HAPPENS TO A SNITCH IN JAIL. YEP HE DON’T LIVE TO SEE TOMORROW. Now anti union views wouldn’t of gone over well back in the 70’s either. Ibp had some bad strikes where houses were blown up back in 70’z and 80’s n animals were even killed hung up on clotheslines they said?? Now the old ladies or mother n friend entered the home they see the pregnant girlfriend first, as she was shot dead and her leg is stuck in the small swinging doors they used to separate rooms back then. Where was she going? Now Hanni was all dressed and still in his winter coat out in another room or the room where the pregnant gal lay and he was face down shot execution style in the back of the head behind the ear and in the back. And lastly the woman find her son Billy in another room he shared with his pregnant g/f, and he’s naked prolly because him n his girl were what done having sex and she went out to get him a beer or her something to eat or drink, and now let’s figure out who’s shot first? Billy is in their makeshift bedroom where the mattress was and he’s naked, she’s in her robe barely made out of the bedroom, and Hanni is fully dressed laying face down fully clothed. I’d say the wild bunch who came over and trashed house and drank with them and they were known to be bad news on dope, probably made hanni think he could ride along with them so he got popped 1st, she come running out and she got popped 2nd, and Billy awakes to all this noise and standing there naked one of the no good bunch slips behind him puts gun to his head and says good night sorry to wake you but you just laid on us so bang your dead but you were still moving so a couple more for good measure , they steal their dope and leave and collect the ransom money from the colorado dope dealer that hanni ratted on and anyone who talks will be next. I seriously doubt it had anything to do with anti union b/s. They came here to hide and work not sit out on an upcoming picket line. They never stayed in one place long enough. So naturally when asked if they will honor the strike they prolly said hell with the union I came here to work. Sure that didnt go over well them being new guys. I’m sure it didn’t garner and murder scheme over it. They carried guns in lunch boxes cause they were snitches, petty thieves and credit card buyers prolly purse snatchers too. But when you owe the dope dealer money and rat him out to avoid paying him and he gets jail time he’s gonna tell the boys you find those little bitches and snitches and see to it they don’t have the chance to snitch again. I’m surprised their tongues weren’t cut out. That was mafia style for a snitch in the 70’s. They came up here because mom n dad hot the hell out a dodge where they were from so g/f is knocked up cant just leave her let’s go to iowa see mom n dad for a bit then leave. Problem was they stayed too long and talked too much because I bet hanni was a talker. Prolly talked all kinds of crap like they were big time criminals, thieves, pot smokers and dope dealers themselves, so they had to get a job because they couldn’t all 4 stay with Billy’s mom n dad. So Hanni’s girl prolly says ” you guys said we were only going to iowa to visit and go back to her hometown but they lied to her so she says I need to go take care of a couple things and I’ll be back. Well she had no plans to come back. She was gonna rat out their butts soon as she got home but someone already beat her to it and in the dope world a bounty on a snitch’s head travels fast and back then those biker rough crowd that did them in prolly was getting their weed from colorado or California and bikers transported that stuff back then. So word of mouth travels like wildfire and they got wind of the bounty on these 2 clowns and they collected. If they’d a visited mom n dad and left they might a lived another week a month. But I still bet Hanni talked too much or to the wrong guys and someone found out about the hit the dope dealer in colorado prolly put on them and they couldnt pass it up. Cruel fricken world. But anytime you get involved in drugs and snitch out a guy instead of paying him and this is back in the 70’s. Mafia killings were going on, mafia was in the labor unions then too, Hoffa style but that didn’t cause these deaths. Snitching on a dope dealer did. That’s my opinion only. I played detective and I like my theory. Can’t stay in one place too long fellas. You knew that. A gun in the lunchbox in the car can’t do much for ya now can it. Remember when grandma or grandpa said watch the company you keep. When your new in town, you keep your mouth shut, you don’t tell where your really from ever. And never bring strangers into your home. And don’t go in there’s remember. Nope you forgot. Bang your dead, and so us she and so is he. It was coming soon anyway because you guys lied to hanni’s new girl so she bailed on you and by the skin of her teeth did she make it home in the nick of time and able to to tell about it to her grandkids. She would of been your snitch just someone beat her to it.
It seems fairly likely that Reed is actively omitting parts of the story like Zirtzman’s involevement in the rescue, could she be trying to distance herself from him? Could she have been trying to avoid anyone suspecting her involevement in Zirtzman’s testimony?
The terrible condition of Jaymie points to possible child abuse, this is backed up by the scalding-like burn marks on her body causing the burnmarks on 33% of her body, yet not causing any singeing of the hair. Could Jaymie have been trying to ease pain from scalding by submerging herself in the bathtub?
I theorize that Zirtzman had been exploited to take the blame, this could be done by promising him that he would also be hailed as a hero after giving the testimony that someone else prepared for him. Could Reed have been the one to design the testimony?
Reed possibly caused the fire to cover up the abuse of Jaymie, afterall if she died in a fire thsi would cover up the scalding wounds and make the bacteria in Jaymie significantly harder to detect.
ORIGINNALY “Perked” my Interest. Still Does. Hpwever taken Up enouhj Comment SPACE.
I’m Gone for NOW. Think Mark Milligan Mentioned LE has Opened “CI”Case.
Plenty County, State , City Investigators.
thx
Painting(Sketch) Time Board Albua Iowa
July st 1984 Albia Iowa Poipulation1984?
Sunrise 543AM Didnt GiveHARRY Long Prior to SUNRISE if Left üptown 5-530
Weather Conditions? read
`977 Pontiac Grand Prix average 15mpg at 16 gallons
Gasoline stations?
AVERY approx 7Miles Away..
In Portrait WHO Standing inin Business District with Harry
1977 Pontiac Grand Prix Average 60 MPH Country Backroad
On Full Tank Can Plot Where “Harry” Could JAVE been VARIOUS Roads EVERY 10 Miles or 10 MINUTES
Avery(House 10 Miles or 10 Minutes?.
Daylighr CLOSE
Ticket Issued for Headlamps What Day? ANY OTHER Tickrts By that COP Near Time Frame? The Lag Newspaper DATE Published and Written,
Small Town “Harry turn Your Headlights ON”!(Warning per say) Wasnt LIKE Midnight
Imagine Festive DAYS Picking Uo. Small TOWN with 4th July Activities CLOSE
Anyone ASK if “Harry”had Part 4th? Should BEEN Returned
1977 Grand Prix 240 Miles Full Tank Gas(Most Daylight Driving)
Imagine MONTHLY Marine Reservist CHECK? If Active. When did Harry Cash Last Military Check or ANY Deposit. EVEN if BANK No RECORD Military Finances?
Clothes or Suitcase Obvious in CAR Preplanned Trip.
“Harrys” Civilian Job?
ect ect ect The Picture Will Fill In with more Colors.
Put TimeLINE in Perspective and Not GARBBLED or Haywired
Sue, I have found that a lot of records from Iowa are not on Ancestry for some unknow9reason. If anything there should have been a Social Security Death Index entry. But then he died in 1960.
The other surprising thing is there is no mention of him having a family, unless he was estranged from his family.
The other problem is how can the public help with the investigation when we have no information to work with. We don’t know how he died, where he died, or any other detail related to him being murdered.
It is sad that the police department decided to keep most of anything from the public. Yet, it appears the present leadership has not made an effort to release more details. b
Praying that God brings justice for you Micheal & your father family!
My heart breaks for you & your sisters as well as his bride to be!!
We’re their any signs of a struggle?
She was beaten to death so I’m sure she would have struggled with her attacker.
I wonder if she has his/her blood under her finger nails?!
Praying the killer is brought to justice!
The fingerprints they have need to be run through Codis.
They need to exhume her body & get DNA OR test that DNA they do have.
Something needs to be done.
This is sick & it needs to be solved.
So disturbing.
My heart breaks for all involved as well as that many police officers who investigated this case.
Praying this gets solved & that the offender gets caught!
It’s obviously being covered up.
AS THE SON OF THIS TRAGEDY, TO THIS DAY, MY BIOLOGICAL MOTHER & HER FAMILY HAVE REFUSED TO OFFER ANY SUPPORT ON THIS ISSUE. INFACT, THEY RATHER NOT DISCUSS, AND WERE MORE INTRESTED IN RUNNING ME OFF WHEN I TOOK THE TIME OUT OF MY LIFE TO CONFRONT THEIR PAST. THEY WERE MORE INTRESTED IN SHUNNING MYSELF. RICHARD MCKINLEY SKILLINGS, PATRICIA ANN KELLEY SKILLINGS, THEIR CHILDREN, MICHELLE,SHELIA,MARK & MIKE SKILLINGS. IF YOU KNOW ANY OF THESE FOLKS, ENLIGHTEN ME IF YOU WOULD HOW THESE FOLKS CAN LOOK THE OTHER WAY TO THIS CRIME THEIR MOTHER WAS AWARE OF. THANK YOU.
Some situations just seem to stay with people their whole lives. Linda’s situation is one such situation that has stayed with me. I didn’t know Linda, or her family members, but I very clearly remember the case. I was a High School Sophomore living in Sgt. Bluff at the time, and I was bothered that her murder was unsolved and that her family had never received the justice that they deserved. A few years after her death (1987, I think) an older step brother of mine told me that one of his friends told him that he had killed Linda. I wasn’t told to the entire conversation, only that he said he did it, which was horribly vague. I was living in Kansas City at the time that my brother told me this, and I contacted the Sioux City Police in an attempt to pass the information to someone. I knew at the time it was a stretch, hearsay, whatever, but I was compelled to bring the information forward in hopes that someone would follow the lead. I was told by the person on the phone that information from someone who heard something from someone who heard another person wasn’t the sort of lead that would be helpful in the case. I was thanked for my call and that was that. To this day, I believe that Loren Brown killed Linda Bentley. Not just because my older step brother said he confessed to it, but because Loren Brown was one of the creepiest people I have ever met, and I believe him capable of killing someone without remorse.
I was living in Sioux City when my sister in law told me about the little boy Manuel Ramirez’s death right when it happened. I’m no police officer but right away told her that I suspected he was murdered !!! How on earth did these officers fail to realize this at the time. A few years ago I’d read the biological father was locked up and the child lived with the stepmother and her kids. This woman got away with murder !!! And from what I understand she may have fled to Mexico. HOW’S ABOUT PUTTING A WARRANT OUT FOR THIS THING THAT MURDERED THIS INNOCENT CHILD. I raised 9 children and would have gladly taken in this child. My heart breaks thinking how this little boy was more likely being treated. Father gone, mother gone and left to someone who killed him. 😭😭😭😭😭😭 One can only pray there’s a heaven and the angels and God are with him.
I think it was Dennis Beaver
To Mark Milligan
My Apptoach from INVESTIGATIVE Stanfpoint
INFORMATION Could STILL be of RECORD.
Things Should have been looked INTO even on “Suspious” Disapperance
For whatever ‘reason(s) were NOT
Haven’t Seen Mention Military “Dog Tags” 1984 WERE Popular as your aware FORMER Marine. Do you RECALL if “Harry” wore Regular? 21 at time Missing LOT young guys WORE even if NOT Active Status. VITAL in itself ïf” did. Lotta Open Country Iowa Understood. Lot of things GONE by now. Dpg Tags still around Somewhere UNLESS removed from “Harry” Even if removed. Maybe Metal Detector on ANY UNIDENTIFIED Suspect Sites may provide clue(s).
* Former Military Police Investigator (Army)
SAW LE has OPENED as CI Case. The Military Jacket “Harrys” last KNOWN timeline on Base. Medical, Dental and or ACTIVITIES on File?
Reason mention Hospital CHECK and Marine VA? Any Visits that time Frame.
Likely had Reservist ID possibly SSN “Printed” on front, Another “Door” Cracked.
Someone had ACCESS even 1984 to SSN Nip in BUD May still be PAPER Trail( electronic) Now if Financials Tampered with.
The Credit “Bureau” Giants Emerging in 80s
Know mentioned POSSIBLE $ around $1800 “Poker” Lot Money 1984. IF taken from “Harry” Spent SOMEWHERE or SOMEONE else. New Car Show up in Neighborhood?
I’m approaching as COLD Case with EMBERS still Burning.
I am in my 70s and grew up in the area. I am well aware of the gambling in K-town. The 400 Club was owned by Jay Hickey and was one of the oldest gambling establishments in town. Yes, it had a 2nd floor. Jay was a well like man and I know of no trouble at the club. It was said he ran an honest game.
I guess Judge Glanton we, missed the fact that Mr. Holt is dead at the hands of both individuals, that he released. Did, Judge Glanton, think that Mr. Holt, shot himself, or that the bullet came from ourtspace.
Also, there was bad blood, between the three of them, Mr. Holt did pull not pull a weapon of any kind. So, I hope that Judge Glanton, took the time to explain to Mr. Holt’s family, why he let two guys get away with causing his death.
I like that a witness claimed that Wilson had a good record in the community. I guess because of his dispute with Mr. Mure, another person iui s dead. I hope he or Mr. Mure went on to lead a good life and another family lost a loved one.
Certainly the Judge failed this case miserably! He definitely didn’t shoot himself and they both fired shots so….. The system failed Harold! RIP Big Bro!
Through DNA, I have found that Jerry Lee Huff is my birth father. I know he was not a good person, and running around the area at this time. If you need any DNA for cold cases….I’m willing to offer it. Good Luck on your case, very sad story.
What about this little boy? Boone Denton died Feb. 1, 2018, in Creston of complications from blunt force trauma to the abdomen, according to the state medical examiner’s office. So far, there have been no arrests in the case.
I’ve never heard of this boys death, was it not made public?
Pat Heideman contacted Dateline last year (2019). Dateline had contacted him yesterday and they are doing a show including this story. Hopefully this will get solved in 2021.
Hello, I’m Michael David Rogers Jimmy’s son. Thank you for taking and interest and keeping this tragic story alive! Means alot to me.
Under what circumstances could someone legally adopt a 28 year old at the time this happened?
All these years later Les finally gets arrested for stuff that he allegedly has been doing for years, according to comments on this forum. The other question, is the involvement of Kim’s mother Joyce. She, appears to have allowed her husband Les, to do a lot of bad stuff over the years.
I think that she has some explaining to do. She moved in and married this man. She appears to be okay, with his actions and abuse. I wonder if covered up other abuse by her living husband.
they are letting him get away with it again
That is not right! He should not be breathing. Im so sorry you all have suffered so much. Rip kim
Matt we went to school together
I agree! Kim was a awesome person and deserves justice. She had her whole life ahead of her.
Praying this gets solved!
What was he doing alone on a gravel road at night? How did he get there? Where was he going?
I don’t understand why the Davenport Police did not complete a report. This is the basic part of their job. Even though someone claimed that it was a suicide. The coroner or medical examiner makes the final decision on cause of death.
There should be an investigation by an outside agency to determine who is at fault. If necessary they should be charged with obstruction of justice. This reflects the trust the community has that their police department conducting any investigation.
This starts at the chief and goes down hill. It reflects on his leadership that he allowed this to happen.
This is so obvious to me.
His “best friend” was having an affair with his wife then she takes the kids away for the weekend & he just happens to be murdered?!
Then his “best friend” just HAPPENS “finds” him & automatically try’s to say he committed suicide?!
THE “best friend” has friends at the police station & they don’t even TRY to do the MOST BASIC of police work but instead just try to confuse & cover things up?!
His wife & “best friend” have now gone on to their judgement.
My heart breaks for his children & family!
Les Kennedy arrested for child abuse:
https://nonpareilonline.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-charged-with-multiple-counts-of-child-abuse/article_9f3de36c-3387-50a8-82ca-f7d9788ff6db.html
Most excellent!
There’s a special place in hell for child abusers. Throw in the mothers of Ricky Morehouse & Keara Coshow into the deep recesses of hell as well.
Why so little interest in this tragic incident??
That’s a great question, I’m wondering the same… I’ve never even heard of this case and I’ve lived in the area all my life.
It’s very sad! His family still misses him deeply everyday and just wants answers! Although, I’m sure our lovely police department will never get them the closure they need.
My heart hurts for her sister and what happened to Mrs. Reimann, It takes a special kind of low life coward to harm anyone but especially elderly, handicap, children and of course animals. I pray for justice.
May be of Interest How a Car Can Change
Inspection 1970 Chevelle AUTHENTICATION on You Tube
I’v had Fun with CARS thru the Years. 1969 Challenger 1969 Mustang and 1976 Ford Stepside.
How a CAR can Change. Nothing wrong with THAT. NOTED. May “Perk”Intrest.
Not VISIBLE except Close INSPECTION. Car Collector. “Gives 1970 Chevelle Once Over “per Say (No Spell Check obvious)
The Original Car “Somewhat”Vanished. Owner(s) FIXED to Personal Liking.
John. Got a Chuckle if Anything.
Speculation? Listen What you just said.
If you Jump in the Pond and Find Car. You wont be Speculating.
If YOU don’t FIND Car guess What?
Think they Welcome Comments. Someones “kid” Reads this May have Idea
or Speculation meant in Sincerity.
FACT: Harry is Missing and has Not Returned. No Video Survveillance has SHOWED Up(yet) Tho even 1984 would seem Video Poker Room.
Winner might wanna Keep Hidden……for Later Laugh
yet. No Conversation with “Harry” revealed of What he said to indicate What or Where
other than SPECULATED Headed *(yet)* 36 Year Old Cold Case’. Did Not Know
Personally. Have Not Spoke to Neighbors or Friends.(or Harry) So I Even Speculate
What was “Harrys”” Hobbies, Hang Outs, Best Friends, Cop Issues 1984 (dtugs ect not to SAY Involved.
Someone OTHER than “Magecian” Make Car Vanish. Most Magecians work on Illusions.
Fence? Strip? Water?
This Case be Nice Harry showed up, been in Mexico. Might Slug him then ask “Want Beer”?
Was YOU Wondering if I WAS Still Around. Lurking in Background?
More of Question to Draw Out ANY Responsw
Water issue SOMEWHAT Searched. (Similiar to Recent Find of Man in Car) Arrest Made believe.
LE Advised believed Dived Twice. Then Found Car
Sorry if I rained on your speculation spoltight Russ! Judging by your amount of posts you feel your answers are the most correct even if not really probable. My suggestion was based on likely probability and not speculation. Many times (several) when some one and their vehicle disappears as well, it quite often went in the water somewhere near. You obviously feel there is a major conspiracy like Jimmy Hoffa disappearing and are enjoying the spotlight for your conspiracy theories!
Enjoy your limelight Russ!
Looking at the comments they appear to be a lot of hearsay, rumor, and speculation and few if any real facts. If you look closely at Google earth at the road from Albia to Avery, you’ll see a fair sized pond right next to the road on the outside of a curve along the way. If some one were to doze off or pass out going into that curve, they’d obviously end up in that pond with little to no evidence of it even happening.
Instead weaving a bunch of speculation, you should do something factual and positive and seriously check that pond out!
Corrected
Hyden Harris over VEHICLE Cpl US Army
December 2020
Indicates Heated Exchange Meet Over Vegicle
Example *See Article* Nov 2020
missing SOILDER Cpl Hayden Harris
See Article
How Fast Went DOWN Over VEHICLE
Found Dead New York 2ps Age
Russ… shut up.
I’m definitely going to cover this on my youtube channel hope he comes home or gets justice
I also think it’s odd that his gun went missing & then he’s shot with the same type of gun just weeks later?
I think it was his wife!
You don’t sell the guys company a couple months after he dies like that.
Plus she has motive because she was addicted to gambling.
I pray justice will be done some day!
Are you a troll? Sure seems like it! Hogging up the threads with some nonsense.
Example
Wanted Running or NOT. 1977 Pontiac (Example) Reward Offered. Send Photo and VIN#
Check Your Barn Under Tarp ect
Should Stop ANY Unpaid REWARDS Offered
Comment
Ideas INNOVATION?
National Car Recovery REWARD Club. Flyers Sent Out.
Suprised FBI or LE as MANY Divers Not REQUIRED to Conduct ONE EXERCISE AT LEAST fot Training.
Marines Army Navy Air Force Coast Guard. Training Exercise REAL TIME “If Happen” Recover Suspious ITEMS Should NOT be Violation Posse Com a tatous(No Spell Check) Approched as Training with Coordnated Data Base.
Fun and Interesting.
Would Put to REST “We ALL live in a Yellow Submerinr”(Song) Cute tho……Pun Intended Beattles.
NOTE
Yes Few Drails “Off” from PUBLISHED Info. RePubed here.
I Am only “Glancing” Information. As if MYSTERY Novel
I am NOT Investigating. MANY Aves Open or UNCHECKED
Suspious Missing SHOULD Have WARRANTED “Full Investigation!
No CONNECTION to St Louis Car Dealership.
As with Ponds and LAKES. FLYERS of 77 Gtand PRE to AUTO Dealerships?
Different “Twist” to Msgnet Fishing Per say.
Even Song Private Malone. What Xoulf Happrn to Car.
Praying that the truth comes to light!
My grandma lived in Coralville & we lived in Hills in 1992 that was the year before my parent divorce.
Hills is such a small town.
Scary to think it might have been someone we had known in that town or someone we had known in the town my grandma lives in.
Why can’t they just do a DNA test?!
This poor babies life mattered!!
DNA Tests with trace on familial DNA costs around 5,000.00-6,000.00 dollars. Contact the local law enforcement agency that dealt with this case and ask them if you or they can start a GoFundMe page to raise the money for the testing fees. As I wish ever one of these cases was solved, not many of them will be unless you and I and everyone else participates in donating money to help this child get justice. Are you up for it?
Praying the truth comes out!
Praying that the truth comes out!
All three men just happened to be able to provide alibis for eachother the night she goes missing & Melvin admitted that he had hired these guys to follow her?!
It was obviously him!!
Ok
JustLlisten to Song Pvt Malone by David Ball You Tube
Saw 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix Sold by Dealer Same Cplpr body and Seats
Two Different Vins Indicated One Dealer TYPED 2nd Photo BUT have to Scroll.
Only 10K Miles. Had to Sit SOMEWHERE that few Miles?
Dealer in Buisness 50 YEARS Could be Simple MISTAKE
Daniel Schmitt Dealership St Louis Mo
Simple Phonr Call Should Clear Up IF Intrest
Mark
Said Im OFF this. I get started and,,,,,,,,,,,,Puzzle?
To Avery . Already was KNOWN to MOST . and Albia also LE and Mark Milligan “Off Duty”
Ks and Ms CONNECTION?
Consider 1984 Mo Drink Age 18 Kansas City other side Line Downtown 21 (or other way around. Read Harry Drank at LEAST BEER.
Consider 1981 1982 1983 Age 18 to 20 Made LOT “Beer Runs” Kansas City. Not Harry Particular. Tho MARK May Know.
Large Flea Market Lil Fun Shopping?.
3hrs Out 3 Back. Full Day “FUN”
1984 Drinking Age Kansas City Changed Both Sides State Line to 21
KSB(Kansas City Butcher) Operating 1984 Did NOT Have to Visit TOWN or send Recruiter per say(only read~Video thought had one)
Bar(s) Open Longer Kansas City want Party Contibue
More “Options “FENCE” or Strip Nicr CAR
Any FLYERS of Harry SENT to Kansas City? “IF” Harry KNOWN to VISIT Occassionally? Ages 18 to 20 This “COULD be something DUE to KSB Victims ALL KNOWN(op Word) 18 to 21, Tho Another Video Believe LOT MORE Victims.
MAY have NOTHING To DO With KSB(deceased)
A Flyer Might PERK Intrest that would NEED Factual Verificaton Simple PHONE Call.
If NO KSB Connection, Fence Car? Favorite Bar? ect ect
Your Ball.
Im Gone for NOW
PS
Rope or light Chain from Shore attached to Magnet. Videos HOW on YOU TUBE.
Even FROM Shore BUDDY SYSTEM any ISSUES. DRONES on SUNNY CLEAR Day with Camera. IF IF IF Car DRIVEN In probally CLOSE Shore UNLESS Lake or River has Current(maqy have DRIFTED by NOW)
Recall COLUMBO Detective Series?
Im Not HIm
However ONE MORE THING!
Anyone TRY “Magnet Fishing? The Dive Researchers Would be Cooll.
Your Generally NOT Gonna Pull Car OUT, HOWEVER Magnet VERY STRONG)
) May Warrent further Research STRONG(VERY) May Also Find Gun or Knife Metal Pipes Ect.
reproduced by hand, in contrast
Mark
Yes FACTS the Best. Someone Calls with a Tip. But Needs Verification on Factual Basis Unless YOU Prtsonally KNOW Tipster.
This is Considered COLD. Other words Not much ACTIVITY. Call still could Come
Spmetimes Discussions May Develop Lead Which Lead to Tips Investgated to Facts
SEEMS Money at Poker Table 1984 WARRENTED sucjh Investugation
Murphy in Knoxville wound Up Missing 20 July 1984 Body Found Nov 1984 by Hunters. REPORTED as Missing. The Murder Investigation dif not began till body Discovered
I’v Worked with FBI Secret Service DEA Local SD Task Force as IO (Independent Operator) and Military
Usually did not ask me to sit around wait fot Phone to Ring. Perp say “I did it” without Developing Lead or Hunch and Speculation ar Times Ferreted Out. Tho Drank lot Coffee.
These Comments Pointed Towards LE
Yes Easy way solve Mystery. Start back book Read Foward 2nd Read If POINTS nissed 1st READ.
Ill Respect Your 1st POST and LEAVE at rhat. Phone or Visit May Happen Still with FACTS and Closure
Im Outside “Looking In, Perked my Intrest from FACTS you Do Have
Like Im Reading Mystery Novel Front to Back tothe Conclusion.
Ill Respect Not Interested.
Something Not “sitting” quite Right. Chapter Missing.
.
The word fact us very important here and I disagree with you on if you know the person. From personal experience I believe if you read the letter above. which I can not say for sure but believe his information came Steve .This letter has caused me alot of anger know how many false statements he made.Jeff did corporated but mark didn’t know this at the time.Steve however was confused on the car parking and it was no big deal but it was wrong. We have learn alot this past few months I understand why a 3rd person was with them and his car was park there. They have been coroporating with law enforcement however they don’t have a friendly relatelationship with Mark I don’t know what happens to Harry he was my friend to I was who his mom called that morning to go looking I asked questions first. Mark never called me.or reply to my tex in 2016 I miss Harry I don’t recall ever being so upset when he didn’t come .but I don’t ever want to excuse of knowing something or or having my words turned around. I would love to have the facts and Harry home but it the facts not just what someone says or here.
In Cosieng
Any Witness or Suspect Connection to Kansas City?KSB has Lots Photos again deceased, Found No Photo of “Recruiter” per Say. Small TOWN may Reconize KSB Visiting Bar or Poker Room LE may be Worth Showing KSB Photo SINCE DECEASED since 1992 oe so
NOTES Only NOT INVESTIGSTION
KSB Called Cops on a MO-Ks Victim so NO Misunderstanding NOT Murphy, But PERKED Intrest Similarities “Hospital” Since KSB Deceased might be worth Check 1984 Hospital Logs.Also again Interesting Only Victims Murphy and “Harry Similiar age LOOKS. NO DOT Connection
Google dearcj Avert and Slbia Iowa Only approx 7 Mile Drive. Knoxville 35. Kansas City 3hrs Out. Tho KSB again had Trained “Recruiter
Find LOTS of “Circles” Per Say No LINES to Connect
Interesting Murder Victim Murphy Mussising From Knoxville Iowa Hospital GENERAL INFO ONLY 20 July 20 1984 Body Found Nov 1984 Rapid Decomp what gathered
Intrest Kansas City Butcher(KSB) actually Called Police and went to HOSPITAL as Victim BIT his Penis. No Charges FILED. Murphy was at or NEAR Knoxville Hospital before Missing. May be Ave to Connect “Dots” if ANY. KSB Operating IOWA 1984?
Saw Mulligan(Mark) Mention Paper Published Ticket to Harry 17 July 1984 HO Specifics. News Probally had LAG between Issue and Printing Such incigence.
Would be Sleiths LOTS Vids on KSB(Deceased)
KSB also had “Recruiter for VICTIMS. Doesnt Mention SO FAR his Recruitment Area(s)
MO Drinks and Drug Victims “Haul Away” Lots Digging by LE Co Op KS MS and Iowa.
Its There for LE to Check
Apparently Being “Gay” was NOT a Requirement of KSB Victims. But could have Increased % of Target.
Looking from the outside. I would investigate and question the husband and the Police again. This doesn’t seem right. I moved away from Iowa going on 34 years ago. To read about all of these unsolved cases really hurts that they are not solved. Please get some closure for all of these families. For my friend JoJo and his family too. RIP JoJo
A terrible story and all these people kept their mouth’s shut. But, then I would expect the authorities to conduct a death investigation, until a competent medical examiner determined there was no foul play in his death.
Then we have his son committ suicide because these gutless individuals stood by and never came forward
I would sue them, for obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting, and throw on pain and suffering. Hit them in the pocket books. That include the campground.
I agree!
They are hampering justice & should be charged & tried for it!
How you can not come forward when you have info about the murder of an innocent man is beyond me!
I wonder what events lead up to the incident in the truck?!
Praying for justice!!
So why hasn’t the female driver been identified?
“Murphy” same Age te Knoxvillr Iowa Missing 29 July 1984 Body Found Nov 84 by Hunters 35 Miles approx from AVery Iowa
Murphy it says Hospital’ last KNOWN Interest did “KSB” Visit Hospital?
Once again SURE Iowa LE Working. Some Areas if Havent Corrlated SIMILARITIES
Note ONLY
REASON “Perked” my INTREST this CASE
KNOWN as OPERATIVE Word ALL KNOWN VICTIMS Kansas City Butcher bwlive 18-21 Age
“Howell” 1sr KNOWN Similiar Apperance “Harry” Same TIME Frame in “Striking Distance” General Sense
The Butcher Died Heart Attack
Did not MENTION any YOUNG TEEN Victims age range Newsboys
informative videos kansas city butcher You Tube
From General INVESTIGATIVE POINT “Only Suggestive” this POINT. Lot Leg Wprk per SAY
Nip in BUD? (Maybe) ANY UNIDENTIFIED DNA LEFT “KSB” House or Vehicle?
Was “Harry” Gay/?
NO Connecuion FOUND but May Check Out
FIRST……KNOWN Victim of Kansas City Butcher July 1984 about 3hrs away.
KSB in Kansas City 3hrs Out
1st Victom “Howell 19 White Male 6 others Known.
NO “Dot” to Newspaper Boys. But PERKED My Intrest
Victims DISAPPEARED “Litterally KNOWN START July 1984
THIS POINT SIMILIAR Time Frame Occurance
Side Note
Harrys Car Very NICE in Photos
Probally worth more Couple Hundred $ 1984
You Mentioned Drugs MAY(may have) NOT KNOWN
Being COP Someone “JazziN” for Dope CAR may look like Big Baggie. Steal? Pre Planned or KNEW where or Who to FENCE. Strip Down takes KNOWN Time. Farm Country Obvious Many Corn Stalks Park Behind Per Say
Friends Avoiding? Originally at LEAST Spoke with LE? I Imagine Hammered so MANY TIMES “Tell Us what you Know” Domt want Anymore Unless Interrogated. Most Likely SEEMS would WANT to HELP. I imagine Small Town approached MANY
TIMES. May USE Approach MAKE STATEMENT ask Paper to Indicate shouldnt be
Bothered Anymore Unless New Evidence Shows Up to Implicate
The Car? Looks to NICE to DUMP Unless Heated Spur Moment Even then more $ Signs than Few $ Piker game.
Curious may ask to SEE Military Jacket Nip that in Bud
Clpse? Harry INDICATE Dug deal Issues? Other than SO and SI dies This or that?
Not INTO more Questions than ANSWERS
thx
Your Cop you have training and background to follow thru Ill LEAVE it ar that.
Side Note
Harrys Car Very NICE in Photos
Probally worth more Couple Hundred $ 1984
You Mentioned Drugs MAY(may have) NOT KNOWN
Being COP Someone “JazziN” for Dope CAR may look like Big Baggie. Steal? Pre Planned or KNEW where or Who to FENCE. Strip Down takes KNOWN Time. Farm Country Obvious Many Corn Stalks Park Behind Per Say
Friends Avoiding? Originally at LEAST Spoke with LE? I Imagine Hammered so MANY TIMES “Tell Us what you Know” Domt want Anymore Unless Interrogated. Most Likely SEEMS would WANT to HELP. I imagine Small Town approached MANY
TIMES. May USE Approach MAKE STATEMENT ask Paper to Indicate shouldnt be
Bothered Anymore Unless New Evidence Shows Up to Implicate
The Car? Looks to NICE to DUMP Unless Heated Spur Moment Even then more $ Signs than Few $ Piker game.
Curious may ask to SEE Military Jacket Nip that in Bud
Clpse? Harry INDICATE Dug deal Issues? Other than SO and SI dies This or that?
Not INTO more Questions than ANSWERS
Your Cop you have training and background to follow thru Ill LEAVE it ar that.
Former Military Police Investigative Supervisor Atmy Former PI Agency Manager Offices Miami New Orleans and Wash DC
What “Grabbed” My Attention……..Very Close to Brother. No Calls or Hangups Even time Diapperance?. Unlless Wanted to Disappear. Hang Ups could be Indication Wanted to Reach Out……No Contact may Indicate didnt want FAMILY in Trouble WOULD Seem have rto be BIG Issue this Many YEARS.
2nd What was MOS and Rank.
Military SOMETMES Don’t Willingly REVEAL actual “Duties” own Reasons UNLESS
Nudged. Shipped to Timbuck Too Per Say.
1984 Dog Tags were Big Issue Still. So if harry Found?(without) Indication Pre Planned
Someone knew had monies to “play”
Foul Play Car Obvious Bigger harder average person ri HIDE Spur Moment Most KNOW Lakes FAST. Pre Planned READ Cases not ONLY Grave Pre Dug but Car Burried especially FARM Country
Same Farmers in area Many YEARS ago but may REPORTED Farm Tractor Founf MOVED or Stolen
I Could Go On, Originally intended Simple Comment.
My You Tube is NOT MONOTISED nor LOOKING to.
You SEE Harry WEARING Regular? If HARRY Found should be ONSIGHT. Local Metal Detecting Ckub? Or Even National Up to Challenge?
If Found with Dog Tags. Indicate Possiable “Heat of Moment” Incident, Other words. Grab Money and Run.
Use to Operate FBI NCIC on CASES Stolen Property. Shoulf have been Entered.
Would ALSO say MANY People as Previous Comments indicate have RAN into Lakes Drinking or NOT. If Not Driven ino Such.
Again Dog Tags Missing Usually Worn. Possiable FOUL Play.
Money Flowing at Table Suspected Wow. Seems LOCAL LE wpold have mote INTENSE Investgation ar Time REPORTED
Some Cases “Perk” my Intrest from READING. Use to have PI License 7 States Civil and Criminal. No Longer.
Is there a possibility that this is Harry Milligan from Albia, Iowa missing since 1984.
The height and the age doesn’t match too closely. I wonder why they haven’t officially ruled him out though.
Your information is not entirely correct. Lose enough that it doesn’t matter.. If only someone had any information, maybe they don’t feel its relevant but anything helps.
Our family is still in pain although we have tried to move on with our lives as she would have wanted. There is still a $30000 car reward to info leading to conviction. We have tried to keep our name out of the news for the younger members of family but contact sheriff. Thank You to whoever posted this, it is much kinder than the last person with all the false info.
I’m his youngest half brother I miss my big brother dearly I would give my life to bring him back if I could just to heal the pain that other family members have from losing him tears fall from my face time to time when I see his picture remembering all the great times we had as kids growing up together until he left us in 98′ I was only 8 and a half years old this leaves me post dramatically stressed for the rest of my life I pray to see my big brother again some day in heaven to the rest of the family I love you all I’m lost for words! 😭
In regards to checking the VIN on his vehicle, a Carfax report might show something. The other option is for a law enforcement agency to contact the National Insurance Crime Bureau. They might have more detailed information in their databases, that might shed some light on the vehicles history.
There is alot more information and comments on there recent face book page for Harry Milligan. Just if anyone has not had questions answered as some of them are answered there.
I wish there was more information available about this one. Story county is where Iowa State University is located and this infant was found right around the time that would have been spring break. You don’t have to drive very far outside of Ames to be in a rural area. It reminds of Unidentified Baby John Doe 1992 that was found during the holiday break near where the University of Iowa is.
I also wonder if they happen to have a DNA sample and if not was the infant buried or cremated. More unidentified infants should be run through familial DNA databases.
Come on there so much technology today why are they not working on these cold case I know his daughter stacy personally I was hanging around stacy at about the same time he went missing … Now mind you I know at least two of the people involved the 3rd person I’ve heard he’s really bad news I’m a person that believes in a eye for an eye I so hope they all get caught and they get what’s coming to them MAY U REST IN PEACE TERRY
With the new technology they have using to solve murders …. Also the didn’t report if that precious baby was male or female and if it was found alive
the black and white pic of the older guy above looks like Charlie Kerr (google “Charlie Kerr Iowa” for mor pics)
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26824016/charlie-kerr-photo-1988/
All states have Safe Haven laws now, but none of them did in 1992. Iowa didn’t have its Safe Haven law until 2002 so it wasn’t an option for the mother in this situation, unfortunately.
She had other options like giving the baby up for adoption.
There is NO reason to Murder a baby but I’m sure you were not trying to make excuses for her.
So sad that a child had to loose his life because of a women’s selfishness!
I hope she hears his cry’s for the rest of her life!
Just recently the Cook County Sheriff’s Police identified the mother of two babies born at her residence in 2003. She had placed them in a bag to take to the hospital. Then she dumped them in a garbage can, where they were dead.
Most states have the Safe Haven laws, but how many of them don’t know about them. They are advertised when these situations occur, but if you don’t hear about them in certain media, then it is not an option.
Does anyone know if they ever ruled out her being the skeletal remains found in Des Moines in 1980? Seems like the timeframe and location is pretty close.
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1209ufia.html
was she driving a car when this happened?
No. Her truck was in the driveway. Her shoes were in the house.
There was a safe Haven Law passed so that if a baby was taken to a hospital, church, etc. and left there the baby wouldn’t be considered abandoned. Why not give the child up for adoption? There is no reason for a baby to die if the parents don’t want the baby. Forget about all your theories about the mother, that is just plain stupid. Run the DNA and see where it leads this to.
I hope they do run the DNA test & find this killer!!
There was a safe Haven Law passed so that if a baby was taken to a hospital, church, etc. and left there the baby wouldn’t be considered abandoned. Why not give the child up for adoption? There is no reason for a baby to die if the parents don’t want the baby.
I agree 100%!
You can always surrender the baby to the state!
car/body have been found, front windshiel missing, body in back seat, car not discovered in 2013 by the dive teams but visible on google earth satellite view. has there been any further reports put out from the medical examiner about cause of death? i can’t find any search results on that.### was he trying to get out of the car and broke the window then fell into the back seat? was he not alone, passed out in the back seat and someone else was driving and broke the window out to escape after driving into the pond? was he unconscious in the car and it was driven into the pond by someone else? Has anything been discovered about “HOW” the car got into the pond in that location based on where the party was on the property?
I had read that the car being visible from google earth was false. It’d be crazy if it was true though!
The car was noted as a shadow on google earth. If you watched the video they said a viewer called in the tip so this part is true
It has been a year since the car and remains were discovered. Is there any news regarding cause of death?
His car and remains were just discovered 3 months ago. As far as I know they have not released a cause of death yet. I check every so often so and haven’t in the last few weeks so that very well could have changed.
I’m curious to know, but I’ve seen similar cases where we never hear anything probably because it was determined to be a suicide and the family decides to remain silent about it. I don’t think we’ll hear much unless there was foul play.
he came from a party so he may of been intoxicated enough to make him not aware of his surroundings. notice i said may of been i dont need these web sleuths thinking im starting anything by saying that.
I thought the same. Out there no lights…. after a party possibly drink and or drugs.
Sgt. Mark Milligan: After reading your entire post & seeing that you have uncovered a “Vehicle Ticket” of your brother’s Harry’s car 17 days after his disappearance, tells me that someone had his car, probably even his ID, maybe his wallet. If you had known about the ticket early on, I’m sure the Officer could’ve contributed more. As far as some of his buddy’s not speaking to you, speaks volumes. Those are the ones who need to be pulled in & questioned! As far as the rumors, made up stories, etc., welcome to the world of murdered loved ones with worthless weirdos trying to insert themselves into cases. Someone had your brothers vehicle, possibly even his body & was caught with the headlamps not turned on & got pulled over. Is there a data base where you can put in the VIN # to that car from the old Title or registration papers?
Looks later that he was pulled over around 9pm that night and may have gotten thr tickect then. It takes the 2 or 3 weeks for it to hit the newspaper is where they got the later date and not the ticket. Could still have been the same night as never found the ticket for time of day.
Lee Andre died this past Friday. Unfortunately, he likely took the truth about Alice with him.
I won’t say that I knew Lee Andre, but I ran into him from time to time. I used to encounter him regularly at the grocery store, he would be using a scooter and have his dog with him, and would engage people in lengthy conversations about all manner of topics, from which it was very difficult to extricate oneself.
I assumed he was a harmless old guy, probably lonely, with plenty of life experiences to share. And perhaps he was harmless, but discovering the story of Alice Van Alstine was an eye-opener. I used to imagine the next time I would run into him, I would ask if he wanted to get together to talk about his life, and see if the conversation would land on this topic.
Harry, nice of you to join the investigation. Maybe you get a few other retired LAPD detectives to assist on this case
Maybe Chief Irving is available.
I also had occasion to talk with Lee numerous times over the years. Hours of conversation. You description of him is spot on. The dog you mentioned was named Princess Patti. It was very tough to ascertain where the truth ended and the fantasy began with Lee’s stories. He did, on a couple of occasions, tell me that Alice had been “an FBI informant” who had run off with her handler, and was still alive under an assumed name. Of course, I don’t believe that. My suspicion is that Lee took Alice that night, either over child custody, her having been interviewed by law enforcement, or both. As for what Lee did with her, I doubt we’ll ever know. What I found very interesting, is the fantasy Lee built around Alice’s disappearance. In my experience, only guilty people concoct such stories.
Otis, I tend to agree with you regarding those who concoct such stories. The “she ran off with another man” narrative is a timeworn pretense. We’ve got several of them on this website.
I also agree that he took his secret to the grave. Victims’ family members — the ones who usually know who killed their loved one — always hope and pray the offender will make a deathbed confession, and that’s rarely the case. I’ve yet to see that happen with any of our cases where everyone knew who was responsible. Thanks so much for the alert on Andre’s death.
I would be interested to hear more information about what happened to Eugene Behrend of Millville. He died of a single gunshot wound to the chest in 1994 and going through Clayton County Register Archives, it appears there were suits between immediate family members that talked about threatening each other and other harmful behavior. It had been rumored in the area that a close family member (or person hired by a family member) had shot him over some sort of disagreement, which by the looks of it may have been related to land or a family farm. A grand jury met in 1995 and did not indict anyone on the murder charge.
Crpd did not do their job… I witnessed this shooting and still have ptsd and have NEVER been interviewed despite my effort to talk to the police the day it happened.
Here is an undated article, probably from the Omaha World Herald, that I found being used as a bookmark while browsing through a 1902 printing of an 1898 copyrighted book entitled “The Traction Engine” by James. H. Maggard, revised and enlarged by an expert engineer:
BODY IN RAIL CAR HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED
Council Bluffs Bureau
Authorities have learned the identity of a man whose body was found in a railroad car in Carter Lake in June.
The dead man was Humberto Cortez, 31, a Mexican transient, according to Bob Henderson, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agent in charge.
Henderson said Tuesday that the identification was made by the California Justice Department, one of the many agencies that was sent fingerprints taken from the body.
“He had a rather extensive criminal record and had been returned to Mexico by our authorities more than once — the last time being last March,” Henderson said.
He said the man’s record included minor crimes such as trespassing and petty theft. There were no arrests on drug or alcohol charges, Henderson said.
The body was found June 21 in an open steel-carrying rail car in the Pasxton & Vierling Steel Co. yard.
WHAT HAPPEND TO ABDI SHARIFF
This wouldn’t have happened to me. I’m built different.
Good for you
facts
me personally wouldnt have let that slide
I did it. Cold blooded.
He got 360 noscoped. Cheeks clapped kid
gg
Harry Milligan’s search actually has a Facebook group now. A lot of people in the Albia/Monroe County area want to bring him home.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/harrymilligan
The Scene of the Crime podcasts on this case are very informative – thank you for this Mike!
I’m on board with the theory that he had an accident and since he had been drinking he got spooked and abandoned the vehicle in order to try to avoid a drunk driving charge. If he died of hyperthermia within a 4 to 5 mile radius of the vehicle you’d think he would have been found. Chances are he had warm clothes and experience with surviving in the cold, so maybe he was prepared for the walk home. Since he was already 2 miles outside of Scarville it was only around a 6 mile walk to Lake Mills.
I’m pretty sure bar closing times were 2 am in Iowa back in 1993, so maybe it’s possible someone else from the bar driving home saw him and picked him up and something happened after that. I’m leaning more towards the possibility that he was hit and killed by a vehicle while attempting to walk home and the person covered it up and never came forward.
I wonder if the police ever recovered any fingerprints from the crime scene. It would be interesting to check the case report and see if they found prints.
The offender most likely is deceased. But, if he committed other crimes, his prints might be in the system. Also, his place is sort off the beaten track in a way, but on a U.S Highwsy.
It would be a long shot. Also, there is mo mention of the caliber of the firearm that he was shot with. I assume the offenders weapon, was most likely a revolver, since there is no mention of a shell casing.
The homeless clan claims yet another victim
I’m interested in possible connections in the Eckels family, as my great Grandmother was a Eckels from Lenox.
I know a lot of people focus on Lyric’s mother and father because of their drug history, but some people were focused more on where the girls were found: Seven Bridges Wildlife Area. It’s a niche sort of area that only has locals going to it for hunting, fishing, and seasonal morel mushroom hunting. It’s not the kind of place that many people even know about. Morel Mushroom season ends around the end of May. The girls went missing on July 13. Hardly anyone would be walking around that area much until the start of the deer hunting season. When does deer hunting usually start? December 5th. What day were the girls found? December 5th. Either it was someone who was naive to the idea that hunters would be in the area and would probably find the girls or it was someone who knew and wanted the girls to be found during hunting season.
I came across a posting on Redditt, in regards to Joyce’s murder. It appears the grandson of the individual, who supposedly found her about 3,000 yards from their family home.
This individual was seeking more information on her case. If anyone is on that site can ask him or her that her case is posted on Iowa Cold Cases. I don’t think he or she can add more information. But they could mention what they heard from their family member.
Nothing like following up on my comments of sorts. But, I checked a road atlas see where Grimes, Iowa was. It caught my eye that it was near Camp Dodge.
I seem to remember either a case or comment on a case related to Camp Dodge. So, if anyone can remember please share it.
I still come back to the bonds, as a possible motive for her disappearance. Someone locally knew about the bonds and most likely kidnapped her to get access to the money. Then she was of no use, so kill her and dump the body in the reservoir, that was still under construction.
So, there is someone she might have confided in, that all of a sudden left the area. They might have moved to another part of the state , country and said that they came into some money.
Possibly through an inheritance.
A number of years ago, an Aldrich Ames, who worked the Russian Section of the CIA, gave them all the names of the sources in Russia.
Mr. Ames, was living beyond his means for years and the CIA somehow never noticed. Until a Russian defector provided his name. Then all of a sudden the CIA, did some checking and was surprised.
hey its Sara’s friend here and she is alive and well not dead
I think his brother is probably on to the reasons he went missing however is it possible nothing nefarious happened and he accidently drove into a lake and submerged? Looking at the route to his house I see a small pond on a curve near 165th St and 67 2nd Ave. Is the pond deep enough to hide a car?
Whatever happened to Pastor Kelly! My mother was raised in Villisca and her brother-i-law was a private detective from the railroad on the case. My mother is no longer living nor any of her family that I can inquire with.
I heard that dogs had tracked the murderer to the river and lost the scent!
I believe the lady that owned the home to Dan Heiber had something to do with this.
Are they going to be investigating his death or do they know pretty well what happened?
looking for information on a cold case involving the name Hollingsworth. Supposedly the neighbor was a suspect. Happened a long time ago, the people would be over 100 years old today.
This is a very strange case. I believe that “Munchausen Syndrome” was passed down rather than Helen killing her siblings. Or she was traumatized by her siblings natural deaths. But that many doesn’t seem natural to me. And it doesn’t seem like the grandmother raised any alarm bells for her grandchildren’s deaths. So tragic and evil. Just think. Helen’s daughters would be in their 40’s now. One would have been turning 51 in a few days. So strange all the girls died, But one son survived.
I remember when this happened as I worked in Albia at the time. I often wondered about water. I have recently been binge watching a YouTube channel called Adventures With Purpose. I am not tech savvy, but I wonder if someone here can bring this to their attention? They specialize in underwater vehicle recovery, and recently brought up the car and remains of Ethan K. in Hampton, Iowa, bringing some resolution to a tragic case that had remained unsolved for decades. If there is any reason to believe the car is in water, we need to talk with them. They refer to “open source investigations” where we can share ideas, but I am not sure what that means or where to find it. I am asking if anyone here can help hook AWP up with this case if you believe it is a possibility Harry may be in the water somewhere. Thank you. I am so sorry for the loss this family has had to deal with.
Carol, that is a great idea, since the car is missing also. Their are a large number of missing person cases where the vehicle they owned or were driving is missing. Also, a number of these cases have been resolved by finding the vehicle in a body of water.
About a year or two ago, a surveyor was looking at a Google Earth image of an area of Florida. On the image he saw what CV looked like a yellow in color vehicle in a man made Lake. Ne notified authorities and they recovered the car and closed a missing persons case.
I think a simple answer would be a drunk driving accident?,how messed up was he that night?,did he simply drive into a lake or pond and drown?,maybe that’s why nobody knows anything? new to this site and just throwing it out there,I mean c’mon someone should have talked by now?
Carol Mark has them involved they have searched a few places of interest. Will continue until we have answers.
19 Years later Douglas brother Joshua Meth has turned up dead. They have ruled a sueside . Nothing adds ups. None of the paper matches and this is my second who has died in this town. I have reason to believe that there is more. No one would let me see Josh’s body.
The Auction company should be a place to really scope out. I used to date the owner’s son who is in prison now, and would work for his Dad when we dated to help set up auctions and help them run and pack up. At that point in time, I was a drug addict and all the help he hired to help at auctions were troubled people that were paid under the table. I also live in Stuart and have of course heard the gossip and the names people suspected. Since gossip is always a mixed bag of credible and not credible, you listen but don’t believe everything you hear. But all the names mentioned around town were people that had worked for the auction house, and their acquaintances. I hope they find Kay, and the killer/killers and give the family a small measure of justice.
After reading the article and comments, the only thing that stood out was ” he didn’t take his dog with him, because his dog would probably have ended up shot too, because that dog wouldn’t let nothing happen to him.” Hathaway basically let the cat out of the bag with that comment. He’s the one doing all the talking, was a good friend of Kenny, and was going to a trade school to become a motorcycle mechanic. In 3 very short weeks after going to AZ, he gets a call that Kenny is missing. Hathaway is very quick to point the finger at different people and accuse of knowing what happened: Mikey Bush, his ex-wife and Hammerhead. For being a good friend of Kenny, I would think he’d have more to say about him versus everyone else he seems to know everything about. If it weren’t for Hathaway talking, there would be no article as shown above. Occum’s razor.
Were there any water searches done at the time? Searching around the various Missouri River boat ramps in Sioux City for her Honda Accord would probably be a good start. Google Maps shows one less than 12 minutes away from the home, but there are others. She might have left earlier than her husband thinks. Considering she left without her purse, she might have planned to end her life by driving into the river. She may have driven down a boat ramp while it was still dark out, turned off the car lights, and drove into the water without being noticed. This would be a good one for the Adventures with Purpose guys to check out. I know they did some work in the Missouri River before.
Andrew, it appears a search was done at the.boat ramp. However, there might be other ways a vehicle could have entered the river or another body of water. However, the fact that her SS Death Index, is the day before she disappeared is odd. It could be a typo by whoever’s entered it.
The mention of an unknown medical condition also plays a part in her disappearance. We don’t know if she had any mental health issues.
Also, we have the young man, who sees the ghost of a older woman in the kitchen, is weird. I guess the family has learned to love with her.
A friend of mine had a similar thing happen in her family. It turned out her grandma received a brain cancer diagnosis a couple of days prior to her disappearance. She was found in a lake near her childhood home and no notes were left. Maybe it’s possible that Helen had some sort of medical condition that worsened and she decided to not let it win.
A lot of times these underwater searches that were done previously weren’t successful because the technology wasn’t as good. Very similar to how old DNA testing techniques weren’t as good. It would be good to check again.
If her husband last saw her the day before she disappeared may be why they use that date. He was only assuming she left around 7 or 8 a.m. But if he last laid eyes on her when they went to bed. Would have been the day before she was discovered missing.
Andrew, Adventures with Purpose is planning to be in Sioux City mid January to look into this and two other cold cases!
I think Jason Carter killed his mother he needs to be in prison for the rest of his life
So does Adventures with a Purpose get the reward since they found car and remains. They deserve it
They should but somehow the reward disappeared
Someone is a welcher
Horrible! They deserved it.
Our official response at this time…
We would be honored to accept the $100,000 Reward so we can further our efforts in helping other families like Ethan’s.
However, the $100,000 Reward which has been renewed annually every September at the anniversary of Ethan missing, and extended yearly beyond its original 2015 effective date, is suddenly no longer available from the anonymous donors claiming the reward expired in 2015 even though it has been confirmed by multiple News Stations as late as September 2020 that the reward was still in effect.
In full transparency, Ethan’s family was kind in making a smaller donation of their own. We appreciate their gratitude for our efforts in bringing Ethan home.
Donations and rewards are how we are able to fund our operations in helping families such as Ethan’s.
We do hope that those donors involved will honor their commitment so that we can use the $100,000 reward to purchase additional gear and continue our efforts in helping other families in locating their lost loved ones.
Thank you to each and every one of you for your support.
-Jared
HAMPTON, Iowa —
The Hampton Police Department wants to remind Iowans that it has been nearly seven years since Ethan Kazmerzak went missing, and a reward for his safe return still stands.
Kazmerzak would now be 29 years old. He went missing sometime in the early morning hours on Sept. 15, 2013.
Advertisement
Police said at the time Ethan went missing, he had dark blond hair, had a beard, wears glasses, and has a Grateful Dead tattoo on his upper left arm. He was last seen wearing peach/orange colored shorts and a white/teal printed shirt. He was driving a silver 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI with Iowa license plate AUZ382. The car and Ethan still are missing.
There is still a $100,000 reward offered for any relevant and useful information that leads to the current location and/or safe return of Ethan Kazmerzak. Police said the reward has been pooled together by a group of anonymous donors.
Anyone with information is asked to call North Iowa Crime Stoppers at 1-800-383-0088or the Hampton Police Department at 1-641-456-2529.
That must of been The chief Bob Schaffer HPD. His untruthfullness should be questioned . Look into things that disappear under his management for other court cases if someone digs you’ll find things m
Interestingly detectives are hoping advances in DNA technology will solve her case. They think there’s a small amount of degraded DNA from her killer under her fingernails. However, they’re concerned this will be the last opportunity as they fear it’ll be used up if they do it now.
The Scene of the Crime podcast, S2 EP 3 ‘The Investigation Continues’ is out now diving further into the murders of Roger & Rose! This episode covers the extensive investigation that extended into multiple states as detectives tracked down everyone at the hotel that night. We look at a mysterious phone call that came in for the room registered to “Burkert.” Investigators begin to retrace Roger and Rose’s steps in the days leading up to the murders.
https://www.spreaker.com/…/scene-of-the-crime-season-2…
What is the person name the vehicle was owned by that vanished? Im sure they may have resurfaced?
https://www.kimt.com/content/news/Car-of-missing-North-Iowa-man-may-have-been-found-572885631.html
Some articles are saying they believe it to be his car and some flat out say that it is his car that was found. No word yet if there are remains inside of it, but I imagine the chances are pretty high.
I hate to say it .. but I hope! 🤞 So that his family & friends can find closure after all of these years!
This dive team is the one that located. They verified the plate number, and human remains inside.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKmbzQDdRfE
I found out about that YouTube channel a few weeks ago. They are doing a great job and completely exposing law enforcement’s lack of initiative in a lot of cases. Glad to see they came to Iowa and helped out with this case. There are a number of cases in Iowa that I feel could be solved in this way. Helen Kelly’s is one of them.
People are sharing Google Maps images where you can actually see the vehicle from the satellite photos in the pond. I’m sure if it’s legit, but it’s the right area.
Video says location of find is at:
42.808763, -93.232556
I have looked at Google Maps and do not see anything – I wonder what others are seeing.
I looked on google earth and came up with this
42°48’24.6″N 93°13’36.3″W
Rest in peace Ethan
Your spot on, car can be seen clearly, RIP Ethan
I searched on my iPhone maps app. I located the ponds near that location and sure enough I could see what appeared to be a large object in the water. I marked the location and indeed was the spot. Wow…..happy the family found him. Praying they find answers to what happened.
According to the press conference by the police, the car was found on a property at the corner of 190th Street and Nettle Avenue. If you go to that location on Google maps, it’s the property on the Northeast corner of that intersection. On that northeast corner of that property is the lake. Toward the South east corner of that lake you can see a mound. That’s about the area where they set up to pull out the car. You can compare it to the areal photos of the recovery and the drone video from Adventures with Purpose.
isn’t that the wrong pond??
Yes, it’s the wrong pond. People can see whatever they want to see, I suppose.
If you type in these you will see it
42.805191, -93.216831
A body was inside the car. KWWL
Confirmed there are human remains in the car
It would be interesting if this is the same pond, he was last seen. He would have been right under everyone’s nose. However, there have been a number of missing people who have been found in their vehicles in various bodies of water around the country.
The problem is the cost of using side scanning sonar, or dive teams to search all the bodies of water. If we were able to repurpose the various tools we used to search for submarines would be useful.
I served on a submarine, and know what we had as search tools.
Yes, it was Stevie’s foot, absolutely.
Here are some random questions I have on this case.
1. Were there any bonuses or commissions Marketing Coordinators at Mediacom could receive at the time? I’ve seen situations where someone was killed because another person in the company felt like they stole their commission.
2. How many friends did he have in Iowa? Were they mostly work friends?
3. Was he seeing anyone romantically or any evidence that he was? If so, maybe someone else was unhappy about that.
4. What was his personality like? Was he the type of guy who picked on people in high school? The pictures make him look like a stereotypical “bro” at the time. I’m wondering if he could have just maybe bothered the wrong person.
5. Did he have an active social life? Was he going out to bars and clubs in Des Moines?
6. What club did he work at in Las Vegas? What was his reason for leaving that job and moving to Minneapolis? What did he do in Minneapolis? How did he get the Mediacom position in Iowa? Did he move because of the job or did he move first and then find work? I’m just wondering if he burned some bridges along the way.
I wonder if the original people that reserved the room might have been the intended targets?
I am a retired police officer and SVU detective, investigating a cold case homicide in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1969. I am following all leads in my case and have a person-of-interest in-common with my case and Janice’s case. I am not able to release the suspect’s name, but he was in Des Moines at the time of Janice’s disappearance.
I am seeking information on Janice, and would like to talk to anyone willing to talk to me.
My website is http://www.stevendavidlampley.com and my email is steven@stevendavidlampley.com
Thank you in advance.
Steven
I honestly read Trifles before i read the article. It was more gruesome than i had anticipated in regards to how Hossack and his analog were murdered. Both are awful ways to die but the way trifles was written had an air of suspense to it.
I have also read the story trifles and it claims that a rope was used not an axe.
S2 EP2 of Scene of the Crime is out now. In ‘Crime Scene Investigation’ we take a look at the hotel room crime scene, and the evidence that was found in Room 260. We address some theories of how the killer, or killers, accessed the room, and retrace the steps of the investigators as they notify Roger and Rose’s next of kin.
https://www.spreaker.com/…/scene-of-the-crime-season-2…
Married to Rose, not made to Rose.
Lisa, thanks for the information on his family. I would assume that maybe his being crazy, might have been related to his military service. If it is correct that he served in the Marines during WW Ii, he definitely was exposed to combat.
Many men who served in combat suffered what used to be called combat fatigue. Also, they refer to many Marines, who served on some of the islands of having the thousand yard stare.
My late father spent 18 months in combat, was wounded once, knocked unconscious at least three times fighting in Italy and Southern France.
He got a disability for his mental injuries. He later volunteered at the VA, along with my mother. I volunteered at the same VA which led to a job.
It was the same VA he spent time for cancer in the late 1950’s.
The John Johnson that you have pictured was crazy for many years he had many children he was made to my aunt rose Thomas. His children’s names were Johnny Johnson Chrissy Johnson Roseanne Johnson David Johnson and Jerome Johnson. He and rose also had a little girl named Christina before all of those kids. Rosen John joined the pentacostal church and they did not believe in doctors so they let four-year-old Christina die. I think all of the remaining children turned out to use drugs such as LSD and heroin.They constantly commit crimes got arrested moved and changed sexual partners weekly. John and rose raised their children in such a filthy trash filled house that it should have been condemned. Rose had one sister that would still be young enough to answer your questions. Her name is TrudyThomas she married David Goodman who killed himself and I don’t know who she married after that Rose has one more sister still alive named Bonnie Viola Garland who lives in Altoona Iowa. I cannot leave any information if you want me to be respectful because Johnnie Johnson was not a respectful person however he did have The Bible memorised backwards and forwards. John and Rose never worked. They were the opitame of lazy, crazy.
My family may not be perfect in anyways but they were not on lsd and herion and changing partners every week Shame on your bashing on my family and my missing grandfather. Don’t state what u think for the truth! God have mercy on your souls! The cruelty and hurtful mess they you are leaving in our families memories destroying them as people parents Christian if u have nothing nice to say just be Quiet! They didn’t kill their child! How is this positive to the case?
First off know your facts before you bash people, secondly who the hell are you cause you definitely are not close family to Rose or John Because I have no clue who you are. They both worked at one point , and they did use doctors at one point but you would know this is you truly was family ( I mean someone that was around or that matter in our families life) John had issues from the war. His children did not do herion or lsd, they didnt change partners every week. The fact That you tell this horrible set of lies tells me you are a bitter old lady that has nothing better to do then bash dead people. you need to stop telling lies for the truth.
Maybe you should speak on what you know cause you clearly didn’t know my grandma or my grandpa. And for you to speak on a missing/dead person is disgusting.
I remember this night and have followed the case through the years. He wasn’t much younger than me. My ex called me that night he was a truck driver, he wanted to know what was going on why the interstate was blocked off and they weren’t moving; obviously at the time I couldn’t give him info because they hadn’t even put anything out on the news . I don’t want to speculate about anything I’ve just always thought the girlfriend had to have known more. I feel for his parents to this day and I hope they get closure. It can’t bring him back, but some one paying for what they did would be some closure. I pray for you and that some one will come forward with more information. People are still out here thinking about that night and about your family. Don’t ever give up.
Kimberly’s father, Jacque T Ratliff died on Jan 2, 2020. I’m surprised this info was missed here.
https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/sd/rapid-city/jacque-thomas-ratliff-10223206
Perhaps that’s why they arrested his son Matthew today for her murder. These two seemed to be the ones going after Les most vehemently.
they did not arrest me they arrested less’s son matt dont talk what you dont know
Matthew, I was unaware that your father passed earlier this year, and am so very sorry for your loss. Your dad was so passionate about seeing Kim’s case solved, and it breaks my heart that he’s not here to see what is happening. Please give my best to Paula and your brother Jeff, and I wish all of you strength as more of this story unfolds. Take care, and God bless. Jody at ICC
They extradited Matt back To Council Bluffs And booked him onto jail on a $1.000,000 bond i am glad that they had the leads to get him
Jim you fuckin idiot try a reading comprehension course
You are absolutely correct, Cabe. I got the names confused and for that I am offering my humblest apologies to Matt. I often get stories confused when many pronouns are used. Compound that with the fact there are two “Matt’s ” involved and you can imagine how my error rate can increase.
As to Matt’s other message involving “Jim Ratliff’s” arrest, I posted that to see if there was any relation (which there was not) and because a “Jim Ratcliffe” posted comments angering Matt. Jacque in French is our English pronunciation of Jim and I couldn’t understand why Matt’s father would have been arrested??? I promise to be more vigilant with my future commenting.
Finally THANK YOU to Jody for this site and which I believe were/are instrumental in forcing this case to its hopeful conclusion. Well done.
Jim, thank you for your thoughtful comment, and I also must apologize for some of the confusion here. This case summary has grown over the years (though is still a very condensed version), and now, with the arrests of Matt Kennedy and then Les Kennedy (and those who may have been unaware of the “two Matts”), I can certainly understand how the pronouns could get confusing.
I’ve gone back through and tried to clarify any misconceptions by adding more first names. Still, even with an arrest in this case (it was one of the top two cases on this website that I felt could have been solved/prosecuted years ago) I don’t yet feel any sense of relief or closure. There are just so many victims tied to this one case, including both Matts. (Yes, the accused can also be a victim.) So many lives ruined. Forever altered. Lives that continued to be scarred after Kim’s murder.
“Jake” asked in April 2019 why we couldn’t just post the “who, what, when, where and why?” on here, but we cannot do that even when we know the answers. It compromises cases, and there’s always the possibility that the info we received simply isn’t true. Jake was correct, however, when he said maybe we (ICC) had the resources to get in touch with someone who could help solve this case. I may have passed along info to investigators, but will never take credit for solving this (or any other) case b/c LE officials almost always know who is responsible and they’re the ones knocking on doors and questioning suspects and submitting the DNA and spending years and/or decades piecing together every puzzle piece. And, what they always say remains timelessly true: “Knowing who did it and being able to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law are two very different things.”
They only get that one shot at charging a suspect, so, despite “everybody knowing who did it,” they are wise to wait until they have solid proof. Until that happens, I just try to ensure the victim’s story is told and kept alive so they’re not forgotten, and to remind the public it’s never too late to share any kind of knowledge about the case with the investigating agency. There’s often more — as the late radio pioneer Paul Harvey used to say — to “the rest of the story.”
Thanks again for your kind words. Jody @ ICC
is this the same Jim from before that keeps trying to slander me from down below in the comments if so you need to get questioned for spreading lies
Im sorry for getting angry with you but i took it hard my sister and my kids mean everything to me this has bean realy hard right now im trying to get my kids back i lost my wife to cancer in September of 2020 things have bean rough
im in this fight alone anymore but all i can do is keep my promise and just keep fighting for my kids and the truth
Matthew, you had every right to be angry then and be angry now. The people you have loved most were unlawfully taken away from you, and I’m sure you know how much time I spent talking to your dad on the phone about Kim’s case in particular. He sent me scanned colored photos of your children (your daughter has such a beautiful smile!), and he died still fighting to get your kids back to you. Both you and I know there’s so much that’s not been addressed on this (Kim’s) page, but we know how and why and where Les did what he did, and we know the names of those who enabled him.
Your father sent me so many newspaper articles about Kim’s murder (the ones from the early days and years, which I’ve not yet posted here on her page), and I’ve lost track how many times Les Kennedy contradicted himself as he coveted more and more media attention all whilst spilling out and spinning more and more lies. Every time I read the words of what he told Aaron Brilbeck, about this alleged “intervention” with Kim, I want to vomit. We know what he did in the No Frills parking lot time and again (before Kim’s death), and know what went on inside that Tostevin St. House of Hell.
I’m so very sorry for your recent losses as well…your father in January (Jacques “Jack” Ratliff for those reading this comment), and then your wife in September. And, inexcusably, your children taken against your will (through lies) by a rapist/madman who fed drugs to his children & stepchildren the same way he fed lies/twisted information to lawyers and judges. I still can’t grasp how he got away with it for sooooo long.
Keep fighting the good fight. It is yours to win. (And I think you know I applauded Jim for having the courage to step up and apologize to you because he’d been confused about the names.) Good men (people in general) apologize when they’re wrong.
As for “actions,” I doubt any of us will ever see the day when L.K. (or your bio mother, for that matter) apologizes for the monstrous atrocities committed upon untold children inside that Council Bluffs home.
I would stake my life on it that her sto dad and other step brother had something to do with it I believe her mom knows something and isn’t saying anything kimwas my friend when we was kids and I remember how scared she was of her step dad and step brothers ..they need to dig deeper and they will find out the truth rest in pest my dear friend Matt and Jeff hope u guys get justice for kimmy
Karen,
You are my beautiful, funny, loving big cousin. You have never been forgotten by your very large family back here in MA. We miss you today and have for every day since that horrible moment when we learned that you had disappeared. Your parents were never the same – and your three loving little sisters missed the big sister they adored.
PLEASE, someone, find a way to solve this crime. This has been our prayer for almost 50 years.
Matt Kennedy, step-brother of Kimberly has been arrested and charged with her murder
https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/stepbrother-of-slain-woman-arrested-in-1999-council-bluffs-homicide/article_344ecc70-b5ba-590f-9c6c-6eb9460c74e5.html
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/cold-case-arrest-stepbrother-accused-in-horrific-1999-murder-of-22-year-old-kimberly-ratliff/ar-BB1a6fUQ?ocid=uxbndlbing
Hopefully the family will be able to finally get closure and this evil monster will get what’s coming to him!
I wonder what took him to Fairfield, Montana. That’s one of those really small cities in the middle of nowhere in Montana where you’re really away from it all. Less than an hour drive from where Ted Kaczynski the Unabomber was living. A good place to go if you were running from something.
Actually Fairfield Mt, is in a somewhat populated area of Montana. Which would happen to be my hometown.PoP 700. An on top of it. Matt kennedy had a job in a different dept. than me, where I worked in Great Falls. An because of it, other co-workers and I conversed with him. An also had one co-worker tell me about what Matt had told him in previous conversations. One of which, where matt told the co-worker, that his father (les) had shot him. Cause he hadn’t done a chore fast enough. An also, showed the scar from the wound that was inflicted. However, matt was rather odd, and behaved weirdly at times. Obviously, he wasn’t right. an also was dyslexic. or very educated. An not too mention. He resembled the aqua teen hunger force character, Happy Time Harry. So we refered to him as happy time. Also, after I left that job, I ran across-d him in public in Fairfield. An I’d say something to him. An he’d just give me this wide open eyed, and open mouth look and not say anything. Will be interesting to see how his trial goes
@tobin caldwell, Hey man, I’ve been looking for you all over! You told me you’d call me after leaving the gay stripe club once we did “stuff”. We had a really good time and were planning on having a round 2, but I lost your number at some point. Please call me! I don’t care if you have a wife or a girlfriend, I think I might be in love with you man. XOXO Love, Gary
Think you got me confused with les kennedy. But good luck with that, and the gay stripe club.
Awww, it’s so flattering that you think I own a stripe club and remember the time we had together. But nope, it’s you I’m talking about. I could never forget your name, especially since it’s tattooed over my heart.
Mike, Thank you so much for commenting, I think the police finally have a lead on my stolen car. Based on the name on your drivers license you dropped in my driveway before boosting my car and running out of town, the police are pretty sure it’s you on here. It’s only a matter of time Mike you D.
Mike we were told that his wife had bad allergies and Montana would be a better place for her. My husband was told another story.
Excellent news! Always great to see justice done.
As the article alludes to, it must have been advances in DNA that inextricably linked Kennedy to the murder scene.
It will be interesting to follow the trial & conviction (presumably) from here on out.
There is a brand new in depth podcast about this case out right now. You’ll hear from friends and family of the victims, investigators, and hotel staff at the scene
https://www.spreaker.com/user/11688200/scene-of-the-crime-season-2-episode-1-th
Looking for information about Carol Donnelly, killed in Des Moines late 1979, body discovered early 1980. This case once appeared on your site. Has it been solved?
Delbert sounds like a real quality guy.
May he rot in hell.
Do you know who your half twin sisters are from your father’s fiancee Gloria?? Just curious if you would want to know that information?? I am so very sorry that this case has never been solved. It sounds like you have experienced a lot of heartbreak in your life. Prayers for you as you continue this journey.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21039742/sioux-city-journal/
I’m curious as to how much planning went into this Florida trip. Was it planned well in advance or was it on the spur of the moment? What as the reason to go? Just to see her family or was there more to it? What arrangments were made for her children in Iowa? Do we know what day she originally left Iowa and what day she first see family in Florida? When she was last seen on September 6, 1983 was she leaving for Iowa soon?
Maybe the person she was traveling with was the one who had specific things to do in Flordia and Viola found out and asked if she could come because she had family in the area she would like to see.
Running the family DNA to familial matches to known offenders in CODIS may produce a male offender match (any of her former relations who may have been the kids father). This match if any may produce a suspect or potential names of friends and associates of the mother and her traveling companion.
I know the obvious first thought is that the wife must have been having an affair. The theory that she was busted by Tom while she was naked and in the act with the other man.
My thought is that she was naked when she went to the other farmhouse because she did run right away. If Tom was killed while she was there she probably would have taken the time to get dressed. She would have been able to tell the same story about the naked intruder without her being naked as well and would have looked a lot less suspicious.
I can believe that she wasn’t there when he was shot, but I don’t beleive her story about what lead up to it. I’m sure she knows exactly who did it. Chances are that Tom knew him too.
Well the girlfriend obviously knows something. She is either directly involved or covering for someone. How many friends were there that night? Female? Male? Were they questioned? Something is missing from the above information because it is too black and white.
It looks like Robin Clark Latham is currently incarcerated in Iowa because of a probation violation in March of 2020.
It’s a shame that things were handled so improperly during the investigation and by the mortician. Maybe I missed it, but what was the official cause of death? The blunt force trauma to the head or did she drown in the water?
I am very sorry First and foremost to The Children and loved ones of Denease Latham. I am also sorry for my use of wording but to be honest :Why isn’t this Mother of 3 had justice yet? it is so very obvious that not only was she murdered but her death is a cover up. Why wasn’t the mortician ever questioned and convicted with the husband? The evidence is so overwhelming. Just plainly sad…
I joined the Justice for Josh group on FB but there isn’t anyone sharing any theories about what happened. I would like to know what the family thinks happened. Looking around some of the posts and comments I saw that people think he was killed and buried just like Christopher Bagley because of links Joshua has to some of the people involved in that case. The family wants someone to talk, but they won’t talk either, at least not publically.
It seems like the Justice For Josh Facebook page is more therapy for the family than anything. I’m not sure the family wants to discuss theories in public. Just a little basic web-sleuthing and background checks about Josh lets you see that he had some problems dating all the way back to high school age and he did serve time in person a couple times. I’m not saying Josh was a bad person, but he was involved in bad things. One thing I noticed years ago is that Bagley and Josh had some of the same friends out of Palo. A lot of these same friends have meth convictions in the past.
We all would like to know but idk that there is much we know
I have watched CSI, NCIS, Criminal Minds, etc & started wondering. What if his car was still operational & there was a 2 or more team that attacked him, could they take him & his car outa state somewhere, sell his car on the black market or chop shop & then take him somewhere after that. That would be why his car’s not found yet in the waters where he was. If so, have the detectives tried combing the filling stations & restaurants the next towns over from where he was last seen. Maybe he broke down & a trucker picked him up & someone else stole his car & drove off. Maybe he’s in witness protection somewhere, wonder if the detectives checked there. I hope he’s found soon & GOD be with his family & friends.
Not likely. Not using hindsight but I’m pretty sure witness protection would notify law enforcement
he dose not have a medical issues.
Did he drive everyday to work? If so what type of vehicle did he drive
Gwen
I was friends with Greg since grade school and always liked him. I pray for him and his family that he is found so his family will get some relief. Jehovah, please help his family, I know he will be resurrected (John 5: 28, 29). God will bring him back and he will have another chance to live a good life. Then Jehovah will judge all of us.
I bet Mike ozwald did it. His brother Brian ozwald ran out front door pointing at Mike saying he did he is the one that shot Randy. Rip dad I bet it’s because waterloo police should not allow confidential informants get away with anything literally let Mike go Christmas day without even a gun powder residue test. Some friend you were to my dad. Wait till it comes the day you answer to heavily father. Should the police be held partially responsible I don’t think Mike would have done it not knowing someone downtown to help him. Jeff tyler waterloo police investigator wouldn’t take my version of that day. How does one get away with that with capital murder. I bet he would shit if someone from a higher rank took his job as pointless and a waste or taxpayers money. All bums
Dr.OZ: I watched a man (Detective) share details about a 30+ year old Cold Case (double homicide, male & female) in a room, which had previously been “reserved” for a Mortician & canceled at the last moment.
I listened for him to describe the investigation of that Mortician and never heard anything about that. My intuition is the murder was intended for him & clandestine associate.
If interested contact me & I had more imagined details
Please leave a message if I’m unable to answer the phone
901-832-1496 Norma-Jean (Jeanie) Sorrell
A possible theory could be that the mother was a University of Iowa student that was hiding her pregnancy and had an easier time doing it because she was from another state. That would probably mean her family didn’t see her since August. She could have given birth, abandoned the baby, and went home for the holidays. I hope they have some DNA. With this theory, the mother would be between the ages of 45 and 50 now. He would be turning 28 this year.
That’s a very good point!
I agree that it was definitely the ax that killed him. What a horrible way to die considering the circumstances. In your opinion, did he really deserved to die? Could this situation be handed differently? Just a few thoughts that crossed my mind as I was reading the story.
I hope with new DNA advancement one day the evil mother will be brought to justice.
I agree!
I was reading the Cold Case Files on your
brother Harry and I read your letter, I hope
and pray you will find him. The people that
know what happened have kept silent this
long so they will never tell it’s up to someone
else or to the police to find him.
I will keep Harry and you in my prayers.
God bless you both.
Was it ever mentioned how the local man whose truck was seen at the house came upon a good amount of money shortly after? Was he ever ruled out, or as a suspect?
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY BOO I LOVE YOU SO MUCH GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
I wanted to say one more thing it’s your birthday you got a granddaughter about the one your son is about to be home and Darius was promoted but 2020 has been okay but a horrible year in the making just continue to keep us safe… no matter the things I’ve done for the places I go or have been you’ve always been number one no matter what people have to say thank you for two of my biggest blessing love always
Hey it’s me again I wanted to wish you a happy birthday until you seasoning sir David will be home soon his daughter your granddaughter is about to be one and your son Darius was promoted to a sergeant thank you for blessing them and watching over them we miss you will always miss you until we meet again
It is encouraging to see the comments and how many people are interested in seeing this mystery resolved. Has any DNA testing been done? Is evidence still being stored that could be tested and evaluated? I know there are more current cases and obviously, detectives are spending their valuable time on those. But Ed Schmidt’s case is still waiting….. waiting for justice. It is 2020 and time is running out.
Any chance an exhumation could be conducted to collect some DNA from this young child?
Based on what we know as of today (Sat Jan 27), law enforcement in Oct 1996 has the fore thought to collect DNA.
What’s sad is that I know the father.
I am confused about a thing: Jaymie was found in the bathtub, but, no one ever says whether there was water in the tub.
The unique pattern of burns on her front side may be because she was floating in water and only got burned where her skin was above the water line?
At any rate, It seems pretty obvious that Ms. Reed has some explaining to do regarding the months leading up to the fire and the bizarre collection of pathologies found during Jaymie’s autopsy. The girl would have been greatly suffering having ALL of those things wrong with her at the same time! How does that even happen? She had E-coli poisoning (which is typically transmitted through ingestion of feces from an infected animal or person which was then transferred to a food item). She had cirrhosis, pneumonia, and anoxic encephalopathy.
Regarding anoxic encephalopathy: “Anoxic encephalopathy, or hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, is a process that begins with the cessation of cerebral blood flow to brain tissue, which most commonly results from poisoning (for example carbon monoxide or drug overdose), vascular injury or insult, or cardiac arrest.”
Jaymie was being abused or, at the very LEAST, she was neglected. I am wondering if Vicki Reed suffers from Munchausen by Proxy – she was poisoning, or making Jamie sick in an attempt to gain attention for herself as the loving parent.
I think Jaymie became critically ill (or as Jody theorizes was scalded) and rather than seek medical attention, Vicki decided to setup the house fire in the hopes that Jaymie would be burned to death and Vicki’s crimes would be gone with her.
So a classmate of Jeffrey supposefly saw him alive at the apartment of Judy Davis. She lived at the Seneca Apartments. So, the question is, did he have a relationship with her or just hanging out with a co- worker.
Also, where was the Seneca Apartments in relation to the Jefferson Apartments. Also, what did she do at the hospital.
Hi Patrick, who was the classmate? Also do you know the who this Judy Davis is? I have tried to search for her without any luck. This was a horrible tragedy, the unsolved murder is always in the back of your mind wondering who and why?
This was under Polk County comments section:
“Regarding the death of Jeff Deaver, I last saw him at the Jefferson Apartments in the apartment of Judy Davis. Judy was my co-worker. My boyfriend (now ex-husband) at the time used to purchase illegal drugs from Judy. One day Judy told me that Jeff screwed her and/or some delivery and her boyfriend was very angry and Jeff better stay our of sight. The next day I heard that Jeff was murdered. I went to school with Jeff starting in Jr. High School. I was surprised he was hanging out with someone like Judy Davis..”
Judy Davis class of ’72 Roosevelt, lives in Henderson, NV
So, our you the one that stopped at my house? If you know this, why didn’t you tell the police at that time? I do have Judy’s boyfriends name at the time this happened.
Judy Davis lived at Jefferson apartments! The lady that saw Jeff at Judy Davis’s apartment also lived at Jefferson apartments and worked with Judy Davis. The only person who lived at Seneca apartments was Jeffery Deaver. Jefferey Deaver was seen at Judy Davis’s apartment by a high school classmate of Jeff’s two days before his death! So who was Judy Davis’s boyfriend and what drugs and or what drug deal went wrong? I feel that if they know who Judy Davis’s boyfriend at that time was and go and question him and Judy Davis then you have your killer which is probably Judy Davis’s boyfriend at that time. That’s to say if they are even alive today. Also Judy Davis probably has a different last name by now! Judy Davis told Jefferey Deaver to stay out of sight from her boyfriend because of the drug deal that Jefferey Deaver messed up so that sounds like this boyfriend of Judy Davis sounds dangerous! Your killer is the boyfriend of Judy Davis!
Christie, it appears from Jeff’s classmate, that he was hanging out with her co-worker Judy Davis. It makes me wonder, what was their relationship.
Also, if he screwed up a drug deal, that her boyfriend set up, why would she even allow him into her apartment. Also, where her apartment in relation to his apartment building.
Also, does anyone know besides the classmate know where Judy worked, and if she moved, married her boyfriend.
Larry, I would think the police, might prefer a bit more information on wbich to look at Henry Claytor.
Was a student at the school, or maybe someone who had a thing for Penny, and she turned him down. Maybe he believed her essay implicated him in something she was aware of.
In case anyone is interested, Dateline produced an hour long segment on the Michelle Martinko case.
You should be able to go to NBC.com and identify your cable / streaming service provider and view the show. It’s called “And then there were three”.
Here’s the link if interested…
https://www.nbc.com/dateline/video/and-then-there-were-three/4228462
Update: From a granddaughter of Robert Lee Ruby –
In regards to our Grandfather, Robert Lee Ruby, I can only go by stories my mother told me. She always told me that he “fell” down a “Well” and broke every bone in his body. My mother insists she was with him at the time and knew that he didn’t fall but he was pushed. My mother was only 13 at the time so to her the mine shaft was a “well”. She also told me that she saw who did it (they didn’t see her) and I was never to ask who it was. I asked her if I knew the person and she told me with a firm voice that she would never reveal that information and would take it to her grave; which she did. I asked her why she thought the incident happened and she stated that it was over money and probably the fact that our grandfather had more than most. Many people were jealous that he was able to continue to bring money in during the depression. He was also able to rebuild his finances after spending all he had for our grandmother, Mary Ellen Ruby, during her illness. He had the reputation of helping those in need and always provided food and a place to sleep for people who were traveling or just needed help along the way. My mother remembers a post on the fence that the people would put marks on to let others know that their farm was a place where they could be helped. The only rule……Grandpa took all of their matches and cigarettes before they went into the barn to sleep. What does concern me about the statements she made about grandfather’s death was the distress she felt when she told the story. If I didn’t know the person or know about the person she would have told me what she knew about them without giving me his/her name. This is why I have always thought I either knew the person or knew about them. It was never discussed again and I never mentioned it or asked. I do feel that it was NOT an accident but a murder. I don’t believe the story that the horse could have moved the wagon and caused grandfather to fall. He was also a farmer and knew about equipment and animals plus the fact that since my mother WAS with him he would have not taken any unnecessary risks etc. This added with my mother’s statements indicates to me it wasn’t an accident. I don’t have any proof other than what she told me which was all hearsay. However, my mother was always quiet about her father and didn’t speak of him much unless I asked questions. When my mother told me what she knew about the “accident” she was not ill nor on any medications that would cause her to tell outlandish stories. My mother and I were very close so I think she confided in me as much as she could just to release the burden of knowing more than what was told.
It is sad how people from my generation dismiss the depression as a bad time in history. I am from the last of the baby boomers. Today it is practically mocked. Young people today have no idea what and who were sacrificed nor for how much.
Ok so I just started doing some research on this case from old newspaper articles so hopefully some of you who have been researching this longer can help.( I will also point out I am in no way trying to blame the crime on the family or neighbors.) I have soooo many questions? I went back to reports from the day Donna Sue went missing before her body was found and initial reports state Mr. Davis didn’t see his daughter missing until 10pm. So it is unclear to me how the timeline changed from 10pm to 9:40, unless initial reports were wrong or further interviews with Mr. Davis and the family gave a different time frame. Next is that if the suspicious man seen was carrying Donna Sue then why wouldn’t she have awoken during the ordeal, unless she was incapacitated in some way. A man carrying her right after falling asleep when he is being described as hunched over, hiding in spots, running, jumped a fence, a barking dog, and nearby neighbors yelling at him, it doesn’t make sense how she would have slept through all of that. If she was incapacitated then it would be clear it was not a crime of opportunity. But planned. Someone who knew that window was going to be open, what time she went to bed, and where she slept. Next is the interaction with Mr. and Mrs. Fjeldos and the suspicious man. I cannot wrap my head around why Mr. Fjeldos would leave his wife alone outside with a suspicious man while he phoned police. I asked my husband the same question and he told me he would immediately send me inside to safety. Am I reading too much into this? Not sure but it is something that stood out to me right away. I still have more questions but I will stop there for now and hopefully get some clarification.
I NEW MR. MASSOURIS, I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HIS DAUGHTER, SALLY.WAS IN THE HOME AFTER SCHOOL, MR. MASSOURIS ALWAYS GAVE THE KID’S O THE NEIGHBOR HOOD MONEY ,FOR POP SICKLES. HE ALWAY’S SEEMED LARGER THAN LIFE, SORTA, LIKE (AL PACINO)’ MAY THE HOLY SPIRIT BLESS YOU NOW AND FOREVER. EVE( MILLER ) MC BRIDE
While doing some research I found an old newspaper article that stated sioux city pd got some good fingerprints off the chest, crib, and window. Did those turn out to be fingerprints of the immediate family. I never see anything discussed about them?
Tony and I were classmates in elementary school. We would play almost daily in the summer time. He has the spirit and energy, always willing to help you when you were down, always the life in the room. I remember the day I came over and knocked on the door, I hadn’t seen him in awhile—that’s when I had learned of his passing. As I get older, I frequently think about my friend and where he would be in life. It deeply saddens me to realize he is no longer here, but my friend I want you to know you haven’t been forgotten; I remember you, and so do a many of others. I am now 26 years old and the world is in a crazy state filled with political and racial agendas. When I think of Tony, I think of a human that did not see color and saw me as his friend and the goodness of others. Rest easy Tony, I miss ya ❤️
Antonio,
What a beautiful tribute to your friend! Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Jody at ICC
I remember hearing about this, on the Chicago news, when it happened.
Was there any chance that the person or persons who abducted her were in the apartment with her and made her say that she overslept when her colleague called?
Yo yo boys, is this the city with the homeless clan out killing people?
Yeah i think so
RIP Goldie Belle…. Much love from your great grandson
Are you the same Teresa that commented quite a while ago about a man that was born in 1960 that told you about a crime that now lives in Russellville,AR
I searched for some address information on two websites, but found nothing. I wonder if Anon could check their resources. It might help if we knew his medical issues.
he dose not have a medical issues.
did you see if this may be The following people, Darlene Fitchett, Alice mae Van Alstine , it would probably help if knew an estimate how long she been gone, not sure if u can do that, here also I found some girls/ young ladies who this could be, some ot from Iowa but who knows someone could of brought the girls to Iowa, Kristy Lynn Booth – Cheryl Ann Scherer, 19, – Scott City, Missouri
Are you the same Teresa that commented quite a while ago about a man that was born in 1960 that told you about a crime that now lives in Russellville,AR
Alice is my aunt. She congenitally didn’t have upper lateral incisors.
htttp://gye6645.toshibanetcam.com
prayers with family, I hope they get some resolution of what happen to Mervin
I think both cases, are mexician decent and went back to mexico, I hope they find out who did this
I’ve seen it reported that Marc lived with a Grandmother in Connecticut for his first few years. I know this detail may be lost in time, but does anyone know where? I’m from Connecticut, so I’ve just always wondered where Mark and his Grandma lived. It’s weird to think I have probably been through areas he once went to, before moving to Iowa.
Leslie Rule, daughter of the late true-crime writer Ann Rule, has published a book about this case called “A Tangled Web.” Very good book, and a terrifying story!
Anonymous. I wonder if the details were ever shared with the VA Office of Inspector General, They OIG conducts audits of the various operations to check fro fruad, waste and abuse. They also have criminal investigators, who are special agents. So, this would be something that they should have been involved with.
I worked with a number of their people in my time in the VA many years ago. Off course, it might take many hours to check old records to see when Arnold, was in the VA.
Also, checking the system for veterans with the date of birth of 1948, might take some time.Also, seeing if any6 veteran was getting a disability to a flamethrower accident, might take some time.
This is a very odd statement to make!
Theresa’s comment.
omg
I thought some may be interested that On The Case With Paula Zahn on Investigation Discovery (ID) network premiered a segment yesterday on the Michelle Martinko case.
The ID network is carried by most television providers or directly on the ID Network website (will need to input your television provider). The segment called “”A Test of Patience” should be searchable and viewable at any point here.
Upcoming segments will be produced and aired by 48 Hours and Dateline in a yet to be announced date and time.
I clearly remember when Gene disappeared. I was 15 at the time. Gene was 2 years younger than I, he lived with his mother on the east side during the school year, and visited his dad during the summer, so I didn’t know him, but this happened in my south side neighborhood, and it hit me pry hard.
As someone who grew up about a mile from where Gene’s paper bundles were dropped, and about a 1/4 mile from where his bag was found, who also spent a few weeks in Iowa August beating the bushes all over the south side of Des Moines with the organized search crews, I’d like to point some things out to the internet sleuths here.
First. From where his paper bundles were dropped, the city limits are approximately 1 mile straight south, and also about a mile and a quarter west on a state highway that ran straight to Interstate 35. The map today doesn’t represent the area as it was because the airport bought out my entire neighborhood to expand and rerouted the highway a bit to the south. But if you look at the intersection of SW 14th and Army Post Rd. on the current map, then track a straight line west to I-35, through the airport, that is how the highway ran. Near the end of the last building shown on the airport on Google maps today is where the city limit sign used to be, and if memory serves me correctly 36 years later, Gene’s bag was found on the side of the road not too far past the sign (and not far from my driveway) by his RM, who saw it because it was on his path from where he was to Gene’s bundle drop. You could never miss those bright yellow bags playing on the ground anywhere.
I didn’t know Gene because he was 2 years younger than me, but this was my neighborhood.
The biggest reason that there is more information about the investigation out in the public view about Johnny Gosch than Gene is because Noreen could not stay away from microphones, and often times said things on air that compromised the police investigation. Don Martin didn’t do this.
I can tell you that in the weeks after Gene’s disappearance there wasn’t a field, barn, ditch, culvert, property, creek bed, river bank, railroad trestle, abandoned piece of farm equipment, or park inside of a 7 mile radius that wasn’t walked and checked by our group, which often times was accompanied by Gene’s uncle. No property owner, to my knowledge, told us no, you can’t look here. That’s just the way we were back then. I also remember that neighborhood was literally crawling with police canvassing, checking, looking, etc… For at least a week. They were never denied access anywhere they wanted to look because us south siders were upset, and actually wanted to help. Nobody in Gene’s family hurt him, or buried him in the basement under his own house. Those things were extensively checked.
Detective Rowley followed every lead and idea that came his way. You can take that to the bank. I will say that in the interest of keeping investigation details under wraps to keep the cranks from wasting his time, he wouldn’t, or couldn’t let people know what was or wasn’t found. That’s just standard investigative procedure. I see names called out here that I remember hearing back then, so I can only assume they were thoroughly investigated as well.
Yes, the Register had a few pedophiles working in the delivery department at the time, but I recall every single one of them was checked thoroughly, as well as the RM, the DM, and anyone else with the Register that might have had a slight passing knowledge. DMPD didn’t want to miss a trick, and I don’t recall hearing of anyone stonewalling them.
Someone mentioned that when Gene disappeared, the fair was in town. This is incorrect. When Gene disappeared, Balloon Fest was happening in Indianola, and the fair was still over a week away (August 15-25). It was someone from the neighborhood headed for Indianola to watch the morning mass ascension who witnessed Gene speaking with the adult. Although Gene’s mom lived a few blocks from the fairgrounds, Gene was at his dad’s, which was a good 20 minute drive from the fairgrounds, so the possibility of it being one of the carnies was extremely slim as that show wouldn’t have even been in the state of Iowa at that time.
36 years later I still recall these things clearly. I remember coming home every night absolutely exhausted from all the walking and climbing over fences and obstacles, but ready to go again the next morning because I wanted him back home with his family. I remember how sad I felt when the searches were called off because we hadn’t been successful.
Gene would be 50 this year, and we still don’t know where he is.
Are you saying the newspaper bag was found on Army Post Road? Wasn’t there a church there before the airport expanded? If someone was headed that way with Gene, they might have been returning to WDM, which makes sense if it was the same person who kidnapped Johnny Gosch.That seems more likely than some random stranger from the balloon festival 15 miles away.
It was never stated, but from where we began, and focused the searches, yes, it appeared the bag was found on Army Post. Yes, there was a church out there. (Airport Baptist Church, the lot still remains and can be seen on Google maps) and the house I grew up in was right next door to the church. The city limits was about 1/2 mile father west from my house.
Heading that watt would take you to Interstate 35, which can take you anywhere from there.
Mike K.. I grew up just a few blocks from the abduction site and by the sound of it you and I are only 2 years apart in age. We may have met long ago. I also carried papers on SW15th St. The thing you need to remember is that south Des Moines and West Des Moines were very connectible then. Army Post (Hwy 5) shot straight west to 35 or 63rd Street that takes you into Johnny Gosch area.. but you could do most of the route then by skirting the city. At 6 am on a Sunday it would be a fast route. My point.. I think the Johnny and Eugene abductor was between or in those areas. I do not think it was a guy from North Des Moines trolling the southwest side. But at that time there was a lot of wooded or rural stretches on western Army Post Road.
I just want to find her. She is a great lady. She would have never left her daughter.
I just that we could find her. And let her rest in peace
Re
Hey asshole, you don’t know the true story, so shut the fuck up.
Any chance there’s enough DNA from the skeleton found in order to do a genealogy aeaech?
that would be great if they did, I see so many cold cases who crimes were solved due to dna, I hope this is one!!
I wished my memory was better! But I can say that I KNOW this girl! I have tried so hard to remember exactly when i met her…
I know I spoke with her about her adopted family and she spoke of her children..and how she wanted a relationship with them.
I emailed the police above in regards to the information i know… Hope and pray Brianne will get justice ❤🙏
The Key To All Of This Is Curtis Padgett…I’m Sorry.But To Me His Story Doesn’t Sound Credible……It Sounds Made Up….
This man was a criminal.
Who gives a damn about his murder?
May he NOT rest in peace
Why are there two different missing dates, two years apart? What is the real story here? And from what I understand, Kimberly was in Texas and took a Greyhound bus to Davenport Iowa to visit her father, but never arrived at her father’s house. So who verified that she actually made it to Davenport?
She was in Texas visiting her father and was coming back home and she wouldn’t runaway there would be no reason to we have a awesome family that u love to be around not runaway from
Her Mother and I verified it.
Check out the Knight families’ court records..they are criminals https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/DefaultFrame
Isaac Knight, Donald Knight, Benjamin Knight, Sarah Bergman
Check out the Knight families’ court records..they are criminals https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/DefaultFrame
Isaac Knight Donald Knight, Benjamin Knight
Trust me the Knights can sleep at night. They have no regard for the law and what is right and wrong. They have no conscience. They have not pushed LE to try to solve Laura’s murder, they just sit back and laugh and hide. They did not care about Laura, they wanted her out of their lives and they succeeded.
Laura and her mother fought over her fraternizing with the Knights. Her mother did not feel they were people who were law abiding citizens and respectful of law enforcement and authority.
This person of interest looks like Nick wood!
Who is that? A relative?
Were there other missing kids before Johnny in the 80’s or even the late 70’s? I know Eugene Martin and Marc Allen were kidnapped after Johnny, and that from ’86 to ’89 there were other attempts, that thankfully failed. Were there possibly other attempts back around 1982 that people ignored? Or maybe kids felt they couldn’t report them?
In my opinion, Charles Ray Hatch should be a suspect in the murders of Donald Hebert, Roger Atkison, Rose Burkert, and Sandra Jo Pittman.
Charles Ray Hatch was Roger Atkison’s uncle I believe. He escaped from a facility in Nebraska on September 6th, 1980. September 8th, 1980, Donald Hebert is seen leaving a local tavern with an unknown male. He is found shot just above the left eye. Based on known information, it appears the unknown male subject killed Hebert for money. The homicide took place in Des Moines, Iowa.
Four days later, on September 12th, 1980, Roger Atkison and Rose Burkert are murdered at the Holiday Inn in Amana, Iowa. Amana is straight east of Des Moines. They are brutally killed with an ax/hatchet like object. The two had met up at the hotel, which is about 270 miles from home in Missouri. Why meet up there of all places? Atkison was married and they were having an affair, but why so far away? With his Uncle escaping just 6 days prior, one has to wonder if he had contacted Roger looking for help.
On September 17th, 1980, Sandra Jo Pittman is murdered by blunt force trauma to the head, near Clarence, Iowa. This location is further straight east of Amana and Des Moines. I find no description of the weapon used other than “claw hammer of crow bar type object” was used to kill her by blows to the head. She was reported to be staying at the Catholic Shelter in Davenport when she went missing.
This is interesting since Charles Ray Hatcher, who was picked up on the escape charge in Lincoln, NE on October 9th, 1980, would later be released to the Salvation Army Shelter in Davenport, Iowa after being released from Des Moines on April 10th, 1981. He had been held just prior for a knife fight, but was held under an alias.
That’s all I’ve looked into so far, but Charles Ray Hatcher should be a very strong suspect in all these cases.
If Johnny Gosch was alive as Noreen Gosch has suggested, perhaps he now has children or grandchildren. Although it is a long shot, I think Johnny’s parents should submit DNA tests to Ancestry.com and 23 and Me with law enforcement serving as administrator of the dna results. When the results come back, the raw data should be uploaded for free to gedmatch, my heritage, and family tree. Then if there are close family matches with cms in the range of a parent child, grandparent to grandchild, or great grandparent to great grandchild relationship this would indicate he is alive. If no such results come in then he probably is not alive. This should be done before the death of Johnny’s parents. The cm relationships can be determined by using the free online DNA Painter and typing in the cm number of a dna match and tgen scrolling down to see the possible relationships.
JusticeFor Kaiden! Contuined prayers for the family as they try to get through each day after his murderer is finally caught! You can rest ,Kaiden. Rest In Peace.
He was my favorite Uncle , he was very depressed for many years and had 2 sucide attempts a few years before his disappearance. His truck was not stolen and we guessed that he went in the river but could not swim. I miss him still. Rick Doerring
my dad was neighbor to the one found on 8th street, only thing could tell them they wee mexician and never heard them speak english
Justin, I agree. When I forced heard about the two girls in Chicago, the use of .32 caliber firearm seemed odd. However, they were popular for a time. Also, a 15 year old boy from Zion, Illinois, disappeared possibly in December 1970. He was found shot to death in a ditch in Racine County, Wisconsin. He was shot in the head three times with a .32 caliber firearm. This is similar to the murder of the two girls.
However, some Chicago Mob hitman, also used .22 caliber firearms. However, two of them used a .22 caliber firearm on a Ken Eto, who ran a gambling operation for the Mob. Well, he survived, and rolled over to the Feds. The two hitman, were found murdered in the trunk of a stolen car.
So, I wonder about the use of small caliber firearms in a few unsolved murders.
IIRC, at the time of the murder, a black escalade had been seen in the area, an older associate of hers drove a similar vehicle and was cleared with all the speed of someone with a connected employer, he later committed suicide, can’t recall the details, but I believe they were good friends, I wondered if the wife was a little nuts, saw an affair and shot her, and the husband covered it up and finally couldn’t deal with it and killed himself.
Joe was single
I don’t suppose they kept the blood samples. DNA doesn’t lie. Wasn’t much of thing back then but if they still have the clothing in evidence they should be able to pull dna. Just a thought.
Corrections to “About Lloyd Patrick” section: Lloyd and Jeannette had two children; Betty Francine Patrick DeBruin (1927-2011) and Glenn Lloyd Patrick (1934-2014). Lloyd was born at Beacon, Mahaska county, Iowa.
Thank you, Dena, for this information. I have added it to Floyd’s page.
Cindy, I appreciate the details that you provided since you were with Valerie when she left. The frustrating part to me, is that she spent most of Sunday, with LuAnn Hicks. Then she meets with you to go swimming and then stay overnight. Then she leaves you at the pool, she stops again at LuAnn’s. However, she was not home. It makes me wonder if she wanted LuAnn, to be with her when she met whoever later. I wonder what details she could provide. I agree, that the offender is someone in plain sight at the time, and may have left the area.
I posted this post a year ago. Bring that I have watched many crime and investigation show, the way this child was found, was personal. Did they ever look at the immediate family members? I just hope and pray they can give this little girl justice and that she may rest in peace 🙏😔
In what way do you consider the way that she was found to be personal? And what would suggest the involvement of family in this?
In regards to the cold weather, I remember my late father used to put an old army blanket on the engine, in the cold weather. I remember doing that myself while working at the VA, especially working nights. The only problem is that I would forget to remove the blanket, until about have way home. At least the engine stayed warm.
So, it appears that these two friends decided to not warm up earlier their cars until they were going to visit the victim.
did his girl friends car always have problems or just on that day ..just wondering
Arthur Charles Scott is now on facebook https://www.facebook.com/acharlesscott
Here is the current contact info for Arthur Charles Scott. https://www.advancedbackgroundchecks.com/art-charles-scott_id_G-xwZ8QpBBvx2P2
As I asked above, Why isn’t her body exhumed to see if there is DNA under her nails? Arthur Charles Scott was admittedly the last person to see her alive. He gave different stories to law enforcement, and then refused to take a polygraph. His face was covered in scratches the day after her disappearance and he claimed he got them from “falling down at home.” His parents hired a spendy lawyer and then hustled him out of state. Now he is age 73 and lives in Illinois. Gary McHugh was cleared and was willing to take a polygraph.
They need to exhume her body!
His DNA could be under her fingernails!
Maybe the date didn’t go the way he wanted it to & he got mad…
Her body was was partially nude.
The more I read about Valerie’s case, it becomes confusing. She supposedly hung out with LuAnn Hicks. Then she meets up with Cindy, to go the swimming pool for the evening program. She then bails out on Cindy, to meet up with someone.
But, she then stops by LuAnn’s house to see if she was home. LuAnn was not home at the time. So, she stands up Cindy at the swimming pool, and is last seen at a street corner at about 8:30 p.m. Was this where she was supposed to meet the other person.
I wonder if Valerie while on her way to her meeting with her unidentified friend, decided to kill some time at LuAnn’s house. We need to know her story if any.
Also, what if anything she may have shared with her sisters and other school friends. The only one we hear from is Cindy, who provides the correct details on what happened at the swimming pool.
We need more details, that may be in the police reports. Quite often cold case investigators come across references to people, who were never interviewed or evidence that was never tested, or could be retested.
has anybody found him .. i’m his son
There is a Kevin Jenkins on facebook that would almost match that age now
I can’t believe the sheriff never pursued Arthur Scott Jr especially when some of her clothes were found on the street he lived on. I wonder if they ever searched his car or checked out if it was a two-toned Mercury. I’m guessing because he was the son of a businessman they didn’t go after him.
Interesting…
https://www.kniakrls.com/2020/07/02/fight-between-father-and-son-lands-bill-carter-in-the-hospital/
Wow, great family alright…
Some farming families are ruthless and very greedy. My in-laws are farmers and are great people, However, I’ve seen enough from their more distant relatives, neighboring farming families, landlords & tenants to know millions of dollars in farmland corrupts.
OMG was Junior ever fully investigated? and was about the sister? she stated that she told Jason he needed to call 911, but she called her father. she didn’t call 911 to report in right away either. The whole thing is strange. Shirley Carter will not rest in peace until the truth is found out.
I heard someone was arrested is this true?
Yes, they arrested a girl from Des Moines.
https://kwwl.com/2020/06/26/breaking-arrest-made-in-2018-death-of-kaiden-estling/
First, the cops don’t let anybody go on bond or bail. Judges do that. The cops do not decide who to prosecute. The county attorney does that. If some commenters think it is easy being a cop, then apply for a job doing it. Oh, wait, you can’t you say because you have a record? Any idiot can blame cops in a uniform and a marked police car. They are an easy target. Try spreading the blame to the “suits” that make decisions over which the cops have no control. That also means juries, and the people that try anything to get out of jury duty. Law enforcement is a reflection of the community they serve. If you want change, stop letting the media fail to print the names of judges in cases they hear, and vote no on them on being retained in office on your election ballot if you don’ like their decisions and sentencing habits. Too many of these people think they do not have a door on their chambers, but instead a stone that rolls away. The difference between too many of them and Jesus Christ is Christ does not walk down the street thinking he is a judge.
The Boy Scouts could have closed this one. Obviously the husband.
Agree but gotta prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Someone at least claiming to be him has a new youtube channel and has recently posted a bunch of new videos.
This is different than his old youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDCXkEcSAqJKmL_ayaZULEw
I clicked on one video and only watched it for a couple seconds. Disturbing doesn’t cover it. I flagged the channel but am wondering if I should have left it alone for investigating his case. It takes a bunch of reports to get a channel banned.
The Youtube channel has changed its name to “poxito chingon.”
Look at the middle boy in this photo from the facebook page of the guy named Mario Nimaja who lives in Denison. Is this a younger version of the boy that Jesse has in various photos on the internet? I’m not so good with faces, or aging between years.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1605330886351040&set=ecnf.100006224316886&type=3&theater
Mr. McIntyre, your claims have been fully investigated and completely debunked by law enforcement. Not a single thing you’ve said in the above statement or in any other statements you blanket on the true crime sites are in any way true. By making false claims (and ego boosting yourself to boot), you’re hurting the families and friends of the victims. Please stop.
I find M. McIntyre’s comments a mess. He throws out stuff about Keith DeWayne Nelson, who was convicted in the Pamela Butler case. Yes he is federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana. Also he is on a list of federal inmates to be executed.
But, Mr. McIntyre comments are a jumble of other incidents that may be connected to Mr. Nelson. But, he does not provide any facts, as Sgt. Joe Friday would say. His material is all over the place and not organized.
He could have shown proof that Mr. Nelson was in living, working, or visiting in these places, especially Mason City, Iowa. Mr. Nelson, might fit a profile if we had found Jodi murdered, and she was killed in the same way as Pamela Butler.
But, all he does he is throw Mr. Keith Nelson at the wall, expects him to stick as being involved in Jodi’s case. I would expect more from an alleged criminal profiler.
Hey mom, its me again. Been thinking of you a lot. Grandpa (on dads side) isn’t doing the best lately.. so been trying to think positive but it gets hard at times.
I am getting married in a few months :) youd absolutely love him. We are flying out to iowa next month to see everyone, its been about a year. So that will be really nice.
I love and miss you very much and I wish so much that you could be here to watch me walk down the isle and watch my family grow, but i know you’re watching over me ♡
This person is another “nimaja” from Denison…
https://www.facebook.com/mario.nimaj
It gets weirder. Check this out. He definitely seems somehow related to that Pedro Nimaja Pol who is the sex offender. https://soundcloud.com/giovanipedro-nimajapol
Please look at this LinkedIn Profile for Adexe Nau Giovanni Nimaja Pol located here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adexe-nau-giovanni-nimaja-pol-b18490126/?originalSubdomain=ar
It says: “soy niño mis padres me mantiene en ninguna y canté y bailarín” which I believe means “I’m a child; my parents don’t support me, and I sing and dance.”
I wonder if he got that name from the Spanish teen singers Adexe y Nau.
Even though the girls died at different ages in different years they were all basically the same age probably in the same class being born in either 56 or 57 which would probably put them in the class of 75. I would start by looking at boys in that same class or a year either way a year forward or back most likely a local who knew all three woman at least casually. Being that age myself I know that a lot of years have passed since then, I’d start by seeing who went down an obviously bent path and start there…
After retiring with 35 years behind a badge, I know there are only two reasons for murder. Love and hate. Love of money, hate for the person killed, or love of killing, using some person even random, as a hate object, or even hate of ones self, projecting it onto someone else. Folks like to say the killer is crazy, or sick. Sometimes, but rarely. Most are just evil. Lots of love or hate reasons.
First, ask, who stands to gain. Second, look at the evidence at the scene. What is there that does not fit, and what should be there that is missing.
Third, what is the nature of the big picture of the offense.
I recall when this Dyersville case happened. Knowing both DCI agents mentioned above,
It is fair to assume they were as thorough as was possible. There are lots of things not made public to protect the investigation.
What caliber bullet was found in the body. Was an empty ammo casing found at the scene. Was there a bullet missing from an otherwise full box in the house.
Was a gun normally in the house missing. We’re gunshot residue tests taken. Were
clothes of those present in the house seized. We’re there polygraph exams taken.
Did anyone in the house at the time contact an attorney in a short amount of time
after the murder.
Was there life insurance on the deceased. Was it recently changed, or purchased.
Who collected on the policy.
Did someone suspected fairly soon move or leave the area.
We do not know all of these things, but investigators may.
But knowing and proving are two different things.
Sometimes justice and the law are third cousins, at best.
I’m Michael David Rogers. Son of Melvin Gallagher. Sad to report,still no good leads.At this point, I have come to grips knowing I will leave this earth when the Lord calls me and will never know who killed my biological Father until I get to the Glory Land.Thank you so much for everyone who cared and still does, Much love. Michael David Rogers
Hi Michael, I hope and pray you get the answer you are looking for. You sound like an amazing person and I bet you father is with you every day. Much love to you!!
thank you so much means a lot!!!
Do you know who your half twin sisters are from your father’s fiancee Gloria?? Just curious if you would want to know that information?? I am so very sorry that this case has never been solved. It sounds like you have experienced a lot of heartbreak in your life. Prayers for you as you continue this journey.
I left a comment for you on Melvin Gallaghers’s page.
Do you know your half twin sisters from your father’s fiancee Gloria?? Just curious if you would want to know that information?? I am so very sorry that this case has never been solved. It sounds like you have experienced a lot of heartbreak in your life. Prayers for you as you continue this journey.
Have you ever contacted this Gloria or your half twin sisters to see if they had any info?
I have watched this case in the past and watched again tonight. I think that Jason Carter killed his mother. I watch cases all the time. I find that infidelity is a common denominator in a lot of cases like this. If his mother had learned of his affair and his knowing that his inheritance could be in jeopardy, I think he could definitely kill her before she told his father. But, a statement he made in passing was a key for me. He said that when his brother left home, his dad forced him to do all the chores his brother left behind even though he felt he was too young to carry the load. I think he resented that, and he felt he was entitled to the land and money he would inherit. He would have gone on cheating and living his life had his mother not gotten in his way. He wasn’t going to take the chance of his father finding out and taking him out of the will. I think he knew too much when he called 911. I don’t think the judge told the jury to find him innocent. I do think the police did a lousy job of investigating the crime. If they had done their job, the truth probably would have come out.
I think the father did it why would he try and commit suicide not once but twice come on now
I totaly agree. He was the last person to see her before the son found her.
Cindy, Ravin, Tracy, and whomever else is implying the father, he’d husband was the last to see/hear/talk to/know she was alive. You need to know 2 things about the father/husband/Bill Sr. When he left the house after getting coffee with her, he inadvertently pulled out in front of his neighbor at 7:41AM. (Neighbor testified to being looking at the time on his car click, and further more, he continues to drive behind Bill Sr. to the gravel and then highway, North and East (where Bill Sr. picks up his semi, at a farm in Pleasantville, approx. 15 miles from home).
So give or take we are now at about 7:55-8:00AM.
Bill checked his semi tires as always is his practice with a hammer. (To some, this may sound different, but if you’re old school, or even taught by an old schooler on semi grain hauling, this is common. You hit each of the “18 wheels” with a hammer to see they are solid, check lights and note any fluid leaks, safety for transport. Basically it is a quick walk around. He says his semi is loaded from the day before with corn, ready to go to Cargill, about 50-60 minutes away to deliver grain. He states he waited a few moments for the diesel to run, not a long time, because it is was a sunny day, warm, 6/19/15. He then pulls out, and heads to Cargill with his own set goal of 9:00 AM arrival. The camera at Cargill shows him pulling in the gates at 9:01AM.
Meanwhile, Shirley (wife, mom) has filled out a voting ballot for the Iowa Corn Board voting for Donny Hunerdose. Why? Because they’d seen Donny at Casey’s when they got coffee, prior to Bill Sr. taking Shirley back home. Donny tells them he hopes he doesn’t mind that he sent them a ballot and would appreciate their vote. They tell him no problem, and Shirley tells Donny she will fill it out right when she gets home.
Then, she apparently notices there’s a number to call the vote in. She removes the stamp from the already filled out envelope (the stamp is on the desk, the ballot and envelope are found in the kitchen trash by her daughter and turned over to DCi/Sherriff’s.).
KEY **Between 8:44AM, and 8:47AM, Shirley makes FIVE calls to two phone numbers from their HOME phone and submits their vote on the phone (records and testimony in criminal trial by the Corn Board Rep of the received vote and copy of the Corn board’s records. Also, the Home phone company records 5 dialed calls to the 2 numbers for that time period. Short calls. She was alive. Bill Sr. Was about 50 minutes away from the home. So he did NOT leave her shot with two high powered rifle shots through her lungs and heart. He did not kill her. I hope this clears some things up. I understand it is difficult to make sense if the timeline if you’re not looking through everything very thoroughly and if you don’t listen to testimony that is crucial, yet was not spelled out and summarized by the prosecutor..unfortunately. I am their niece. My cousin is Jason. If you want clarification like this and it is not sealed, I am willing to offer any answers I can.
Murder for hire by Bill Sr
Still afraid of Bill, Linnette? Or is the inheritance you think is coming your way giving you the courage to persevere?
Dearest F,
Inheritance. That’s a terrible thing to say. I’ve never in my life thought I would inherit anything from anyone. This remains true today. Afraid of anyone? Not at all, but thank you for your concern.
Also, Dearest F. You are so inclined to accuse me of the greed others have, why do you not state your comment with your name? You said my name without issue. Please show the same courage. Thanks.
Some pretty despicable people on this thread, huh? Wow!
Thank you…this is the most cohesive explanation of time that I have read about this case. I agree that the prosecutor did not cover these details adequately. I think this case should have been solved with a more comprehensive and professional investigation. I appreciate this explanation.
Thank you for this insightful response.
Retha,
I completely understand. I can only wish I didn’t learn some things about the marriages in my family history on my parents’ families). It’s not all bad, but the things you learn as an adult are very different than what you think as a child. I could have lived without it. Also, it only causes pain to expose those things. It does not seem to help anyone. It’s sad. In many instances, I have learned things about our history I probably could have lived without knowing. 🫶 Be well
Hi Jody,
Do you think Kevin Petersen is possibly connected to the house fires in 2017? The Loose family house burned Christmas day killing four people. Four days earlier, a relatives house burned killing four people. Both fires are listed as cause undetermined.
Maybe he set these fires in an attempt to silence anyone bringing attention to the Kim Loose case. Maybe it was an attempt to destroy the records and transcripts obtained by Julie Loose. The case had been receiving an increase in media attention in the few years prior to the fires.
I think I might know about the last two murders in 2019….. Information was brought my way and I’m scared really to pass it on
Just FYI, I went to Harrison School in Council Bluffs in K through 2nd grade with Steve Lybarger (we were in the class of 1970). We were friends in 1st grade but not as much after that. I moved to another school for 3rd grade and later. I was surprised when I heard about the charges against him back then.
Jen, I agree with your comments about a long haul trucker possibly being a suspect. The FBI has has a database of these guys for a number of years. However, it makes. There is no mention of when she died. Also, it appears he may have kept her under her under wraps for at least almost 8 days.
Also, we don’t know how she got to the concert or was getting home. So. I assume she went there alone, and that no one else she knew went to the concert.
wait how was the bodys condition
Given the long distance, a long-haul truck driver could be the culprit. They should look at Clark Perry Baldwin, given the location.
Now that CeCe Moore has been able to solve multiple cases through dna from crime scenes, we have new methods and connections beyond codis. If the FBI lost tge dna, they can still submit the blanket she was wrapped in to get dna from the killer. Contact Ce Ce Moore. The dna can be pulled from the blanket and then uploaded to Gedmatch to identify the killer’s relatives and narrow it down to the one.
Jen, thanks for the information you provided. I rebooked at those childhood images and afree with Moon’s comment, that they are disturbing. It makes me wonder, if he was being abused.
The videos all over the internet with this young man’s name attached are extremely disturbing.There is another man of the same last name in Texas whose resemblance is too striking for this to not be a relative, possibly father or older brother, and this man was arrested for uploading child porn to the internet. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/san-antonio/news/2018/06/12/man-accused-of-uploading-child-porn-to-instagram
Unfortunately, I am afraid that there may be some very sad history associated with this young missing man.
I am also curious why Ben Steffe – Sioux City – is not a cold case?
I think this case needs to be reopened. There are other women in the area who were being stalked by Davis at the time of this abduction.
I think if Jason was found not guilty I believe his father needs to be looked at. Because i watched the case and believe hes the one that killed her and pointed the finger at his son.
Me to
Wow I remember that. And sadly to say , I know one of the guys that were mentioned who owed John money I’m not at all positive , but he , himself couldn’t shoot anyone , but I’m sure he knows exactly who did.
I kinda knew John , thought he was a descent man. Definitely didn’t deserve getting killed.
For John’s n Pam’s daughter , you are a very strong young lady n I’m sure ur daddy is very proud of you.
So sorry yours was taken away from you at a young age. Mine was too , I had just turned 14 the day before mine was taken away.
I just watched the Guilty or Innocent and have 2 questions. Who and what is the Joe person mentioned by the reporting person as admitting he did it? Why would he be going to the Carter home for drugs, wouldn’t anyone who knew them know that Shirley would more than likely be at home in the morning and or Bill?
I read the comments on this case. I noticed that several of them mention the name of an individual, who they hear or suspect was involved in his death. What, I don’t see is any mention of a reason for this Ivan character to kill him.
We normally expect there to be a reason. We have Jared, hanging with his girlfriend and leaving for whatever reason. He then is found dead on a interstate highway. So, this Ivan is a bad guy, but what is his connection to Jared.
Also, I would drop a dime with the feds, if they had information that he is selling. Let them run and see what they come up with. They have investigative task forces like the U.S. Marshal’s Fugutive Strike Teams. They combine federal agents from various agencies, local law enforcement.
I think I went to school with Steve Lybarger he would have graduated 70-71 maybe not from AL
Was Kim’s body checked for signs of rape? From what I have read it sounds like it wasn’t. If not, Could an exhumed body still have evidence such as semen, vaginal bruising, etc.? She had injuries inconsistent with falling out of a car, but she was a young pretty girl that had been alone with three, maybe four young guys, alcohol was involved and she had been to the home of the brothers who lived near the driver of the Camaro. She had bruising on both knees. If rape had been committed while on her knees her head and neck could have been jerked and pulled harshly, and her chest wounds could have been from being held down (while on her back potentially) with too much force such as one or two guys holding her down or her chest could have been repeatedly thrust against something (while on her knees). It sounds like the deceased brother knew what happened, he was there after all, and was highly upset about it which is likely the reason he was killed. I’m so sorry about this for the family. RIP Kim.
I doubt after 34 years even with excellent embalming there would be any viable evidence then again I hope there would be. shame what happened to this girl.
R Michelle, thank you for this question. The answer is as strange as this whole case. The autopsy report makes no reference to rape or sexual assault. Nothing. It doesn’t even state whether or not she was examined for signs of either incident. This is highly unusual.
We have on the ICC site a case of a 6-year-old who allegedly died from burns suffered in a house fire, and her autopsy report does make mention that she was examined and that there were no signs of sexual assault or abuse. Yes, the subject is covered for a 6-year-old. I have autopsy reports for some elderly women (in 80s), who were beaten to death, and sexual assault is addressed in those autopsies, too.
I don’t have autopsy reports on all of ICC’s female victims, but in the cases where a victim’s family member sent me a copy, sexual assault and/or rape is always addressed in the medical examiner’s report. Yet, here we have the case of a 16-year-old who died under extremely suspicious circumstances, but no mention of whether the M.E. even checked? The possible scenarios you posed are not without merit, but I wonder if any of us will ever know the full truth about what happened that night. Sometimes, what’s “not” in a report speaks volumes.
But 2 of the men present that night are still alive!
Thank you for the reply Jody. I believe she was raped in the case it wasn’t addressed and it would appear the M.E. was paid off or somehow involved closely with those committing the crime. They need to pull the body out and re-check it and question those 2 boys still alive. Unbelievable! This is just so disturbing!
Mr. Brown, I was reading up on Ted Bundy, last night. It appears most of his victims were in major cities. He fled east and was Ann Arbor, Michigan. He stole a car there and drove to Atlanta. Georgia. In Atlanta, he took a bus to Florida. He grabbed a 12 year old, and killed her.
He entered a Florida State Iniversity dorm and atrackedcseveral victims there. I did not see material that he spent any time in Iowa. I was looking at some cases to see if there was any other cases around the country involving a red on color Volkwagen. There were five girls who were abducted in Jacksonville. Florida over a three month period, in 1974. In one case there was a reference to Ted Bundy and a Volkswagen, however his was either tan or brown.
I also came across a case out of Springfield, Missouri. A young girl disappeared and may have been seen by a blue in color Chevrolet. I seem to remember another case involving that color vehicle.
Maybe the new comments by Amanda., can provide some details that she may know.
Bundy wasn’t anywhere near Iowa.
He must have worked for cash all the while or his social security number activity would have alerted authorities.
Mr. Elledge, hopefully with the recent cold case arrests, this might the DCI to rebook at this case. If the cases are connected as it would seem and it involves two different jurisdictions, then it would seem that the DCI should take the lead on this case. It should be somewhat easy for them to put together.
It has been my idea that the Attorney Generals of our 50 states should create a Statewide Cold Case Unit. These units would have the staff, to tell at these cases especially in those jurisdictions which don’t have the staff and resources to investigate.
I’m a genealogy nut working on Iowa family links when I came across Patricia’s “Find-A-Grave” posting and a link to the case. Wonder if with all the advances in DNA profilling, whether the police have any viable crime scene DNA that could be tested. The “GenMatch.org” site in Canada can and has been used in a number of cold cases over the last few years to solve cases that have gone cold for many years. Either of Gene’s sons could have their DNA tested so that it could be used to screen out Gene’s DNA from the crime samples. That might identify a DNA of a possible suspect.
I’ve used the sight to validate whether a possible ancester is or is not a long lost relative.
I was wondering the same as well, I have been looking into all the DNA stuff and the genmatch and how they have solved some cold cases. Being this is family, I would love to see it solved! I have my beliefs and am curious to know how right I am?
I shared her case with Kendall Rae, a youtuber that spreads awareness off cases.
It would seem Curtis Padgett has been significantly slandered here…very one-sided. Surly Padgett was thoroughly investigated. Why a section was titled Bullied becomes the Bully is ridiculous…the article is about one student’s recollection of a bullied student easily angered or agitated…that doesn’t equate to being a bully. Shame on this website for including that information is such a way.
I mean. The man was just charged with murder so…
Trucker Clark Perry Baldwin of Waterloo, IA who was recently arrested for 4 more unsolved homicides is being investigated for this one as well as Tammy Zywicki’s. Very interesting.
https://www.dailypress.com/news/crime/dp-nw-trucker-iowa-charged-slayings-gloucester-woman-20200507-2njxl2ed4nehpiz7mj5sa3s5k4-story.html
Do a side by side comparison of the composite sketch from 1991 to a picture of Clark Perry Baldwin today. It’s literally a dead ringer.
Matt, yes, the original composite sketch is literally a dead ringer to Clark Perry Baldwin. By the way, I’d noticed that under the Cedar Rapids Gazette clipping, I’d inadvertently written the year 1991 when it should have been 1992. I’ve corrected the date, and also added the flyer that officials mailed out to over 1,500 news bulletins shortly after the crime. Thanks for your input!
Clark Perry Baldwin just arrested for 1991 and 1992 murders in Wyoming and Tennessee. A long-haul trucker from Iowa. Any chance he’s the man?
https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/authorities-arrest-waterloo-man-in-connection-to-wyoming-cold-case-murders/article_3a0049bc-677e-54bf-b7a3-a07b1248a400.html
I think there is a possibility! The timing is right and everything. The only issue I saw with it was the manner of death between Tammy and the women Dennis killed.
Illinois police have since stated that he isn’t a suspect in the Tammy Zywicki case. Considering how many details are similar to other cases that Clark Perry Baldwin is a suspect in you would think they wouldn’t dismiss the idea so easy. They must have some evidence that clearly points to someone else.
Please support the Reinstatement of Adam Lack’s “RUSLE3” in 2020, Adam’s work was his gift to the US in 2008, before he was Lynched, in Mitchell County, IA. You could give Adam a 45th year Birthday gift by voting very BLUE in 2020. Obama era USDA-NRCS and EPA and Secretary of AG – DC employees had installed Adam’s Revised Universal Soil Loss Equations that limited contamination of US Source Waters and Soils with AG fertilizers (Big Oil’s -KOCH’s) and (the 597 Chemical Corps in Trump’s Combined BAYER, CHEMCHINA, CORTIVA AGRISCIENCE, & LIMAGRAIN/VILMORIN-MIKADO) Chemical Conglomerates’ products.
Quid Pro Quo
Trump’s Republican Administration REDACTED access to the EPA and NRCS Data utilized by Adam’s “RUSLE3” in February of 2017, when Trump started removing “SCIENCE” from our federal government agencies. This covered-up/hid Big Oil and AG Chemical Conglomerates products’ test results of their contamination of US Water and Soils. The hidden test data included Anhydrous Ammonia and Inorganic Arsenic Herbicides and Pesticide and Insecticide DATA, now these tests are at higher levels in US Tap Water in 2020. It may be to late for some American’s/Iowan’s health as some of these long-lasting, inorganic, non-biological chemicals are building up and testing over the MCL’s for these nitrite chemicals in more of US Source Waters/well’s water and even Des Moines, Urbandale, and Waukee’s Iowa’s Tap Water as even the best Water Plants are not as able to safely treat or filter these NITRITES from our drinking water.
Have you contacted Great Plains Action Society?
This makes me so sick to my stomach. I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and I never have heard this story until today when I found this website. I’m so sorry for your losses. This should be national news and also made into a movie.
I know I was probably only 4 and I don’t remember you but I grew up knowing your story grandma I love you and they got him! I hope you can lay peacefully now much love
U should feel sorry for his family to have to go through this.
Kayla no she shouldn’t, if proven guilty your husband killed a 73 year old women. He deserves to rot in a cage for the rest of his life. He is also a registered sex offender so maybe they can go after you next for child endangerment for allowing a sex offender in the home with your children. Your comment disgust me.
John one my children don’t live with me. And yes she should because they are not the only ones hurting. He has a family and a child of his own that may never see his dad again.
so we are not going to talk about the fact he is a registered sex offender because he sent an inappropriate picture to his wife’s underage sister. He admitted that to me himself before anyone knew that he had murdered this woman.
The Oxygen Network is looking at Jodi case on an episode of Up & Vanished. So, hopefully it will generate some new leads. We all the new forensic tools, and cold case units that more cases would be solved.
In my personal opinion the State of Iowa should establish a Cold Case Unit. It could be staffed by active and retired investigators, under the State Attorney General. My thoughts behind it are based on testing novels by J.A. Janice. One of her characters re tut fires from Seattle homicide and gets a job with the State of Washington Attorney General’s Special Homicide Investigative Team. Everyone can figure the shortened version of the name is.
But, the idea of having state wide jurisdiction gives them a lot of clout is we say here in Chicago. The feds have used joint task forces for a number of years. A prime example are the Federal Fugutive Task Forces that the U.S. Marshal’s in regions around the country
The mix of people bring all kinds of knowledge, experience, etc to these groups. Also, it would take a burden off the locals, especially ones, where the local agency has some ghosts in their closet that might not want exposed. This is where I would like the federal agents to step in. But, the FBI has been busy investigating some disinformation they got from Val’s old friends in the KGB, or whatever name they use.
Looks like an arrest was made in this case:
https://dps.iowa.gov/man-arrested-and-charged-murder-lee-county-cold-case
Hi Patrick, (previous commenter) thanks for the reply and the background information. Yes, I believe the daughter as well. Her comment sounded very credible, and your added information further backs that up. I looked her up on Facebook shortly after she left that comment, but it looked like she hadn’t been active in a few years and I was hesitant to reach out regardless.
I really want more information on this guy. Too bad Jody isn’t responding either. At least we have more information than before.
The question I would like to ask the daughter is this. What tie might Barnes have had to the Davis family. I know he was living in Chicago, but was apparently in Sioux City the week of the crime. Where would he have stayed. According to the 1955 Directory, there was another Barnes who lived about 5 blocks from the crime scene. Even if he was staying there, he would’ve had to have had a connection to the Davis family. The timeline on the crime is just too short (less than 10 minutes). He would’ve had to have known what time she was put to bed, and had to almost be already by the window at that time. I’m not yet ready to name Barnes as the killer, but coming back to Sioux City and living in the same exact home? It sounds like the criminal returning to the scene of the crime.
Well she wrote in her comment that her father was visiting his brother and driving his brother’s car during the time he was in town. Apparently his brother was away serving in the military. And as far as how he knew what room Donna Sue would be in? I would not doubt that he was a Peeping Tom, and was well aware she had a crib in that room.
I know the Barnes 5 blocks from the scene was not a brother. I have read the obit for Charles. Thought he might have been staying there, and borrowed the car of the brother who was away in the Navy. I don’t think this guy was a Peeping Tom. Those kind of people rarely act out. Not sure how much research you have done, but you most certainly have interest. Let me know if you would like to discuss in depth some time. My interest in the case came as a result of growing up about 4 blocks away, and my mom bringing it up from time to time. I have many different theories. A classic “who dun it”, and I would love to see the case solved.
I agree with the comments in the last couple of days. We have been dealing with the comments from Mr. Barnes daughter about his involvement in the kidnapping and murder if the baby. He is from Sioux City, and was visiting family when the baby was taken. He supposedly was using a car belonging to his brother in the Navy. However, we have no information on his brothers car. We also don’t have any registration information on the vehicle mentioned in the known details.
So, all we have to go on is the information provided by his daughter. However, there are some situations where the offender, will return to the scene, or visit the place where the victim is buried. Some of them have even kept an article of clothing from the victim, to keep the memory of the crime.
Many years ago, I was involved in the use of video surveillance for law enforcement. The scenario was to video tape a fictional burial of the victim, with the chance that the offender would show up. We actually travelled to a Catholic Cemetery in the Westrrn suburbs of Chicago. The area for are mock burial was where members if the Capone family were buried. The other interesting part, was that several of his competitors are also buried in the same cemetery.
So, we have more unanswered questions. But, purchasing the home points is suspicious enough to warrant more research to fill in the blanks. But how do we or investigators determine that the car that supposedly belonged to his brother matches the description of the possible vehicle used. Also, why target this baby. He comes home to visit, and supposedly decides to kidnap some baby. How does he know the baby even exists and where she was sleeping. Also, what do we know about his time in Chicago. Where did they live, work, or even why he or the family move from Sioux City. He could have connections to some unsolved cases in the Chicago area.
Barnes was a foreman with the Schwann Bike company in Chicago. If Barnes was in fact questioned by the FBI, and was given a polygraph 3 times as his daughter has stated, then he surely had some connection to the Davis family. The question remains, what was the connection? Something lead them to question him in Chicago. The one thing that completely puzzles me right now is that Jody Ewing has not entered this conversation. This is her Web Site, and she has spent many hours pursuing answers. I personally don’t think Jody believes it was Barnes who did the crime, although she believes she knows who did. My only question for Jody Ewing right now would be to ask if she has interviewed Barne’s daughter.
Ok, you have obviously done significant research on this case. I too am wondering why Jody isn’t involved anymore. I think it’s Barnes. I read his obituary too. It’s the only information I could find on him. Granted, I only think it’s him based on his daughter’s comment and his link to Sioux City.
I think he can be a Peeping Tom AND a pedophile. Maybe he saw the child out with the family and followed them home, then waited to find out where Donna Sue slept? He doesn’t have to have a prior link to the family.
Of course it could be someone else. I too would like to have a conversation with the daughter.
Tenley ….. I hope you continue your interest in this case, and continue to pursue answers. I don’t want to speak for Jody, but I believe her involvement waned once she figured she had it solved. I will continue to investigate until I have an answer that I am comfortable with. Might be next week, next year, or maybe never. In my mind, the case is still unsolved, so I’ll keep digging. Best of luck to you!🍀
Patrick, I really enjoyed speaking with you today on the phone! After our conversation, I’m sure you’ll agree that my interest in the Donna Sue Davis case has never waned. Quite the opposite, in fact. :-)
And I apologize for not actively participating in this conversation over the past several days; things are moving quickly on some other cases and I’ve needed to stay focused.
Barnes was a close relative and was a very sick man. His obit leaves out a long history of him.
AC, please continue with your comment that Barnes was a very sick man. I’m very interested in learning more. Thank you.
I am his granddaughter.
I’d be happy to connect off this forum. I lived with him until his death. I would do anything to help solve this if it was Charles. Also keep in mind, there have been three generations of Charles Barnes that have passed. My grandfather died in 1994.
Apologies, four generations. I forget one that passed before my birth.
AAC, thanks for replying. So what are your thoughts on him perpetrating this crime? The rest of your family? What did/do they think?
Pat is the only one who will speak up on any of the abuse he caused. I think there is great potential he did this. My understanding is he was connected to the house. Idk if he owned it with Jerry or exactly how the two had access. If I remember correctly he lived at this time on the other side of town in Morningside. So there is no connection between him living on w. 6th st. That did not happen until they purchased it in the 80s. No one in the family wants to lay a finger on being involved in something like this. I’m sure there is no surviving DNA after all these years but I wish there was.
I never understood why Charles moved the family so much. Again, I don’t know a ton of history, but I know they bounced around in Sioux City, Chicago, and California all the time. It never made sense. He took in all of the kids from his wife’s sister as fosters. There were too many children to logically uproot them all of the time. Pat is your best lead, she may get worked up, but she’s the only one with guts to say anything of the atrocities of this family. I don’t think Charles would have done anything alone, I think Jerry would have been involved too, but that is just my opinion.
aac, Sorry that I’m just now seeing your reply. Ok…so Barnes is your Grandfather. Wow that’s interesting. Yes, it’s my belief that he did it.
I would like to get my hands on the police files. Thanks so much for always being so responsive here.
it is sad short story .may the eldly one rest in peace without any worries of overcharge of sth else
I was just watching Dr.Oz and seen a story about a beautiful young girl in Ohio Siera that was murderd in 2016 they found the serial killer to me he looks as if he could fit the description of the guy on the tracks with these two little girls that one of the girls filmed. Please take a look at this Doctoroz.crimeHunters. It’s better to say something than nothing at all. Prayers for these families.
The article title says David Leon Redowl Sr, which is correct. The last paragraph says David Leon Redowl Jr. It looks like his son David Leon Redowl Jr was born on May 17, 1994 and died on November 21, 2015. He he had his own son as well who is David Red Owl III.
I HEARD THAT MY UNCLE MAY HAVE BEEN A SUSPECT IN KENNY JOE JOHNSON CASE. IT WOULD NOT SURPRISE ME.
Hey Keith, would you be able to give anymore details? I am interested in this case. Thanks.
HI JOY. MY NUMBER IS 563-451-4806. IF I DONT ANSWER PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE. THANK YOU
I was rereading all the comments posted here especially the one from Jodyin 2016. I have been reading more this child & human trafficking recently. This includes material posted on a blog on NCMEC website. Also, some articles on recent arrests by the FBI of a individual from Indiana.
He was running a non-profit organization for Orphansbin Ukraine. The Dept of Homeland Security, and ICE assisted. They searched him upon his return f rut pm Ukraine and found computer devices with child pornography on them. He also sent a note to his son, that was intercepted, telling him to check above the ceiling of the laundry room, for another computer drive that had more images on them.
The newest thing is Sexploiation. In which young kids are threatened to keep posting sexually explicit images or videos or else. One teenage male victim committed suicide. Another offenders threat forced police in Plainfield, Indiana to shut down schools and stores there.
So, it’s still a problem, and it’s getting worse. So, we need to protect children, by being aware of what they are doing online. More information is available from the FBI and NCEMC. Make sure your local schools are alert of this. At my local Catholic church a FBI Special Agent, and three investigators from the Chicago Police Dept., DC did a program for the students, and then a program for parents. The attendance was small, and I was the only man, with t hff e exception of the church pastor. I don’t have kids.
I am a former detective with the federal government, and try to keep up with what is going on in law enforcement, forensics. One of my duties, was giving crime prevention talks at a VA Hospital. So, I am big on reading and researching. It’s also important, because I have some beautiful great grandkids, that I want to protect. So be on alert and aware.
With all the info the was verified on the Johnny Gosch case, it is hard to believe that more info on Eugene’s case is not made available. Sam Soda actually told Noreen Gosch in June 1984 that another paperboy was going to turn up missing in the 2nd week of August 1984. This was relayed to local and federal authorities who did nothing at all. This info was verified by so many people and documented by the same. After Eugene went missing, it is clear that this was an organized kidnapping that was planned for months. This is no conspiracy theory, just do the research for yourselves and make your own conclusion. I hope they find this poor boy and give some closure to his family.
in regards to the last comment on this case. It could be a number of reasons why they have not done anything. We talk about forensics, however how we preserve evidence compared to the early 1950’s, could be a factor. Is there any useable material for DNA testing, maybe not.
We have the statement from Mr. Barnes daughter, which too me sounds very good, and makes think he most likely did it. However, investigators need to check and see if they can match what she said with the known details. This means checking records to verify that he was from Sioux City. So is their records to back up her claims. Is their DMV records to show that the vehicle he was supposedly registered to a family member. I don’t what the requirements are in regards to records in Ioea. Is there property records that show him buying the building.
So all this has to be put together and then presented to a prosecutor. He or she has to review them and decide yes this meet the standards that they would require to prosecute the case in court if the kidnapping took place recently and not over 60 some years ago.
In regards to records, the federal government has records that are stored in the National Archives. They have regional document centers.
I have verified through Sioux City directories from the early ‘60’s that Charles Barnes did in fact reside at the 715 Isabella address. This seems very suspect to me, and gives credibility to his daughters story. I have researched this horrific case for years, but have no concrete evidence. I would love to sit down and talk with his daughter. Also, I have reached out to Jody Ewing several times via email, but have yet to received a reply. I still believe someone out there knows for certain who did this.
Patrick, I would to hear her story also. The problem is that law enforcement and definitely a prosecutor should be doing the interview. However, it appears that a number of law enforcement agencies don’t to spend the time or money to deal a case this old. Some of them may have replaced or lost the original case file, and may not even have the evidence.
In Chicago, there is the case of the Grimes sisters who disappeared after leaving a Southside movie theater in the 1950,’s. A number if years ago, a retired investigator held a talk in a park near where they lived. A woman came forward that was with them the night they disappeared. She never said anything to anyone about it. Her mother would have killed her. So he referred her to Chicago Police Cold Case detectives. We heard nothing since.
However, we had a wealthy older woman, connected to the Brach Candy company. She disappeared after visiting the Mayo Clinic. A number of years later an informant for an ATF agent called him and gave him a tip that lead to an arrest in the disappearance and murder of three boys The Peterson and Schuesller. That led to an arrest and conviction over 40 years later.
In McLennan County, Texas, they established a Cold Caae Unit, they recently announced that a deceased man, was responsible fir6the kidnapping and murder of a teenager walking home from a party. The victim’s mother came up with motto “Answering the Unanswered Questions”. Some agencies have used the new forensic tools and investigative resources to finally close they cold cases.
Here in Chicago they have not spent the resources to determine who killed a number of women of color, who were found deceased. Most of the victims appear to have been working the street to support a drug habit. They were waiting on DNA to identify a suspect. But, there are other things they could be doing.
The FBI has a program called VICAP. It’s a computerized program to analyze unsolved violent crimes. However, its optional to agencies to enter their cases. It will look at certain information and see that an unsolved violent crime committed in Las Vegas, might be connected to a similar violent crime in Miami, Florida. However, I have heard it’s a very hard program to use especially entering data.
In Canada, the RCMP has a similar program. However, every law enforcement agency is required to enter their cases. So, there is a lot of issues in solving some of these cold cases. Many of them financial and others are political. We have the example of media reporting on missing people, especially for white people, but less attention to persons of color. I don’t understand that at all. Yet, the major media will rant about racism, and ignore this serious issue of their racism, and alerting their viewers.
Patrick,
You stated in your message above that you had “researched this horrific case for years,” and alleged you’d “reached out to [me] several times via email” but had yet to receive a reply. I don’t know where you sent these alleged emails about Donna Sue Davis, but I can say with 100% certainty you did not send them to me.
I have kept every single email I’ve sent or received concerning any Iowa cold case since 2004, and, aside from the recent comments you’ve publicly made here on Donna Sue’s case summary page (and one public comment left on this page on Feb. 25, 2015), you have never contacted me personally about her case. Your last email to me was dated Jan. 13, 2020, and concerned the death of a young woman found murdered in Downers Grove, Illinois, in the 1970s. Prior to that, you’d sent an email Jan. 6, 2020, re the death of the man who raped and strangled 11-year-old Julie Fuller in Fort Worth, TX. No references were made to Donna Sue in either of those emails.
If you have copies of the emails you say you sent to me (I’m assuming you save yours, too), I would ask that you please resend to me because, for whatever reason, I did not receive them.
As far as you having researched this case for years, may I ask: Have you spoken with Capt. Lisa Claeys at the Sioux City Police Dept.? Or the chief of police, Rex Mueller? Have you spoken with former police chief Joe Frisbie? Any of the other past/present investigators with the SCPD’s investigative division? Anyone who has done so would know why they can’t just release the name of the (now deceased) primary suspect (nor can I). It would be entirely different if they were able to clear/close the case by exceptional means. Were that to happen, the SCPD would then be able to publicly identify the perpetrator.
I’m aware of your experience working as a detective for the Veteran’s Administration where you investigated incidents of patients’ missing personal property or government property (and sometimes when a patient would leave the facility and be reported as missing), and you’ve also told readers multiple times (through comments on other victims’ pages) that you served with the Coast Guard Reserve during Desert Shield/Storm in the Persian Gulf and on a US Navy attack submarine during the Cold War and Vietnam era, and for that, I sincerely thank you for your service. I also think you would have made a helluva good homicide detective had you chosen that route.
There will always be more questions than answers in any murder case (solved or unsolved), but right now, I’m hoping you can find those emails you said you sent and forward them to me with the header info intact that would verify the times and dates sent. You do have my correct email address b/c I did receive those two from January (on the out-of-state cases) and had responded Jan. 12. All best, Jody @ ICC
Hi Jody …. There is no intent on my part to get off on the wrong foot here. I think you have me confused with someone else for some of the post. The only emails I have ever sent to you were concerning the Davis case. There were no others. Perhaps you have me mixed up with Mr. Kerrigan, whose first name is also Patrick. I did not serve in the Coast Guard, but rather the Marine Corps back in the early ‘70’s. I did send 2 or 3 emails regarding the Davis case, and if I can find them I will resend. If I remember correctly, I was only asking if I could sit down with you some time to discuss the case. I tried recently to get in touch with Lisa, but she is out on an extended leave. She was the only officer I wanted to speak with as I knew she had followed the case so closely. I apologize if there was a misunderstanding, and I would look forward to meeting you if you would choose to do so. I live in Dakota Dunes, SD, so not that far away from you. I realize at the present time, no one really wants to meet anyone due to the virus. I for one really appreciate what you do, as well as your website. My most sincere regards …. Patrick Enright
Yes, I did indeed mix up the comments between you and the other Patrick. The career and military background I provided was for Patrick Kerrigan. At any rate, there are no hard feelings whatsoever and I fully support and encourage the ongoing conversation here! Many thanks to all of you!
I have not sent a bunch of emails on this case. I have been commenting on what the other Patrick and others have made in regards to this case. My comments are more in line if suggesting possible reasons why they may not be able to act on the information provided by Mr. Barnes daughter.
I would be interested in the time frame that Mr. Barnes and family lived in Chicago. Also, where they lived. We had a couple of cases of young boys, the Peterson and Schuesler that were found murdered in a Cook County Forest Preserve. Over 40 years later an arrest was made, and the alleged offender was convicted. However, we also the Grimes sisters from December 28, 1956, who disappeared after seeing a Elvis movie. They were found dead, in a ditch along a road in suburban DuPage County.
I would think that investigators would love to be able to close this case. However, can they independently verify the information provided by Mr. Barnes daughter. This is important, when they decide to provide it to a prosecutor. Are their any DMV records stored somewhere that would show that his brother had a car, that matches the vehicle described.
Also for the other Patrick. I also served in the U.S. Navy, Navy Reserve, Army Reserve, prior to the Coast Guard Reserve. I want thank him for his service in the U.S.M.C.
I think it’s all good now Patrick. Jody just got confused seeing 2 Patrick’s posting, and thinking it was one, and we both got lumped together. No big deal. Thank you for your service as well.👍
That’s the problem, we look alike and use the 1st name. Also, some commentors sort of seem to think that it is Jody’s job is to take some of are comments, assumptions on these cases and go to the investigative agency and pass along what we think is the bad guy or gal.
One of the things about Mr. Barnes, that threw me for a loop, was a genealogy website indicated that he had two brothers, both now deceased. Well, I found an obituary for his mother in the Sioux City newspaper. It mentions she was survived by five sons and one daughter. The two known brothers Jerry and Darrell Barnes, were born in 1941 and 1943 respectively making them too young to have been in the Navy, when Donna was abducted and murdered.
What, I would like to know is where he lived in Chicago. However, he was back in Sioux City, by the time his mother died in February 1983. I was looking at a couple of other unsolved disappearances and murders in Chicago, in the 1950’s and 1960’s. I found that the Schwinn Factory was located on the 1700 block of North Kildare. This is on the near northwest side of the city. Also, when did they move to Chicago.
The other question is what supposedly led to him to start molesting children. I don’t know if it is learned behavior.
I’m not a psychiatrist, but as far as everything I’ve read over time, pedophiles just are what they are. Some of the other questions regarding Barnes could most likely be answered by his daughter. You should be able to access Chicago directories through the Chicago library system. I believe the family moved back to Sioux City around 1962.
Patrick, the libraries are closed down. I am used to digging through various databases in my south suburban community. They have some interesting databases to play with. My only problem is they got rid of some I used. But, they had no way to track if they were being used, or advertising that they had these various databases. I stumbled upon a link to a Chicago Genealogy Group, from there was a link to various stories on the Chicago Mob, during Capone’s time. One article was about a coroner’s panel investigating the Valentines Day Massacre. It went to show that a couple of wealthy businessmen spent money to bring in a Dr. Goddard, to review the crime scene. He determined that two Thompson machines guns, one with a straight 20 round magazine and a 50 round drum magazine were used. This Dr. Goddard is sort of considered the Father of Ballistics. He established a crime lab and conducted training in Chicago. One of his attendees came from the FBI and he pushed J Edgar Hoover to establish their crime lab.
Hello, I am not sure if any of you still frequent this website, but I have recently been researching this case using the information from this forum/website. After scouring old newspapers, directories, etc. I do have a handful of people, but nowhere near enough information. Concerning Mr. Barnes: He indeed did live at the residence in the early 60’s. He was not however, the owner. I went through the old deed records of the property, and the Davis family purchased the duplex in 1951. After the 1955 incident, newspapers show the were attempting to sell immediately, but were not able to close until 1961, which it was then sold to Mr. Davenport (real estate mogul from the area) who I am assuming rented to Mr. Barnes. So, immediately after the Davis family sold the property, Mr. Barnes moves in. There is an add attempting to sell a Pontiac 2 door Sedan, with this address listed as the location, during the time he was living there. There is more I have but I want to see who is still out there researching.
I am still reading here! If you are still around, please comment your information, I am interested!
The evidence so far is circumstantial. However, we would need more physical evidence. Prosecutors today have to deal with the CSI affect. So jurors would be looking for DNA, and fingerprints, etc, at least.
I think that he moved into the residence where the victim lived kind of shows an extreme example of returning to the scene of the crime. Plus if there are DMV records showing that his brother had a car that matched the description of the vehicle used, and if the license plates matched.
Plus the family is from the area. I don’t know if any photographs were taken of the remains and where she was found were taken. I would like to have the material reviewed by criminal profiles to give investigators a profile of the offender.
The other thing that bothers me in regards to cold cases, is that we victims that have an undetermined cause of death. These cases should be reviewed by well respected pathologists who determine a cause of death from the original autopsy or recommend that the remains be exhumed for a physical examination by pathologist and a forensic anthropologist.
Jody, Could you please state the reason the name cannot be
released? The wording is a bit off, I understand you will not
release a name, but perhaps tell us why? Thank you.
This case came to my attention as I was reading about Corrine Perry’s and Colleen Simpson’s cases. It is appalling to me that Robert A Rolfe, past Union County Attorney and attorney in Lamoni, Iowa, has an active law license, but it appears he has failed to come forth on this case. In addition, it appears that Jule A Sturzenegger Loy Gray continues to reside in the Des Moines/Ankeny area. Apparently Imogene Loy Ransier Kelly passed away November 2018? Was an obituary every found for her? Is this case being actively worked by the DCI or a cold case unit? It has been 5 years since the 2015 push on this case, the parties to the case are entering their elderly years with two being deceased, and it has been 47 years since Ms. Konecne was allegedly murdered. What can be done to push this case forward so that the truth can be brought to light? Ms. Konecne’s parents and brother are deceased but she has nieces and nephews that deserve the truth as to her demise. Thank you.
Ok, so a commenter tells us a suspect, then that suspects daughter comments that yes, she believes her father Charles K. Barnes did indeed do this horrific crime. My question is why hasn’t Jody come back to verify or deny? She knows who it is. The police know who it is, or have a very strong case. Reading the daughters comment, I believe her.
I’m still on the case. -Adam Kimball 2
I’m very sorry for you loss. She seemed like a great young lady with a bright future.
If you feel comfortable answering, do you have any reason to believe this was anything beyond a tragic accident?
And you better never give up either. If you want to reach out, send me an email sammykeyes23@gmail.com. I’m a death investigator.
Lybarger was living with his mother in Council Bluffs in 1985/1986 time frame. Some family members still believe he’s guilty of the crime.
as does all of my FAMILY!
Do you have any updates on him?
I have one. After I watched a YouTube video about someone going inside an abandoned party house, I looked at the calendar in the house that said March 1999, with the day 16 circled. So, I believe he might have planned to leave that day if he lived in that house/location.
Thank you for the update!
Today is Erin’s 34th birthday. I’m another person who knew Curtis Padgett from school and I don’t really have anything good to say about him. I don’t really remember seeing him around in high school so I think he dropped out or transferred to Metro High School. He wasn’t a good student. I’m not saying he did anything to Erin, but I wouldn’t trust his story.
It’s been a year, but I’ve talked to some friends that also know Curtis from school and they backed up what another comment on this page said about him being homeless. The last time Curtis was a blip on anyone’s radar was in 2019 when he received a public intoxication charge in Linn County and he still owes $147.75 for it according to court records.
Kimber, I have lived in Chicago and now in one of the suburbs. I never heard of her case. At the time she disappeared I was in the U.S. Navy home ported in Connecticut. I have researched missing persons on the Chicago Tribune archives, but don’t remember seeing her name.
If it is her dumping her body in the Mississippi River, is along way from Chicagi. Also, I wonder what was going on at Harlan High School, in July 1973. I would assume that the schools were closed for summer vacation. Also, she would have been still in grammar school at 12 years old.
The other problem is that missing kids at that time normally did not get a lot of attention. However, certain street gangs were prevalent at the time. However, they did not get a lot of attention in the media, until a number of years later.
HINRICHS/LEONARD CASES Same guy Both bars late at night Less than a mile apart Less than 10 months apart Both robbery/homicide I think guy was patron at both bars Maybe somebody knows these questions 1 Why does he shoot LEONARD but not the witness he confronts 2 no witness composite sketch 3 Why does HINRICHS mother think she knew her killer ?
“Some of the older deputies who were around then said maybe somebody out of Chicago or Milwaukee had a pregnant girlfriend and got rid of her. We might never know,”
That just rubs me the wrong way. It’s still kind of the same situation in Eastern Iowa. If a crime happens and someone black is involved, the authorities just assume it’s Chicago related. It’s not just the authorities, a lot of the public thinks that too.
That being said, Kimber’s mention of Shirley Magee is still very interesting.
I believe the female was Shirley Magee from Chicago, IL. I do not know if the authorities ruled her out but she matches, height, weight description, and although decomp made age difficult, she does does fall within the range given by the examiner. She went missing in 1973, but in the 70’s it wouldn’t have been hard to leave a possible bad environment with a guy that showed interest in a young lady.
I’m a medium. I get a lot of clairaudient messages. I don’t know Jesse. For some reason I keep getting the message that the answer is in his phone and that he was there to meet someone he was talking to on an app., a woman I think. She was not there for what he thought she was and someone else took him out of the truck. This is just the message that I’m getting. I felt a strong need to share it with you. I hope this does not offend anyone. I hope that he is found safe.
You’re a fraud is what you are.
I did not ask for anything. I just shared the information. If I was a fraud I would have been asking for something in return, I’m not. All I was doing is trying to help. I’m from Iowa and I feel bad for any parent that goes through this.
You’re right the answer is in his phone. Which is dad has his original phone and he give the cops his old phone which was his dad cell phone. Jesse won’t be found until his dad decides have m to be found.
have you shared this with police?
If someone took him out wouldnt there be signs of struggle? he is over 6ft and 185lbs
Andrea, thanks for the information. It then begs the question of his ethnic background. Also, might that led to his disappearance.
Patrick and andreadole2, I have updated what other little information I could find for this missing person. The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s “Missing Person Information Clearinghouse” page lists the basic known facts about each individual’s disappearance, and slightly more information is shared with NamUs.gov for the listing on that respective website.
Here at the Iowa Cold Cases website (an Iowa nonprofit organization), our goal is to provide names of homicide victims whose cases have not yet been solved, as well as provide information about persons who went missing under suspicious or mysterious circumstances. The data we provide in each case summary is based on a number of factors, including that which law enforcement agencies have chosen to make public, information shared with us by victims’ family members via emails or phone conversations, and any other additional details we find through published news stories and/or news archives.
We find comments like those from andreadole2 quite helpful, and are appreciative that they took the time to help us add to the person’s story. We want our readers to get to know the person behind the name because people care about those with whom they can identify. It’s a fluid process and it takes time. Information comes from unexpected places at unexpected times, and it’s far more productive when it focuses on the victim’s background and/or the reader’s knowledge or shared experiences with them.
So often, we’re asked questions we can’t possibly answer. There is often a reason investigators “must” hold specific and/or critical details close to the vest; seasoned detectives fully understand this concept and how it might compromise an ongoing investigation. Other times, they simply don’t know b/c witnesses fear retaliation if they speak out. It’s an unfortunate but ongoing conundrum.
We do the best we can with whatever information is provided to us, and we never purposely write case summaries to include as little info as possible.
Jody at ICC
Also, his real name is Adexe, not Jesse. https://vk.com/id377714630
He Guatemalan?
Those creepy childhood pictures are disturbing.
I agree, Moon, the child photos are extremely disturbing. Not just that, but also disturbing are the photos of Adexe (Jesse) pulling his shorts to the side, just not quite exposing himself.
The police and state don’t take good notes and seem to be unable to reason. This man’s surname is Nimaja Pol, not Nimagajapol.
Steven, I agree that matchbook might have been connected to a business in Ohio. I would think that if his remains had been found closer to Interstate 80, then maybe I might agree that he was heading towards California. But, he was way north of 80, unless he liked taking a round about to California.
I wonder if something else not released might have led them to assume he was headed to California.
what business in ohio, it does not state, he looks alot like Leon Moncer to me and he looks like this clay model
Agree 100%
Mike, it appears that maybe some piece of clothing or maybe the matchbook, could have provided them to assume that he might be headed to California from Ohio
The use of the term may, to means they assumed something
Since, we don’t have the case report to see what gave them the idea he was headed to California.
I might agree with the assumption, if he was found close to or near Interstate 80. He was off the beaten track. What bugs me that he appears not to have been reported missing. But then I was thinking about “The Buckskin Girl, that was found in Ohio, a number of years ago. She was finally identified through DNA Genealogy. Her mother never reported her missing.
However, I was a police officer and detective, we would use the term, appears, especially describing an item. I worked on a number of reports in a VA hospital involving missing patient’s property. A patient would say they had a gold watch. I would check the inventory sheets from his E.R. admission and what the nurses wrote up on a form, when the patient got to the ward. It used to bug me that the nurses would use the words gold or whatever color watch or ring it was.
That was one of my pet peeves. I had more issues on how they handled patient property when the patient went to surgery or was transferred to another unit. I was big on digging through medical records looking for answers to the questions I had.
I have a few stories from two different VA hospitals that I worked at.
I contacted the police about someone that I believe to be missing and they only called the person. I believe she is being held against her will and the people holding her has her phone what should I do now
Call in a welfare check- I believe the usual is for them to physically check on the person. Wouldn’t hurt.
I know this sounds awful, but if the baby was sleeping in the room with the mom… she saw the fire started there, she left the baby and alerted the others…
At 15 days, she’s probably feeling the baby blues or early onset of post-partum depression. I would look into her.
April 2, 2020. A local restaurant owner was arrested on sex abuse charges Wednesday.
Hershal James “Jim” Ratliff, 69, of Council Bluffs, is charged with four counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, one count of lascivious acts with a minor, one count of soliciting commercial sexual activity and one count indecent exposure, according to a press release from the Council Bluffs Police Department.
Ratliff is the owner of Jimmy’s All-American Malt Shop & Grill in Council Bluffs.
https://www.nonpareilonline.com/news/crime/local-restaurant-owner-arrested-on-sex-abuse-charges/article_a50b3fba-74ef-11ea-839f-ef097e50fae6.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
i dont know ho that is he is of no relation to our family
I really think you should submit Kimberly’s case to the new Unsolved Mysteries show that has been blowing up on Netflix. Here is the link https://unsolved.com/submit-stories/
It’s almost April 2020 and no leads; no arrests; no justice; no nothing!
I remember hearing about this and thinking it must have been someone out of state. I couldn’t remember any other robberies / home invasions / murders that happened before or after this incident. The person or persons who done it had to be watching them for a while. I bet he even made, at least, 1 visit to the home to scope it out. I don’t know, but now it’s been 8-9 years later — does the DCI have any better possibilities?
I remember the video of the guy getting out of the stolen truck in Kansas City. Ok, did they check for ANY DNA? Did they find anything?? This makes me think there was more than 1 person involved. How did the guy get to their house? If they met at this Stuart Auction – any close surveillance cameras? Showing video of Bill & Kay’s vehicle with the same vehicle (suspicious) behind them?
It’s just so hard for me to believe that the DCI has no leads or any new news in the past several years.
I feel sorry for that family. I can’t even imagine. I hope the DCI is speaking with them every once in a while — even just to say they have no new leads; does anyone have anything new to share that they remember; or simply how are you guys doing? Would be a nice gesture that they care and are still actively pursuing this case.
I hope to turn on the news one day, and this mystery is found to be solved.
I am sure this case is listed everywhere – but I am going to make sure it’s listed everywhere! My goodness…The DCI….. **SIGH**
Tornado_Jay_Tee07 or JAKE
Just saw 48 hours and the case of Isreal Reyes. Someone like this would explain why there have been no leads. This murderer committed suicide before they could identify all the people he killed. He had no pattern.
I took another look at the disappearance of Mr. Doerring. I mentions that he was depressed over the death of his son Peter. It did not mention how depressed he was. It made me think of another missing person case out of New Jersey from sometime in 1994.
A Renee LaManna, 35, fled from her sisters place in Ocean City. It appears she had a serious mental health breakdown, that her sister called ‘Dissociative Fugue Disorder’. As usual my reaction was the heck is that. It’s a sub type of amnesia, where a person under severe depression, PTSD, marital discord, or a death in the family may trigger this condition.
It appears that this condition causes the person to completely forget, their personal history, to include name, age, and other identifying information and flee the source of pain of sorts. Some of people have many miles away from their home. The first documented case in the U.S. was an Ansel Bourne in 1880,’s. The last name Bourne my seem familiar from some books and movies. They quite often assume a new name.
The condition is considered rare, but some medical research papers written seem to believe there are more cases then they are aware of. There are two individuals I came across where the missing person has had two or more episodes of this condition. One of them was a Hannah Upp.
A journalist from Tacoma, Washington disappeared a number of years ago. She was found in a shopping mall in Aurora, Colorado, confused and disoriented. She was admitted for treatment and was discharged using a new name. She took some college classes, and then moved to Alaska. She got married to a fisherman, and had two kids.
About 12 years after she disappeared the Tacoma, classified her disappearance as a Homicide. When, the story appeared on the news, someone in As Alaska suggested that tut ge Tacoma Police check out this woman. Well, they went to Alaska, and took pictures and confirmed it was her. They should the pictures to her parents. They asked who the guy and the kids were. They now had a son-in-law, and two grandkids. They came to a family reunion and she did not recognize her family.
I have wondered if one of the experts in this could develop a profile of some of these missing persons might have developed this condition. I have come across a few cases where people, with some recent deaths in the family, or there are reports that the missing person was acting strangely or made bizarre comments on social media, might have developed this condition.
I commented previously, that there was no mention of any property in his vehicle. I would assume that his residence was checked. But, it’s not mentioned in was is available.
P.S. I am not an expert on this condition, but have come across some interesting articles especially one on Hannah Upp. The last time she disappeared on a Caribbean Island, she has not been found.
Mike, your comments are spot on, in regards to the DNA. However, the cost is a factor. I would assume that they would get a court order to exhume the remains. Then if approved the cost to dig him up and take the necessary samples.
The other thing is that they could have sent the remains to the FBI lab in Washington. Where they would be logged in to their evidence system. Then they would taken across the street to the Smithsonian Institute of Natural History. There a forensic anthropologist would do a sort of autopsy, and possibly make some determinations.
I came across an excellent book from 1992, about this by one of their people who trsined6under the guy who established the Body Farm. They have been doing this since the1930,s.
However, it goes back to the financial costs.
Unless the Iowa State Medical Examiner took DNA at the autopsy, there is no way to identify this person. Per the funeral home, the body was cremated and the remains were returned to Decorah for burial. The county provided a lot for the ashes, the funeral home placed a temporary marker: “Unknown” for the name, and “XXX-1986”. The autopsy determined he had been dead about a year when he was discovered, but since he was discovered in 1986 they used that date.
Almost 35 years since this man’s estimated date of death. I wonder if there is any DNA available from his remains that could be added to a genealogy database just to see if there are any hits.
I’ve always wondered what evidence there was that indicated to investigators that he may have been traveling from Ohio to California. How could that hurt the investigation if their reason was made public? Winneshiek county is pretty far from any major interstates where one would have attempted to hitchhike from if they were traveling across the country. Between hay bales would have been a good place to hide or sort of have shelter during the cold. I wish there was an address or GPS coordinates of the area where he was found. I’m wonder how far way from a highway he was. There are only a handful of highways in that county. Looking at weather in that area in April of 1985 I can see there were a number of days where it would have been below freezing. He may have succumbed to the elements.
The pole barn he was found in is still on the farm. It is less than 100 yards off the west side of the Locust Road (W38), approximately 13 miles north of Decorah. On a related note, while doing family research photography in the Freeport Cemetery just outside Decorah today, I came across his grave. It has no marker other than the place keeper provided by the funeral home.
He was found between hay bales inside a barn? I just always assumed he was found between hay bales left outside. You commonly see hay bales lined up on properties or on the edge of fields. Again, it’s just so out of the way for anyone bumming or hitchhiking to across the country. There also doesn’t seem to be any rails really in the area. That kind of rules out the common situation where it was someone who was riding the rails and decided to get off in that area to get supplies. I think many years ago when Iowa had a dedicated page for the unidentified they have more pictures available for this man. I think he had an old-school shaving kit and maybe the matchbook was what gave them the Ohio clue.
It was an open pole barn, not a traditional enclosed 4 sided barn. Think of a really large carport, with round bales instead of vehicles.
This link is to a civil complaint (lawsuit pleadings) filed by her former husband.
Fascinating read and gives some idea of who his cronies were and waht they were capable of. https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/iowa/iasdce/4:2006cv00574/32469/1
Pretty bad when church people beat you up.
Kimberly is my cousin and her mother and the rest of the family think about her every day we have thought of and tried so me different theories of wat could have happened to her so if u people have any suggestions we r open to hear them
Hello I saw ur post do u have anymore info about the disappearance and do u have any way to contact u
I’ve read she was 13 and also 16, what age was she and is the family even sure she made it to Davenport, IA? Has the family contacted the greyhound company and got a list of cities it would have stopped at to compare Jane Does in those towns/cities? I’ve taken a bus ride from Davenport, IA to New Mexico and back and had 6 scheduled stops one way and 4 stops on my return, some up to a few hours long where we ventured the cities while we waited to board the next bus. Also a few unplanned breakdowns and bus exchanges along the way in the middle of nowhere. Some are saying they are not even sure she made it Davenport or even reached the state of Iowa. Was she dropped off at the station in Texas and physically seen boarding? In the 80’s these cases were handled so differently than in today’s world but I feel like her story is missing so much information for the public as a whole that would be beneficial. Absolutely no hard details and a few discrepancies I’ve came across! My deepest sympathies to her family and I hope for answers and healing! Any details rather than the short few would be great to help bring her home and possibly to rest!
Jess, thanks for your comments and questions. The lack of details bothers me. We have a couple cases that law enforcement don’t provide a lot of details.
Yet, they ask the public for their help. How, can we help, if they don’t give us details. In some cases we know that a specific caliber firearm was used to murder someone. In other cases, it is not mentioned to protect the investigation.
This is still the story even in unsolved Cases going back over 40 or more years. Also, we have Cases where the investigative files are missing, were destroyed. Here in the Chucago area, a high school student was murdered during a gas station robbery back in the early 1970’s. The original case file no longer exists, so whatever was done by the police or whatever evidence may have been recovered is gone.
Has Kimberly ever been compared to to female body found in Blairstown, Warren County, NJ in August of 1982 known as “Princes Doe”. I have been saying this for years. Too many similarities to not investigate. Princes Doe’s composite drawing to Kimberly’s photos are very close. Dates of Kimberly being missing are not clear and how long she was with her father. What is the true date she was reported missing?
She was 14
Is she the Walker County Jane Doe?
https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.d.wright.37
Is this her?
https://www.facebook.com/linda.doss.56/photos
That’s kinda odd that lady does resemble her mom more then a little and also her moms name is Linda also
I think its all bullshit if someone dies they died for a good reason. some people are lucky to die when they can to get out of the shitty place call life.
The police probably know to a certainty who committed the homicide of Tom Mathers but they don’t have the proof to take to the prosecutor they’re probably afraid it’ll get thrown out on a technicality or aquitted by a jury. The police like everyone else probably to a certainty don’t believe her story but like I said don’t have the proof and Hope they solve it someday.
I hope just commenting, here or anywhere, can trigger a new look. Stabbing sounds too personal to be just a robber. Mary was still a student. I think her husband was working at a UPS shipping center but part time. 24xx University is generally low cost housing for students. I don’t think I buy the robber hypothesis. I don’t think they had much to steal. What tool was used to cut the line? Why bother to cut it? Was it a line outside the house and the perpetrator wanted to prevent her from calling for help? Was the line inside the house and the perpetrator had some other purpose? If robbery was suspected were any things taken? If not was the perpetrator scared off? Then why take the time to cut the line? If something was taken what steps were taken to find or recover items? In a complex of so many duplexes was no one home who might have seen or heard someone or something? A lot of questions were asked about possible extra marital relationships on Mary’s part. Were those thoroughly explored? I heard the husband’s alibi checked out. But did he have some untoward relationship that led to a jealous girlfriend? If I can think up these kinds of questions can the police assure us they have chased down all the answers?
If I saw the evidence I am sure I could think up a hundred more questions some of which may not be answered yet. I’d like to keep this going.
JP, I agree with your comments. I have come across cold cases, that were solved many years later, because fresh eyes came names of people who were never interviewed or something not followed up on. In the last couple of months, a recent newpaper aticle about the kidnapping of Teekah Lewis from a bowling alley in the State of Washington. A new detective came across two different witnesses, one who ran into the guy, who took Teekah, while.beading for the washroom. The.second saw the same a few nights later, when they recreated the situation, to.generate some leads.
Two different witnesses both described a M/W, with a pock marked face. Also, there is description of the vehicle he used. It appears that some of this information may not have been released to the public to identify the kidnapper. Here, it is twenty some years later that the authorities dropped the ball.
Such a tragedy the murderer couldn’t be brought to justice. There HAS to be someone who knows something, and for some reason didn’t want to get involved. Who knows.
I live in the same hometown where she was from. I dated her for 2 and a half years in high school. Her father was a local surgeon. Mary went to college in Missouri, and her family moved to the Peoria IL area shortly thereafter.
My parents informed me of the tragic news. I was away at college at the time. The last time I saw or had any contact with her was when she came home for break from college, and I was still a senior in high school in the fall of 1969.
She was a sweet, outgoing girl. Such a sad situation. I have fond memories of her, and the house where she used to live still stands here in Flora, IL. I pass by it frequently…..a lot of memories of the carefree wonderful times of youth.
Hopefully, someone will be held accountable in this life for this horrific crime.
back then face book had a app to track friends . did he share this app with friends family ?
Nah I doubt that I didn’t even know that was a thing so I doubt he did
Hey. I’m Alice’s great-niece. This was my Grandmas best friend and the case was never closed. I believe she deserves some sort of justice. Whether if we can bury her or not. We got the day she went missing out on her headstone some amount of years ago. I want to see my grandmother have some type of closure over her sister. Who can help me??
Mallory, I am also a niece, unfortunately Lee Andre was my uncle. I can attest to the following facts;
Alice was an intelligent, loving, creative mother who wanted nothing more than to be a great mother and wife. She WAS A GREAT Mother, she refused to have the April, Crystal, or Erich institutionalized. The only way she would have left her children would have been through nefarious means. Lee did try to get custody but only to further torment Alice. He was emotionally, verbally, and physically abusive to Alice, (as well as his subsequent wives) and the family rumors/whispers were that he beat Alice while she was pregnant because he didn’t want children. He was delusional at best, but flat out lied about former military service, honors, etc. Lee Andre was an active member of the Minutemen Militia, to the point of extremism. (He terrified me as a child.) The family rumor is this: he killed her and dumped her in one of the caves on his former property in Clarke County, Iowa. I beg someone to receive permission to get on that land and search those caves. In my heart I feel he did it. He did it because she left him. The general consensus from family members involved in law enforcement was that Lee H Andre was south solely responsible for Aunt Alice’s disappearance and ultimate death. THERE IS NO WAY SHE WOULD HAVE EVER LEFT HER CHILDREN UNLESS SHE WAS DEAD.
Please take notice of the following Facebook post. They look so similar.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2221320608089754&id=1692354790986341&sfnsn=mo
There is a resemblance however Kimberly Doss was alive and last seen approximately two years (per info above) after the poor girl was found in Texas that you linked.
Nice thought though (being sincere).
The Jane Doe, was found in 1980. Kimberly disappeared in September 1982. Thanks for your research. The problem I have is the lack of details on many of these cases. What do we know about her family situation.
Our family is very close and look out for one another and the lack of info and how some is wrong is because careless investigation..her mother has been looking for yrs and unless they don’t check her mom and dad gave DNA so if she has been found u would think they would figure it out
There are discrepancies with the date she actually disappeared. She is reported to have been missing as early as March 24, 1980, by family members. The 1980’s were a different time and missing children cases were handled far differently than they are today. Her mother lived in Texas at the time and her father in Davenport. I don’t think the Walker County Doe can be ruled out so easily. There is a possibility and without a DNA comparison to the family members to say one way or the other, it’s important she be considered
The questions was weather the bonds were ever cashed. Also, who knew about the bonds? Maybe her ex-husband, his or her attorney. Maybe even family members. The other question is weather the Postal Inspectors were ever involved in her case. They could have provided extra help in the investigation. They have been involved in the disappearance of a mail carrier here in Chicago, along with the Chicago Police Department.
The bonds were bearer bonds and were transferred two months after she was found none of the family was involved in her death including her ex
Mary, I noticed that the bonds were missing from a safety deposit box. So, there should have been records of who was authorized to enter the box at the bank. I would assume the bank, required whoever’s removed them would possess the keys and have to register in a logbook of sorts.
Also, who knew about these bonds. It would be a motive for her murder. I would assume there were serial numbers. Also, where were they purchased.
Patric I agree. I think the ex-husband or close family members ( minus her children should have been investigated. A recent divorce and 25,000 in savings bounds is enough motive. That kind of money in1977 is close to a 150,000 today.
Please contact me. I am Dennis’s cousin. Betty and Harlon were my great Aunt and Uncle.
The story about how Reed killed him, where did that come from? Why was Reed not convicted?
Thinking of you today sweet boy praying for justice
Still missing you, always missing you.
Article said mental and physical disabilities. Specifically what were his disabilities. Would he have been capable of planning his own disappearance?
Agree 100@
This isn’t a cold case any longer. A year to two years after his disappearance, a farmer’s dog brought a bone home. The farmer thought it looked human and called the Winnebago county sheriff. The sheriff had the bone examined and it turned out to be human. The sheriff’s deputies followed the farmer’s dog, that lead them to a skeleton along part of the Winnebago River bank. Dental remains came back as the missing man Brian Blachut
My mfn dawg aww man cuzzz this shit just made me cry man Rest Up 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
a lot of people think his wife had something to do with it. he had a pretty hefty insurance policy and right after he passed she was out getting her nails done im sorry but if someone just loses a spouse theyre supposed to love like they said they shouldnt have been out doing that they should have been greieving. and it was awful suspicious that she got remarried not too long after his death to the man she was seeing behind Kevin’s back. its so sad that his son was on the crew that answered the call to the river that day. i could not imagine the feelings or thoughts going thru his sons head when he realized it was his dad.RIP Kevin
Before you post you should know your facts !
Yes it is a great loss .
Never believe what you hear . As i know the family rather well and I believe if you know them you wouldn’t say things like this on social media.
The articles regarding her fraudulent criminal activity linked below certainly lends credence to your claim that widow Mary was morally compromised and may have been involved Jennifer.
As his son, I can tell you not only are you so off base with your comments,you should be ashamed of yourself. Your insensitive, baseless comment that is only meant to take a cheap shot behind your little computer screen. Glad that when my children, who never got to meet there grandfather look this up some day they can see how horrible and nasty internet trolls are.
Daniel,
I am so sorry you lost your father and also sorry that years later you are exposed to reading about his passing and what other’s suspect happened. From an outsider’s perspective, it is always “interesting” to consider all the angles of a story, however, I think we often forget that there are many loved ones who are still impacted and feel the hurt of the loss. I wish you peace and love and hope your father’s case will be solved. From what I read, he sounds like an amazing man who was a positive light in this world. Take care.
I lived on the next street over she was always sun bathing and her little brother would play outside:/. I was very young about 10 years old:(
GUILTY!!! – of premeditated murder in the first degree. Mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole. Held without bond until formal sentencing in 6 weeks. He’ll never see the light of day again.
Jury was out only 3-4 hours.
I’m happy her family finally has closure. His attack appears to have been random, or at least he had a type. With his mention of Jodi Huisentruit during questioning I think it would be worth it for Jodi’s investigators to look into Jerry Burns a little. Did he own a white van in 1995? Did his work ever take him to Mason City? Manchester where he lived is only a 2 hour drive to Mason City where Jodi was abducted. Jodi did work for KGAN prior to moving to Mason City and that station has Manchester in it’s viewing area. Just something to think about.
Agreed, definitely worth looking into. I think he mentioned her twice – initial interview and in the transport video but I may not be remembering that correctly.
I too am very happy for her sister especially, the only of the immediate family left.
At the risk of being totally obnoxious posting about this trial; the prosecution rested this morning. The defense offered the customary request to acquit / dismiss the case based on the prosecution did not prove their case. The judge of course denied that request.
The prosecution has done a masterful job of establishing the type of person Michelle was, the integrity of the chain of evidence custody, the pathology of the fatal wounds, the DNA content/process/integrity/results, and the integrity of the arrest and suspicious comments & behavior of Jerry Burns during questioning/arrest/transport to the jail/jail cell activity.
1 in 100 billion (22.7 times the world population in 1979, the time of the crime) were the DNA results matching Jerry Burns to blood on Michelle’s dress.
He’s toast.
I understand the defense’s strategy, but I don’t like it. They have focused on evidence potentially being damaged during the flood of 2008, even though the the DNA was tested and profiled multiple times prior to the flood. Also they have focused on the idea of secondary DNA transfer as being something that can happen. They leave out the parts that point out that secondary DNA transfer is usually from someone else at the scene or by an investigator. It’s not likely that some random guy from Manchester Iowa, with a clean record, is going to have this DNA available in labs or the evidence storage room in order to contaminate not one, but two separate pieces of evidence. Jerry Burns wasn’t one of the investigators. Side note: It’s even more obvious now why the defense didn’t want Jerry’s search engine history as evidence. For those who don’t know, the computer from Jerry’s office had searches for internet porn showing blonde women sexually assaulted and killed. It’s as if he had an itch to scratch right? That being said, I understand why it wasn’t allowed as evidence because apparently on occasion other employees would use his office computer. There was no 100% proof it was him doing the searches even though it connects the dots really well. Anyway, blood DNA on the gear shift and DNA on the dress that matches Jerry Burns. I hope this jury is smart.
I presume Prosecutor Maybanks (who coincidentally went to the same high school as me) will cut through the irrelevant noise that the defense has raised in his closing arguments tomorrow.
I’m optimistic the jury will do the right thing.
I would think that someone would have followed up on his comments. However, maybe someone they thought he was trying to bargain for a lower sentence. But, the reference to the theft of M-16 rifles from the Rock Island Arsenal, would be jumped on by the FBI, since it is a federal property. So, they would have ran with that and possibly solved some other crimes.
Hopefully Jerry will get at least life without parole and he will decide he has nothing more to lose and spill his guts to someone!
Shortly after Brian disappeared Jerry poured a new concrete slab on his farm. Hmm… coincidence…? Now that we know the truth about Jerry I sure hope they look there.
I sure would think that law enforcement would look into that given that fact. I would have thought they would have done that already actually.
Never give up on MISSING person..your HOPE is needed.. Law Enforcement needs to pull up that concrete slab. On Jerry Burns property ASAP!
I totally agree!!
In regards to the comments that a possible lead to the family was ignored. Well, all leads need to passed along to law enforcement. They then have to investigate and determine whether it amounts to anything useful.
There are many cases where law enforcement get hundreds of bits and pieces of information. They all have to be investigated and determined whether its useful or not. Because what happens if they make an arrest and get to court. A good defense attorney, will look at the case files and ask them if they followed up this lead or that lead.
I used to like watching the Perry Mason programs, because he had his own investigator and would have him out there investigating, versus trying to destroy the prosecutions case, by questioning their investigation. I however used to feel sorry for Hamilton Burger, for the several cases he thought were slam dunks.
THis case was solved, but the jury found the killer not guilty.
Keith, thanks so much for your comment. Though it was noted on Sandra Jo’s page that the case was solved, I’ve added the details about Dean Ray Tumey’s acquittal on this page as well as the Cedar County page.
In instances where cases had been cold for some time before being solved, I keep the case information on the website because readers (as well as researchers) are often interested in how they eventually came to be solved.
Thank you for your service in law enforcement!
For those unaware; the trial of Jerry Burns, as the accused in the viscous assault and murder of Michelle Martinko, began with judge, attorneys, and court administration calibration on Mon 2.10.20, jury selection on Tue 2.11.20, and opening remarks and testimony occurring on Wed 2.12.20.
Testimony began with friends and acquaintances who saw Michelle that night who saw her at a HS school banquet at Sheraton Hotel & Westdale Mall (in close proximity of each other) in Cedar Rapids. Testimony involved establishing Michelle’s high quality character as a person and timeline of her movements that night – especially when she left the mall and later would have met ultimately her demise.
The second day of testimony established the investigation and evidence collection process & procedures involving accounts from the investigating officers and detectives from the Cedar Rapids Police Department as well as the autopsy results.
The third day of testimony involved the integrity of the chain of custody and explanation of the DNA processes and findings in this case – including the 1 in 100 billion (there were about 4.4 billion people on the entire planet of earth in 1979, the year of the offense) unique DNA identification of the accused, Jerry Burns.
Testimony resumes on Mon 2.18.20.
It’s been interesting to see the defense start to try to push the idea that maybe the evidence had been contaminated with Jerry Burns DNA sometime since 1979, even though there doesn’t seem to have been any mishandling of the evidence. No evidence of mishandling so far, and no evidence of any situation where Jerry Burns’s blood would have been in a position to contaminate specific pieces of evidence like the gear shift.
Indeed it has. It’s about the defense’s only play – argue contamination of the DNA evidence as the prosecutors have & will further establish that the DNA is definitively Jerry Burns. They scored a couple of minor points but nothing material from what i can tell.
To your point, the prosecution has done a great job linking the integrity of the chain of custody for the dress and gear shift selector from collection to check in / out of the CRPD secured evidence room to hand off / receipt from the DCI lab for analysis and back to the CRPD.
I really thought the two DCI analysts in particular – Mike Peterson & Linda Sawer were very effective in explaining the DNA content, processes & findings in layman’s terms that the jury can understand.
Linda Sawer in particular did amazingly well. One interesting observation I noticed is that on Day 2 the defense made it a point to get Dr Richard Fiester to mention that the vaginal swabs taken during the autopsy had no signs of sperm or seminal fluid. Then on Day 3 Linda Sawer mentioned there was microscopic amounts of sperm and seminal fluid present on Michelle’s panties, but not enough for analysis unfortunately. I’ve always had the theory that it was sexually motivated, but location, time, and the way the situation played out may have spooked the murder. Many men precum / “get wet” in excitement so maybe its possible that he exposed her panties and stopped. If not, I guess its possible she was wearing those panties previously for some sort of sexual encounter and they weren’t 100% clean? I guess it’s really only relevant if there was enough to do DNA analysis on. You said “Testimony resumes on Mon 2.18.20” but Monday is the 17th. Do they resume on Tuesday?
Sorry I just picked this up. I typed the date incorrectly. The trial resumed on Mon 2.17.20 at 9:00am. Apologies for the confusion.
Linda Sawer was indeed awesome. I could see where your theory regarding the sperm is possible.
I’ve always had an interest in this case in particular as I grew up on the SW side of Cedar Rapids near Westdale Mall & the Sheraton Hotel. Been to both places many times – in particular the Westdale Mall.
Anybody can watch the trial on Law and Crime network stream either live or archived via You Tube incidentally,
I won’t ever belive he was alone.i don’t be live everything from DCI HAS BEEN TOLD.TINA WAS MY FRIEND&LIKE A DAUGHTER TO ME.SHE LIVED BEHIND MY HOUSE ON SOUTH WARD ST.SHE LOVED MY 2 KIDS BETTY&MIKE SHEPHERD JR.AND SHED HELPED ANYONE
Link lade&hook murders in ottumwa ia
It would be nice to run the fingerprints through the FBI system today. They have added a number of fingerprints to the system over a number of years. However, with are luck the offender is most likely deceased. But, we never know.
I don’t remember how long Dave’s fooze and booze was open but it didn’t seem that long. I heard a girl named robon Keeney used to work there. She might be an interesting person for the family to talk to if only to ask what she was hearing at the time
This literally breaks my heart! who takes the life of a Mother! Come on,please somebody knows something! Realize that if it were you, you would want closure and peace! please help out Autumn and her family. Connie deserves justice and didnt deserve this!!!
Thank you Phil it is much appreciated. People say it will get easier but honestly it doesnt. All the questions keep running through my head like a movie… I wish she was here to see me get married and watch her granddaughter grow… but someone took that away… one day we will find closure…
I’ve been sitting here reading all these comments not knowing what to say, I’m very sorry for your loss, when we were in school we dated for a long time and it’s been so hard to find the right words to express my heart felt sympathy for you all! The person or persons responsible for this will receive 10 fold of the torture and pain they have caused you all! My deepest condolences! Jaremy
“People say it will get easier but honestly it doesn’t.”
True.
My heart breaks for you.
My sister Julie is an Iowa Cold Case. Two more sisters have died before age 65, leaving behind daughters and granddaughters, who will never get to know their grandma.
Our dad is gone now; our mom soldiers on, but the loss of a loved one, especially to murder, is a lifelong cross to bear. Cancer is a serial killer too, but it’s impersonal. It’s an aberration of nature. What aberration has human beings killing innocent young women and tearing apart their families. Sorry – I started out hoping to offer you the small solace that you are not alone in this – and as always, my anger and outrage leap out instead.
All Connie’s grandchildren will know her through you – it’s apparent you are are keeping her legacy alive – God bless you! (Wish I could offer actual healing words of comfort!)
Is/Was it customary for exotic dance places in IA to be BYOB?
God bless this Angel 👼. May she RIP🙏
I don’t know why people think it would be hard to take two little girls. All someone would have to do is threaten them with a gun. I’m not from that area and wonder if the park is viewable from a passing thoroughfare road. My thinking is maybe someone saw them from a road and it was a crime of opportunity.
Considering the snatch and grab scenario of young women nowadays you’re not far off gramma.
I was just in storm lake this evening so it’s really weird timing to me. I’m just now hearing (well, reading) of this and a couple theories came to mind: the mother was in a compromising situation such as trafficking, drugs (anyone from the area knows storm lake has a major drug problem), an incest scenario, and/or an abusive relationship. With the safe haven boxes, I’m not sure if there was one available in storm lake at the time or not, but if there was, there could be fears that someone would be watching and make some connection, even though it is fairly anonymous. If she was being trafficked someone could possibly link her to her pimp and any other victims and I’m sure that could have some really bad repercussions. If it’s a drug situation, it could lead to her being arrested. If it’s an abusive relationship it could get her partner caught and I’m sure we’re all aware of how difficult and dangerous it is getting out of an abusive situation. Similarly, if it was an incest situation it could possibly be linked to the family member and that would place a lot of burden on her as well. I’m not saying it justifies it, but I do think they’re possibilities that should be explored. Worst case scenario it’s wrong and the case continues to be cold.
My other theory is that it’s another teenage mom who likely hid her pregnancy and delivered outside of a hospital setting, like the girl from eastern Iowa that was mentioned in the article.
Had anyone looked to see if Samuel Little was in Iowa ?
I was only 11 when this took place and at the time my great uncle Mike Racobs was the sheriff. I still remember hearing him tell my mother and father the story and for an 11 year 0ld it was disturbing
This was my aunt, and we were close. I hate knowing this has never been solved.
You and me both Scott.
I just saw an episode of Dateline about this case. It was mentioned that there were hair samples found in the victim’s hand and they were never tested with current technology..why not?
Has anything else happened with this case? Are the men who were involved still in the area? Has anyone approached them? With this being a popular podcast topic has anyone reached out?
It seems that with technology and memories of someone who might recall something or someone, someone should be brought to justice. We are talking about someones’ daughter,mother,sister,or friend whom was taken from their loved ones suddenly.
Annette Cahill never mentioned the bat before public knowledge. That was a misstatement by investigators that was later recanted. She was convicted on the testimony of a girl who was 9 when she claims to have overheard this confession. There was NO physical evidence linking her to the crime. This is a miscarriage of justice.
Does anyone know the bedroom ceiling height?
One thing I would like to know is if Richard Forsyth has any family around and still living. There hasn’t been any outcry and any family effort to locate him as far as I can tell. The dates are kind of confusing, why wasn’t he reported missing until 1994?
he was tracked to arizona after he disappeared the first time, as far as the second time who knows exactly when he went missing,
HOW COME FRANK STEARNS , VANDE WEIRD, AND DCI AGENT BILLY BASLER AREN’T IN JAIL? WE THE CITIZENS GOTTA CLEAN UP THE TRASH, ALL COPS AROUND THE WORLD ARE THE DEVIL. THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE, UNDERCOVER CARS, WRITING US TICKETS, WE PAY THEIR SALARY. WHO WOULD BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU? THE DEVIL….. they make and sell meth on the streets. Look at the big houses they got. They all suck cock too
very informational post and insight said no one ever. take your meds
Why, because I can read and do my own research based on the facts that are given? I read the State of Iowa Nursing Board filing against the nurse. Nowhere in that document does it show or even mentions most of the claims on this website. As quoted from the document “On January 14, 2004 the Respondent dispensed a topical medication to a hospice client (client A). Although the medication could be administered per physician standing orders the Respondent had obtained the medication from another hospice client’s (client B) home where she had visited prior to her arrival at the home of client A.” The nursing board does not mention stolen medications from a pharmacy, nor does it even reference the medication given as being stolen from client B. That document makes no mention of five people’s deaths, stolen medications, improper care by any family other than this family, or the claims that the nurse admitted to any other charge than the one listed in this report. It does state he was prescribed the medication given. That is the whole summary of the document of wrongdoing found by the State of Iowa nursing board that warranted disciplining the nurse. This website also says that Medicare compiled a 25-page report worth of wrongdoings, nowhere in that document that was done over a year later does it reference or mention a Medicare report listing wrongdoings. As noted from Medicare’s own website “To file a complaint about improper care or unsafe conditions in a hospital, home health agency, hospice, or nursing home, contact your State Survey Agency. The State Survey Agency is usually part of your State’s department of health services.” Medicare refers to different state agencies to investigate claims. So, it is hard to believe the State of Iowa Nursing board would not know of an investigation that was done by other state agencies over this matter.
A second problem with these claims was that he was on temporary hospice. Google temporary hospice it does not come up anywhere in general or even listed in the four levels of hospice care as listed by hospicesect.org. Respecting Lack’s wishes, Dr. Peethambaram called Mercy Hospice in Charles City, Iowa, to set up an afternoon appointment to begin temporary hospice care for the period of the trial and as needed. A problem with claiming that Mayo would put him on temporary hospice is its not allowed, participation in experimental treatments or clinical trials is not allowed because they are considered life-prolonging which goes against the purpose of hospice. From hospicesect.org “Of course, should there be signs of improvement, hospice care can be suspended, and active cancer treatment can be re-started. We keep our patients’ doctors involved in the process all the way through.” “In rare cases chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can be used to relieve pain or other symptoms while receiving hospice care. However, in order to receive these high risk treatments for purposes other than comfort, the individual must stop hospice care “hospicefoundation.org). Third problem with this story is if the patient’s family had thought he had been drug overdosed not once but twice, why didn’t they call 911 and have them taken to an emergency room. From hospicefoundation.org “While hospice should be notified before going to the hospital, a patient can seek other care at any time.” Again, if there was such improper care given and malpractice as claimed in the three days, why didn’t the family seek medical care as stated as above. Since there was nothing stopping him from being seen at any local hospital or even Mayo. Finally, I checked Iowa Courts to see if any malpractice had been filed by the estate of the family or spouse for this outrageous misconduct of care. What did I find nothing, if even a fraction of these claims would have been remotely true it would be any easy malpractice lawsuit yet for some reason I didn’t see any filed.
So, unless you can provide factual evidence which I haven’t seen yet I find this to be outlandish and absurd in its claims. Unless you now think that the Iowa Board of Nursing was also in on his murder since there was no factual evidence to support these claims as referenced in CASE N0 05-365.
In the investigation for the 25 pages of Citations against Nurse Linda D. and Hospice of North Iowa there is medical records documenting the charges of Linda withholding, “stealing” patients’ drugs, withholding Ray Powers drugs before his death, and administering or not resuscitating patients who had orders to be resuscitated, removing drugs from one patient’s home and administering to others without prescriptions for them, (like Ray’s drugs she was Cited for taking from Ray and had dabbed Ray’s DBR gel in the back of Gary’s throat) when I called the Charles City Hospital again to try to get an ambulance on 1/14/2004 as recorded in my notes given to the Iowa Inspection and Appeals Office, Linda refused an ambulance. After the investigation Iowa State Inspection and Appeals issued those 25 pages of Citations against Linda and Hospice of North Iowa for having broken many laws including theft and regarding the portability of Prescription drugs part of those citations involved the citations for the deaths of 5 patients that died during the two days of Linda’s so-called care starting on late 1/12/2004 and ending at Gary’s not even being seen by a doctor or pronounced dead just Linda having his body bagged and Directed to the Mason City Crematorium, without my or our family’s permission. We had been told by Linda, that Gary was dead and he was to be taken at my request to the Champion funeral Home, instead she had gotten Dr. Royer, who had never seen Gary alive or dead to order Gary’s cremation and write up Gary’s death certificate without ever knowing Gary just Linda’s covering up her drug thefts of oxycodone, etc. I had nightmares that Gary was still alive yet when they burned Gary, within a couple hours, right after he was driven to Mason City on 1/14/2004. Linda’s “two days of care”, lack of care, or illegal drug administration, and even the mixing up of the powder she called “kayexalate (in about a cup of water) or the generic version of Sodium Poly-sulfonate in Sorbitol solution” and made Gary drink in our home on the evening of 1/12/2004 in our home and administered to Gary made him so weak and turned Gary’s stools to a gold/yellow then dark coffee grounds on 1/14/2004 and he joked he was a true “Hawkeye”. Burned to cover-up the profiting of illegal drainage and on-going pollution of 1/2 million Iowans drinking water. “Powerful Tea Party Good Ole White Boys that own the 50,000 acres” being illegally drained into the Cedar Valley Group Aquifers by Worth and Mitchell County Engineer, Jim Hyde’s magic marker drawn plans that used to hang up on his Office wall.
Carl you must’ve not read this very closely before typing this up because you specifically typed: “Although the medication could be administered per physician standing orders, the Respondent had obtained the medication from another hospice client’s (client B) home…” This very clearly states that she took the medication from another patients home. Correct me if I am wrong but I am assuming you got this statement directly from the report. You later stated “…nor does it even reference the medication given as being stolen from client B…” No where does it state that he was prescribed this prescription, though it does state that a physician had the option to prescribe this medication.
Another problem I have with your statements is that you have made is that you say that “Google temporary hospice it does not come up anywhere in general or even listed in the four levels of hospice care as listed by hospicesect.org.” Hospice care does not have a standard, Hospice care is provided based on each individuals needs and each facilities capabilities. Not to mention that the link you provided is from a hospice care center in Connecticut not in Iowa or Minnesota which both have different medical guidelines and regulations than a state that is nearly 1300 miles away. Had you read the the article you would have known that the reason that he was put on temporary hospice was because he and Veronica were not able to fully care for each other due to the fact that Veronica was also ill due to the point source pollution that was affecting the water supply at their home as well as a broken leg. The reason you would not find this case on the Iowa Courts website is because it was not taken to trial which is what Iowa Court Online is used for, to search for trail cases and to make payments on said trial cases if necessary. So while you may think that the nurse in question gave you the best possible care, she unfortunately did not give the best possible care to the Lack family and the other patients mentioned at the time. So before you begin to accuse others if slander, I would invite you to some more thorough research and then make sure you are not the one doing the slandering.
So sad that it still isn’t solved,
The lack of awareness about this case leads me to suspect the family. It is the family’s efforts that typically get press coverage to the missing
I think it somebody on the bootleggers list
The body found in no frills was Larry Ely Murillo-Moncada, another profile on this page. Could this man have gone back to Africa?
This family seems to have been fully denied justice. There has historically been a great deal of discrimination in how cases are treated based on personal and law enforcement biases, including how the victim is portrayed by the press and potentally even people involved in the disappearance.
With all due respect to the family members, it appears that the siblings have been “vulnerable-adults,” in retrospect. It is very common for abused children to grow up to be vulnerable to other abusive personalities. They fail to see the red flags as having parent(s) with them “normalizes” behaviors others would find alarming.
It’s far from unheard of for a young kidnap victim to be corrupted, and as a result, behave in ways that make them complicit in their own disappearance at that point.
Geez, 17 years old married 8 months to a 21 year old?
Sounds like a minor who was impregnated by her murderer. Can’t DNA be used to identify her/and her babies father?
Would it be possible for the mother Helen to have killed her siblings? If not, could Munchausen Syndrome have been passed from mother to daughter? Does any pattern of infant death extend to other relatives of the mothers family? This is a lot of deaths, with no conclusive evidence. You’d think a family member would insist on resolution.
Infant deaths always seem to be either due to SIDS or a parent. If the family doesn’t push for resolution, no one does it seems.
EUGENE GOSCH IS A NUT BAG…HATEFUL POS
That is surely the truth. He is a troll, pure and simple, and should be banned from these sites. Adds nothing but piss and vinegar.
The father? Thats becuase he was involved.
After reading the case evidence and the comments, I think it is the responsibility of the Cedar Rapids Police and Iowa State Patrol to solve these cases, when it is obvious to most what should be looked at. All of the evidence is there but needs a fresh set of eyes to see what others have missed. My curiousity lies with Jaymie’s autopsy. This child was 6 years old and not only had Ecoli but cirrhosis of the liver? I am so curious as to why a child of this age would have the ailments described by the medical examiner and secondly, when was the last time she had been to the doctor? Too many grey areas that need brought back into the light! The family needs closure and it is time to talk to Vicki again, because I think there is waaaaay more to this story than what she had told!
I agree. It needs to be explained why Jaymie had all of those pathologies at the time of her death. She SHOULD have been showing symptoms. The anoxic encephalopathy is caused by complete loss of blood flow to the brain and is typically found in coma patients who have suffered cardiac arrest, or drug overdose, or other SERIOUS incidents. She had cirrhosis, pneumonia and e-coli poisoning. She would have not seemed healthy – she probably would have been underweight and lethargic, possibly coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Are there any reports about what she was like before her death?
Les Kennedy is GUILTY as sin. He is also a retired shriff. go figure. I am really sorry to the family and friends of Kimberly. He will pay don’t You worry in this life or the afterlife.
Are there any siblings of Matt still around in Cedar Rapids? I went to Washington HS with him. He was my friend. We had gym class together and he was my partner in the weight lifting part of that gym class. I have a story to tell them that I’ve never told anyone before. It was when we played football in gym class. It was the jocks against the lesser persons. Something we did during that one game that I need to tell a sibling or it will be lost forever. It’s a great story. Please contact me. At gwdrmmer@msn.com.
Sad no life story on him he was my uncle’s friend
If peope have problems with people stay away from them killing them is not the answer and there is people who would take them babies and give them a.loving home I know I would have you peope will answer to our Lord for what you’ve done
Psychological Analysis
Trauma From “Shotgun wedding” using sonic attack weapon – hearing voices
He was probably dumped by his (assumed) Catholic bait-and-switch girlfriend and he failed to marry the other unbeknowst girl. The reason that he went to work when he didn’t have to was he mistakenly thought the other girl was work, reasoning work and pregnancy (what pregnancy?) were synonymous. Thus, he was hypnotically induced to walk barefoot via sonic device to punish his “cold feet” for marriage. As further punishment he was induced to hide behind the coolers to be with the only labor he could conceive. The “other girl” was a total enigma to him and the real girl wanted to hide her relationship even though it was over. He would not find the other women even though his life depended upon it. Loose ends were left for the real girl which apparently was a desperate situation for her. She couldn’t get relationships tidied up quickly enough. Something hidden, but what?
Possible relevance, merely a hunch: Pottawattomie Tribe Casino (Gun Lake Casino) near Grand Rapids, MI. (Names and places, work, loves are scrambled to hide something.)
What on earth are you on about? Sound like you’re absolutely bonkers!
There is no reason why the young unidentified lady shouldn’t have been identified by now. Forensic technology has progressed to such a point where skeletons provide usable DNA and a more specific age of the victim. That being true, why has she been left forgotten in an unmarked grave?
John, I agree with your comment. However, it costs money to have those tests. Also, I wonder if they took any samples that could be sent. If not they may have exhume her remains. That normally requires a court order and money.
And as good as DNA technology is, you need Day to match it to
December 26th 2019 wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas let you know how much you’re missed I will keep you relevant till the day I die I love you with the depth of my soul I wanted to introduce you to our new granddaughter her name is Evie Jo Lynn she is Sir David’s daughter and she is absolutely beautiful I want you to wrap your hands around Darius for he leaves January 2nd for the Middle East keep your hands around us protect us as you have done all this time ..
I would like to know what the evidence was that the county attorneys withheld.
I wonder if they ran their truck driver information through the FBI. They created a database on over the road truckers involved in various crimes. If not they also ask them to add their description information to the system.
In the 2020 Democratic Caucus’, please consider supporting Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, or Bernie Sanders. I have vetted them well, and Cory and Elizabeth are the best at listening to me, Adam’s Mom, who was elected in 2018, as a Dallas County Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner to protect US Soils and Water Quality by promoting the reinstallation of Adam’s USDA-NRCS Revised Universal Soil Loss Equations Version Three. Which limited Point Source Contamination of US Soils and Source Waters with large Foreign and Domestic Conglomerates’ AG Chemicals.
I’m sorry but the guy you’re looking for has been long dead since 1997 I won’t go into details because he was a distant relative but I’m pretty sure if you look in the police file your notice that her panties were stolen from her
I hate seeing negative comments about my cousin do y’all ever stop to think her kids gets on here and reads this!!!! Long live my cousin Johnita aka Boss Lady
I wonder if the woman involved in the crime might have worked at the brothel, and may have thought that would have been a large sum of money on the premises. So, she gets her boyfriend or someone else to help steal the money. It seems to appear that the victims may have known one or both offenders. I find it interesting that a large sum of money, was actually found in the trunk of Woodring’s car.
The other thought as that it was someone that had been involved in any of Woodring’s previous criminal activities, and felt he was owed some money.
Poor dog 😢
So ….. 🤔 46000 n they only took 200 hmmmm
Smh why would a young guy with his own house date a old fart who’s married 🤦♂️
Maybe she was not an old fart by his standards. I am involved with a woman is about 6 years older me. She was a good looking woman then and now. I also love my grandkids and great grandkids.
Also, her husband sounds like he was abusive and felt safe with the victim. This is at a time that domestic violence was not exactly dealt with by law enforcement and the courts.
This would have been true in a small town.
This guy sometimes stayed in a camper right behind my trailer. Basically, the cops came and asked “Are you Lee Allan Rolfe?” He said “Sure am!” and then they said “Are you from Iowa?” He said “Sure am!” Then they said “do you know why we’re here?” He said “Sure do!”, turned around, put his hands behind his back.
It seems like the family has their ideas already, but there has always been this weird drug scene between Cedar Rapids, Center Point, Urbana, Palo, Shellsburg, and Vinton that has claimed lives. He might have just been involved with the wrong people and that’s it. Just because he made some poor life choices it doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve justice though.
This morning a photo tip and information was submitted via email to the detective listed above, Det. Brian Mathis, with the Des Moines, IA Police Department. This information was shared with admins from the FB page dedicated to helping move this investigation forward through help from the public, as well as another FB group working to give exposure to the many missing persons in northwest Missouri and surrounding areas.
We hope Detective Mathis will give this information review and investigation if it has not been previously submitted.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WHERESFREDERICKJAMESWORKMAN
I hope this information pans out. I am surprised that no lawyer would take on the State of Iowa, and their handling of his case and care.
Here in Cook County, we have a Public Guardian, one of the toughest one finally became a judge. But, he and the current one did not hesitate to take on local and private facilities for their improper care and treatment.
In fact the Public Guardian recently filed suit in federal court against a facility in the Chicago area. So it can be done.
In Dec 1904..a very pregnant Ella Fox Barrett with the homeowner and wife were killed before house set ablaze…the two ladies were beaten to death and laid very respectfully on a bed while the man of the house was beheaded and axe was left on the floor next to his body…axe was always left in out house…so killer retrieved it from there…this happened in Monticello Arkansas. Today that site remains one of the most haunted places in America.
I was just recently living with someone named william halterman here in knoxville iowa and while staying with him i was getting bad vibes and sketched out by some of the things he was doing so i looked him up and found this about Beth Ricketts. Pryor to finding this while at wal-mart with him he’d made a comment about how he lost a significant other when she was out shopping and i didn’t think much of it til finding this. Ive asked “Bill” william halterman about this incident and with a stutter and look in his face denied it but from his facial expressions, body language i truly felt and still believe it was him. Bill currently left Knoxville and told people he was moving to mississippi but i dont feel he did cause his life is a lie and honestly think hes down in chariton iowa cuz i didn’t and believe it and actually he was seen in knoxville and stayed at red carpet motel. I honestly feel and put it on all i love i believe it was the “Bill” William Halterman i know.
Shane, would you send me an email where I could contact you? I’d like to talk a little more about your experience. Thanks!
Sgt Paul Parizek
DMPD
Mr. Sgt Paul Parizek
I just wamna respond to your email and let you know im more than willing to talk to you about my experience with “Bill” William Halterman. My contact # 515-468-5291 feel free to call me at any time when you have the time and ill give you evey lil bit of information i possibly can in regards to this case and be more than happy to put this case to an end and curious minds to rest. Thank you
Thanks, Shane….
I just saw that I didn’t leave my contact info. Apologies for that!
I’ll call you tomorrow. Thank you for doing what you can to help Beth’s family.
Paul
Shane, Do you remember Bill having a friend that was an Indian guy may have gone by Big Chief or Indian Joe?
Shane, I’m Beth’s daughter. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to come forward on here to tell us your experiences with that man. I truly believe what you’re saying is real due to what I knew of him as a child. I’m offering you my email in case you have any questions or would like to tell me anything you didn’t feel comfortable putting on here. Paul is a detective currently working on my moms case and has held true to every promise he has made to my family. It’s been very refreshing. If you don’t want to speak to me maybe reach out to him. Of course no one will ever know who gave any information; we are just trying to close this case and move on finally with our lives. My email is ilovejeeps380@gmail.com. I would love to hear more about your experience and see if just your small time with him could help solve this case. You could honestly be the key and I’m so grateful for you. You have no idea!!! It’s been so hard especially since we are about to come on another death date without any answers. Again whatever you decide I just really appreciate you! I look forward to hearing back from you!
These recent exchanges from Shane, Sgt. Parizek, and Shanda illustrate the positive outcome that can be realized when the community (i.e. the people who know something about a particular case; even if it seems trivial, it may make a difference), law enforcement, and family members work together.
I commend all three of you (sincere condolences Shanda & family).
I hope something positive comes out of this. Keep us posted if something comes of this (to the degree it is appropriate) if you don’t mind.
Good luck!
I would also add that the other entity in this positive equation is online message forums such as Iowa Cold Cases that, in this case, brings the community, law enforcement, and family members and friends together.
I think it’s pretty cool that law enforcement monitors this site for potential leads.
Thank you. We certainly will.
I am the granddaughter of Cecil Earl Paris I’m the daughter of his son Cecil pearl Paris or Cecil Paul Paris As my dad changed his name later I’m the second of six children. My name is Linda Faye Paris My birth name is Linda Fae Paris and my mothers name was Ruby Fae Dollar my siblings names are Donna Kay Paris me Linda Faye Paris my sister Kathy Lee Paris my brother Daviid Michael Paris and our little sister Michelle Renee Paris I was told all my life that my grandfather Cecil was a train robber. So that shows that no one really ever talked about what really happened. I don’t think he was gambling that night he was a good man doing his job to take care of his wife and five children. God knows what happened and he is our vindicator. Any family that would like to talk to me you may Email me at daisyfaye54@gmail.com. We send things to all who helped with this article. I wish I could’ve gotten to know him. It’s also very sad especially that he was maligned by saying he was a robber of trains. It’s so very sad but I’m glad we know the truth now.
Cecil was never involved with any criminal activity that I’m aware of. The only connection the family has to robbers involved an in-law marrying into the Dalton Gang. Nothing involving Cecil at all.
Hey mom it’s me again writing on your birthday… adriana will be 5 next month! I got out of Iowa, now living in Oregon with the love of my life. Things are going well :)
I hope you have a happy heavenly birthday. Miss and love you dearly ♡ GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Jesse missing date and last seen should be the same you have it listed 1 year apart. What do you do for these missing people?
My son was her son Andrew’s best friend. It was just fate that my son did not go to that house after school that day as was the norm.
This always seemed like a domestic situation and the perp was someone she knew. There was no forced entry and the house was uncustomarily locked.
Your comments certainly imply the husband was involved. What a shame.
I agree that it suggests the husband was involved. There is no mention of husband in the original investigation of her death. He is only mentioned in the obituary.
As I had known her parents (now deceased) since youth, as I recall the husband had an indisputable alibi. The family had recently had new flooring installed in the house. Her parents always felt those individuals played some part in it as they had been supplied a key. As I recall at the time she was a stay at home mom.
That’s good info. If you know & feel comfortable sharing, did her parents convey the motive?
Who is your son? I lived across the street from them through my childhood.
Frank was my grandfather and I am praying someone will finally come forward with information since all the people we assume are involved are deceased. It would be a miracle to finally give my family some closure.
Anthony Lee Evans, I grew up in the neighborhood where he was killed in a hit in run. My best friends dad drove a white dodge pickup. My friends and I always wondered if he was the one that hit Anthony. I was only 12 at the time so we never really thought it was possible someone we knew could have done this. He was also a friend of law enforcement and medical personnel. He could have done it on accident and gotten away with it. He died in an accident himself shortly after so I believe this may be why this mystery has gone unsolved. I have absolutely know sure facts or proof so that is why I am leaving all names and addresses out. I always found it suspicious that this killing was not investigated or reported on further. Maybe him having friends in law enforcement helped keep this quite. But if you drive down St. Joe hill you can still see that little boys memorial and picture by the side of the road as far as I know. Very sad
What became of her husband and marriage?
I was wondering the same.
This is my Grandmother and my Grandfather did not kill her. I was very young but I remember the love of both of them.
Yes he did kill her. It’s 1000% obvious.
This woman was my aunt, her brother was my dad. My dad always said over the years that she was killed by either Frank Sr. or Frank Jr. My father was instrumental in getting her body returned to Moline, IL.and having a proper funeral and burial in Riverside Cemetary, Moline, IL. This was a very devastating event for him. He remained adamant until he passed away that she was murdered by her family. I was only a child when this happened but I remember that she was a sweet lady. It was a very sad thing for my father and it bothered him terribly that no one was either brought to justice for taking her life.
May you never C forgotten Randy O! People still to this day have Love N Respect for you!
I was in grade school with Dorothy Miller’s grandson at Black Hawk Elementary School. I remember it very well as we all were marched outside the school ‘single file’ and Tony was taken away. We didn’t understand the disruption and one of our classmates being taken home mid-day. Scary and eerie, still. Of course parents talked and made it all more mysterious as it was hush-hush. I’m curious as to whether her daughter and grandson are still in the area or even alive.
Melody N.
Melody N. This is Rob, Tony’s younger brother. We moved to Bettendorf in 1076, then to West DesMoines where Tony graduated highschool. We moved to Kansas City area in 1981, he went into Air Force basic training and after an honorable discharge due to an injury. Then we all somehow ended up in Texas where he worked for HEB grocery stores. Unfortunately he passed away from esophageal cancer in 2014. He would love it that you remembered him after all this time. I appreciate you inquiring about him.
My mother, Dorothy’s daughter is still doing well in Texas and is a
very active 80. I was only 5 and Tony was 7. My mother and I still hope somehow they will determine who my grandmothers killer was. We were definitely impacted when she was taken from us and having that closure would mean so much. Thanks for your note. I hope you get this as I am just now seeing it.
Hey everyone, after talking to my dad who lived about an hour away from the Des Moines area from 1971-1989 (around the same age as Eugene at the time of his disappearance) I recently learned about a possible suspect: a well-known teacher that around the area named Mark Glascock. Overall an extremely creepy guy that my dad and the kids his age stayed away and was infamous for the pedophilic rumors that surrounded him. Might want to take a look.
If you truly do encourage thoughtful discussions that are respective of others please take the rantings of anon on Jeffrey Rose down! My children and grandchildren do not deserve to have to relive any of this hatefulness!
Diana, how are these “hateful”? How are they “rantings”? These are factual newspaper accounts from the beating death of your son. These are factual newspaper accounts from the trial, which report your own sworn testimony.
You sound like someone who either wants to re-write history and deny reality, or who wants to cover up a crime.
Your son was beaten to death. Let’s hear an admission to this undeniable truth from your mouth (or your keyboard). And since you appear to be the only living person who knows exactly what happened, perhaps you can enlighten us now as to who was responsible, and exactly what they did.
Also Diana, don’t you think that your children and grandchildren deserve to know the truth so that they can make *informed* decisions regarding who to allow their own children to have unsupervised contact with?
This isn’t an unsolved murder. Someone was brought to trial for it and found not guilty. Law enforcement likely believes they arrested the correct person and there isn’t any more investigation to be done. If you have information to the contrary please share it with the appropriate authorities.
Jan,
There were clearly two people involved, as is demonstrated by Diana’s own testimony. Only one (the man) was brought to trial.
I pray that you never experience what we did! People just like you are why details are misconstrued in the media! You need to find something in your life that gives you joy and try to focus on that rather than trying to destroy someone else! A judge ruled there was no evidence to charge anything! Why would you think that is?
@Concerned Citizen, child abuse medicine was in its infancy back then, and our judiciary was in denial. Someone tortured baby Jeffery to death, either William or Diana, or both of them. Please specifically identify what you audaciously claim was “misconstrued in the media.” On a related note, the murdered boy’s nieces, who are now old enough to be parents themselves, or almost old enough to be parents themselves, need to be able to make an INFORMED decision as to whether or not to allow their children (if they have any) to have contact with Diana. The family structure appears to be built on lies, denial, and cover-up, which is unsafe, dangerous, unhealthy, and perpetuates dysfunction from generation to generation
Find a new hobby and let the justice system do it’s job as it did back in 1969. The entire family is aware of this story and it changes nothing. “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” John 8:7
You must be a family member in denial. And I reiterate that the murdered boy’s nieces need to be able to make an *informed* decision as to whether or not to allow their children (if they have any) to have contact with Diana, and, if so, whether supervised, unsupervised, etc.
Yes, I’m a family member. They’re my parents and I’m lucky enough to be their daughter. My parents are (were) great parents and both my brother and myself are successful members of society that they raised, loved and supported every step of the way. Again, get off your high horse and quit harassing people you know nothing about.
Murders like like this piss me off because here you have a young man making an honest living and gets killed for a few dollars in change by lazy people who should get a job
Couldn’t agree more. Infuriates me to no end. Worthless piece of crap takes the life an honest, hard working guy in the early stages of his life.
I actually knew of his family (not directly) as I too grew up in the SW side of CR. He and his family attended the same church & school as I.
Bad parenting by the mother leaving the kid with a drug dealing junkie she is as much to blame for this crime
Did they ever exhume the body of the supposed killer? (Series 1 E 1)? It’s driving me nuts, they leave without a word!!!! What happened?
It was NOT a match!
It’s now 2023, wondering if any progress has been made
As far as I’ve heard there is nothing new. I need to call the Sheriff and talk to him again. I wish it was just solved. Sometimes I guess I run out of what to do next. But, I won’t stop trying.
Please call me if you have any information to who did this , and you will have a big reward if leads to the killer at large and still free !
515-745-6072 , I am her daughter Alisia please Come forward.
I hope they interviewed people at the auction. Seems to me someone may be going to specific auctions, watching buyers and later stalking and robbing people who are vulnerable. Very sorry for the family.
They don’t even have her husband’s name right. He was my father and his name is James Robert Shireman not James L Shireman.
Jaymis, I was wondering, where in the case summary (or the Telegraph Herald story) did it mention that your father’s name was James L Shireman? I’ve looked but cannot find it. (BTW, if this comment disappears within a day or so it’s because ICC is currently migrating to a new server and the backup zip file has already been saved and being transferred.) If your father’s middle name and/or initial were printed incorrectly in an archived newspaper article, I (obviously) would have no way of changing that, but do realize the importance of having correct names cited.
All best,
Jody @ ICC
Hey David you’re so miss I wanted to stop and tell you your first grandchild a girl has made her grand entrance into this world it’s so crazy how much she looks like greedy it’s even much more crazy how much I think that you and I are both part of this child because of our child people watching over all of them for I know you have blessed your children and are watching them always Darius will be leaving soon please keep an eye on him wrap your arms tightly around then and keep you safe your one and only I love you forever and ever
Many people around Clinton are saying he owed alot of money to drug dealers and that he ran into someone he owed that night and got taken. I honestly think that is highly unlikely because from what I’ve read from people who knew him very well said he never got into much trouble and didn’t do drugs.
The Washta access would be located along a more or less direct route to Storm Lake, which does have a large Asian population. I wonder if that area was ever focused on?
Jason, thanks for that information. But, then it appears from Jack’s comments, she may have had any links to the area, except the boyfriend.
It would be nice to know why she went to the casino. Also, how she got there. It makes me wonder how she got to Omaha.
On a bus trip to visit his parents, Des Moines resident Robert McCullough was shot in the head sometime after 23 February 1947. His remains were discovered near half a year later in rural Johnson County. No suspect was ever identified.
Henry Christensen was shot dead in Council Bluffs in 1941. His ex-wife was acquitted, and no one else was ever deemed a strong suspect.
The remains of John Zauhar were discovered in Boone in 1947. The coroner determined the man had died by “felonious means.” His killer was never identified.
A life sentence was imposed but later overturned in the 1950 Lillian Chapman strangulation murder in Clinton. No subsequent conviction was made.
Although the 1950 slashing death of Neva Andrews of Cherokee was never positively determined a homicide, there seems ample reason to infer E.M. Lyman was involved.
Katherine DeKora died of a beating either 14 December 1964 or 14 February 1965. It appears her killing remains unsolved.
There does not seem to be a page detailing this victim.
Seems to be a dearth of unsolved murders in DSM between the years of 1922 and 1951. Was there ever any resolution to the strangulation of schoolgirl Evelyn Lee in 1930, Floyd Alloway’s shooting in 1937, or Anne McGrevey’s arson death in 1948?
Not much detail here. Any relation of the victim to David Morris, 67, whose 23 February 1973 gunshot murder, barely a mile away, went unsolved less than a year later?
Scenny Tate and Omon Watson have long-standing fostercare cases. There has been a lot of activity in both cases since they were reported missing. Looks like Scenny Tate’s mom is Scenny Pleas and dad’s name is Tyrone Tate and that Omon Watson’s mom is Scenny Pleas and Cyris Watson is Omon Watson’s dad. In May of 2018, both Scenny Tate and Omon Watson were “PLACED IN TEMPORARY CARE & CUSTODY OF TAKIYRAH DYE PENDING FURTHER ORDER OF THE COURT.”
Since the aggressor Was comfortable with dead bodies and was reported to take the time comfortably to go through the Wallet – has anyone collected the DNA of all the undertakers that were at the conference?
They just can’t “collect” their DNA. The police can ask for the convention members for permission but lacking that permission there is no way that the visitors can be compelled to give up their DNA. And after forty years how do they find out who attended?
Exactly what I was thinking!
Recently another investigator took on the case. It looks like a Serial Killer and heroin addict drifter killed in 1970 and 1984 so far also. All three have male victims face down, bludgeoned in the back of the head, chairs pulled up with wallet contents emptied, and toothpaste squirted out (which a sex ejaculation simulation for heroin addicts). The suspect died in 1984 but they are trying to get his body exhumed to see if it matches male DNA they have from 2 of the 3 murder scenes so far.
I am wondering if this is the same Dennis Moore that I knew @ Kirkwood Com College in Cedar Rapids back in 1970 he lived at a trailer park in Marion . Any info would add some closure to those who knew Dennis .Thank You
no it wasn’t him
So glad that suspicion can be shifted away from Roger’s widow, Marcella. I’ve never once thought she was involved, and have always leaned towards it being a stranger attack, and after watching the DNA of Murder with Paul Holes on Oxgen, I am even more convinced
It was a serial killer just watched an episode where similar things like hatched wallet and chair and toothpaste was found at 2 other hotel off interstates one 10weeks before this happened and another in 1970
John (Eberly) Flanscha, the youngest son / sibling, passed away on 10/6/19. I think the fact he & his family recognizes LeRoy as his biological father yet is silent on Ruth as his biological mother speaks volumes.
https://www.iowacremation.com/obituary/2019/Oct/Johnny-Lee-Flanscha
Did you use a psychic or did the same happen around that area?
I feel like someone followed the woman. Not necessarily her spouse even. She may or may not have known she was being stalked. Someone she rebuffed even. Because whoever committed the crime knew her and her info. That is why they didn’t bother with her wallet. I would look for a connection with the guys widow. I think someone from Rose’s area went to Rogers widow’s area and made contact. Maybe even relocated to the area.
I watched “A Secret Affair” on October 8th, 2019. The Detective had mentioned that the killer started to write something on the door; the killer left one word…..”THIS”.
My Takeaway:
Right away, I thought that the word “THIS” could be an acronym because; the four letters were ALL capitalized……these letters could possibly stand for “Four Words”…..
Bless the families of these 2 victims…..for their loss. Bless the 2 victims for the horrendous acts of violence that they endured.
Sincerely,
Hayley
Hayley – Was “A Secret Affair” a television episode regarding the case? I couldn’t find anything. Thanks
what was the reason they picked Iowa for a romantic get away? Iowa is totally not romantic. I think there is something behind the location they picked. or the affair was discovered by the wife of Roger or the father of Rose’s child. I can see where the father of Rose’s child might think ‘cha ching’ no child support i i fix the problem, just create an alibi while i head to IA for a few hours. Was anyone they knew tied with the undertakers conference held at the time? So many unanswered questions.
They wanted to go someplace where no one knew them because he was married and this particular hotel has a water park, which would have been a unique attraction at the time.
I watched Dr Oz today and saw this case with Rose and Roger, there is conflicting information, the show said that Rose was turned over and covered up, but i did research, and this website shows where i saw it, that she in fact was also face down when found: (Both Burkert and Atkison lay face down on the bed, the back of their skulls slashed and caved in by repeated blows from either an ax or hatchet.) I remember hearing on the Dr Oz show that she was turned over and covered up stating that the perpetrator possibly knew her and had remorse. So the article is very conflicting. My in-laws live in St Joe and I so badly want to be a forensic scientist but not always is the evidence accurately reported. Back in high school we had this assignment to whisper in our neighbors ear a certain comment, but only aloud to say it that one time, then it would to around the room until the last person heard it. The last person would say it out loud. It was never what it started out to be. Unfortunately we do not always get the accurate information to help cases that are unsolved. I love Dr Oz though and will still research research research. I don’t know either party involved but since it is close to home, i am interested in closure.
I was Rose’s best friend and I know it was said they were both found face down, but I believe that Paul Holes knows what he is talking about. Maybe the fact that Rose was moved after her murder and covered up is just something the detectives wanted to keep to themselves. So, if they ever had someone come to them it would be something only the detectives and the killer would know.
It is important to know exactly how they were found. A lot says about placement.
also if the fact that she was moved after the murder and detectives wanted to keep it to themselves it is now out there. Given that it is important that we know as much as possible to figure it out. Nice to meet you Tammy, and sorry for your loss.
Tammy- what are your thoughts on Roses ‘child’s father? was there a hefty child support payment? Did he know her plans that weekend?
No there was no child support being paid and they hadn’t had contact in quite awhile. He had never seen the child. And thank you for caring. I have a good idea and everything I hear about the show is that Paul Holes came up with quite a bit of stuff and I think we will get lots of answers. He says he won’t give up till the case is solved.
Sorry for your loss Tammy…
Did someone who knew or associated with rose leave the area at this time or really soon thereafter??
Not that I am aware of.
another point to consider is on the Oz show the word ‘This’ s on the door, but the articles state it was on the ‘Mirror’ in the bathroom. Just trying to find out why the inconsistencies to get to the real facts. It may seem like nothing but can be a HUGE difference in solving the case. so what is it?
I think the toothpaste was going to be used as a writing tool to finish the note on door after “this”, but killer changed his/her mind.
makes sense!
This seems like a Zodiac case
Who was booked for room 260 and then canceled? Also who booked room 260 and never returned a key to front desk. Sounds like someone had a key to that room.
Great points…. very interesting!!!
Could “THIS” be intended as an acronym for something? Like, “The Heathen Inherit Suffering” or something like that? If he was religious maybe someone in his family was outraged about the affair.
That’s a very good question, an acronym could be a possibility.
I think that the word THIS is someone initials…. Ex. Tom Henry Irving Senior. I don’t know why but it just makes sense that it initials. I think it probably was for the money in those days men probably wouldn’t search women or believe women kept money. Probably felt disappointment when the cards were being flicked on the floor. A remorse for killing women maybe is reason he covered Rose. I am thinking serial killer
First of all, how good was her ex,s alibie? People have been know to pass polygraphs. If he can do that to a dog and she needed protection from him, he would be my focus! Also is it possible that he spit in the tub or something and covered it up with the toothpaste, did they test the toothpaste for dna. They found male dna, did they re test some of the suspects dna?
I can answer some of your questions, the ex had an alibi in his job. Timecard showed he was there and people claim to have seen him that night at work, I believe. Also, yes the DNA has been run against many suspects and if they are deceased, then their families DNA was tested. I’m not sure it has been tested against every single possible suspect yet though.
I think Rose had a stalker …woukd explain going so far away. Would explain why the did not feel the need to check her wallet . They knew her info also I think he most likely then went to his widows area next
I think the wife found out and hired someone to kill them.
It was obvious it was Ed Edwards who did it,that man should of been drowned at birth, he was a most discussing individual.
I wonder Sandra was living in Fort Dodge. The authorities should have that information. The other question is did she belong to any specific tribe. There are a number of Indian reservations in other parts of the country. The other problem is missing Native-American women don’t get the attention they should.
Was Kevin ever investigated about his brothers death… he have something to do with it
Here’s the one thing I find strange about this case. Why was her work bag taken, with her computer, and stuff in it? Was it taken for the value? The fact that all her belongings were found on the ground, with the exception of her work bag, has puzzled me for the simple fact that this had to be a quick kidnapping, with no time to asses her belongings in the dark. Either this was a crime of opportunity, or someone staged it to be that way. You would think if it was someone who was watching her work schedule, they would have driven away that day seeing that her car was still sitting there, when she usually leaves at that time thinking maybe she was sick that day. They knew that going into that apartment and raising a commotion would be a problem with others that lived there, and would have to make as little noise as possible. So they checked off going in. They needed her in that parking lot, to make a quick transition of getting her into a vehicle. Either someone knew she was running late, or they were waiting for a woman to leave that apartment in the dark, at 4:00 in the morning. I wonder if they have a list of everyone that was in that campground that week.
I wondered about that as well, and what kind of bag it was if it had her laptop in it, could it have been a messenger style bag that she’d worn diagonal across her chest, while her purse would have been in her hand or over her shoulder and used as a weapon when she was grabbed? There were mentions of her taking a self defense class prior to this happening, so my first thought when I read that her things were scattered around the parking lot, was that she might have used the bad to try and defend herself causing everything to get flung around, but a messenger bag would have been secured against her, if she was wearing it across her chest, and so they wouldn’t have had to take the time to grab it because it would have been on her when they grabbed her. Such a sad case, all of them on here are, I hope someday they are all solved.
would absolutely love to know more about this.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE….Hey just want you to know you have a granddaughter coming and Darius is leaving for the middle east please wrap your arms around Darius a little tighter and keep an extra eye on him please…I love and miss you and things have never been the same….Love you always and forever
Happy Birthday bro I love you and miss you dearly!!
now where are the photos of indivuals of perhaps suspects, I would like to see them, and share them if someone knows them they can get in touch with the police, I hope they find the person or persons who did this
Smells like a coverup someone higher up gave a thug a break and now is covering. Mafia crap needs to stop!
Ummmm 😐….. Why was his pants down?
I found that odd too.
Just a theory but could him & his gf been having “relations” in bed & got into a fight?
Maybe she assaulted him & then realized he was dead?
Then she drags him out of the house since she can’t carry him & then concocts this sorry of him “going out for a jog.”
She then try’s to “throw off police” by giving them a different story then she did his family.
To me it’s clear that she did this.
Is she still alive?
Soooo… why did she agree to drive further wait I’m confused I thought they were going down the street just to pick up the girl why they go to some other place
If you look at findagrave.com, there have been quite a few infant deaths in Iowa with the last name Ritcher. Assuming they are related somehow, it makes you wonder if there is a congenital issue.
All I know is my brother has been missing. Bryan Ashley Howser. Someone knows something and has seen something,As far as Anne yes they did have an age difference but I do not think that she had anything to do with this. I know he jumped off the Scott avenue Bridge. His body was not recovered.
I have been trying to get Kimberly sue Doss date changed to 1980 not 1982, but Davenport Ia will not help.
“The convenience store where Brian Schappert was killed is now a tattoo parlor.” It’s not relevant really, but that isn’t accurate since about 2016. I think it’s a great clips now.
Heath, thanks so much for the info regarding the location where Brian Schappert was killed. I’ve updated his case summary to reflect those details. The summaries are written contemporaneously to include whatever information is on file at the time, and though the crime details remain the same, homes and buildings go on to be sold, converted to other businesses, and sold yet again. With so many cases to track, we’re ever so thankful when readers bring to our attention the subsequent changes in the business ownership. There’s nothing better than when astute readers point out the transformations of these historical properties. It matters a great deal, and keeps the general public informed of the historical timeline of these real estate transactions. Thanks for taking the time to share these details with us!
why is his case not in the solved section
Our families are still praying for answers.
She was affiliated with the KKK, who cares about bring justice for her
Devon… you’re not the best swimmer in your class, are you?
This is my mom is very much alive!!
Aimee, have you contacted the Des Moines Police Department to ask why her case is listed as an unsolved homicide or confirm this is the same Becky Palmer? You’d want to reference case number 1990-40843. (The info we have listed above came directly from the DMPD, though it is all the info we have on file for the case. I’ve searched archives, but was unable to come up with any additional material on the case.)
I remember I was 11 years old and I was at a family friend’s birthday party up the street across from the bakery when this happened. I remembered the police not letting anyone get near the accident some kept saying it was a little boy. I than saw him on the news and every time we drove by this area I would see his picture on a marker next to the sidewalk and I would ask god to please help his family to please help us find who did this. To this day I remember his name and wonder how can anyone be so cruel!! and not stop.
Cedar Rapids Police officially closing this case. Per the article, they are confident they know the two men who are responsible for the robbery but not sure which of the two, if not both, actually committed the murder. Regardless, both are culpable. Both are now deceased (may they rot in hell).
They have disclosed the names and other pertinent information to the family, I presume that brings the family some measure of comfort.
Seems like he was a good man with a bright future gone too soon. Thoughts & Prayers to the family for this senseless act.
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/cedar-rapids-police-close-brian-schappert-murder-case-after-30-years-city-surveillance-camera-law-20190906
Couldnt they test her bones today where we now have DNA
What a Stunningly beatiful Girl she was. I know she is with the Creator. Prayers for her family and I hope that whomever did this will come forward!
Mike and Denny did some time but not much
Becomes cause for concern,when personal vendetta.s whether real or imagined matters by individuals making statements known and proven False, yet lay false claims by social media and talk among themselves leading us the readers to see there are individuals determined to to see the woman accused be prosecuted and judged for a crime that of which she suffers for apparently no more reason than simply knowing the deceased.
As I read this Case let me say this You can call everyone among the deceased family .school mates community .work place just as suspect because they also knew the deceased,find record of high school students that he had altercation with accuse them as well,I read he worked at a Bar/Grill,Those who frequented Well Knew him too. Murder is a tragedy ,to accuse someone for nothing more than knowing the deceased is a grave matter,i read that false statements submitted to authorities have been stricken from admissible in this case due to being proven false shall we say[a.k.a lie?] and other statements with nothing to support them apart from hearsay or persons that likely have clouded judgement because of their proximity to the deceased_I can understand these people wanting Justice for a deceased relative ,but I am left questioning why would these be so adamant in wanting the defendant Cahill be convicted _that they lay proven false statements to her guilty yet NO EVIDENCE Supports their claims what-so-ever except that she knew Weineke. as a former girlfriend however I read a fiance is listed ,obviously also knowing him,As a former Bartender myself I can tell you very few bartenders ever can say they are without some enemies and grudges held against them, after Bartending,nor can they say they did not witness some things in their careers that have throughout time, been the very same things that that got persons killed,In these environments you have all manner of things possible contributing to alter peoples minds thoughts and cloud their perspectives whether you know it for a fact or not _it is not pleasant to hear but threats fly at bartenders who any other day may call these same friends_Threats are common For reasons often unbeknownst to any one other than the barred patrons or jealous wives husbands who feel the bartender is aiding and abetting .known or suspected cheating spouses even accusing bartenders of contributing to the destruction of their relatives by merely serving them, or adding to the problems they experience in the home because of an alcoholic patron who becomes inebriated then goes home and abuses his or her family ,then there are passers thru unknown to locals who are treated hostile or become hostile.even local altercations where threats to life and limb are frequently overheard or encountered and sworn to be carried out by hostility for a 100 different reasons in any given event..Every Bartender has known of fights that cost injury that may or may not be life threatening to the parties involved, When the Bartender must break up these or phone local law enforcement and it is not un common to result in Jail time or Charges filed on the party or parties involved-fights break out and threats fly its relatively normal that these can and do happen guns are pulled -fights and threats over money owed You name it, can and will continually be a given in this environment ,any bartender can recount of deaths either by murder ,injury or accidental and involve violence by beating -stabbing and shootings which can occur beginning in the bar and later outside or follow up to individual homes at a later time-Bars have Drive gunfire resulting in bullets put into them or property vehicles its all happened and every bartender knows of a time/times or multiple events that could be attributed to bar life and frequenting or working in these places.where you know the parties or knew of the ones involved as well as those who died _measures are taken to minimize these occasions but they still happen! If one could be accused tried and convicted of homicide for simply having known a person even dated or hated a person and then prosecuted with nothing more to prove guilt by having known that person or persons_Well I do not need to say further how empty the streets would be today!
I am more than a little Questioning how one can find someone guilty with NO HARD EVIDENCE Much less NO EVIDENCE to PROVE GUILT.I also read that the matter rests heavily on a childs testimony obviously confused by the divorce of her parents -her dads questionable habits .her moms grief and unhappiness and the entrants of other women into her life .What Kid would not wish to blame all of these parties for what she is living amidst as a result of all this,But that is not grounds to prosecute them of Murder!
Fact is Murder happens in these scenarios more frequently than most of us care to think.
It cause me considerable thought that the deceased persons family would single out Cahill and want her charged when it just as obvious that their was happenings going on that would implicate a fair amount of other likely suspects with considerably more motive and these are not tried for the same due to lack of evidence -I also Find it hard to comprehend cahill able to bludgeon a man Weinekes size as he appears in the photo and he put up no resistance that likely would have left visible signs of the incident on the perpetrator and certainly fingerprints and other evidence at the scene_This Case Bothers me From reading what is known _I cannot find anything in the facts surrounding the case that indicates any thing other than the deceased families obvious determination to blame cahill for their relatives death It even shows necessity and revenge In these scenarios it is easy to speculate what all is not being said and that’s where the hidden Truth Lies in my opinion of course a persons relatives would omit other known occasions .we know by reading they happened given what is presented,another thing that fails to surface in this is Weinekes daughter if such despite is still held against cahill -Why? even More what was the Child witnessing in her fathers behavior what was she hearing in her mothers distress over an affair and what was she hearing at her grandmothers house ,That so clearly shows a families need to cast the entire distress of the family by the events occurring Yet Not even Remotely lays blame to the childs Father for causing nor contributing to their grief -the Mother understandable favors her son but he clearly was a Large part of his familys distress -What was he telling his family that was fueling their animosity upon her to leave consideration of other suspects out of the Question. Makes me wonder who is being left out of this equation that carried out a threat- I find it hard to believe given the Known facts surrounding Mr Weinekes death that his behavior was not making quite a few enemies ,and I believe the parties who would file erroneous statements and claims that would later be determined false was hearing the same in a ongoing way We Know in a childs mind would not be discriminating as to discerning the whole truth what she was hearing,but would be accepting as fact what her relatives were saying among themselves ,We Know memories Change and given the Stress and grief of her dads death would we be hearing her family discuss and blame ,this same childwould not have reason to question what she was hearing in a judicial way -causing her memories to be more based on her understanding of what other members of her family were saying_We cannot come to a time where courts can Execute the tenets of Law on this Clearly obvious Bias-which then becomes the sole element by which to sentence a person to life with out parole and call this JUSTICE! I am Seeing Some Similarities in other cases that should be cause for everyones concern , not to mention what appears on social media to seed the public in a way we can best coin Covert manipulation,knowing full well the desired effect one who does this would be wanting to attain by using this method of poisoning the pot shall we say detracting from the Integrity of the defense in a way that clearly shows the similarity between the submission of statements that were proven false in an earlier hearing, Our Hopes and Prayers are Solely For Justice & Truth Based upon what we know so far _ Any Court that could hand down a judgement with no EVIDENCE Whatsoever to Substantiate the GUILT of the defendant in this case with the added erroneous statements made to the court -in lieu of their proven falseness! Should be cause for EVERYONES CONCERN! Personally I do understand the Deceased.s family their need for closure and they wish to see their relatives killer or killer’s brought to Justice !The Fact is 2 wrongs do not make a right nor does that in anyway resemble JUSTICE_to even consider that the lack of EVIDENCE is not COINCIDENTAL when you are accusing the wrong individual is it_IF the COURT hears the Evidence that likely still remains if the Guilty party was being tried -this also would most Likely bring new Evidence to light with guilty parties known associates. I only Pray That A grief does not cause a serious INJUSTICE before the Eyes of GOD Closure can never happen in this way And it by no means can be called JUST!
happy birthday in heaven corrine I so wish you would have been able to live you life and I pray they find the demonic evil person who took you to soon from your loved ones …
I wonder if someone did not care for her free spirit. She served her country, and someone decided she deserved to suffer maybe for some thing that she may have said or done. I like that the authorities have not released even basic details such if there were any signs of a forced entry, any signs of a struggle.
I wonder if she had any connection to the beating of Mr. Hieber. Since the incident took place in the same jurisdiction. I wonder why the landlord claimed he fell after getting out of the shower. Did she witness him falling down, was the floor wet leading to where he allegedly fell.
Brenda wouldn’t hurt a soul
Amanda, I like that his brother Dennis and a friend Michael Followill, were also involved in the robbery. But Jerry killed Mr. Horner. I guess stealing $5.25, was not enough. It sounds like something he might be connected to the murder of George Keller. I wonder if they ever followed up and interviewed him.
The other question is what happened to his brother Dennis and Mr. Followill. Did they ever do anytime for their involvement in the crime, which led to the death of Mr. Horner.
Mike died last year and denny lives in kville area…mike was my uncle and other 2 cousins…i have a strong belief Jerry did this one too
They did some time but not alot
Jerry was interviewed somewhat recently and of course, he denies having anything to do with George’s murder.
Mr Kerrigan I’m the one who turned States evidence on them for murdering Mr. Horner. I want you to know that they are responsible for more murders .when I got Mike to tell me what happened I was so horrified learning about Mr. Horner death that when he told me that there were others all I could say over and over was how could you guys do that.
Harold Horner, George Keller and Lloyd Patrick
I can promise you they did chicken George’s murder but I can’t prove it also Jerry made sure they each did one so they wouldn’t tell on each other I heard them fighting about it one night.
Alice,
Would you be willing to speak to me privately through email?
acornett@sio.midco.net
Angie
I believe it was Jerry Broughton who committed this crime but cant be proven
He is in Fort Madison Prison for the murder of Harold Horner from Russell, Ia.
Is there anything official that is documented publicly that shows that authorities mishandled the DNA or have a poor unusable sample? I see comments mentioning it, but nothing to back it up. I guess it’s possible they don’t have any DNA from Bierbodt to compare it to. Maybe this will be yet another one of those cases solved when a family member does one of those ancestry DNA tests, inadvertently connecting the dots.
I lived in Adel
I was born in 1974, this scared my parents and all my friends
What kind of photo is that? What the hell… O____o
Chief, thanks for willingness to help with this case. Maybe, you can provide some insight into her case that can help the Meskwakie Police find her. The other question, is there any video of her at this casino. I wonder if she normally hung out there. Did she have a routine of going to the casino, on certain days of the week.
Sheriff Mike Kubik….a good man. May God Bless all who have been directly effected. RIP Angela Buck.
I am an Apache woman, and also am an intertribal investigator/profiler. I will not comment on my observations of the tribal chairman, or the Meskwakie Police Department. However, if I can assist Rita’s family in any way, keep the money! I don’t want it. My sister, Rita, is missing now four years, and I actually care. Ahe’he…
Come up and help.. our family would appreciate it.
If you can help us we would appreciate it. I would like to get in contact with you. I am Rita’s mother, Iris Roberts.
He looks like someone that works at the joslin Tyson’s with a small cross scar in the middle of his head goes by juif I think that’s how they spell it
I vaguely remember her, for I was only 6 years old when the murder occurred. She lived with my brother, and it seems like she used to babysit me but I can’t clearly recall. I clearly remember talk within my family and I honestly believe that DNA testing should be done on any evidence that is still around from the scene of the crime.
There’s an old adage that goes…
“The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.”
I grew up in Dubuque Iowa and it’s said to say we have a lot of great history here. Some of these murders have to be solved I’m friends with 1 of the victims this is injustice for the families. Let them have some closure
Geez.. You never know who you work for. I worked at Certified Pest Control for Donna & Dave Fraley like 23 years ago. I worked out of their home prior to them even buying the building on 16th Ave; they actually had bought the building while I work for them. Haley would of been 15-16 at the time. She was a happy kid. Donna was a great Mom to her. I remember Donna saying she was Haley’s step Mom, but I don’t think she ever mentioned anything else about Haley’s Mom. She just said she’d raised Haley since she was a toddler. It’s been a long time ago and I only worked there about a year. I know at the time I worked for them they attended church and Dave did not drink anymore. I do remember Dave saying he had been an alcoholic and almost lost the business when he was younger. Never thought to much about it. I hope that the family finds peace and am glad that they were able to reconnect with Haley.
good for him. I hope that he feels better after talking care of his frist wife.she would have nevet left her daughter with him. OPEN THE CASE BACK UP. IT’S BRING HER HOME
Some sort of an official timeline would be useful. I get this from the articles and comments:
11/12/15 11:00 AM Cedar Rapids – Josh is dropped off by his mother and sister at the ASAC office. A comment said there are multiple locations and that’s true. I looked and there are 4, so an address would be useful.
11/12/15 – Time Unknown, but presumably after Josh was done at ASAC, he went to a store and purchased a stuffed animal for his daughter. His mother finds it and assumes it was purchased at Walmart. How certain is she that he bought it that day?
11/12/15 – Time Unknown, but later in the day Josh was last seen alive on a surveillance camera at the US Cellular Building in Cedar Rapids. Exact location is unknown.
11/13/15 – 11/16/15 – What happened these 3 days? At what point did family become concerned?
11/16/15 – Josh is reported missing to the Cedar Rapids Police.
12/3/15 – Pretrial for 3 pending charges he had for a controlled substance violation, a possession of controlled substance – 3rd offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A Failure To Appear Warrant is issued for his arrest.
Better location and times are needed. I hope someone can improve on this.
16th ave sw asac and i dont know for sure just looking for closure i know that but some say theyve been told the cops know hes gone just not where but idk anything for sure just what it seems like
I wonder what his cell phone records or app / social media showed. Since he was dropped off I imagine he either didn’t have a vehicle, or didn’t have a valid drivers license. He must have had some people that were his go-to for ride requests that he called, texted, or messaged online. I can only assume that the police have that information and it points to the last person he was in communication with. That information made public would jeopardize things. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that would just take off and leave everything behind to avoid treatment and jail time.
Theyres been comments on his fb page justice for josh id go there and just search the page for last place i saw him and itll fill u in thats what i ended up doing
The one on 16th Ave in cr
I myself being the cousin that Found David after taking his own life would like to know why we can not find out more going on. Everything says to continue 2018. We are over half way through the 2019 Year. What is the hang up that they are holding back for is my only question. Is it so he can stay at a federal vacation joint and not have to sit where he belongs or somewhere that is not a vacation for him? SMH on this so called Justice system….
I read the article on two different sitea and no one mentions anything about the fact that.dead body smells like hell itself. How is it possible that no one noticed that something smelled terribly off in that place?
There seems to be a lot of speculation or finger pointing. Most people want or hope for the person or persons believed to be the perpetrator to go away. Sometimes things aren’t always what it seems . I wasn’t born yet when this took place. If it were me and I knew for certain a person was guilty, I want to make sure that individual has zero chance of walking free. So that being said I suggest considering ( area, time line, manner of death, demographics and what law enforcement agencies were working the case at the time. Evidence is always going to trump motive. This young woman was stabbed and tied up. April 12 1965, Janice Snow 16 was tied up and stabbed to death. Another female Judy Corbin stabbed just months before Leota Camp. Romona Cox also stabbed to death three years before Janice. All but one murder had taken place in or within a 3 mile radius of downtown. All but one was seen with a white male age 21 to 30. I don’t want to make assumptions out of respect for the victims family and loved ones pursing justice or very least closure. I’m somewhat convinced Leota (may) have been an unintended target. There (may) have been someone in her area into illegal activity and the killer or a shady neighborhood mistaken her description for the intended target. In those days there was no internet, or smart phones. Very limited police force and no advanced forensics. The only hope was observant neighbors. Even then they had lives too. I’m not saying there was a serial killer. Likely criminal activity, wrong place, wrong time or all three. Just my perspective
Who do you need to talk to in order to have someone else checked for committing this crime? My sister told me about this case this evening and she told me who she thought might have done it and I agree it is a possibility.
I dont know this family but i pray for them. I pray they find out the truth. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed to get the truth.. the truth will show one day. Just look at that case where the body was in no frills FOR 10 YEARS…
I strongly believe that things that happen in the dark comes to light sooner or later!!
God bless
I’m so sorry to hear about Larry, very sad, and I am praying for his family to be able to cope with their tragic loss. Actually it’s a loss for all of us. “No man is an island…”
I too, am surprised that the store management and employees, and especially the detectives didn’t search there while looking for him, especially since it was an area employees used. Really odd actually – not a great job, we must do better to help people in distress! Were they too tired or too busy to look everywhere on the property? And the spot described was such a safety hazard, why did store management not fix it? OSHA should have been notified and slapped them with safety violations. I wonder if the family has any recourse for a negligence or other claim. Until money is involved, no changes will come or they will be made very slowly. There are so many young people like this that are suffering with mental health issues, and we still are not doing enough to help them before these tragedies occur.
RIP Larry, you won’t be forgotten by us:)
Blessings,
Amy
Houston, TX
You ever to go. Back and look at some of your old cases you’ll realize they can solve alot of newer ones
If he was shot in self defense who shot him? Idk maybe it’s just me but that makes no sense.
Prayers
Such a handsome young man. Tragic
Outrageous! All of this time has passed. A photo of the quilt may be of some help. How absolutely horrific for this young man to die in such a way!
Two names: Bobby Hughes, and Derrick Holmes come to mind. They are the ones who grabbed Joe and took him to the place where he was murdered.
Yep!
Sad. The driver should’ve stopped.
Has anyone ever found out if this lady is still alive?
Throw his bones over the wall. Make America Great Again.
America is a shithole. Ain’t nothing making it great given it never was. If anything white gold need to get the chuck out as it’s the natives that owned it alll
You better not be living here then you trashbag traitor!
Throw your bones back to Europe with your ancestors came from and make our America great again
The Indians in North America got conquered. That’s how the world was in those days. Get over it.
Just got done paroozing the site. Well done. This is a very sad case. Check out my blog if youre so inclined.
CrineBlogger1983.blogspot.com
http://CrimeBlogger1983.blogspot.com
*perusing
*perusing
Lol @paroozing😂😂
The article is out now and has confirmed his identity. Such a sad story!
I didn’t know this family but am just so saddened by all of this. I hope his family is able to find peace now and they can finally properly lay him to rest. :(
This happened back when the state of Iowa was a baby. Not much more on this case can be done.
At least for having a living suspect that is
My heart goes out to Monica. I am sorry that somebody knows what truly happened with your father. I feel like the whole police thing is just a cover up.to protect the coppers. I pray that there is a loophole where they could possibly help you out. You deserve answers.
Rest in Peace to Your Father
Thank you so much
There is more to this than what has mentioned hear ! The police chief got investigated by the FBI and later got removed from that position!
Poor little girl…shame on Iowa police. They didn’t do anything to solve this case…☹
“If you have any information about Myrtle Cook’s unsolved murder…” come on guys…are you kidding me? Do you really think somebody could have any information about a murder that took place in 1925?
That’s absolutely impossible! 😶
Just a update on this case Eileen is now deceased she died in 2015.
Has this Jason person ever came forward with what he may know about my Uncle murder? Jason if you are seeing this please contact me or the agency listed. You can contact me at (608)-632-5871 Please if anyone has any information contact me or better yet the agency you never know even a little detail could open this case wide open and my dad and the rest of the family can finally put this to rest and my uncle can finally rest in peace.
41 years and we his family still have no answers and my dad has no justice
Has anybody acknowledged Paul Rayer’s relative, Tina F.? It seems like she has something to talk about. Even if it pans out to nothing, she has been affected by this too. My condolences to both families.
My grandparents were from Mapleton. What was Mr. and Mrs. Carley’s first names??
I follow everything, in fact my sister taught at your elementary school. I can’t put all my thoughts here, they would fill a book. But I have cried for you and Paul and the others many times. I met your mother and of course read WJCC. This is a bit of something that has always bothered me. Where can I add a photo of a car?
I’d also be curious about the identity of the mysterious Denver drug kingpin. How come nobody can tell us a name?? If one of the victims had rolled over on this guy—- well he’d be looking at a long prison sentence and that’s definitely a motive
Its so incredibly said that there is such little information on a baby whose life was cut so short. I know its not this websites fault but if it was due to just a disease alone it wouldn’t of been ruled a homicide, maybe negligent homicide from the sounds of it.
According to this account in 2011, the DNA found at the crime scene excluded the Veach family. However, DNA testing advances could actually identify the killer of this horrific crime using the new techniques of comparing crime scene dna to public dna websites. Cold cases are being solved every day with this new approach. Law enforcement needs to use this dna to find the killer.
Wondering didn’t anyone see somebody ? Mother or Aunt ? Very Sad for these little ones. Praying for Justices.
She was my girlfriend back in grade school. Used to hold her hand on the school bus. She went to the same junior high school I did but was too shy to reintroduce myself to her. Big regret on my part. Maybe we could have reconnected.
Thanks so much for sharing this with us, David! These personal remembrances serve as great reminders that those included here on the website are so much more than just names and case numbers!
I am missing you everyday praying and wishing that they would solve your murderer or somebody would come forward I hear now our son sir David is having a daughter in October the first of your grandchildren Darius is about to leave to the Middle East for the Marines I pray every day that he comes home safely we miss you so much and wish somebody would come forward
Even when it happened, after a certain number of months it gets classified as a cold case due to the fact that unless it’s solved within the first 48 hours, the likelihood that it will get solved diminishes greatly, thus the term “cold case”. This term in no way should be construed to mean that they will stop following up on leads etc. It does mean that the likelihood of attaining things such as physical evidence drops considerably after even just 48 hours.
That’s not accurate AT ALL. It’s not considered “cold” until leads dry up to almost nothing.
Quoting an online dictionary:
“A cold case is an unsolved criminal investigation which remains open pending the discovery of new evidence.”
From Wikipedia:
“A cold case is a crime, or a suspected crime, that has not yet been fully resolved and is not the subject of a current criminal investigation, but for which new information could emerge from new witness testimony, re-examined archives, new or retained material evidence, or fresh activities of a suspect. New technological methods developed after the crime was committed can be used on the surviving evidence to analyse causes, often with conclusive results.”
Still looking for answers
How sad !! Over stupid drugs your taking life. Praying for all . No matter how old the case is.
What does YOA stand for ?
Years of age
Schwiesow is dead. Dec 19, 2018.
https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/jimmy-r-schwiesow/article_c19e23de-d98e-5d91-b099-82769ab454d6.html
Jim F., thanks so much for letting me know. I’ve updated Lisa’s page to reflect that info.
All best, Jody at ICC
I don’t appreciate some people making fun at a family friend who was murdered thanks. I want it solved as much as his family does, I still have issues sleeping around that time of year and it breaks my heart to know his killer is still around living and free. Chad was like a part of the family and I saw how it affected Dixie. That’s so unfair.
Love you Dad, Been missing you every day for years.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Praying for justice!!
This is a heart breaking case. Justice will prevail ultimately. Thoughts and Prayers to the family.
I think about this case often. The house where this happened still stands unfortunately. It is in disrepair and the windows are painted over. After 50+ years the likelihood of solving this murder are slim to none. Let karma take care of the perpetrator and may Patricia rest in peace.
No DNA was collected from Radio City Mobile Home park across the street from her apartment. No description of the blanket either. I pray for justice.
I really enjoyed reading all of these comments, scenarios, and opinions.
Thank you all.
We watched the Dateline episode. We are of the opinion that Jason did murder his mom. He shows no tears or emotion, only steadfast adamant behaviour to convince the authorities that he is innocent. He is an adultery plus a murderer. His wife stays……she is nuts! Get yourself a divorce. If the tables were turned, Jason would be long gone!
I think they need to investigate the 3 people that one of the neighbors had told the officer about like the man who told her that he had did the murder the man named joe and the 2 other guys that had helped him why haven’t they been questioned and checked into there had to have been finger prints or something and how can they charge a man for murder when they have no murder weapon just wondering I still think Jason carter is a innocent man and they should do a little more investigation on the joe guy and his 2 buddy’s prayers that the family will realize that the son did not murder his mother and maybe by the grace of the good lord above the father and the rest of the family will maybe just maybe have a heart and realize that the mother wouldn’t want the family to fall apart when wrongly accused of something that wasn’t true I’m sure that the mother would be very very sad to know that the father was treating his own flesh and blood the way he is without any evidence to prove what actually happened to her that day other then what the detectives lead them to believe prayers and love from my family to there’s hopefully someday they can put there family back together
👍
I’m with Frank on this one. I’ve always thought the exact same thing.
And tonight I watched the continuance of the same story.
I can’t believe they haven’t arrested the real killers of Mrs Carter.
Bad Police work, and they simply don’t want to take any responsibility.
The husband was the last one to see her before the son found her. And when the husband got to the house he said aw Shirley and kissed her. I find that a little bizaar. The son was extremly emotional. The husband got all the money when the wife died. Husband planned it.
I agree with you. For some reason I just feel the husband did it and made darn sure the son got blamed for it.
I also agree with you! LE screwed up this case so much I think they created the timeline of her death to match Bills timeline of his movements. I think Bill set up his own son and tried to seal his fate by filing the civil lawsuit way before trial of Jason. Bill thought the civil suit would help get Jason convicted. Ignoring the confession of the brothers as well as not disclosing that info to all parties is criminal. Bill obviously has his favorite children and to heck with the rest. I hope Jason gets Justice.
Love you Trish I know it mean so much for you to be able to get some closure 💔💔
A Vicki Lynn Harrell (26) was found naked and strangled on Monday, August 14, 1972, two days after leaving work at a Bloomington, Indiana K-Mart on Saturday, August 12, 1972. Also, her body was found in a water filled ditch. Supposedly the initials (KN) had been carved into her body.
Also, supposedly an investigator with the Indiana State Police believes that the offender in her case, was transient and may be connected to similar murders in Pennsylvania & Maryland. All the other victims , were from college towns, and had initials carved into their bodies. The initials are different. I have been unable to find any information on these other cases. The is no mention of initials being carved in to Sheila body.
Im interested as a Hossack from Cromarty Rosshire
does anyone know where Margaret was born?
Steve, the book Midnight Assassin states that Margaret (Murchison) Hossack was a native of Ross Shire, Scotland, born Nov. 19, 1843, and that at the age of five, she traveled with her family to North America. Not sure if that helps, but thought I’d put it out there.
This is my beautiful aunt in law. My husband grew up hearing about his aunt but never got to meet her. One day I pray they finally have enough evidence to get the guy we think did this.
This breaks my heart. He was 100% killed by his friends and they are ridiculous for not looking for foul play when the evidence was still there. Forever praying.
I am a cyclist from Fairfield and often ride to small rural towns just to check them out for fun. In about 2015 I visited Mystic and after simply riding up and down the main drag a few times a local gent came roaring up in his pickup and asked me what I was doing, sort of gruffly. It surprised me being greeted with suspicion but after conversing the chat was cordial enough. I kind of understand now….years later after reading this. I’d be suspicious of a stranger in town too. Blessings to Mystic.
Let’s all post Brian’s missing persons flyer in all Missing persons groups to bring awareness to his demise..I’m shocked he didnt have ine..so I had one made
Briand Burns is missing Jerry burns in not let’s keep moving forward to find Brian M.Burns..dint ket Jerry Burns oblvershadow Brian this isnt right imo
Any updates? ,this is his 1st wife
I was wondering if he was a veteran. He would have been eligible for the draft in October 1971. I beat my draft notice by a week, by joining the Navy. My birthday was #2 in the draft pulled in 1970.
If he was a veteran, the VA, should be able to show if he visited any of their facilities.in the time he disappeared.
Here’s an AP story that ran in 1986:
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The mother of missing paperboy Johnny Gosch said Tuesday that both she and police know who abducted her son four years ago and that police are ″doing everything within their legal boundaries″ to arrest them.
Noreen Gosch said she has known the identities of three Des Moines men and a pedophile ″contact″ in Houston for six months, and that her knowledge has caused numerous threats against members of her family.
She declined to identify the men. Lt. Lyle McKinney of the West Des Moines police, who has worked on the Gosch disappearance, said he was aware of Mrs. Gosch’s statements but would have no comment.
″The Johnny Gosch disappearance case is an active investigation,″ he said. ″We will act on any information furnished to us.″ He would not say if police know the identities of the abductors.
Mrs. Gosch had vague answers to several questions, saying her news release had ″hidden messages″ that the abductors would understand. She said there was a risk that the kidnappers would try to flee but ″that would be revealing, too, wouldn’t it?″
Gosch disappeared while preparing to deliver Sunday newspapers near his West Des Moines home Sept. 5, 1982.
″We now have evidence providing the identity (of the abductors),″ Mrs. Gosch said. ″The crime was organized. We know who these people are and where they are located. We have received very serious threats to members of the family concerning this aspect of the investigation. It is in our best interest to bring this information out to the public.″
She said that the abductors know she knows who they are but may not know that she has also told police.
The family, she said, has cancelled its offer of a $200,000 reward for information leading to Johnny’s whereabouts. Rewards from other sources still are available, she said.
Mrs. Gosch has been strongly critical of police efforts to find her son in the past, but she said police are now cooperating. ″Police have been apprised of every development,″ she said.
She wouldn’t say what is being done to apprehend the men, however. ″At this time, they are doing everything within their legal boundaries. We know who they are. I can’t comment on what’s happening legally.
″There’s a lot I can’t tell you,″ she said.
Holy buckets! In Houston? Houston is where Roger Matice lived before he went to prison. Roger Matice is the guy accused of assaulting the paper boy in Cedar Rapids.
You guys stop with the whole Roger Dean Mattice thing. Good Lord!!!! Yes he was a pedo in the area but so were tons of other people in the area at the time probably thousands. Go listen to Sarah Dimeo’s Faded Out podcast to understand what happened in the case. Yellowbag thank you for all the work you have done with Sarah on the case.
If any of this were true, there would have been arrests and a resolution not long after… Unfortunately, I believe Noreen became susceptible to people putting ideas into her head, and as time went on and the case remained unsolved, she was more willing to accept that a grand conspiracy and cover-up was the only logical reason it hasn’t been solved. It’s very sad, and I feel horrible for her, but logically the stories she has told over the years don’t add up. Once Bonacci surfaced in 89, the whole case really went off the rails.
It’s shame that this has gone on this long without any closure for the family, me included. I just hope that one day soon it will be over. Kathy was first married to my brother back in the early ’60’s and I knew her and her family pretty well and she was the mother to my niece and nephew who are both in their mid 50’s, I know that it would be of some comfort to put this case to bed and find justice for Kathy… praying for closure
I understand . I shutter everyday I walk by the suspect’s house. I even planted a large bush near my windows that face his upstairs bedroom window so I don’t have to see it when I open my drapes. It’s a constant daily reminder. Kathy talked of her relationship with your brother. I knew the story. She really cared about him even though they broke up. The funeral was disturbing when they chased the suspect out of Hamilton’s. Without his late fathers alibi ..I think he would have been charged. Sad .
He actually worked that whole day with my kids dad’s blood brother he said he acted not right and kept leaving the job site to probably call his mom to help quarterback came through this murder while using a payphone from wherever he was working that day never thought about finding out where they worked to get phone records pulled from the pay phone at the gas station close to where they were working that might be something new they can pull phone records from that far back that day to see if he contacted his mother.
Thank you Kelly for your support and hope to find the killer that did this to our mom 🙏 God bless you for your kind words .
Hugs and prayers to all, he needs to pay for his crime!!
Not sure how they say no connection between this man and the woman who was also found at the bottom of her stairs, had no connection? It’s easy with only a cursory look on the web on a bored evening to find it. .. But not my job. I’m not going to be the next one found at the bottom of stairs in Mapleton.
I have numerous questions regarding this case. Here are two: Did the eyewitnesses at Ashworth and 42nd see the Birge’s car make a left turn from Marcourt onto 42nd. What kind of car was Chris’ father driving that morning?
Throughout this whole ordeal locals have known two things:
A – Shirley & Bill’s son Jason has a very negative reputation and it wouldn’t be aberrant for him to kill his mother for something he believed was rightly his. This is greatly in line with his reputed personality.
B – Law enforcement, particularly Sheriff Sandholt, mishandled a great deal of this case that gifted the defense with more than reasonable doubt and allowed Mr. J Carter to be freed of any criminal charges.
This case will likely never be solved because of double jeopardy laws.
It is heartbreaking to know it will go on as “”unsolved”. It is frightening to know we are not safe. I found out the jury didn’t have a choice on the guilty or not guilty given the fact the investigation was awful, including the sheriff tipping off the main dishevt of a search warrant, evidence not collected, lack of following frivolous leads resulted in the jurors as instructed to by the judge, to come back with a not guilty verdict due to a lack of a full investigation.
None of this so-called expatory evidence was new to the defendant, extended family, his friends, nor his attorneys. As a matter of fact a few of his friends helped create the scenario, whether or not he knew before or after..he knew by December 2015. I am unable to share those publicly as I was not a part of the conversations. It would be illegal for me to do so. It wouldn’t be like getting away with murder, but I’m confident I’d be charged immediately, sued, convicted, and imprisoned. I wish so much I could share all I know.
My Aunt’s birthday would be June 10th. She was murdered June 19th, 2015, so
It is a rough time right now for her family.
New Facebook page created this morning:
https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F2898183960322297%2F
Jody Ewing should be cited as author of this case summary. I had started it, but she added so much to it and put on all the finishing touches. Thank you, Jody, for taking time to do that. I want you to have full credit for your work.
I’m so sorry that one year later, this case is still unsolved, and so sad for the loss of this young man, so loved and treasured, so missed, so senselessly taken from this world.
Carol, you know neither of us are in this for the credit. I just added his obit and used your blog post to include Tyrese on a case summary page. It really is haunting that his case remains unsolved. We have so many senseless murders on here, but these young kids with such bright futures always hit particularly hard. You did a fantastic job of tracking down the articles and getting the photos, and your blog post introduced us right away to this amazing young man. Thank you for getting his name out there and letting the family know he’s not been forgotten.
I just want to get the word out there Tyrese aka Willy kill still is running free I am going to go through the day I will never forget ok so i was woke up by my daughter saying willy was in trouble and needed help at first i thought she was lying cause they did it before but when i got up and seen she was not playing i jumped in my car my daughter shyere Anthony and shyere older brother jumped in too his other brother stayed back at my house i was yelling for them to tell me where he was than shyere told Anthony come on tell her or something like that than Anthony took me rite to where he was there was a man in the drive way when I pulled up he just asked me if I know him as I am jumping out my car that I forgot to put in park so had to jump back in and I am saying did you call 911 he never answered me but he didn’t when I got over to this boy that is like one of my own I seen he was gone and had been gone for a long time I was screaming for someone to get me a phone as I left mine cause I just jumped out of bed didn’t even have shoes on I got a phone yelling trying to get the address felt like forever there was only one lady that came out to help me cause I am trying to get 911 the address and console my daughter who is his bestfriend and she is puking and screaming for me to help him got her to call his step mom cause that’s the only number she had to have her get his dad there his glasses and phone was taking off him before he got help that now has been found they was with one of the boys that was with him no one is talking and I know ppl know what happened and if any of you really love him and are holding stuff from the police you dont really love him he was left laying on that sidewalk for hours before he got any help and ppl knew where he was and didn’t get help for hours I cant keep my mouth shut anymore it’s almost been a year and nothing is done sorry if this makes anyone mad but this is what happened that day when i woke up now someone needs to speak on what happened before he got help
He was the Love of my sister Marie’s life at one time, many many many years ago.
Why oh why would someone do this? I pray that the person responsible will be found.
Clarice, as our unending prayers…Thank you.
This is a cold-case from Pittsburg County, OK, from 1995. The young man in the facial reconstruction is thought to have been in his early 20’s, which is the right age.
Am I the only one who think this looks both like Johnny Gosch and also a bit like his father?
https://s1064.photobucket.com/user/Robdye/library
The Gosches also submitted dental and genetic records for johnny. Maybe OK couldnt do gene tests in 1995. They could do so now with the cadaver. Can you check? I have no background onOK case.
Great man crazy funny but great man
Harmless and good hearted Steve
CEDAR RAPIDS — Two men, already serving prison terms, and one woman were charged Wednesday in federal court for the robbery and death of a Marion man who went missing May 31, 2014.
Federal prosecutors wouldn’t say what new evidence law enforcement may have received to result in filing charges nearly five years after James Booher, 51, was reported missing by his sister June 3. His truck was found abandoned June 9.
Marion police in 2015 considered Booher a homicide victim but no charges for his death have been filed until Wednesday.
Matthew Robbins of 44, of Ely, William L. Yancey and Danielle Busch, 29, of Cedar Rapids, are charged in U.S. District Court with robbery affecting interstate commerce, conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in murder, according to an indictment.
Busch pleaded not guilty Wednesday during an arraignment. Robbins and Yancey are already serving prison time for drug and firearm convictions. Robbins had been linked to Booher’s disappearance but he was only charged with firearms and drugs.
Robbins and Yancey, also serving time for drug offenses, haven’t been arraigned yet.
All three defendants are accused of robbing “J.B.” — Booher — of methamphetamine and money from the sales of drugs by force, violence and fear of injury, immediate and future to Booher on May 31, 2014, according to the indictment.
They are also accused of having a firearm during the robbery and fatally shooting Booher, according to the indictment. It doesn’t detail if there was more than one gun involved or if only one of them killed Booher but all are accused of participating in the crime.
The firearms charge is a “death constituting murder” charge under federal law, the indictment shows.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Williams, during Busch’s hearing, said this case was “capital death” eligible. In order to pursue the death penalty, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions would have to approve it and Williams said they haven’t heard back from his office at this time.
Robbins was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2016 for being a felon and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. Evidence from Robbins first trial, that ended in a hung jury, showed Robbins knew Booher and had purchased meth from him.
Robbins and another man robbed Booher about June 1, 2014 — the day after police say he was last seen alive, according to court documents in Robbins’ firearms case. Robbins and a friend identified as “D.B.” — Danielle Busch — purchased meth from Booher on May 31, 2014.
Booher and Busch used the meth and later contacted Booher to set up time to buy a larger quantity, according to court documents.
Booher went to Robbins’ home later that night and wasn’t seen after that visit, according to court documents. Another person went to Robbins home a day or two later, looking for Booher and Robbins greeted him at the door holding a .45 caliber handgun, the document showed.
In May 2015, during the investigation on Robbins, a forensics team that specializes in identifying human remains set up a dig site at a rural Ely farmhouse, where Robbins once lived, to search for evidence in Booher’s death, at the request of the Marion Police Department.
At that time, former Chief Harry Daugherty said he couldn’t provide details, only that it involved a federal drug-related homicide investigation.
Hello, this case should be listed as closed now Council Bluffs Police located this party deceased inside a closed grocery store he used to work at. He went into the freezer and climbed into an area and died of possible hypothermia.
Nick, I checked on-line and did not see any news story’s to backup that his remains had been recovered. It sounds plausible that he could have gone there since he may have had felt safe there for some reason. But, I would hope that the authorities would have checked the building as a part of their search.
https://www.ketv.com/article/body-found-between-shelving-coolers-council-bluffs-supermarket-larry-ely-murillo-moncada/26028756
https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Police-ID-body-found-at-vacant-No-Frills-in-January—death-ruled-accidental-513036681.html
He was found and identified
Here is the article https://www.nonpareilonline.com/news/local/police-announce-name-cause-of-death-for-body-found-in/article_12110290-ac94-11e9-9b7f-6bc33a504954.html?fbclid=IwAR27XhTgpf93NXuDx9RG1M7rRar3xj-RkLQxZWj277c_bI6LIw6ydcV_oXQ
How did you know it was him before he was identified?
I’m wondering if they checked the vehicles of the friends and family that were visiting the camping site(s)? It could have been someone he knew just trying to mess with him and hit him on accident and panicked. You see that kind of hijinx all the time in rural Iowa on gravel roads. Someone will swerve near you and try to kick up gravel or dust or just generally play chicken. Something like that could easily go wrong. Who left in a vehicle after him? Was there anyone that the people camping anticipated showing up to the campsite but never did? I find it odd that friends and family would just let him take off walking, but I know sometimes people just don’t want to be a bother and just slip away without saying goodbye.
I really don’t have anything to contribute to this but I did want to say that headstone is stunning!!!
If anyone is interested she’s married. Her name is Dawn M Marcotte from Farmington Minnesota.
This is what I find perplexing, How does a naked person running around especially in a rural area not draw attention of somebody. I grew up in a small town and Iowa and anything even remotely out of the ordinary and people are calling the cops. Why did she want the insurance money so badly? I think she had something to do with his murder. Not saying she pulled the trigger, but I think she definitely knows more than she’s letting on…
I follow Iowa Cold Cases on facebook. I saw the post about these two girls and wondered if there might have been an update. What I find is a lot of “evidence” of disrespect, allegations, and even some cruelty. No family deserves this to happen to their child. The responsible person might be someone that their families were acquainted with, but it could have been a stranger (doesn’t happen as often, but it does happen).
If you think someone might be a suspect, contact the authorities rather than putting someone’s name on public forums. Make sure you have facts to support your suspicions. It is sad that we have turned into a society that tears other people down rather practice, “innocent until proven guilty”.
You know what needs to be focused on? Factual evidence to find out who did this and helping this family find some kind of peace. No one in this world is perfect, so before you point out the “flaws” in these families, make sure you take a look at yourself, your family, and “flaws” that you have.
I’m writing a book about the case, with the emphasis on old newspaper accounts, as well as the developments that have unfolded over the past two years.
Where did you come up with the 37 stops / deliveries? Just curious.
Hello Brad. Des Moines Register microfilm article.
Nice!
I can understand the family members commenting in defense of Lennon, but you can’t blame people for considering the possibility that he was involved or knew something.
There have been a number of missing persons cases where the car is eventually found in a body of water. One that sticks out to me was in Byron Center, MI. A man’s body was inside a car in a small lake in the city for nearly 10 years before it was noticed. You could even see it in google maps. I’m curious to know the places she frequently drove to. With that information you could check the driving routes from her home to see how many bodies of water she passed. Maybe she had an accident and drove into water without anyone noticing.
The fact she left without her purse could mean she left against her will, left with grim intentions, or quite simply forgot it.
Maybe it’s possible that the date in the Social Security Death Index is just a mistake? I don’t think anything negative of Lennon’s obituary saying his wife preceded him in death in May 2005. What I’m curious of is how active in the investigation was he? Was he staying at home waiting and chilling or was he out and about looking on his own and making an effort?
Wow…there is no better picture of her? I know newspaper articles don’t transfer well but this poor soul deserves to be remembered as she was in life.
That being said….this is my first post but I am addicted to this site. You folks at ICC really care about these victims and their families. God Bless you for that.
This Is An extreme problem Which continues On! How Sad
Yes. Can’t filter out the growing contaminants their decontaminants, and very carcinogenic cyanotoxins.
Since supposedly the cause of death is considered undetermined, it will be hard case to investigate. He was just traveling around with no particular place to go. But his vehicle gets towed from the rest area, several weeks before.
Yet, his skeletal remains were found several hundred yards behind the rest stop. So something happened. It could be that he got in some confrontation with someone at the rest stop, and they killed him.
They found his clothes, but no wallet, money, car keys, or even credit cards on him. So, unless that stuff was left in the vehicle, then he could have been robbed and then killed.
I wonder if he had any credit cards, and when they were last used. It could be that maybe he was carrying large amount of cash. But since there is no clear time of death, then we can determined when he originally stopped there.
I don’t understand how the Clark County authorities decided that it was an accident. It appears that they did not want to take the time to conduct an investigation. I guess seeing the clean undamaged wheelchair parked outside in the snow, did not click with any of them. I guess they normally see wheelchairs parked in 8 inches of snow at numerous fires.
I my neck of the woods, the fire departments routinely conduct an investigation to determine the cause of a fire. If someone was seriously injured or found dead, there would be a major investigation. They would be not be stating it was accidental fire, within a day. That’s why there is a State Fire Marshal, also they could have called in the ATF, to assist.
I am sure that he as a smoker contributed to their assumption. They must have assumed that he left a cigarette, that was not properly extinguished, and it fell on to the couch. But, the elephant in the room is still that wheelchair sitting in 8 inches of snow outside, while the person who uses it is dead in his bedroom. Why was a rush to judgement? Was there another fire or fires to deal with? Too many questions that Clark County and others need to answer.
I’ve only recently became interested in Josh’s disappearance because of postings on Facebook and seeing the Facebook group. Crazy enough, I realized that I actually know him, but haven’t seen him since August of 1994. At that time he was living in a house sort of close to Seminole Valley Park in Cedar Rapids if I recall. I realize that date only because I remember Woodstock 1994 was going on and he said he wished he was there right now.
I have so many questions the Facebook group doesn’t seem to ever really touch on. Here they are.
1. I’ve seen that he had either drug or alcohol abuse issues in the past and had treatment. Apparently the last place he was seen by his family was when he was dropped off at an ASAC treatment center. ASAC has multiple locations in Cedar Rapids. What is the address of the one he was dropped off at?
2. It says he was last seen by surveillance cameras at the US Cellular Building. Again, which one? The US Cellular Center in downtown Cedar Rapids? The US Cellular call center in over by Lindale Mall? Or one of the many retail locations?
3. Where was he living at the time? Articles make it sound like he was living with his mom. He is always referred to as “Vinton Man”. Was he living in Vinton or living in Cedar Rapids?
4. Was there a receipt in the Walmart bag to see the time he made the purchase? If he was living in Vinton that would have taken him out of Cedar Rapids and maybe he went missing in Benton County.
5. Looking him up in the Iowa Courts System you can see he had a pending possession of a controlled substance violation. He actually was supposed to have court not that long after he went missing, and since he didn’t show up he had, and still technically STILL has a warrant out for his arrest. This is probably the biggest red flag for me. What is the story of his bust? Was he busted with other people? Was he in over his head? Were there people who were afraid he was going to snitch? I’m guessing this is the way of thinking the family has since they are “Justice For Josh Wellman” instead of “Find Josh Wellman.” They seem like they already heavily assume foul play.
He never ran from his legal problems and his phone was a dud at some point. I do think the family knows possibly enough to claim justice instead of find or what not i wish i knew. The other info on him after the hard evidence with proof isnt as hardcore but i know if you read through his record it wasnt his first time in the system or facing time snitch would be furthest from the scenario. But i wish theyd tell us more, family and the law enforcement this case is truly to under told and if it could get the momentum most others have maybe wed all know more….i think conflict of interest or something is a big part….thanks for of you from me not family but close enough if u asked josh….i love n miss him and just want closure for myself too.
They should just take these punks out behind the barn and take care o them. They do everywhere else. They can do it here…
What punks are you referring to?
Schellt, I know someone who looks very similar to the girl in the picture. She has a lot of the same facial features, and she is now living very close to Davenport. I’m not 100% sure it’s her, but it looks very similar.
Hi I saw ur comment do u know this person’s name and social media?
Who is this person do u know them
what really disturbs me is he is in that vehicle obviously stressed out and no one is near him talking to him and if you look to the left the firefighters are sitting there bullshitting and smiling. I mean wtf
I was a friend of Vicki’s. I stay and went to many parties there. Lillian was a very friendly caring person as I remember. The town, friends, and relatives were devastated by this tragedy. I still have Vicki and my confirmation picture. I think of her with sadness.
thank you Jane from Vicki & myself!
it means more than you’ll ever know when someone remembers our Mom
George was a friend of my dad’s for many years and we used to visit often. As young children, we always knew him as Chicken George. Our thoughts go out to his family and other friends.
It bugs me that someone shares information with the police, and it appears that they don’t follow-up on it. It sort of goes along with comments that some people connected with the newspaper might have been pedophiles.
However, law enforcement would either have the present owner of the property to offer them access to check the area. But, then they would need more information to obtain a search warrant. They would then need to bring in ground penetrating radar, or cadaver dogs, to see if they might him on an odor.
But, it still requires them to research this guys background. So, they may not want to make the effort based on him supposedly being creepy. However, I would think that they could pass it off to a retired investigator to see what he can find.
I just wanted to relay some info I found in the comments section of a Youtube video about Eugene Martin. It’s good to keep all the clues or possible leads in one place.
A woman named Pamela Hobbs left an interesting comment on a Youtube video about Eugene Marin. She said quote “I lived in Des Moines Iowa when those boys disappeared and I remember an older guy that lived on 5th ave in Des Moines called my husband that back then did concrete work, he had him pour concrete over a dirt basement floor which made it where you had to duck it wanted it really thick, the old guy also delivered papers to corners where paper boys picked up the newspapers, I’ll never forget that, that guy was just really odd to me, I told police about it, not one checked out that house on 3100 block of 5th ave in Des Moines Iowa”
So there you have a “creepy guy” that lived on the 3100 block of 5th ave in Des Moines that delivered papers to the paper drop spots, which means he worked for the Des Moines Register. He also had an abnormal slab of concrete poured in the basement.
I have to say, All coincidence? Probably not. People’s intuition or initial impressions of someone is normally always right. If someone strikes you as creepy, it’s normally for a reason in my experience.
Thank you for sharing this, and I agree, it’s good to keep all the clues or possible leads in one place. This woman sounds credible. “I told police about it,” she writes but “not one checked out that house”–does she know that for sure? Sounds like some excavating may be in order. (Carol at ICC)
Well not sure my brother jon g morris decessed now on his death bed said randy gurin danny crandle nozey did that and danny crandle was the one that pull the tricker and randy gurien work for him as a carpet layer helper or something. My brother passed away 5 or 6 years ago not sure weather to belive him but on his death bed we were not close i thought his marvins family should jo what iherd
Is DNA still available? I think it would be worth it, I know someone can not be charged for the same crime twice. Hope this murder can still be solved….for the family sakes.
My husband did the memorial video for Josh’s Funeral….a little boy who loved his super cape. I cried for this little one as that video was being done. How shameful that someone would leave the scene of the accident. It is hard to believe that no one seen anything. The Lord’s knows all and we know this is a little boy that Jesus welcomed too soon. I bet that super cape still flies.
This was a very tragic accident. There was a high school track meet going on at the time of the accident. Which was only a couple blocks away. It could’ve been a scared teen. I’m sure carrying the burden of this accident has got to be weighing on someone’s heart. Wish they would come forward so the Yoders can find some closure. This is one of the most loving and forgiving families.
My 22 yr old son moved to lowa in febof this yr.havent heard from him in 4 weeks.name is Allen parker
Mandy, where in Iowa did he move, and where are you? Is he on facebook at all? what information can you share with us to help you?
hi mandy i wold like to try and help you
An unsolved murder that should be listed in the Des Moines County page is the 1969 murder of 18-month-old Jeffrey J. Rose who had injuries to his genitals, buttocks, and head, with brain injury and a blood clot on the brain. He died after being “physically corrected” after his mother, Diana May Rose (who later became Diana May Miller) and her boyfriend, William Edward Miler, had used “physical correction” on him while toilet training him. William was criminally charged but acquitted. Diana married William while the case was going on.
I am going to post a few news articles here:
From the Boone News Republican, April 14, 1969 at page 5:
Study Charges in Child Death- BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — Additional charges may be filed against a man in the child beating case of a baby who died Sunday in Iowa City, authorities say.
Des Moines County Atty. Desmond Waples said he was studying Sunday what additional charged should be filed against William Edward Milar, 21, of Ottumwa. Milar was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily injury after doctors notified police Saturday that 18-month-old Jeffrey J. Rose had been brought to a Burlington hospital with injuries apparently from beatings, Waples said.
Milar was arrested in Iowa City Saturday night.
The baby’s mother, Diana May Rose, 21, of Burlington, told police she and Milar had been attempting to toilet train Jeffrey Thursday when the boy became stiff and unconscious after he was physically corrected for wetting his pants, police said.
She took him to the hospital Saturday.
Doctors there notified police and rushed little Jeffrey to Iowa City where he underwent surgery Saturday night. He died about 1:30 pm Sunday.
An autopsy was scheduled Sunday night to determine the exact cause of death. Doctors said Jeffery showed bruises about his head, genital organs, and buttocks.
From the Ottumwa Courier- January 17, 1970 at page 8:
Prosecution fights motion in Miler case.
Des Moines County Attorney Alan Waples has filed notice in District Court at Burlington that he intends to fight a defense motion to suppress evidence in the murder case against 22-year-old William Edward Miler of Keokuk, a former Ottumwan. The prosecution asks the court to set a hearing date soon to determine whether or not Miler’s wife may testify against him.
Miler is accused of killing 19- month-old Jeffrey J. Rose in April of 1969. The little boy died in Iowa City following brain surgery. He was transferred to University Hospitals after his mother had taken him to a Burlington hospital unconscious from severe head injuries. The child’s mother, then Diane Lee Rose, testified at a preliminary hearing April 17 in Burlington Municipal Court, after which Edwards was released.
The July grand jury renewed the indictment against Miler, however, a few days after he and Miss Rose were married in Keokuk. Defense lawyers are seeking an order prohibiting the state from calling her to the witness stand and from submitting any of her previous
testimony into evidence.
My thoughts on the above article: What sort of twisted values did it take for Diana to marry the man who authorities said beat her child to death?
From the Ottumwa Courrier, May 29, 1971 at page 12:
BIRTHS – … May 29 to Mr. and Mrs. William Miler Sr. of Keokuk, a daughter; the father is a former Ottumwan.
My thoughts on the above: How could she allow her son’s alleged murderer into her body???!!! Jeffrey died in April 1969. Melissa (the baby girl) wasn’t born until 1971. That necessarily means that Diana was having sexual intercourse with William after the death of Jeffrey.
From the Burlington Hawk Eye June 11, 1971 at page 7:
Testimony is heard on child’s injuries.
By BILL MERTENS
An Iowa City pathologist who two years ago performed the autopsy on the body of 19-month-old Jeffrey Rose testified Friday in the murder trial of William Edward Miler that
death was by a blow to the head caused by more than a simple fall.
Dr. Earl F. Rose said the head injury and the numerous other bruises found on the body of the child had been received between 12 and 48 hours before the time of death. The child died at 1:35 p.m., Sunday, April 13, 1969, in University hospitals in Iowa City following surgery to remove a blood clot from the brain.
Miler, 23, now of Keokuk, was charged With murder following the death, but the charge was dropped after Municipal Judge Gary J. Snyder refused to bind Miler over to the grand jury. Five months later a grand jury indicted Miler on an open charge of murder, to which he pleaded innocent in October, 1969.
Blunt-type Injury Dr. Rose testified the head injury was a “blunt-type injury”, as opposed to a head injury caused by a fall. He said a fall on a sharp instrument would “usually always leave some mark,” and he said there were no such marks on the head of Jeffrey. Bruises were found on the left and right side of the child’s forehead.
He said the blunt-type injury “could have been the type injury received from a man’s fist,” and said unconsciousness would have been rendered “almost immediately.”
Autopsy Slides
Prosecution attorneys also introduced into evidence 17 slides of the bruises on the
child’s lower body and crosssections of the brain taken during the autopsy.
Johnson county medical examiner Dr. T. T. Bozek of Iowa City also testified the cause of death was a head injury. He described all other body bruises as “non-fatal injuries.” Dr. Bozek, who ordered the autopsy, testified the child’s mother, now Mrs. Diane Miler, told him the child had been spanked and “indicated Bill Miler did the spanking.” Dr. Bozek said the mother told him the child had started vomiting Friday, two days before death.
Child Was Listless
“She said the child appeared listless Saturday morning and had no appetite,” he said. Dr. Bozek said Miss Rose told him she went shopping about 2 p.m. Saturday (April 12), at which time she put the child to bed. When she returned about 90 minutes later, Bill Miler
attempted to arouse the youth and the “child was not responsive,” Dr. Bozek said he was told.
He said Miss Rose did indicate “they had problems training the child, and they had spanked the child.” The sandy-haired, bespectacled Miler sat tightlipped and expressionless by his attorneys through the first day of testimony Thursday and the previous two days of jury selection. He heard Dr. Foss and Dr. R.G. Paragas, a Burlington pediatrician who also treated Jeffrey that Saturday, tell a jury of 11 men and one woman there were bruises on the head, left side, both buttocks, and groin area of Jeffrey when brought to the emergency room.
Nurse Testifies
Testimony was also given Thursday by Mrs. Janet Dellsite, a registered nurse who cared for Jeffrey on the ambulance trip from the Burlington hospital to Iowa City about 5:30
p.m. April 12.
Mrs. Dellsite said the child had several convulsions during the 50-minute trip end vomited about seven times, She said the child’s mother also rode in the ambulance but appear “rather complacent” and “composed.” Both doctors said the child already showed signs of brain damage when brought to the hospital because he would not respond to several reflex-type tests. Both also indicated the child had received the numerous bruises in from 12 to 48 hours before he was brought to the hospital. When asked to give his opinion as to what may have caused the bruises Foss said he felt “one possibility was that
the child had been mistreated and beaten.”
Dr. Paragas said it was his opinion it “was a child abuse,” and informed Iowa City of his opinion when the child was transferred.
From the Burlington Hawkeye, June 17, 1971 at page 1:
Mrs. Miler ‘requested’ discipline
By BILL MERTENS
The mother of 19-month-old Jeffrey Rose, flatly denied Monday that William Miler ever showed dislike or jealousy for the child, or ever disciplined the child without her approval.
Diana Rose Miler, 23, who married Miler July 12, 1969 — three months after the death of the Rose child — took the stand as a “hostile” prosecution witness.
Court resumed at 9 a.m. Monday after a weekend recess in the murder trial of Miler, 23, now of Keokuk, who was charged after the April 13, 1969, death of the Rose child. Jeffrey
died in Iowa City following brain surgery. Cause of death was reported to be a head injury.
Mrs. Miler underwent over two hours of questioning by county attorney E. Dean Metz, during which she disputed earlier testimony given by several other witnesses and refuted many statements she made in a preliminary hearing two years ago in municipal court.
“Bill was very good to Jeffy,” Mrs. Miler said. “Jeffy liked Bill but didn’t like Bill and I to show our affection to one another because he was jealous.”
She described the child as spoiled because she didn’t like to discipline him, but said she
had asked Miler to discipline Jeffrey. She said he “undertook some discipline because I asked him to,” but he never did it without her approval.
Spanked Child
“I usually had to tell him to do it,” she added. Mrs. Miler said she asked Miler to spank the child Thursday, April 10, three days before the child’s death, and said Miler took the child over his knee and swatted him “two or three times.” She said the spanking caused the bruises to the groin and buttocks area testified to by several doctors and hospital employees who testified earlier. Metz referred to the transcript of the 1969 preliminary
hearing — in which Municipal Judge Gary J. Snyder refused to bind Miler over to the grand jury — and asked Mrs. Miler why now she said “two or three” swats when
before she said more.
No Immunity
(The transcripts of her testimony at that municipal court hearing were made available only after several months of court proceedings and a Iowa Supreme Court ruling stating husbands and wives have no immunity of testimony in child abuse cases.)
The sandy-haired Mrs. Miler, her voice and composure failing a little as she referred to the time following the death of her son, said she said some things “that were untrue” at the hearing. “At the time of the preliminary hearing .. . I was made to believe Bill had done
something wrong and I was mad and I said things that weren’t true,” she said.
‘Upset by Death’
“I was trying to make it look as bad for Bill as I could,” she said and added she was still extremely upset by Jeffrey’s death and almost four months pregnant with another child.
“I just wanted them to leave me alone,” she said. She said the police had given her the impression Bill had done something wrong.
Mrs. Miler said she was told by University hospitals officials that bleeding on the child’s brain was from a bruise on his forehead, but said she didn’t know how the child received the bruise.
She said the child fell down quite often and said Miler guessed the child had fallen and struck his head. Neither knew when the bruise was received, she said. She could not recall bruises covering most of the child’s forehead as earlier witnesses testified.
Mrs. Miler also quickly denied ever telling anyone Miler “had dropped the child on it
head.” Two earlier witnesses Bonnie Garman, a neighbor and Donald Henry, a newsman testified they heard Mrs. Miler say Miler had dropped the child. She said a policeman asked her at the Burlington hospital if the child had been dropped on his head, “and I denied it,” she said.
Denies ‘Beating’
She denied police reports that she ever told them Miler “beat” he child. She said she got the impression at the hospital that police “thought we had done something.” She said she noticed Friday the child apparently didn’t feel well, and Saturday she said he was “listless and very, very white.”
Mrs. Miler said she put Jeffrey to bed upstairs in the 343 Grimes Ct. apartment in the afternoon while she went grocery shopping. She said when she returned the child was
downstairs with Miler. She said the child was lying on the bed and “his legs were stiff and his eyes were staring.”
Mrs. Miler then broke down in front of the jury of 11 men and one woman.
I hardly know where to begin when reading this. What sort of a sick parent tells their boyfriend to hit their eighteen or nineteen-month-old? What sort of woman marries the man accused of killing her toddler? What was going on that she lied on the stand, either at the trial, or at an earlier hearing?
William Milar was acquitted. Diana was never prosecuted.
From the Ottumwa Courier July 14, 1972, at page 3:
Galen Miler Jr. and Donna Davis from California have been visiting in Ottumwa. They came to attend the class reunion of Galen Miler. They were guests of Mr. and Mrs.
Michael Vinyard and of Mrs. Edward Snelling and of Neoma Miler. Other guests of Mrs. Snelling were Mr. and Mrs. William Miler Sr., William Jr., and Melissa of Keokuk and Mr.
and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Snelling and children of Texas
In 2013, William Milar’s misleading obituary read:
William E. Miler, 65, of Chariton, Iowa, died at 11:04 AM Saturday, August 3, 2013, at Circle of Life Legacy Lodge in Chariton, Iowa.
William was born September 9, 1947 in Ottumwa, Iowa, a son of Galen K. and Neoma Snelling Miler, Sr. He married Diana Rose of Keokuk, on September 12, 1969, in Keokuk, Iowa. She survives.
He lived in Hamilton, Illinois, for 22 years; in Solon, Iowa, from 1996 to 2009; and in Chariton for the last three years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Illinois University at Macomb, Illinois. He was employed as facilities, grounds, and safety supervisor for Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
In addition to his wife, Diana, he is survived by a son, William E. “Will” Miler, II of North Liberty, Iowa; a daughter, Melissa M. Burbridge (Jim) of Chariton, Iowa; three grandchildren, Grace Miler, Abigail Burbridge and A.J. Burbridge; two brothers, Galen Miler, Jr. of Arizona and Roger Miler of Ottumwa, Iowa; his stepmother, Marylin Miler of Bloomfield, Iowa; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, and a son in infancy, Jeffery J. Miler.
My comments on the obituary are these: First of all, Jeffrey was not his son. Second of all, Jeffrey’s surname was Rose, not Miler. Thirdly, Jeffrey was a toddler, not an infant. Fourthly, why would Diana have stayed with him all these years?
Just who in the family wrote this misleading language in the obituary, and for what purpose?
An unsolved murder that should be listed in the Burlington page is the 1969 murder of 18-month-old Jeffrey J. Rose who had injuries to his genitals, buttocks, and head, with brain injury and a blood clot on the brain. He died after being “physically corrected” after his mother, Diana May Rose (who later became Diana May Miller) and her boyfriend, William Edward Miler, had used “physical correction” on him while toilet training him. William was criminally charged but acquitted. Diana married William while the case was going on.
I am going to post a few news articles here:
From the Boone News Republican, April 14, 1969 at page 5:
Study Charges in Child Death- BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — Additional charges may be filed against a man in the child beating case of a baby who died Sunday in Iowa City, authorities say.
Des Moines County Atty. Desmond Waples said he was studying Sunday what additional charged should be filed against William Edward Milar, 21, of Ottumwa. Milar was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily injury after doctors notified police Saturday that 18-month-old Jeffrey J. Rose had been brought to a Burlington hospital with injuries apparently from beatings, Waples said.
Milar was arrested in Iowa City Saturday night.
The baby’s mother, Diana May Rose, 21, of Burlington, told police she and Milar had been attempting to toilet train Jeffrey Thursday when the boy became stiff and unconscious after he was physically corrected for wetting his pants, police said.
She took him to the hospital Saturday.
Doctors there notified police and rushed little Jeffrey to Iowa City where he underwent surgery Saturday night. He died about 1:30 pm Sunday.
An autopsy was scheduled Sunday night to determine the exact cause of death. Doctors said Jeffery showed bruises about his head, genital organs, and buttocks.
From the Ottumwa Courier- January 17, 1970 at page 8:
Prosecution fights motion in Miler case.
Des Moines County Attorney Alan Waples has filed notice in District Court at Burlington that he intends to fight a defense motion to suppress evidence in the murder case against 22-year-old William Edward Miler of Keokuk, a former Ottumwan. The prosecution asks the court to set a hearing date soon to determine whether or not Miler’s wife may testify against him.
Miler is accused of killing 19- month-old Jeffrey J. Rose in April of 1969. The little boy died in Iowa City following brain surgery. He was transferred to University Hospitals after his mother had taken him to a Burlington hospital unconscious from severe head injuries. The child’s mother, then Diane Lee Rose, testified at a preliminary hearing April 17 in Burlington Municipal Court, after which Edwards was released.
The July grand jury renewed the indictment against Miler, however, a few days after he and Miss Rose were married in Keokuk. Defense lawyers are seeking an order prohibiting the state from calling her to the witness stand and from submitting any of her previous
testimony into evidence.
My thoughts on the above article: What sort of twisted values did it take for Diana to marry the man who authorities said beat her child to death?
From the Ottumwa Courrier, May 29, 1971 at page 12:
BIRTHS – … May 29 to Mr. and Mrs. William Miler Sr. of Keokuk, a daughter; the father is a former Ottumwan.
My thoughts on the above: How could she allow her son’s alleged murderer into her body???!!! Jeffrey died in April 1969. Melissa (the baby girl) wasn’t born until 1971. That necessarily means that Diana was having sexual intercourse with William after the death of Jeffrey.
From the Burlington Hawk Eye June 11, 1971 at page 7:
Testimony is heard on child’s injuries.
By BILL MERTENS
An Iowa City pathologist who two years ago performed the autopsy on the body of 19-month-old Jeffrey Rose testified Friday in the murder trial of William Edward Miler that
death was by a blow to the head caused by more than a simple fall.
Dr. Earl F. Rose said the head injury and the numerous other bruises found on the body of the child had been received between 12 and 48 hours before the time of death. The child died at 1:35 p.m., Sunday, April 13, 1969, in University hospitals in Iowa City following surgery to remove a blood clot from the brain.
Miler, 23, now of Keokuk, was charged With murder following the death, but the charge was dropped after Municipal Judge Gary J. Snyder refused to bind Miler over to the grand jury. Five months later a grand jury indicted Miler on an open charge of murder, to which he pleaded innocent in October, 1969.
Blunt-type Injury Dr. Rose testified the head injury was a “blunt-type injury”, as opposed to a head injury caused by a fall. He said a fall on a sharp instrument would “usually always leave some mark,” and he said there were no such marks on the head of Jeffrey. Bruises were found on the left and right side of the child’s forehead.
He said the blunt-type injury “could have been the type injury received from a man’s fist,” and said unconsciousness would have been rendered “almost immediately.”
Autopsy Slides
Prosecution attorneys also introduced into evidence 17 slides of the bruises on the
child’s lower body and crosssections of the brain taken during the autopsy.
Johnson county medical examiner Dr. T. T. Bozek of Iowa City also testified the cause of death was a head injury. He described all other body bruises as “non-fatal injuries.” Dr. Bozek, who ordered the autopsy, testified the child’s mother, now Mrs. Diane Miler, told him the child had been spanked and “indicated Bill Miler did the spanking.” Dr. Bozek said the mother told him the child had started vomiting Friday, two days before death.
Child Was Listless
“She said the child appeared listless Saturday morning and had no appetite,” he said. Dr. Bozek said Miss Rose told him she went shopping about 2 p.m. Saturday (April 12), at which time she put the child to bed. When she returned about 90 minutes later, Bill Miler
attempted to arouse the youth and the “child was not responsive,” Dr. Bozek said he was told.
He said Miss Rose did indicate “they had problems training the child, and they had spanked the child.” The sandy-haired, bespectacled Miler sat tightlipped and expressionless by his attorneys through the first day of testimony Thursday and the previous two days of jury selection. He heard Dr. Foss and Dr. R.G. Paragas, a Burlington pediatrician who also treated Jeffrey that Saturday, tell a jury of 11 men and one woman there were bruises on the head, left side, both buttocks, and groin area of Jeffrey when brought to the emergency room.
Nurse Testifies
Testimony was also given Thursday by Mrs. Janet Dellsite, a registered nurse who cared for Jeffrey on the ambulance trip from the Burlington hospital to Iowa City about 5:30
p.m. April 12.
Mrs. Dellsite said the child had several convulsions during the 50-minute trip end vomited about seven times, She said the child’s mother also rode in the ambulance but appear “rather complacent” and “composed.” Both doctors said the child already showed signs of brain damage when brought to the hospital because he would not respond to several reflex-type tests. Both also indicated the child had received the numerous bruises in from 12 to 48 hours before he was brought to the hospital. When asked to give his opinion as to what may have caused the bruises Foss said he felt “one possibility was that
the child had been mistreated and beaten.”
Dr. Paragas said it was his opinion it “was a child abuse,” and informed Iowa City of his opinion when the child was transferred.
From the Burlington Hawkeye, June 17, 1971 at page 1:
Mrs. Miler ‘requested’ discipline
By BILL MERTENS
The mother of 19-month-old Jeffrey Rose, flatly denied Monday that William Miler ever showed dislike or jealousy for the child, or ever disciplined the child without her approval.
Diana Rose Miler, 23, who married Miler July 12, 1969 — three months after the death of the Rose child — took the stand as a “hostile” prosecution witness.
Court resumed at 9 a.m. Monday after a weekend recess in the murder trial of Miler, 23, now of Keokuk, who was charged after the April 13, 1969, death of the Rose child. Jeffrey
died in Iowa City following brain surgery. Cause of death was reported to be a head injury.
Mrs. Miler underwent over two hours of questioning by county attorney E. Dean Metz, during which she disputed earlier testimony given by several other witnesses and refuted many statements she made in a preliminary hearing two years ago in municipal court.
“Bill was very good to Jeffy,” Mrs. Miler said. “Jeffy liked Bill but didn’t like Bill and I to show our affection to one another because he was jealous.”
She described the child as spoiled because she didn’t like to discipline him, but said she
had asked Miler to discipline Jeffrey. She said he “undertook some discipline because I asked him to,” but he never did it without her approval.
Spanked Child
“I usually had to tell him to do it,” she added. Mrs. Miler said she asked Miler to spank the child Thursday, April 10, three days before the child’s death, and said Miler took the child over his knee and swatted him “two or three times.” She said the spanking caused the bruises to the groin and buttocks area testified to by several doctors and hospital employees who testified earlier. Metz referred to the transcript of the 1969 preliminary
hearing — in which Municipal Judge Gary J. Snyder refused to bind Miler over to the grand jury — and asked Mrs. Miler why now she said “two or three” swats when
before she said more.
No Immunity
(The transcripts of her testimony at that municipal court hearing were made available only after several months of court proceedings and a Iowa Supreme Court ruling stating husbands and wives have no immunity of testimony in child abuse cases.)
The sandy-haired Mrs. Miler, her voice and composure failing a little as she referred to the time following the death of her son, said she said some things “that were untrue” at the hearing. “At the time of the preliminary hearing .. . I was made to believe Bill had done
something wrong and I was mad and I said things that weren’t true,” she said.
‘Upset by Death’
“I was trying to make it look as bad for Bill as I could,” she said and added she was still extremely upset by Jeffrey’s death and almost four months pregnant with another child.
“I just wanted them to leave me alone,” she said. She said the police had given her the impression Bill had done something wrong.
Mrs. Miler said she was told by University hospitals officials that bleeding on the child’s brain was from a bruise on his forehead, but said she didn’t know how the child received the bruise.
She said the child fell down quite often and said Miler guessed the child had fallen and struck his head. Neither knew when the bruise was received, she said. She could not recall bruises covering most of the child’s forehead as earlier witnesses testified.
Mrs. Miler also quickly denied ever telling anyone Miler “had dropped the child on it
head.” Two earlier witnesses Bonnie Garman, a neighbor and Donald Henry, a newsman testified they heard Mrs. Miler say Miler had dropped the child. She said a policeman asked her at the Burlington hospital if the child had been dropped on his head, “and I denied it,” she said.
Denies ‘Beating’
She denied police reports that she ever told them Miler “beat” he child. She said she got the impression at the hospital that police “thought we had done something.” She said she noticed Friday the child apparently didn’t feel well, and Saturday she said he was “listless and very, very white.”
Mrs. Miler said she put Jeffrey to bed upstairs in the 343 Grimes Ct. apartment in the afternoon while she went grocery shopping. She said when she returned the child was
downstairs with Miler. She said the child was lying on the bed and “his legs were stiff and his eyes were staring.”
Mrs. Miler then broke down in front of the jury of 11 men and one woman.
I hardly know where to begin when reading this. What sort of a sick parent tells their boyfriend to hit their eighteen or nineteen-month-old? What sort of woman marries the man accused of killing her toddler? What was going on that she lied on the stand, either at the trial, or at an earlier hearing?
William Milar was acquitted. Diana was never prosecuted.
From the Ottumwa Courier July 14, 1972, at page 3:
Galen Miler Jr. and Donna Davis from California have been visiting in Ottumwa. They came to attend the class reunion of Galen Miler. They were guests of Mr. and Mrs.
Michael Vinyard and of Mrs. Edward Snelling and of Neoma Miler. Other guests of Mrs. Snelling were Mr. and Mrs. William Miler Sr., William Jr., and Melissa of Keokuk and Mr.
and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Snelling and children of Texas
In 2013, William Milar’s misleading obituary read:
William E. Miler, 65, of Chariton, Iowa, died at 11:04 AM Saturday, August 3, 2013, at Circle of Life Legacy Lodge in Chariton, Iowa.
William was born September 9, 1947 in Ottumwa, Iowa, a son of Galen K. and Neoma Snelling Miler, Sr. He married Diana Rose of Keokuk, on September 12, 1969, in Keokuk, Iowa. She survives.
He lived in Hamilton, Illinois, for 22 years; in Solon, Iowa, from 1996 to 2009; and in Chariton for the last three years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Illinois University at Macomb, Illinois. He was employed as facilities, grounds, and safety supervisor for Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
In addition to his wife, Diana, he is survived by a son, William E. “Will” Miler, II of North Liberty, Iowa; a daughter, Melissa M. Burbridge (Jim) of Chariton, Iowa; three grandchildren, Grace Miler, Abigail Burbridge and A.J. Burbridge; two brothers, Galen Miler, Jr. of Arizona and Roger Miler of Ottumwa, Iowa; his stepmother, Marylin Miler of Bloomfield, Iowa; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, and a son in infancy, Jeffery J. Miler.
My comments on the obituary are these: First of all, Jeffrey was not his son. Second of all, Jeffrey’s surname was Rose, not Miler. Thirdly, Jeffrey was a toddler, not an infant. Fourthly, why would Diana have stayed with him all these years?
Just who in the family wrote this misleading language in the obituary, and for what purpose?
That is a shocking case, painful to read! (Carol at ICC)
You are a very sick and vindictive person who needs help! Get a life and leave others alone! You are neither judge or jury!
Concerned citizen!
Who killed Jeffrey J. Rose and how did it happen? This toddler died, and the autopsy revealed injuries to his genitals, buttocks, and head, with brain injury and a blood clot on the brain. He was clearly beaten to death. With no conviction, it is a cold case and people should be aware of it. The public has an interest in the criminal justice system, and its failures. The public has an interest in history, including legal history. Everything posted here is from what came out at the trial. It is public record, and was reported on in the news at the time. One possible perpetrator was prosecuted, and acquitted. The other possible perpetrator has not been prosecuted. Perhaps this other possible perpetrator SHOULD be prosecuted for killing this toddler. Being a person who wants justice for those who no longer have a voice isn’t sick and vindictive. Being a person who is concerned for the potential safety of children in the family isn’t sick and vindictive. What is “sick” is that the State of Iowa didn’t put both Diana and William on trial. There are other “sick” things that happened, but I’ll leave it at that. As an aside, there is no invasion or privacy, nor is there defamation, for sharing matters of public record of this nature.
You need to find another mission in life! Destroying other peoples lives is not a good one! This child died and not for the reasons that were published in the newspaper! These are not “sick” people! The only sick people were those people making up the stories about them!
You mean that all of the ER doctors, the paramedics on the scene, and the police officers concocted the same general story, and then formed a conspiracy to stick to that story? And then the coroner decided to conspire with them also, and falsified the autopsy report? Amazing!
The reports on this were very distorted! Unfortunately between rumors and news media it happens! I don’t believe it is up to you to judge what happened! I was there and I know what happened! Don’t you have your own life to worry about? Maybe you should be doing that!!
Btw I can honestly say that I have never caused physical harm to anyone! Can you? You can believe that or not! Your chose but please stop the harassment!
You can’t run from GOD no matter how many stories you make up. No matter how many lies you tell. He knows the truth. I wouldn’t be too concerned about what anyone on earth thinks. I’d be more concerned about what’s to come. Everyone takes that road alone.
I had been told that my ‘Uncle Myles’ just disappeared one day right after I turned 5 yrs. old & that was all ever knew. He came & was gone before I knew it.
He was my GodFather & I was named after him. He must’ve liked his Godson because I remember him often picking me up from my house, leaving all my brothers and sisters behind, & driving just me and him downtown to a candy store & getting a few bags of any candies that I picked out: candy corn, licorice & burnt peanuts or boston baked beans(the bumpy red candy coated peanuts). I’ve loved these ever since. Then he used to take me to the ice cream parlor to get a cone & Id always pick out the bright lime green sherbert that I loved. I remember he’d always pay with this big roll of dollars he’d dig out of his front pants pocket.Then he’d drive me back home & then leave & I wondered why this guy was so unusually nice to me. My siblings were so jealous when I got home.
He was a tall, soft spoken, gentle, well dressed man that became my friend from the beginning. While we were riding in his huge car to go get treats he’d always smoke a cigarette with 1 of his ‘robotic’ hooks & Id watch him accurately flick the ashes in the ash tray while the other metal hooked hand firmly steered the wheel. It was so fascinating & I just watched in wide wonder. He made me feel like I was special & he was the nicest person, the kindest person that Ive ever known even though it was in just 4 years time.
Many decades have passed since he left us, but his memory is still very vivid. I never forgot him.
I believe that he’s alive in another realm, another place & if Im real lucky, me & Uncle Myles will go riding together again to the sweets shop & take off where we left off.
Thomas, that was a nice story, of your short time hanging out with him. Its nice when older adults take an interest in the little ones in their family. They can share those life’s lessons, or just spoil them. It appears that enjoined spending time with you, and left you some fond memories.
That is a nice memory and a sweet tribute to him I think… you wondered why he was so nice to you, I think because you were his Godson, that must have meant a lot to him.
Crime stoppers should be offering a flyer for these missing loved ones bring more awareness to the facts in all 3 cases
I find it interesting that she was found dead, in a room registered to her supposed former boy friend. Yet, he is not identified as person on interest. Also, her family moved back from California, and yet she is living in a hotel room.
However, I like that Mr. Reynolds, served time for rape and he was in jail for another crime, and he is allowed out of jail to work. That’s real nice. But then Illinois allowed some guy out on a weekend pass, and he kills someone.
Also elected officials here in Chicago, pressured Chicago Police investigators, to stop following John Wayne Gacy around. Then when suburban cops busted and started carrying bodies out of his house, these same investigators had to change their reports to eliminate any reference that they considered him as a suspect in the disappearance of some young men.
I agree with you!
Do we know what happened to the “boyfriend”?!
She’s dead in his hotel room but he’s not a person of interest??!!
I think it was the boyfriend.
Praying for justice!
The offenders will not talk, be considered a snitch. We hear that quite often, when it comes to gang shootings here in Chicago. It makes me wonder if the bad guys were from this neck of the woods. Also, even if they did not pull the trigger, they can be charged with his murder. These individuals have no respect for life.
I agree with the comments in regards to the supposed friend Brit. Supposedly according to Curtis, he drives her over to Brit’s so that he hang out, and she not there. So, it would be interesting to know her story. I hear everyone’s concerns about Curtis, but he was a friend of Erin’s brother. So, I would assume she would not be afraid of him. Also, I wonder if her brother had any concerns about him.
There is a case in Alabama, where a missing woman, disappeared after her evening shift. Supposedly, she supposedly told her mother that she was going to visit a male neighbor, to see a gift he purchased for his mother’s upcoming birthday. The male neighbor’s alibi, was that he was not home but on a date. Well, he committed suicide a few years ago. Also, his girl friend was arrested the girlfriend last October in connection with the disappearance, and most likely death.
https://law.justia.com/cases/iowa/supreme-court/1976/57756-0.html
^ Interesting that Pilcher was charged with a separate sexual crime, occurring at the same farm just 4 days prior to Mary Jayne’s death, and it took this long to successfully connect him to her murder.
I wonder if the police ever checked the car VIN number through either CarFax, or the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The NICB, is funder by a number of insurance companies to provide various supports in regards to insurance fraud, and also auto thefts. They have some databases that they should be able to check the VIN. Also many of their investigators are retired law enforcement investigators.
There are a number of missing person cases from around the country, where their vehicles have never been recovered. I have a list of a few of them. I hope to send the list to NICB, and have them check their databases.
Also, a number of missing person cases have been solved when they found the vehicles in different bodies of water. The problem is funding the underwater search efforts.
Are you all still looking for my family killer
miss you
Thank you for sharing this. I briefly knew Jackie Shireman and worked with her Dad at the time of her murder. It was a nightmare! I’d heard that her husband was a suspect but then he mysteriously drowned. It makes me sick to this day to think about what she went thru and how her family suffered. Someone got away with murder and there is no closure for anyone who knew her or the family. I’m just thankful she hasn’t been forgotten.
was there ever a Bonnie and Clyde connection?
I dont think jeff gannon is johnny gosch. I dont think hes alive sadly.
There was an arrest made in Leland Harris’ murder:
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Suspect-accused-in-2017-homicide-case-appears-in-Linn-County-court-508116041.html
Thanks so much, Kim! I’ve updated the info on Leland’s page.
No problem, Jody! I’m just glad to see another cold case solved!
Dear Rick and Robin;
I never post on this site, but after reading Little Ricky’s story, my heart is so broken, I felt compelled to send words of encouragement and support.
Little Rickey looks a lot like my oldest son looked at Ricky’s age. Which made this story even more sickening to me.
I don’t know if you are Christians, but even if you aren’t, just know I said a prayer for that sweet, innocent little soul that was your son. And the monster who did this to him, and all those that are shielding her from justice she deserves, will all pay their dues some day – they will be held accountable to God, and His son.
God bless you both – I hope He brings you comfort every night, with the knowledge that your little boy is with Jesus, and can never be hurt again. You will both see him some day. of that I am sure.
This is Christopher Rogers I’m trying to find the family of William Francis Rogers also know as bill Rogers he’s my father and I would like to get to know his side of the family
Just now seeing this in thanks to my sister in law forwarding me your search request. I am Bill’s sister, Sara, your Aunt. I live in Washington. Please send contact info for messaging or phone?
It would be nice to know what criminal activity that Delbert Beauchene, was involved with. Also, if their were others involved in this activity. I would be interesting how Maurice developed this additional evidence in regards to his son-in-law.
See her : https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21122375/sioux-city-journal/
Delbert was not nice man, not to smart but smart enough to know there was enough evidence. He was married to Maurice daughter. From story’s Maurice was a smart man, he probably had tapes and video. 😜
I read a newspaper article on this and another cold homicide. They mention that Lewis Glenn, was shot with a .45 caliber firearm. Also, there was some shell casings. I wonder anyone knows why he was at the church. I find it interesting that his funeral service was held at another church.
Also, we have no information on what he did for a living. He is survived by three sons, but no mention of a wife or ex-wife. It makes me wonder if someone connected to his ex-wife or her family.
He was actually attending college getting ready to graduate and working part time
This is my father.Please just let him Rest In Peace.
these abductions I truly believe were connected and really think more could have been done to solve them with todays current dna and tools,I wish cold case would jump on this and solve for the families….my heart goes out to Noreen and to all the families..I was raising 4 sons during the 80s and 90s and you can bet I watched them alot more after all the abductions totally changed the way I looked at society,,prayers that someday these will be solved..my heart says they are gone and probably murdered shortly after they were abducted but there is always hope.
I think perhaps it could be a Jimmy Saville OR Jeffrey Epstein situation…. People’s reputations were @ stake…My heart goes out to the mothers & I know it’s cold comfort…but karma’s a bitch….
Who says it was a male, what about a female that begins with Y
DONT PLAY HIT MY LINE AND TELL ME WHATS UP 5053624772
Funny what comes out of peoples mouth after a few beers and years ago,thinks she got away with murder
if you have information that is useful to the investigation you should talk to the police.
How is this woman not in prison? The death of this little girl needs to be investigated and the step-mother brought to justice. American Indian step-children and non-native Step-mother, the child’s death doesn’t matter and the woman not charged with murder, does this seem to be about race?
any new information would be so greatly appreciated. s Judy’s first cousin, she was such a role model for me, I am 5 years younger and my siblings were all younger. She was my younger brothers’ babysitter, and we would have so much I enjoyed her company so much.I will never get over her murder and live with such sadness thinking how she passed and how I wish I still had her….
Hi Kelli,
I was a 6th grade student at Madison Elementary where Judy volunteered as sort of a playground director. A classmate Robert Graves used to walk to school with Judy at times and as i recall he broke the news that something was up the Monday after her murder.
Judy was beloved by all of us but especially the rowdy mischievous bunch, which I was part of. They played Bridge Over Troubled Waters at the funeral at St. Paul Lutheran. I was sitting in maybe the 3rd row slightly behind and to the left of my good friend Leroy Williams in the row in front of me.
Leroy had a scar beneath his left eye and I remember vividly the tears streaming from his eyes as a kind middle aged woman offered him a tissue.
When my kids were young we were driving back from a ski vacation in California when Bridge came on the radio. I had to explain to my wife and 2 sons why I was balling as I always do when I hear that song.
I check up on Judy’s case from time to time hoping that you and the rest of her family, and the many, like me who’s life she touched can find closure. She was a fun and wonderful person and we are all lucky to have known her.
Please pass on my prayers and condolences to her family and friends.
Best wishes,
John Platter
Its sad to think that there is such evil in this world and against children inocent children !! The creator will take care of the stepmom !
I am amazed that the stepmother wasn’t investigated and charged!!!! Sounds like alot of people messed up.
My dad burned me in a big trash bag when I was little. God release the child soul from all that abuse. Rebuke the child abusers pendants, and free the past from thy soul of thy witness. May St. Christopher, release bondage, from thy burns of thy past memory for life to go on and for others not to repeat the same mistake.
I’m sorry to learn of the suffering you incurred at the hands of your father Teri. Stay strong!
I’m reaching out to the family of William Francis Rogers I’m his son chris I would like to get to know you
Why hide your name hmmm
What you thru someone under the bus by names and if he did it it will be proven that’s why I didn’t state a name wow lol angry their?
I actually know the coshows! And Tom askey. Somehow alot of this has been so misconstrued to the point where it doesn’t even make sense anymore. I have personally sat and talked to these people numerous times. The coshows are wonderful people. Very kind and gentle with kids and animals. They’re humanitarians in their own right. I guess people just believe what they want to believe.
Yes, I’m sure the step daughters that Karen very clearly abused with her husband turning a blind eye would agree.
Keara who was blinded via Drano, forced to soil herself, and ultimately killed by that whack job step-mother Karen certainly will agree when they meet each other very briefly on judgement day.
Keara will remain in heaven while that whack job Karen will be sent to the deep recesses of hell; exactly where she belongs.
wtf is wrong with you?? genuinely
Tj, law enforcement have made mistakes over the years. Here in Chicago, some detectives blamed two young black boys with murdering an 11- year old black girl. However, it was later learned that an adult male killer her. They also get stuck with tunnel vision when it comes to who committed the crime.
I was just asking questions to see if someone could put together some information on to why he might been there. If many veterans hung out there maybe someone had a problem. They have been many fights between active duty military over the years.
As a former submarine sailor we were ready to take on many surface ship Navy guys in Naples, Italy, many years ago. Also, I am a nosy guy, it comes with job I did for about more then 20 years, at a two VA Medical Centers.
I hope the stepmother pays for the murder in this life. I know she will burn in he’ll for what she did.
You can request a compiled military record of this man though NARA , National Archives … National Park Service , or a Civil War facebook page.
I find it interesting that Marie and an a writer were planing a book on John Joseph Carmody. Also, she may have worked for the Clarksville Star newspaper. Also she supposedly interviewed Mr. Carmody, under some dangerous conditions. So it sort of puts Julia and Marie, in a situation that they might have known each other in passing. But, Marie might have known about Julia working at the lounge.
It’s mentioned that Marie received threats from women, who wanted to marry Mr. Carmody, and blamed her for him being sent to prison.
I wonder who else might have been connected with what Mr. Carmody was doing in Mason City. Would they been upset with their activities being exposed.
Was the murder of William Saloky ever solved? He was a Palmer student living in Davenport and was shot sometime in 1979.
Bob, Davenport police arrested University of Iowa student Dwight Heninger in March 1979 and charged him with first-degree murder in connection with William Soloky’s death. Heninger, 20, was a third-year-pre-business student from Bettendorf, and accused of shooting Saloky, 28, in Saloky’s apartment just before midnight on Monday, March 12, 1979, after the two quarreled. So, yes, Davenport police consider this case solved. Jody @ ICC
And what sentence? Walk free?
I am curious about the outcome as well. What was the verdict?
I can’t even imagine what his family went through. My prayers are with thcuem
Iowa actually does have a safe haven law that was enacted in 2002 after the 2001 death of Baby Chelsea. However, most of the Doe babies listed on this page were found in the years before the safe haven law went into effect.
Can’t your state make a law in which mother’s that have babies and don’t want them can bring them to fire station or churches with no prosecution or repracations from the government or law enforcement…. They can’t be killing these babies that is horrible, give these mother’s no matter the reason a way out with out hurting a child.
Sheila Foley’s body was found by Simon Borntrager, an Amish farmer who told the court he was driving his horse and buggy along the desolate road when he spotted what he thought was a “skinned deer.” When he approached the object on foot, however, he discovered it was human. 4A / DES MOINES REGISTER • Thurs., May 6,1976 LAWYER: FLESH, BLOOD FOUND ON FRAZER’S AUTO ByJACKHOVELSON
Roscoe Hulbert — a Butler County road maintenance worker — found Julie’s muddy body, nude and decomposed, in a roadside ditch along a quiet country road about a mile northeast of Shell Rock, Iowa.
So frustrated with no answers for Mom & William! There seems to be no help for us. I dont think DCI is doing a damn thing on this case. I dont like that we have no guidance and no real communication. I sometimes feel that they dont give a shit about the family left behind. Even more important, is it because they were elderly or do they have something to hide.
Kay & William deserve better than this!!!!!
Patty. Not a day goes by i dont think about them. I read so many different unsolved cases almost daily that have happened in iowa. Alot of elderly.. Seeing alot of cold cases solved recently but not there.. Alot gets brushed under the rug and my heart breaks.. So much was out there for them to follow. I dont believe it should have come to a dead end.. Dad and kay were killed on my youngest daughters birthday. So to us it is always a day of heartbreak. Instead of celebration. We need closure… I pray that some day it will ne our turn..
I know, Melonie…it is just so very unfair to Mom & William…they really do deserve better than what we have received from DCI and the gang. I know had this been one of their loved ones they’d have this case solved so fast but since it was just an elderly couple, they dont care. Well, I care and I know the rest of the family for both care. Why do we have to fight so hard to have them do their damn job.
I dont know.. I keep hoping there is something or somebody that has a better idea. We need the case opened again. Something isnt being said. Ive always wondered about those unsolved cases shows.
I have sent the story to a couple of them but no response from them, it’s like everyone has blinders on…hoping and praying we all have answer soon
Me too
All the media cares about is money and sensationalism. If we want to get through to them we need to get multiple people to send messages. We could put stuff out on the group on fb and the missing page.
And XOXO
so, just curious, was he married and cheating on his wive with the other victim? Any thoughts on wife’s motivation? Hired hit?
Roger was asleep. He was collateral damage. Rose was the focus of this crime. Both the TV and the nightstand lamp illuminated her body. The killer could pass a polygraph. But there were too many happenstances for this to be anyone other than someone Rose or Roger or both met that night. But I think Roger was asleep when the perp entered the room.
The perp would be a white male in his mid to late 20s who felt comfortable in the hotel but didn’t necessarily plan the attack. This was a spur of the moment murder and focused on Rose.
Why are you so sure Roger was asleep. Rose would have woke him up. They wouldn’t go there for the weekend and then him just fall asleep on her.
I think he was already familiar with Rose.
I think if the wife had anything to do with it she didn’t have to hire anyone, her Dad and perhaps her serial killing Uncle, Charles Hatcher!!!!
Recent article in the Gazette about how the police obtained the DNA from Jerry Burns to solve this case. Kind of interesting what the search warrant on his browser history also revealed.
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/michelle-martinko-dna-search-warrant-straw-jerry-lynn-burns-family-tree-cold-case-murder-20190312
Hello Yellowbag. I know it’s been a long time, but do you remember how long it typically took you to pick up and assemble your Sunday papers? Also, how many stops were on your route and how long did it take to complete the route, from the moment you left the house to returning home.
Johnny had 37 stops on his Sunday route. The Francrest Circle cul de sac has nine homes, all of which sit on small lots. It shouldn’t have taken Johnny any more than 10 minutes to drop each paper at the front door of each home. Ten minutes into his route, Johnny completed 25% of his stops. He should have completed his route in about an hour.
Timing is critical in solving this case. According to reports, the first phone call received at the Gosch home arrived between 7:00 and 7:45 am. Johnny picked up his papers around 6 am. He should have completed the route around 7 am.
It did not take long to assemble the Sunday newspapers. The advertisement inserts came separately, so it was just a matter of shoving one into each newspaper. If I remember correctly, the routes had around 40-50 newspapers each. An hour sounds about right for delivery time. There was a certain time (deadline) at which if papers were not delivered the Register would send a courier and fine the carrier for each missed delivery.
Did Johnny get some of the papers out? If so, I wonder why he would have returned to Marcourt. The Sunday papers were so big back then that it was impossible to get more than 15 or so in a yellow bag. I remember riding out on my bike, and later moped, to “stage” assembled paper bundles so I could reload along my route. If John pulled a wagon, he should not have had any problem taking all 37 newspapers with him.
Audrey, thanks for your help. The more people involved in his case, will lead to his being found or accounted for.
Well Fredrick James Workman in just 2 months he will be gone for 7 yrs.still not anything if u see this son u need to know that I will never give up on u this has been to long and getting really hard to deal with not knowing what happened to u..I been talking to a lawyer about a law suit but haven’t hot much answers..I don’t what eles I can do for u or this case..But I WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON U OR THIS CASE..I hope I can get something done soon.We keep doing things for ur yrs u been gone and ur birthday and we will keep it going every yr..we love and miss u so much Fredman…
I’m curious to know if there are any sightings of this young man since he disappeared? I would like to help this family get the word out on this case by using social media/ YouTube. Let’s get this case out and open again!!!! Please email me at kjbaker1973@gmail.com
I wonder if they searched her car at the airport. Was there any record of her purchasing a ticket to fly somewhere. Also, I wonder if they ever found any of her clothes.
Juli, I wonder if anyone from the police or his family ever interviewed her. She may or may not known anything about his disappearance. But, its worth the effort, to interview her and give the police and idea of her relationship with him. Its a long shot, but worth the effort.
There’s a Janis. L Fish in Mount Vernon, MO who’s somewhere in her 70’s- likely the same person. She’s likely the only person who’s still alive who might be able to give more info.
I can’t believe nobody got charged with tamper with evidence.
Is it just me or does it seem like when someone dies in this town they never get evidence to charge someone with murder?
Here’s a podcast episode about the case by the true crime podcast, Criminology. You’ll hear from Roger’s widow Marcella & Iowa County Sheriff Rob Rotter in this episode
That hot lather machine looks oddly out of place. I wonder if it’s still in evidence, and if so, if it was/could be ever tested using 21st Century forensic techniques.
Where are the bodies of the unidentified buried? Why can’t you run their DNA through the database?
YES. Three are many unidentified babies. I hope there would be a fund created to exhume and run DNA tests against databases to find the mothers. In most cases there is likely no malice but I’m guessing in a few there are crimes and maybe serial type deaths or abuse
My guess is the cost of the DNA analysis.
I think the psychic did it did she have an alibi
Was it ever considered the same person who killed Groves killed George Massouris? Both cab drivers, nearby counties, and both shot 3 times. I wonder if there were other drivers killed similarly around the country and if it could be linked to someone who may have been traveling. All of these victims may be long gone, but they all still deserve justice.
That’s a good point!
In 1976, a Barbara Glueckert (14), of Mount Prospect, Illinois, disappeared after going with a friend and riding with a individual named Thomas Urlacher (24), to a concert. She never returned and they still have not found her remains. Urlacher, had a history of sexually assaulting young women, and he was and still is a person of interest in her disappearance and assumed death.
However, he was killed by drug dealers in Colorado. So, the circumstances of Bambi, disappearance so fits what happened to Barbara. Barbara told her parents she was going to a party, near by. Her friend told her parents she was going to Barbara place. However, they supposedly got freaked out listening to Mr. Urlacher’s s conversation. Barbara friend ran into a friend and left the concert with him.
He claimed in a letter that he buried her because she would tell police about him sexually assaulting her. Several investigators with Mount Prospect’s Police Dept., spent all kinds of time and resources looking for her. A lot more then expected for that time frame.
A couple of thoughts. It wonder what sort of building was thee that collapsed, where Mr. Ransford, was found. Also, I assume that this might have been a building related to the state park. This appears to be a somewhat isolated area, and who would have known the building had collapsed
Jack, I know that he was unemployed for some time. But, I wonder what he had did when he was working, and where he might have worked. I wonder why he first wife divorced him, and why. I might be trying to fill in Mr. Ransford’s background. Where know he was a veteran, and married twice. He might have been dealing with PTSD, and maybe health issues from Agent Orange.
Hello Laura.
I’m not very familiar with how this works so please forgive me if I’m duplicating messages. I’ll be happy to share with you what I know and if you or your family have any questions I’ll be happy to answer.
Jeff
Child Molester 926 West 3rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Name; Michael Ervin 😱 also Stocker on 3 women!💯
There was filling DNA. How could the jurors not find him guilty. I guess they were as useless as the Robert Durst and Casey Anthony jurors. Pathetic!
Has anyone talked to Jeremiah Kubat? He was busy telling people he was there when the shooting happened. Pretty sure he either saw the shooting or saw the shooting and knows who did it. He was pretty detailed about what he was saying. He has a long criminal history and is in and out of prison. Mother and stepfather live in I believe Pocahontas, last name Mccullough. His mother use to work at the Jack links company. They will lie for him, they have in the past. Jeremiah’s last known address is 2110 Fourth Ave. N in Fort Dodge, his date of Birth is 10/22/1980. Hope this helps.
I truly hope this is a lead they need. Lisa’s family needs closure and justice and all of us who care for her want to know what happened ☹ it is heart breaking to not have answers. Lisa was one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. My heart continues to go out to her family and especially her children. My prayers continue for her family for healing, closure, justice and for her children to be strong and live out their life knowing how much their Mom was loved and take that knowledge and move forward honoring their mom and spread her love and happiness to others. I pray they can help others with what they have gone through in honor of their mom because Lisa was so happy, full of life and love. She was so positive with a huge heart and I know she would do everything in her power to help others get through such tragic grief because she was always helping others the best way she could and always with a smile on her face. She is definitely missed by many 💔😢
well today marks 18 years sweet little guy you never had a chance to grow up it breaks my heart you never got to live your life have your first bike ride learn to swim join scouts fall in and out of love,,,your life was stolen from you..your little soul will always remain young I know you are in heaven and know the truth and what really happened on that horrible night I am so sorry the system and the law failed you…with all the evil in world I hope you are at peace in heaven sweet little man….
This little boy deserves justice…how horrible
Was he employed at Iowa Lutheran Hospital on the drug rehab unit for kids?
Thank you for all you do! I hope the person or persons responsible are brought to justice.. I’m sure you’re step father knew my great grandpa and or my grandpa.
Anyone ever question Sessions Harper? I know he was in on a law suit with Bertha. He has a history of violence and murder. Any connection between Angela Altman’s murder and hers? I know the Foy family has a history of murder and violence so could it be connected to illegal activity? She clearly had run in’s with the law since she was involved with the juvenile court system.
The podcast Criminology will be covering this case is March 2019.
Thanks for the update. If you discover a link, it would nice to publish it here if you don’t mind. I’d like to listen to it and presume others would as well.
I went to school with Jessica. As someone from Dodge who has seen a lot of crooked things, I believe the FDPD isn’t doing there job, do you really think they actually do work? I think if she knew/was involved with/ or friends with any Mosely’s, Foy’s, Pedigrew’s, Dikeman’s, they should really take another at them. Those families esp the Mosely’s and Foy’s are well known for violence and murder. Also, to get that close to her, it had to be a friend or someone she was involved with.
I think someone should speak to a man named Lance or Lancy Foy. He has a fake leg. While there was no way he was involved with the actual murder, he would have been a small child at the time, he may very well know who did it. He knows about 99% of the illegal activities in that town. He has a attitude problem so he may or may not talk. The she disrespected me statement sounds a awful like like a Mosely comment, so it’s worth looking at any Mosely’s she knew, male or female because the women in that family are as violent as the males.
I feel bad asking this because it’s personal and Angela is dead, could she have been having a sexual relationship with a married man or a man with a girlfriend? Maybe the wife/girlfriend found out about it. Has anyone ever spoke to Jessica’s father? Some men get evil if they have to pay child support. How she was murdered says to me it was personal. Was she involved in drugs or illegal activity? Did she hang around any criminals?
Maybe she owed drug money or just plain owed someone money? Fort Dodge is a place where rumors run wild and people tend to know everyone’s business but their own so it’s a matter of sorting out rumors from truths. Was she involved in criminal activity and knew to much? Was she protecting someone who owed someone money? Any chance of being involved in prostitution? I am trying to sort through rumors and gossip and get facts. Once you got facts, you have the person who killed her.
Dodge is not a big city and loyalty is not a huge trait in that town, once you put enough pressure on someone who may know something, I’m willing to bet they will snitch on who ever did it. Another name that comes up in gossip is Sessions Harper. He has a history of abuse and violence against women, and is currently in prison for raping and burning a woman who later died of her injuries. If she has a connection to him then it’s probably safe to say he did it. That’s the long and short of what I have heard and my idea’s. I turned 5 about 6 weeks before she was killed so everything I have heard is people talking about it over the years.
Also while I understand it is a painful subject for your family, maybe their unwillingness to talk about it may also come from the fact they know or at least have a idea who killed her. Sometimes families with protect a guilty family member, even if it hurts other people. Jessica I am very sorry about your mother and what you went through. I remember you being a very nice person and I truly hope they find out who did it.
Thank you for the comment…if possible I would like to speak with you further…my email is jmaltman1@yahoo.com if you feel comfortable reaching out to me.
Actually sids sometimes is used as a cause when they couldn’t find a cause. Genetic things can be passed on from just the mother, but it is odd that 4 died since logically it is a 50/50 chance something can be passed on to each child. Is there any way to test the bodies to see if it was something genetic? I’m not saying it wasn’t murder, but it should really be looked at since the grandmother also had so many babies die. Personally, I find it odd that no police or doctors noticed that she already had 2 dead children when the 3rd one died. Everything should be reviewed and if possible, exhume the kids bodies and look again.
I don’t know how relevant this is but it is sure an entertaining video I found on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fugiTaeVC_4
sorry .. it’s been taken down. It was a video trying to link all the axe murders so prevalent at the time. Wish I could find it again.
Terry, you’re right, it appears not much attention has been devoted to this case. My heart breaks for Tyrese and his family, and all the cold cases so similar to this one. Whoever killed Tyrese got a Stay-Out-of-Jail pass and God only knows why. Apprehending the killer(s) won’t bring Tyrese back, but #Justice needs to be served. (Carol here)
He is my daughters best friend we are the ones that found him but some of his friends woke me up early saying he was in trouble and than took me rite to his body seems kinda funny how they knew rite where he was so much dont add up not to mention he was there for a long time tell they came and got help and i dont get why they went and got my daughter to not tell her nothing so she came to get me to get info put of them why didnt they call 911 rite away
Terry, how frustrating, to think he might have been saved if they’d immediately called 911 rather than handle it the way they did. Someone must know what “trouble” he was in and who is pulled the trigger. It’s going on a year now, and still no suspects have been named? Who is working on the case, Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek, or someone else? I’m so sorry for the loss of Tyrese and I hope someone is brought to justice soon.
Anthony murano bragged about killing him. They were spose to be good friends brothers but he say himself he lurred him there and popped him
Everyones been saying Anthony did it & to be honest hes the one that always is playing with guns🤷🏻♀️ the most💯
He did do it . Alden Turner got rid of the gun for him
Tito alden turner was in jail when all this happened. Tyrese is my sons God dad.
Thank you for commenting, Tito and Elisha. May the killer be arrested, tried, and found guilty! (Carol @ICC)
Murano or Murillo?
i cant believe no charges against the hospice nurse or anyone else pitifull just looked her up on facebook livin the life smh
Linda is a wonderful caregiver, she is kind, thoughtful and very professional. I feel bad that this family has suffered tragedies but there does seem to be misguided information contained in these documents that are mostly drafted by the family members and those quick top throw stones. Any poor nurse that would have been assigned to this family would have been accused of the same. This is not a cover up but merely a family having difficulty grieving and thus blaming their misfortune on others. If there was truth to the allegations the investigating parties have an obligation to remove those people from their positions.
yikes…I would say a caregiver that murders someone with stolen drugs is NOT a wonderful caregiver. Get out of here with that nonsense!
I have personally witnessed the care she provides I doubt that you have. Do you even know what kaexolate is, probably not. If the claims against this nurse had ANY validity she would have had her license revoked which it is not. As for what I said before, ANY nurse unfortunate enough to have been on shift that day would have been doomed with slander merely for have been present in that household of unhappy unfortunate people. Try to be better informed before making judgements regarding others.
I do happen to know what that is. You are a twisted individual to support a murderer!!
I think you’re full of shit Carl
He is most defs full of crap! He must know her well and she must have convinced him shes a great caregiver. Crazy
No, I based my opinion on facts. Like what the State board of Iowa Nursing wrote in CASE N0 05-365. People who would have investigated these so-called allegations and who only found one error in this person’s care. On January 14, 2004 the Respondent dispensed a topical medication to a hospice client (client A). Although the medication could be administered per physician standing orders the Respondent had obtained the medication from another hospice client’s (client B) home where she had visited prior to her arrival at the home of (client A).” Note the language used, not once is it described as stolen or does it mention medical errors. Unless you think you know more than nurses that have their masters degree who deal with these investigations every day.
Linda signed the Board of Nurses charges against her admitting she could go to jail for administering unprescibed drugs improperly, and had been cited for withholding Ray Powers drugs that she had withheld and others she had taken from Mr. Ray Powers home after he died earlier on 1/14/2004, and had them in her car when she went to Gary Lack’s home after Ray died. Where she observed in her notes that Gary’s vomit was blood but did not get Gary any help, just left after administering two little pills and dabbing a shiny clear fluid from tubes into the back of Gary’s throat (Ray’s DBR gel). Gary ‘s throat closed and he drowned choking on the blood vomit from his fall injury, from the night before, that Linda had refused transport help to get him to the hospital ER saying she was to busy.
Seems like his murder was not really looked at not much about it on the news or anything someone seen something and ppl know and if he had more attention on his case I know it would of been solved a long time ago #LLW #JUSTICEFORTYRESE #JUSTICEFORWILLY
Since his son was the police chief, I bet thre are files from his era that document investigative efforts. If he found an answer that would cast his father in a bad light, I would suspect that the investigatioin ended then. Better unsolved than disgraced I guess.
When I went there the tour guide that lived next door at the time stated that a family of there came there the week prior and the daughter was autistic or special and when she went into the attic (where they think the killer or killers hid) she began hysterically – saying bad man bad man in white. Many wondered if a doctor or someone who would have access to chloroform – could have committed the murders.
family of three (typo)
Was the bullet that killed her ever found? And if it was – was any testing done on his 20-gauge shotgun to see if this bullet could have been fired from his gun? And if she was sexually assaulted – I would guess DNA evidence was found. Was it ever compared to the suspect’s DNA? Any of the suspects for that matter. Scary to think that this individual may have killed again. Maybe another life could have been saved if in fact this was taken to trial. Convicted or not, many more eyes would have been on him and it would be hard to him to get away with anything once his name would have been published.
the pellets that they pulled from her face matched the box of ammo they found with the weapon in tom popps possession…
and the apartments tom popp lived in were very close to where they found her..
Do we know if they ever got a DNA sample and if they tested it?
First,I would like to offer My condolences to This Family. No parent should have to bury their Child. I am sorry to say this but I feel that those roommates are involved. Who else would have just out the blue,come and murder Him when he was well respected and Loved? Those roommates did it! Shame on them for not taking a polygraph test. Shame on them for letting these Marks Family and Friends go through the pain.
Y’all know what you did.
It’s gotta to be killing you inside
How do you sleep at night?
Hi. One of Nick’s best friends here.
You have no idea what you are talking about. You didn’t even know Nick. If you did, then you would know that his friends were more of a family to him than his blood relatives who were abusive and manipulative.
Your baseless accusations are hurtful and gross.
Thanks Sarah. I guess that I should check you off of my Christmas card list. As Nicholas would say, INTERESTING.
Oh Ronald, we both know you’ve never sent my family a single card in your life.
This is called sarcasm. Thank you.
With friends like this he clearly didn’t need enemies now did he?
Apparently not
Sarah ashby, or other alias you go by, please send me your actual living address, if you have one so legal can be served upon you without you hiding behind your huge girth. Thanks.
Sara ashby, you are boil and cyst on society and what Nicholas did, stood for, and accepted into his life. Ten years later you continue to attack his family and for what? Because you are a fat failure that couldn’t attract him like you wished.? Get off your love boat and feeling sorry for yourself. Everything you put on here degrades him. You unfortunately cannot be degraded anymore than the degenerate slothing scrogg that you are
You’ve started a war with my family and I fully accept it until I die. Every day it will be my purpose.
I will share my thoughts, I’m Charles mother, and he was at his cousin’s wedding wedding on August 17,2018 as his best man. They had a wedding reception afterwards, Andi talk to my son around 6:00 p.m. And told him I loved him to be safe. And I talk to my sister to and ask her to make sure Charles was safe. She said yes. I got a phone call at 3:15 a.m. that my son Charles was shot!!! And it was from a friend that got a call from from a girl from the house party. She asked her if she called called her mom which is me and she said no. So , she tried to get the police to talk to me on the phone and they refused i had to call the Muscatine police department yes I’m saying the the name because that’s the town it happened in. So i call the Muscatine police department, and the finally put me to and officer. And remind you I’m and your and a half away plus i called the father and the Aunt that said she would make sure Charles was safe. So the officer ask me if i was driving, im crying im saying no, he saying you need to hurry he is slipping away quickly so we are trying to rush. As soon as I hit Muscatine the police officer said he passed away!!! I lost it!!! When I got to the hospital remind you I have everything. I saw my son lying their in the blood. I saw where the shots were. So did my fiance. My son was shot from the left side behind the back of his lower kinda ear out to the upper the right side of his head. They tried to cover it up but we saw it. And the police call it suicide before they left police department after they got the call. The Hospital records will tell you its homicide. Just like us. The Corners report went by the police and witnesses. Their is more I should have said. And alot more to be said. But you can go to Iowa cold cases. Charles Williams Binxs Netherland. Sincerely, Penny Sue McDonnell
Have they checked Junk Yards or Impound Lots for the vehicle?
Junk Yards / Impound Lots should have to enter any license plates / VIN numbers into a database to easily track…..
I lived in Sioux City at the time and was only 7. I remember everyone talking about this as it happened just a short time after a kid in our neighborhood was kidnapped and killed as well. His name was Jimmy Bremmer and he and his sisters went to our grade school. It was a rough time back then and kids were scared. Our parents actually started locking the screen doors at night which never happened before all this. The garage they mention in the article was my grandfather’s.
Wilbur Millhouse and Frank Sykora, two former Des Moines Register employees, were both convicted of sexually abusing teen boys in the 1980’s. Millhouse told me several times that he knew who took Johnny and why. Last fall, I found a photo of the man who approached me in a Ford Fairmont in 1982, and guess what–he was a Des Moines Register employee. I think the key to solving Johnny’s disappearance is to find former victims of Register employees and ask them exactly what they remember hearing around the time of Johnny’s disappearance. I know the odds are against it, but I’m wondering if any former victims read this website and would be willing to speak out? Millhouse and Sykora had at least seven victims they were charged with abusing, but there may have been dozens more who never said a word about what happened to them.
I was Roosevelt area carrier .yellow bag ever
go camping w/millhouse.I dont remember
names cant help there but have alot (everything but the fairmont) in common.play softball?
Hi Bob,
I don’t remember Millhouse ever mentioning taking boys camping, but 37 years ago was a long time (I could have forgotten). I do remember Millhouse calling me multiple times trying to get me to meet him behind his house at night. I vaguely remember playing softball once with Millhouse. Were you abused by Millhouse? Did you ever hear anything about what happened to Johnny? My thought is: If Millhouse told me he knew what happened to Johnny, Millhouse may have told his victims much much more.
Hello Yellow Bag. In an earlier post, you mentioned Sunday carriers prepared the papers at home before setting off for delivery. This makes the third different possible way Johnny started his day. A couple of witnesses had him at 42nd and Ashworth and Chris Birge said on the podcast Johnny came up Marcourt to 42nd Street. Did every carrier throughout the metro assemble Sunday papers at home? Thanks in advance.
Hi Charles,
It was entirely possible to assemble Sunday papers at the bundle drop, especially if the weather was nice. I assume Johnny did that at 42nd and Marcourt. I think it’s likely the kidnapper parked his car, walked up to Johnny, and throttled Johnny with Johnny’s own paper bag straps (the yellow bag has never been found). I talked to John Rossi, and he told me about seeing Johnny at 42nd and Ashworth before the kidnapping. John was there picking up paper bundles to take them home so his son could assemble the papers there. Some questions I still have: 1) Was the guy John saw even involved in Johnny’s kidnapping? 2) Why did Johnny walk to Ashworth if he picked his papers up on Marcourt? 3) How did Johnny’s dog get back in the house if Johnny took the dog with him?
I was 17 in 1982 not much contact w/wilbur except softball team.I was more late 70s early 80s.the phone calls the 100$ bills the creepy “kids” all to familiar.Are you a TRHS area.I’m not a victim .I was approached by a large man on foot while delivering asking where the party at ,where can a guy get some action that sort of stuff.I can remember saying something like how would i know I’m only 13. I kept my distance as he.followed on foot for ahout a block at which point I dropped everything and ran like helll 2 blocks home. Today I still say i could’ve been johnny.
True story
I was an East High student when I met Millhouse. In 1982, when my family moved and I applied for a paper route in the Four Mile area, I got a creepy phone call from someone who knew the schools I had attended and described where items were located in my bedroom. There was a wooded vacant lot next to my house and he apparently had watched me there with binoculars. I am sure now that it was Millhouse. Did Millhouse ever say anything to you about Johnny Gosch? Do you know anyone that Millhouse hung out with? Do you know anyone Millhouse sexually abused? The DM Register rehired Wilbur Millhouse in 1978 AFTER he had been arrested for sexual abuse in 1975. As someone said, “They had to have known about Millhouse because his arrest was in their own damn paper.” If you haven’t done so already, I would recommend listening to the Faded Out Podcast, beginning with episode 13. Sarah Dimeo, a journalist from Connecticut, has done a great job looking into the likelihood that Johnny Gosch was kidnapped by a local person.
Hello Yellow Bag. The questions to you answers are 1) No 2) He didn’t 3) The presence of the dog is highly questionable, as are many other facets of this case.
I think you are right about #1. John Rossi told me the blue car at 42nd and Ashworth was probably a Mercury. John remembers the license plate hanging under the bumper, not above it. PJ Smith saw a silver Ford Fairmont at 42nd and Marcourt when Johnny was kidnapped. There is no reason to assume the two cars are connected in any way, other than John Rossi saw the Mercury driver talking to Johnny Gosch. I have to disagree with you on #2. John is an intelligent man and Johnny Gosch’s photo was all over the news. I just can’t believe that John would be mistaken about seeing Johnny talking to a man at 42nd and Ashworth. John still remembers it like it happened yesterday. I have walked that area a couple times, and it is not unreasonable to believe Johnny pulled his wagon through his back yard, went east on Ashworth, then north on 42nd to get to his paper drop at 42nd and Marcourt. It may have been a longer route, but perhaps less hilly. The stuff about flashing dome lights, a man coming out between two houses, chloroform, Johnny slumped over his wagon–none of that has ever been verified by anyone.
Why do you think it is 2 separate cars? A Mercury Zephr and Ford Fairmont are basically the same car. With it being around sunrise, it is possible that one person saw the car as two tone blue and other gray/black simply because one person saw the car before sunrise, the other person after sunrise.
It was 45 minutes before sunrise and 15 mintues before dawn. It was dark as night. There is no way anyone saw anything at 6 am on the morning of September 5, 1982.
You can’t see much from the corner of 42nd and Ashworth to the corner of 42nd and Marcourt during the middle of a sunny afternoon.
You are assuming because you knew him or knew of him, that his dad would not have been complicit in his kidnapping. It might be harder to have an open mind to that possibility. However, many confirmed weirdos were able to put on a good public face, and even private face. Deception can run very deep the worse the perversion they engage in.
The last reply was intended for yellow bag only. If anyone else sees it please disregard. However, if you do know yelllow bag or his email please send it so I can pass this message to him more expediently.
The last reply was intended for yellow bag only. If anyone else sees it please disregard. However, if you do know yelllow bag or his email please send it so I can pass this message to him more expediently.
Im at Jrobertkn@gmail.com
Yellow Bag – how did you find a photo of the man who approached you in the Ford Fairmont? Can you provide the link? Have you told the police? Thanks
I know 2 other abductors of JG that knew Millhouse. You may have seen them. Please send me your email and I will send you photos to ID them.
JR,
Due to some threats I have received, I would prefer not to post my email address on this website. If you have any specific information on the Gosch or Martin kidnappings, it would probably be best to contact DMPD homicide. Detective Shannon has my contact information, and I have told him everything I remember about the guy who tried to abduct me in 1982. You could also forward the photos to Mark Hinshaw, a WDM attorney who knows how to contact me.
Any news?
Yellow Bag, could you maybe create a protonmail account for people who want to communicate with you? They’re based in Switzerland.
can you reveal more about how you found the photo and post a link
Yellow Bag, who was the photograph of that you found who you believe was the Fairmont man? That would be a huge lead in this!
How can the FBI ignore the horrible alibi that the husband and Gugeler brothers gave. Why in the world would they park down the lane and walk to the house, unless they were going to kill her for being out late and wanting a divorce. There is DNA testing now, where you can get a composite of what the killer looks like, this has solved many lingering cases.
David has been entered into Namus: https://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/54906
And his sister has a twitter account that she’s using to help look for him: https://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/54906
I wonder where the murder he witnessed took place. He has connections to Chicago, Des Moines and now Los Angeles. He most likely would be using an alias to better not be tracked online.
So sad. Such a smart and focused guy. He had a bright future. I pray there is justice for him.
Right after he was missing,we were headed to Mt Ayr on hwy 2&saw a skinny man on north side of old Kerjeans’place.There is timber on the south side.There was no one else around the buildings.Tried to leave message with Clarke Co. Sheriff,but don’t know if anything happened.
Wonder if this could be connected to the boy in the box in 1957!
Harold Kempf is my uncle by marriage. I totally believe he was/is capable of something like this.
Oh wow!
Thank you for being honest!!
Do you ever remember seeing anything suspicious?!
I have a theory, based mostly on what I heard and saw on the evening of April 7th 1978. And something a retired Sioux Falls Policeman told me, along with info from the Wilma June Nissen cold case info.
I think a Police Captain from a party at the FOP lodge #1 murdered Wilma June Nissen April 7th 1978.
Prior to April 1978, I was walking past the FOP in old East Sioux with some friends. They were having a loud party with a lot of cheering going on, so we walked over and looked in an open door. The place was packed and they had Strippers giving a show. The girls were coming out the open door with guys and had some private sessions outside. Someone noticed us and told us this wasn’t for kids and told us to leave.
(The Fraternal Order of Police is a fraternal organization consisting of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. It reports a membership of over 325,000 members organized in 2,100 local chapters, state lodges, and the national Grand Lodge. Wikipedia)
30 some years later, I was talking to a guy on vacation, He said he was a retired Policeman from South Dakota. I told him I grew up just east of Sioux Falls. Somehow the FOP lodge #1 was brought up. I mentioned that I had seen some wild parties at the FOP when I was a kid. He started talking about some of the wild things they did at the FOP, He said that they use to have Hookers for the Parties. And that they had them at a remote location just over the state line, so that they wouldn’t get into trouble as much when if they got caught. He mentioned that the old wild days of the FOP were over. And that the meetings at the current FOP weren’t nothing like the old days. He said that the days of having Hookers ended when a girl was found murdered and that they weren’t sure if she was from one of their parties or not. And that they did their own investigation and didn’t think that she was from their party. But he wasn’t sure. But he thought that it was a turning point for the FOP, and that they turned into more of a community helping theme. Based on what I saw as a kid, no reason to think he wasn’t telling the truth.
On April 7th 1978 some friends and I were walking into Gitchie Manitou State Preserve. It’s in the North West corner of Iowa 2 mile south of the FOP. We had parked in a parking spot on the state line and walked into the park. We heard some arguing behind some brush. It was dark and we didn’t see anyone. But we heard the arguing and what sounded like a guy wresting with a girl. And the guy was demanding that she give it to him. Then they’d wrestle some more and he’d demand she hand it over. Another voice sheepishly said, Come on Cap, let her have it she earned it. There was some silence and we heard a car door or trunk and then we heard a voice yell, NO just before the first shotgun blast. The Girl let out a scream, mid scream there was a second shot that silenced her. The shotgun kept shooting, and we all ran back to our car. We were a bit noisy getting to the car and were afraid to start the car. We saw the car lights from the area of the shots and they were heading to the other end of the park where the road entered the Preserve. It stopped for a few minute a short distance from the exit. We were discussing what we heard and we thought it was Law enforcement. We recalled that the one guy called the other Cap. And that this could have been a policeman pleading with his superior officer. It was dark but it looked like the car was white. Not black / white. It didn’t seem to have any shinny logo on the side. When it continued and left the Preserve, it went out of view and we were ready to take off north on the highway if it turned our direction. I didn’t notice or see lights on the roof. The car drove off into Iowa. We decided to drive into the Preserve and see what we could. When we entered the Preserve we drove up on a Truck and Cabover camper in the area that the car had stopped. Two guys in there mid 20s were standing next to the back camper door. We had to drive right past them. We were scared and thought for sure we were going to get shot. Our headlights were on them and they didn’t have any guns. They took a couple steps toward us, but just watched us drive by. It was a dead end into the Preserve and we had to turn around and drive past them again. They just watched us again. We got out of the Preserve and stopped and watched them at a distance. They started their truck and headed toward the exit, we notice a taillight out, and a running light that went out when the brakes were on. They turned our way and we had the impression that they were chasing us, and we took off down some gravel roads, got lost a bit. Seemed like an hour later, we came up behind them on a highway. There was a couple cars between us. We thought it was the Truck and Camper and when they hit their brakes, we knew it was the same truck. we decided to follow it and get a license plate number. Shortly after it turned right, it hit its blinker to go left down a gravel road. We didn’t feel comfortable turning right behind them, so we went down the highway a bit and turned around and came back to the gravel road they turned down. We soon came up on them, and they were parked on the side of the gravel road. I was in the back seat and Todd and Dean were in the front seats. They both said “there they are”, and then said that they are in the ditch, they were coming out and throwing something. I asked if it was a body. They both said no. then they said it was a shirt. At this point I can see the guy running to get into the passenger door, but I was focusing on the license plate. Dean was driving and Todd and I were trying to get the plate number. We passed them just as the guy got into the truck. and they must have recognized the car and gave chase. They gained on us fast. And I was yelling at Dean to go faster. I was looking back and Dean was slowing up for a one lane bridge that sent us airborne a bit. And I was looking back at the Truck and Camper about to run us over. It started swerving and had to get to the middle of the road to make the one lane bridge. The Truck was a one ton dually and he barely got centered on the bridge, the truck and camper went airborne and it looked like the camper was going to fall off. The truck was going too fast for the bridge and he got a little sideways in the air, and got sideways when it landed. The driver over corrected one way then the other, and the camper was rocking, but he straightened it out and started after us again. We got on pavement and they couldn’t keep up. This section of road before the bridge where the two were in the ditch is the same section they found Wilma June Nissen 6 months later. We later that night came up on them again. We follow them and they stopped and washed themselves in a run off creek north of Brandon S.D. a couple miles. We got the license plate again. 9803ME.
I’ve talked to Lyons county a few times over the yrs. And they say it has nothing to do with the Wilma June Cold Case. But I still think she is who I heard scream.
I notice the same truck and camper in the summer of 78. I followed it a bit. They still didn’t have the taillight and camper running light fixed. Same plate 9803ME. It pulled into a parking area on 10th Street in Sioux Falls and an older guy got out and when around and opened the door for his wife. Seemed like a retired couple, but the guy was short and had a wide head, round just like one of the younger guys that we saw April 7th 1978, I figured that the kid must have borrowed Dad or Grandpa’s truck and camper that night.
Ken Nurre, I assume you are related. Although it was long before your time, my apologies. It is hard to think of even a stranger in Mr. Nurre’s situation, much less a relative who is loved without even having to know him.
And then comes the possibly inappropriate question, which if it is, forgive me. But… any theories passed down over time?
The girl killed in the dry cleaning shop on Fleur was named Linda Boothe, and it happened pretty much how you remember it Nancy. She is not mentioned here and the only info online is an image of the archived newspaper. I hope she is eventually included.
All of you involved in the creation and maintenance of this site are doing a good, it is important stuff, and these victims deserve justice. Thanks.
Maggie, thanks so much for your kind words about this site. Linda Boothe is not included here because her case never went cold. She was killed Nov. 20, 1968, and Michael C. Niccum was charged in her death and found guilty during his 1969 trial. All best, Jody @ ICC
I am producing an in depth podcast episode about this case, and I am looking to connect and talk with anyone who might have info, or be connected to the case as far as being hotel staff, or witnesses, etc. Contact me here- http://themurderinmyfamily.com/story-submissions/
Has anyone ruled out if Norma could be the “Belle in the Well” Jane Doe found in WV?
Hi,
Idk, if you know this already but Belle in the Well was identified as Louise Flescher in July of ’19. That is a very good guess, though. Age, describrion, and time were close.
Hello,
Here is some additional information about this case. According to newspaper articles published in 1996, Humberto Cortez was a Mexican citizen who was 31 at the time of his death in the United States. Over his life, Cortez entered the United States numerous times and had a criminal record (though the specifics were not given in the articles). The Associated Press ran an article on September 11, 1996, which quoted Iowa DCI Special Agent Bob Henderson’s announcement that the body was identified after a positive match to the victim’s fingerprints were obtained through the automated fingerprint identification system operated by the California Department of Justice.
The manner of death and the discovery of the body is as follows in roughly reverse chronology. At approximately 10:15 AM on Friday, June 21, 1996, a load of steel inside an open-roof train car was inspected as it was pulled into a facility operated by the Paxton & Vierling Steel Company. Inside the car, an employee of the steel company discovered Cortez’ body in a state of heavy decay. Prior to his death, Cortez had been beaten and then stabbed in the heart. According to Agent Henderson, the victim had been deceased for two to three days at the time the body was discovered. At the time the body was discovered, investigators described the victim as a “white or Hispanic” male between the ages of 25 and 30.
Investigators were able to generate a timeline of the train car’s whereabouts, which provided a likely place of death. The train car had originated from Texas, where it was loaded and sent north. Approximately a week and a half prior to the discovery of the body, the car arrived at the railyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa, before crossing into Omaha, Nebraska. It remained stationary at Omaha until the morning of June 20, 1996, when it was moved to the facility at Carter Lake. It arrived at about 9:00 AM but did not receive further processing at that time. The body was discovered when the car was moved into the steel company’s facility about 24 hours later. This suggests that Cortez died while the train car was in Omaha, suggesting the same was his place of death. In addition, this suggests that his date of death was approximately between June 18 and June 20 of 1996. Police did not say whether he was killed in the train car or the body placed there at some point afterward.
Paxton & Vierling Steel Company, now called PVS, still operates in Carter Lake and is owned by parent company Owen Industries. I believe that “Humberto Cortez” may not have been the victim’s full, legal name, making it difficult to find information about the man in Mexican sources. While his date of birth was not provided, the AP article from September 11, 1996 provides an age which corresponds to a birth year of either 1965 or 1966. Because Cortez’ fingerprints were on-file in California, he may have had a criminal record in that state. Agent Henderson did not specify the state in which Humberto had a record, or the nature of that record. Based on the fact that he was known by law enforcement to have been in and out of the United States, it is possible that his record included immigration-related offences.
I have not been able to locate any details on Cortez’ personal life, his occupation, or other places of residence.
I hope this information helps answers some of the questions that have been asked, as well as fills in some “blanks” and clarifies some of the facts.
Jack Jackson
I’m now 37 years old. I still think of my dad. And how many of my family members died without knowing. I wonder if his killer is still alive. Why ? Please if anyone reading this knows or thinks something might help, no matter how small, please contact the detectives.
Hi Maria, my wife is your dad’s cousin. Please contact us. Thank you! Greg & Bonnie Cleveland
Carter lake is one of many places on both sides of the river where each stage has land in the others boundary. Carter lake is the only full city though. I was there the day Mr Cortez was found. In his state of decomposition there would have been no usable dna. Imo he died when the cars were connected causing the load to shift and Mr Cortez was killed by the ibeams
Praying they solve this murder uncle Jack.
Your niece,
Lori P.
I am Paul Rayer’s Granddaughter and I pray they will solve this case someday too!! 😢
Hello Tina, we will keep praying!
I am Sandy his oldest sister i pray they find soon
Hi mama! Yes we will keep praying they solve this!
This gentle men seems to meet all the quailfications of the man that was found in the old no frills in council bluffs a few days ago. 05 to 19. That’s 14 years of chances to be mumiffied, also the hair is of the corpse is African hair. The corpse defiantly looks to be a male as well. I think they found him.
I just read an article saying that the company closed that No Frills location in 2016. That is only a bit less than 3 years ago.
Kendall, have you heard anything further about the identity of the person found in the store in Council Bluffs?
Welcome back Jody !
There are no details to support him being considered as endangered/physical. It would be nice if the authorities provided more details on his conditions.
Patrick, how do you know that there are no details to support Mr. Blair being considered as endangered/physical? In fact, that is precisely how the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Missing Person Information Clearinghouse describes his “incident type” (aka classification).
Authorities provide the details on any given case on a need-to-know basis, meaning that they release whatever information they can without jeopardizing an ongoing investigation. There are certain details, for instance, that only a killer would know or only an abductor would know. In a missing persons case, they are often provided limited details by whomever reported the individual as missing.
Iowa’s MPIC website continues to change day to day as people are reported missing and others are found. If the investigating agency provides them with a photo, then they include that on the site. The folks running the MPIC site do a remarkable job of keeping the pages updated, and it is not their responsibility to provide details on the potentially “hundreds” of questions that any given person might ask. It is their job, however, to maintain an updated database, and they do that extremely well.
Jody at ICC
Jody, thanks for your response. But it would be nice to know a bit more. I am of the opinion that law enforcement could do a more detailed search if they knew more about a person’s medical or physical condition.
In the last 2 years I came across a psychological disorder called “Dissociative Fugue”, a form of amnesia, that is caused by severe emotional trauma, such as marital discord, PTSD, a death in their family. The person completely loses the link to their memory, and flee where they live.
In a search for someone with this disorder, we might look at whether they were on foot or driving. They we create a search area, and alerts other agencies, medical facilities, and homeless shelters, to be on the alert for a person matching that description. The Salvation Army has a Missing Person’s Bureau, which can be used to alert their facilities around the country.
Their are several individuals who have had several episodes of this condition. One of them is a Hannah Upp, who disappeared in New York, and was found alive floating in the Hudson River. She disappeared in Maryland, and was found within hours. Then she disappeared on a island in the Gulf of Mexico, due to an approaching hurricane, and has not been found.
I was a police officer and detective at two VA Medical Centers in Chicago. When we had a missing patient, whether an out or in patient, we had to determine is full medical condition, and mental status, so that we could notify the hospital director, who would authorize us to notify the Chicago Police Department. This would add more resources in a search for the person.
We had situations where an out-patient completed their appointment, and left before their family showed up to taken them home. Quite often the family would say he or she was confused. When we called the patient’s home, later, they would answer the phone. When asked how they got home, their response was taking the bus. So, I guess they were not that confused.
So, I get frustrated with many of the missing persons, where their is very few details on their disappearance. I don’t understand how law enforcement don’t dig for more details. They have access to more resources then I had, yet we were required to get as much information as possible. I am used to digging through records, especially medical ones, looking for information, clues, etc. This was hard when the medical records were hand written. Plus we had to know the medical lingo.
I was wondering if he ever used the VA, for medical care. It’s something to look into. Also, it appears no activity on his SS #.
His siblings should have checked on him, when they he called about needing money. This way they could have identified what was going on that he had medical issues, or was being exploited by this couple.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Cannot dwell on what if’s now. You think the family doesn’t know this and probably has guilt issues without the comments to assist!
In 1975 most of the immigrants in Storm Lake were Asian and Hispanic…No one remembers African Americans from that year??
This took place in 1995, not 1975.
What race was the baby?
I lived in that park for a while back in 94/95… Mostly Hispanics and Asians.
I honestly can’t remember! I grew up in Storm Lake and still live here, so I was around when it happened. But I really can’t remember what race the baby was!
Just sickening how anyone can do that to an innocent child!
Wow…just came across this story…Is Kline Goeders the same one who is involved with Leader Dogs for the Blind? Unbelievable no one has done anything with this case if the involved persons are known! Prayers for Mamie’s family…I remember hearing this story about her growing up in Laurens, Iowa
Shared this story …let’s find justice for Mamie’s family! Please share!
Why doesn’t someone contact the Governor or the media. I’d like to see this solved. There is cold case justice with Kelly Siegler or 20/20, dateline, forensic files many sources.
happy 20th birthday in heaven ricky you are not forgotten you live on in memories of those who loved you!
I have a strong feeling that everyone is too focused on his drug addiction as motive to his disappearing! Think out side the box, ppl don’t always kill ppl that owe them $ the logic is “how can adead or missing person pay back debts . It makes me suspicious of local police department having cover up an accidental death. I pry this family will be able to get the answers for there questions. I cant begin to imaoima the pain of not knowing. God bless this man and his family. Please listen to me as I can get strong feelings of the answers lies in the lack of not wainting to investigate leads. Police department, state trooper, possible even Drug enforcement officers.please look into this your time won’t be wasted… Rodney Clint clark
Since a shotgun was used, their would be no shell casings. Most likely there might have been some stray pellets. These might point to what size shotgun was used. Somebody knows who did this and is protecting them.
There was a guy in Ohio, who found the body of a girl, and claimed that a mentally damaged young man, was standing over her body, with a weapon used to kill the girl. The young man was arrested and confessed, but then he would confess to being in Ford’s Theater when Lincoln was shot if pressured.
Luckily, he was released. It turned out a newspaper journalist decided to relook at the case almost 40 years later. It led to the family of the guy who claimed to found the other guy, to admit that he actually kidnapped and killed the girl. He was dead from cancer. They had no problem with protecting him all those years. Plus he had a previous criminal record of some sort.
The local police apologized to the family for the lousy investigation done by the department all the years ago.
I would say 99% likelihood that him and the truck went into the Mo. river near the old Argosy Casino location in Sioux City.
Frank, that’s sounds like a possibilty, from the map showing the location. However, if there is a current his vehicle could have been carried downstream. However, it depends on the depth of the river in the area. Thee are a number of vehicles found underwater, that contained remains of some people missing for years. The problem is spending the money to conduct a search. The main tool is side scanning sonar. It also time consuming endeavor.
Frank, I checked a map and did not see any lock and dams on the Missouri, so the vehicle could floated downstream. Would there have been a boat ramp near the casino. Also was this a populated area, and if he entered the river would anyone have heard or seen anything.
I searched on-line for more information on the Missouri River, and the main channel depth was about 6 feet. However, a few Coast Guard vessels ran aground, so it was deepened to about 9 feet. Their was no mention of how wide the river is.
I could not find any reference to what the current speed was. But there are some dams on the river, but they are connected to generating electricity.
Frank, you mention a Argosy Casino, however, it does not appear on any of the AAA Road Maps I have of Sioux City. There is one in Kansas City, along the river.
So, if his vehicle went into the river, it might not have gotten into the main channel. But, I don’t know the dimensions of the Ford F-150.
Patrick, with all due respect, many, many efforts were made by local law enforcement agencies to try and locate Mr. Robinson. If you read any of the newspaper stories published about his disappearance (under “Sources,” it includes links to those articles), you will see what investigators have done thus far, and it is substantial.
In any story about Dale Robinson’s disappearance, one cannot reasonably expect the reporter to “mention how wide the river is/was at the time” or the speed of its current. But, for what it’s worth, when LE officials do believe a person and his/her vehicle may have gone into a river, the depth and current are obviously taken into consideration during the investigation’s initial first phases.
I’m well aware (from your multiple comments throughout this site) that you are a former investigator with the VA Hospital in Chicago and investigated items/things that “went missing” from the hospital, to include veterans that disappeared. It’s not uncommon for veterans (or even civilians for that matter) to voluntarily leave a medical facility, but when VA patients go missing, there’s at least a reasonable amount of knowledge as to where the patient may “likely” have gone. Not so with civilian cases, particularly when one appears to have just vanished into thin air.
Jody at ICC
I was just responding to Frank’s comments. I was looking into stuff about the Missouri River. If you are familiar with the missing Guthrie Family from New York. The local authorities said that her vehicle could not have gone through the ice into a local lake. That you could have driven a car onto the ice.
However, someone who lived in the area commented that she would not consider it smart to have driven a car or other vehicle onto the ice of this lake or any other one. So, I was looking at the Missouri River, to satisfy my interest, in one way.
Since, we have found a few stolen vehicles in one of artificial canals that were built or added on to the Chicago River. The Chicago River’s flow was changed to take the garbage, and whatever down stream and away from Lake Michigan.
One of them contained the remains of a Diane Masters, whose husband was an attorney for the Chicago Mob, and involved in corruption in law enforcement and political areas in this neck of the woods. He decided to get rid of her before she revealed his connections,
A human body is one thing, it is fairly small and will decompose over time. But the truck can’t fly away, is easily indentified by license plate or VIN, and will not decompose. So it should have turned up by now. So, unless you are inclined to believe he met with foul play (I strongly doubt it), the truck, and probably him, is in all likelihood submerged in a body of water. What are the other options? Truck isn’t gonna disappear. Go ahead and google the lake in Oklahoma where two cars were found containing the bodies of 6 missing persons from the 60’s and 70’s. Or the 3 missing vermillion girls found in the creek in their car after 40 years. If a person and their vehicle disappear into thin air, it’s submerged or foul play was involved, period, end of story. I lean very strongly towards he accidentally drove into a body of water.
Frank, I agree with your comments about the the lake in Oklahoma. I have been trying to collect information on these cases from around the country. Sometime last year a man, while cutting his grass noticed part of a vehicle sticking out from a pond on his property. The authorities drained it and found the vehicle of a woman missing after leaving a veterans post supposedly driving home, on a Indian reservation.
Side scanning sonar has been used in a number of these cases. It also expensive to conduct a search. I have been looking at one of the tools we used in the U.S. Navy, to search for submarines called Magnetic Anomaly
Detection. It’s was something we had on land based P-3C Orions, and also on some navy helicopters.
It might something faster. Also, I wonder about the Unmanned Underwater vehicles the U.S. Navy is testing. They might be more useful, to use, with a model, with out all the bells and whistles, they have.
I just watched the Jodi H case on 48 Hours, and did a little digging online to find, surprise surprise, the piggies were involved in her death. I guess she was asking all the WRONG questions in a 100% satanic system she unknowingly got involved with. (media & jewdicial system).
George had 3 sons. Bruce. Patrick and Joe. They never had the chance to enjoy a father.
Thank you for the information, Ralph. I’ve added it to George’s case summary.
All three sons are alive. Bruce and Patrick live in North Dakota. Joe lives in Mn. Who are you? Thanks
Jody. I just read your profile. Sorry for your lose. Thank you for what you do.
WOW THERE ARE OTHERS: THE WOMAN WHO GOT KILLED BY THE HOSPITAL AND EVERYONE KNEW WHO DID IT NO ARRESTS! THE BODY FOUND IN THE GARAGE LAST YEAR I THINK? THE GUY WHO JUST DIED AFTER BEING IN BOOTLEGGERS! I AM SURE A LOT MORE!
Lora you reference a Steve Klein, in regards to three cold cases in Iowa. Do you have more information in regards to his connection to these cases. Also, the ex-husband would be a person of interest in her murder, since there was a custody battle of sorts over their child. Being a mean guy, is not exactly proof that he killed her. Law Enforcement need more facts and a district attorney, would have to back them up before a judge.
Were was her husband during this time ? I didn’t see were they questioned him.
Police confirmed that her husband was out of town with many family members validating that fact. Of course it’s possible he hired to have it done but law enforcement do not think he was involved per the articles I’ve read.
Seems to me she “was in the wrong place, at the wrong time”.
I have some thoughts on this myself. Sometimes people establish a solid alibi for themselves. That doesn’t mean they are necessarily innocent.
I agree! He moved away and has a family of his own not long after she was murdered!
Ladies,
We’re definitely aligned in that it’s very possible that her husband (or anybody for that matter) could establish an irrefutable alibi and still be responsible by having a proxy do the criminal act. I said as much in my post.
The husband moving away could be a function of guilt (as suggested) or him/her being inappropriately labeled within the community.
If he was responsible, he should spend the rest of his life in prison.
Why would a young seemingly healthy woman go out to a remote location alone.? That is just playing out her luck. I would be scared of a pindrop out there.
She went fishing at a lake. She texted her friends and posted while there. She even said she saw people having sex in a car while there. I don’t think people should be afraid of going to a public dock during the daytime to go fishing. I’m more curious on why no one has came forward and admitted to being out there since she did see other ppl there. That’s what seems weird. Either a set up from her soon to be ex hubby or just random act of violence.
Very sorry I tried to delete the comment it ouldnt let me
Is that John Joseph Carmody puke at all related to Mark Carmody of Sturgeon Bay? That particular puke molested numerous Sturgeon Bay kids back in the 1940’s and 1950’s, and got away with it. Not one freaking Sturgeon Bay parent did their job.
Patti Fravel had something to do with it..
Whoa!…What?!?
I believe Patti Fravel is involved. But Karma has hit her 10 fold.
Delphine, thanks for looking at these cases, from long distance. Hopefully, someone will look at this Gary Lynn Frazier character. Who knows there are other links between these victims.
Your observations keeps people’s mind relooking at the details, and maybe someone will connect them. Who knows how many other murders of young women, in other states are linked.
Was the abduction done by CIA?do tou think the FBI didnt do anything for johnny gosch?do U.S government supports pedophilia ring?is jeff gannon johnny gosch?do child sex trade exists in USA anymore?is paul bonacci still alive?do cia and fbi still help children abusing?why it was no justice for johnny gosch?why the FBI didnt interviwed paul bonacci?is usa safe to live?was the emilio worked in the cia?why the court didnt charged larry king?was johnnys father involved in the abduction(was john gosch sold johnny to the ring?)was michael aquino(the colonel)charged with any cime?how much did you spend on private investigation?what did the FBI do for you?is jeff gannon johnny gosch?who supports child sex trade in the america?was the illuminati or freemasons involved the crime?
Those are very good questions. Please visit myTwitter profile at https://twitter.com/goschjohnny I answer many of your questions there and have been presenting some of the evidence I have.
Although I was not born during these tragic events that affected Waverly and its region, it is unimaginable not to feel sadness and compassion for Julie’s family and loved ones. I hope that the police investigation will give them the answers they have been waiting for so many years. Despite the distance between my native France and the United States, I’m haunted by this dark affair and the deep sense of injustice that this crime generates. As a journalist, I feel compelled to hunt down the truth wherever it is hidden, in order to honour Julie’s memory. Since I started studying this case, I have felt a deep sense of injustice and many questions…
Is there a link between Julia’s murder and the events of December 2, 1975 in Oelwein? In the killer’s process, there are many similarities with the murder of young Sheila Foley. Did the police go to the anamosa state penitentiary to question Gary Lynn Frazer about his schedule on the fateful evening of November 28? Is it a coincidence that the crimes have stopped on Waverly since his arrest? Anyway, I’m wondering. Like the famous letter sent to the police from Oelwein. Can’t we collect traces of DNA from the envelope? And the city of Oelwein which keeps turning our eyes away from Waverly; As if someone rightly or wrongly wanted us to turn our eyes towards this neighbouring city…
Of course, I don’t draw any conclusions, I am just trying to understand. Thanks.
Did you ever check to see what Gary Frazer from Oelwein who murdered Sheila Foley was doing at that time. I really think he is your guy.
For this case I’ve always wondered where she was going. She was last seen at 11pm on New Year’s Eve, but was also reported missing on that same day apparently. Was she reported missing before or after that last sighting? Where she was last seen is mostly apartments. If she was out and about at 11pm on New Year’s Eve she was probably going to some party or to meet up with some people. Was she alone when she was last seen?
This makes me sick to my stomach. My heart goes out to you and your family, Veronica. I was born and raised in North central Iowa, lost both parents to cancer. As for ALL those involved in this cover up, no amount of money or piously sitting in church on Sunday will save them from the fires of hell. Have you ever reached out to Erin Brokovich? She has a website where she can be contacted. It would be worth the try.
It sounds like there is a major problem in Mason City, Iowa. It would be nice of an outside agency to come in and investigative. Maybe, we can get the KGB, to get to the bottom. They don’t have to worry about being probable cause, warrants, or Miranda rights. They will figure out the truth. Then the bad guys can be sent to some salt mines in Siberia.
I’d like to know if Brian’s cousin, Jerry Burns, ever participated in the searches for Brian. What was his demeanor after Brian’s disappearance (on the anniversary of Michelle Martinko’s murder) and three days after an anonymous tip the authorities deemed as “credible.”)
They should check the house today and see if anything is there or if it is in a different part of the house just saying
My dear mother Ellen passed away December 10th of last year, she is now with her sister in heaven and both are enjoying them selves. My moms sister loved the Lord, and so did my mother, both are rejoicing today. The man that murdered my aunt is dead, and he will have his day standing in front of the king of kings and account for his crimes. It is ended.
hope things are good for you Izzy.
Janette, Please contact me! It’s been sooo many years
Hello Dear, No idea how to contact you. Surprised I made the decision to stop by Mother’s site today. Hope your life has been good.
Jody Ewing can provide you with my email address. She said she sent Janette an email. I’m on Facebook too, please find me! I wanna talk to her so bad.
I had no clue how much Janette and her mom looked alike. It kinda took my breath for a sec. Jdday2001@yahoo.com – does your daughter look like her too? I so hope you see this and reach out to me.
I agree the FBI, should be involved in this case, since it crosses state lines. However, the only record they would have had would be an entry to NCIC, that she was missing. So, it falls on the locals to determine what happened, and who is responsible. However, the family should have sued this Joseph character, for his leading her high and dry, which somehow led to her murder. Also, age wise she was a minor, and he could be charged with a federal crime.
It would be nice to know more information on this Joseph character. At least the detective in Washington, D.C., recognized her otherwise she would be an unidentified Jane Doe, until DNA from the family,
Interesting… wrong is wrong and one should be punished for wrong doings, but in americal a white man who rapes AND kills gets 10 years with 2 years time served and potential for early release and a black guy committed of raping a woman gets 25 to life–she is still living by the way. wrong is wrong and both should be punished but tell me how this is fair?
My father went to his grave thinking it was a woman that killed her and her name was Chris kiburtz at the time as I was on a bowling team with her and right after that she had hurt her wrist in a “volleyball game” at the bernedes center in Monticello and when she came to bowling she was constantly looking out the door saying they are coming to get her and we said who and she said the people whatever that meant she was very fidgety at the time and shortly after that she moved to Chicago
Hello Lisa, I actually have no idea who you are and you obviously don’t know me very well! Nothing you just said is true other than the fact that I did bowl (not with you) and I did play volleyball. I am responding to this because good friends of mine in Monticello saw this and are very angry with you for the slander and defamation of character! I’m not happy about it either, but those who know me know that this is nothing I would, or could, ever do! Cathy was my friend and I was very close to her brother as well. When I got the news of her death it was unbelievably heartbreaking!! I had been in Chicago for Christmas and when I pulled into the driveway the following day , my neighbor (Cathy’s cousin) informed me of everything. I did everything I could to help police find who did it. I moved back to Chicago 4 months later because my divorce and just become final and this is where I am from. All my Family is here, so naturally I moved back. I do and always have come back to Monticello every year to see my very close friends that I made while living there. You can think what you want, but you could not be further from the truth! Christine Schejbal (Kiburz)
Lisa, Please see the comment policy for this page and make your comments civilized and constructive! No personal attacks please. Be respectful of others!
We need to get a retainer for the complaint That Tim Allen has filed on Union County officals!! This is a Shot for us to get Rickys case files and force Piel and Kenyon to own up to what has been covered up for so long! Please donate if you can!!! We need to raise $2,500!!! https://www.gofundme.com/f/attorney-needed-asap-for-ricky-morehouse-cold-case
Still hoping DNA could solve the George A Leonard case. My 90 year old mother in law and the entire family would still like closure to this senseless act.
I find it interesting that there is no mention of a husband. So, I assume she may have been married and divorced. There is a mention of the police being sent to do a well being check, by her daughter, who lived out of town. The grandson and granddaughter’s husband, going to check on her. But, there is no reference to any of her family surviving her.
Also, she was running some sort of massage business out of her home. I assume that she had a background in physical therapy. However, someone may have thought it might be a massage parlor, with a more sexual atmosphere. So, they go there and have certain expectations, and find something different, and took out their frustrations on Mrs. Swetnam. Then ransacked the place, looking for something of value.
These are only assumptions, but hopefully it will get others to add comments or observations, to further the conversation, and generate some leads.
Based on Cheryl and Gregory Williams comments, which I find very credible, it seems to me the best chance of the family receiving justice is if the DNA matches Goose and he implicates Therese Miller. This scenario assumes that Miller’s DNA isn’t a match if her role was actually limited to luring Ron Novak to the door.
The fact that Goose is under the Witness Protection program may be an asset. Leverage may exist (again if his DNA is a match) that he will be charged and his Witness Protection revoked. Goose wouldn’t last long in prison in the general population as he already “snitched” once, he would have little choice but to talk. Offer him a deal with less time to implicate Miller and put him in protective custody in prison and then back in Witness Protection program upon his release.
If the DNA matches the other deceased killers, there is little chance the leverage exists for Goose, Miller, or other members of The Chosen Few that may know something to have them talk.
Was John Wayne Gacy ever checked out? I know he was in Iowa/Illinois around that time and there are still unidentified bodies. Just wondering. I have prayed about this off and on or many years since I was a little girl.
Guy Heckle is my nephew. As I remember it, Guy’s dental records were sent to the authorities investigating the John Wayne Gacy case with no match found. One detective in particular was in touch with my sister regularly and would send dental records whenever unidentified remains were found. Thank you to everyone for keeping this unsolved missing person case in the news.
Hello Janet! My name is Lilly Usher, and I would like to do an episode on Guy for a podcast I run about missing people in Iowa. I would like to get permission from his family before I would make an episode on him, and possibly interview his family. If you would email me that would be great! my email is lillyusher1@gmail.com
Thanks!
Was you able to make the podcast on Guy Heckle?
Unbelievable – this guy is now connected to 3 very suspect deaths / disappearances.
It’s extremely unfortunate this total waste of skin was able to be free for nearly 40 years.
The good news is that he’s toast, no way he ever will be a free man again. And better yet, he will spend eternity in the deep recesses of hell.
Each day is met with this loss not unlike the day before. A place of alone I cant dscribe. A living hell, is this place that I have been banished to. All alone in the knowledge of what occurred, digesting it daily, considering it and re-considering it, only to come back to find myself again awakening to the repetitious nightmare that has became my life
I’m just glad that with today’s advanced technology the police are able to crack cold cases such as these from so long ago. A century ago, and perhaps even as late as Martinko’s death year of 1979, I don’t know if cops anywhere on Earth could EVER have brought a killer to justice after so many years.
Fascinating.
I don’t have words for this. I am shocked an amazed in the most terrible way. I can’t believe I didn’t hear more about this when it happened. I will be doing some research to see if anything else has ever come of this, and the previous, case. Into the cradle of God’s arms these children are delivered, and that is the only solace we can take from such tragedies. My heart goes out to the entire community for knowing that such a thing happened in their midst.
The photo of this child caught my eye, and though i never knew him or anyone involved, my heart goes out to the family and anyone affected by this terrible tragedy. The loss of any child is a loss to the entire world. I wrote a short story one time that dealt with the loss of children. And though this excerpt is about different circumstances, it shines a light on the feelings we all share when a child is gone.
“I saw an angel, dad. A real angel.”
Gently, David leaned over and took Dev into his arms. He fought against the tears welling in his eyes. “You did?” The words came out broken, trying to sound happy and still containing the sobs looming in his chest.
“The angel told me that some us get a lot of time,” Dev said quietly, “and some of us don’t.” His eyes sparkled with the excitement his exhausted body couldn’t show. He struggled to catch his breath and went on. “He said that when a child enters heaven, he is placed into the cradle of God’s arms. That can’t be bad, can it?”
There was no word in any tongue he could have spoken to his son at that very moment. There was no feeling profound enough to contain the emotion of a child’s readiness to die. He did the only thing he could do. He held his son in his arms and wept.
Know that even though I never knew this family, I grieve the loss of this precious child, and that not all empathy is lost in this world.
What a fascinating, and tragic journey on this case. My heart goes out to all affected. I truly hope justice was finally served for this young woman and her family.
This was a murder. The female driver of the pickup, did everything to throw Gregg out of the pickup bed. She ran him over. Got out of the vehicle and said something like…that m_____ f_____, better be dead. The witnesses to her erratic driving up and down the grassy ditches, kept their mouths shut. They had jumped in a vehicle, to watch what happened next. No One spoke up. I am ashamed they were all from the Adel area. My question to each and everyone of them hanging at the camp grounds…What if that were Your Child, Brother or Dad ??? This is a very ugly case. Just 1 of these people could have spoke up. This is in no way a threat…if karma was fair…each of you who knew and didn’t speak up…should have the privilege of a murdered family member without justice. How do you think the Nimmo family feels? His son was traumatized and overwhelmed And Commited Suicide….let me say that again.. SUICIDE….a young member, his son, is Now Dead because No One Spoke UP…to help this family have closure. How Do You Sleep at Night ??? How many sociopaths do we have walking around Adel? Well, at least all these people. I know I came across mad and harsh. I wasn’t there…But I Love this Family. No One deserves this outcome. So Shame on those of you, who let this slide. You are as responsible for this child dying, as the women who ran Gregg down. I grieve for this family and will for the rest of my life on this Earth. Can you even imagine…how these secrets have corroded Your Soul?? Oh, by the way, (It Is Never To Late To Do The Right Thing.) Have a Good Life. P.S. The Nimmo Family members got up that day with no idea, Gregg would be murdered Another day, not long after, the Family had No idea that the unthinkable would/could occur……that would be, when Gregg”s son, Committed SUICIDE. Please help this family find Closure and Peace. Please, I beg of You, Give the Authorities what they need to solve this case. Sincerely , me
Interesting. Probably killed him and his wife! Hope police are looking into this.
Still nothing…Someone knows.
December 20, 2018
Virginia, this might be something of use. A Melissa Stender, filed for divorce from Phillip Stender sometime in 2008. Also, they were married in 1993, which made me interested. It appears from a lawsuit that she filed against her attorney, that Phillip physically and sexually assaulted her, after being notified that she was trying to divorce him. I assume this was not reported to the police.
What, I find interesting is that the attorney Anthony Zane Blessum, had represented her husband on something previously. The attorney did not determine the exact financial background of her husband. Also, the attorney started a relationship with Melissa, that lasted for a period of time. Then when she found out that he was having an affair with other women, she supposedly attempted to take some pills. He attacked her and also tried to force her to vomit.
So, I think someone needs to look at both Mr. Blessum and what he was involved with representing Phillip Carl Stender. Also, who knows what Melissa might or might not know. It would be interesting to know when they married. Also, if she has any connection to Mr. Terrell. I don’t know her maiden name.
Virginia, a Melissa Stender divorced her husband Phillip sometime in September 2008. Upon notification of the divorce action her husband supposedly went to her residence, and physically and sexually assaulted her. Her attorney at the time was a Anthony Blessum, who had been a Madison County attorney for a period of time. But he had represented her husband previously.
Well, Mr. Blessum developed a relationship with Melissa, and when she challenged him about seeing dating other women, he got aggravated, and she tried to smack him. She then may have taken some extra medications and he got physical with her, which ended when the police arrived. She was hospitalized, and she sued him for malpractice in regards to her divorce from Phillip. It appears that Mr. Blessum, did not properly investigate Phillip’s financial standing.
Also, they were married in 1993, the same year that Mr. Terrell disappeared. I think that maybe if someone tracks her down, she might be able to provide some information about her ex-husband, and his activities.
Thank you, Mr. Kerrigan. I believe that the detectives already have interviewed Melissa Stender. I am not sure how you are connected to this case, but I do know that any help you can offer to the detectives in charge of this cold case would be very appreciated by Phil’s family. Please contact the detectives right away.
Virginia, I am not connected to the case. I don’t even live in the area. But decided to see what popped up on-line. I am a former detective with the federal government, and like to dig for stuff. I used to dig through government property records to track down unaccounted for property when a department could not find it.
It’s a bad habit, but then it was something I learned while serving on a submarine in the U.S. Navy, for that habit.
I wonder what that attorney did for Phillip. Since there is a reference to Phillip being upset about the sale of the moving company. Also, the attorney was a lawyer for Madison County. So it makes me wonder.
Thanks for your insight!
Very interesting that his first cousin was arrested for murdering Michelle. But Angela comments could mean he left on his on. But then maybe he blackmailed his cousin, and that’s where the pile of money came from.
Any relationship to Jerry Burns who was arrested for the Michelle Martinko murder. Seems strange Brian went missing on December 19. Michelle went missing years before on Dec 19 1979.
I know Jerry and it’s hard to believe he was involved. DNA him or relative ?
Disappeared three days after the anonymous tip to police in Michelle Martinko’s case. I very much hope police are looking into this connection. It appears that the killer was Brian’s first cousin.
Do you know what the tip was?
As far as I know, this is inaccurate. There wasn’t any tip and certainly not in 2013 when he went missing. Jerry, the convicted murderer in the Michelle Martinko, was discovered through DNA evidence and genealogy databases. The connection was some distant cousin living in the upper Northwest United States.
Actually there was an anonymous tip about Michelle Martinko’s case given to the police department on December 16, 2013. Info here:
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/michelle-martinko/
Look for the header of “April 10, 2014: Cedar Rapids Police Media Release”.
I think the police did say later on when a timeline was released that none of the tips lead to an arrest. It was the DNA genealogy stuff they were doing. https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/TIMELINE-The-Michelle-Martinko-murder-case-503178991.html
Both are correct== there was a tip 12 16 13 but the Brandy Jennings DNA was the connection that solved it..Brian may well have been one to phone a tip in in 2013 however
One day short of 39 years later, an arrest has been made. Does anyone know a motive, or if he knew her?
See Tracy’s post from 11/1/17 above. Seems the most plausible.
I remember this. I was a kid at the time, and I remember going to school the day they found their bodies. I didn’t know what was going on until a classmate told me: “The missing girls have been found.” Rest in peace.
curious…why do they think Jules should be prosecuted ? Is it because (she was involved with (driving the sheriffs wife crazy) If so Don should also be prosecuted!
don passed away jules is a good woman small town gossip
I’m curiously wondering if this guy was losing his faculties; so went his pledge to remain mum on Jerry’s vile scheme to keep this a secret. Every year they ran this story, and maybe this guy could simply no longer keep it quiet.
Many of us will be interested in more details and the connection, if any, between Burns and Martinko.
As a CR native about the same age as Martinko, this one has always bothered me. Very happy to learn of this occurrence.
After 39 years, an arrest has been made in Michelle’s case:
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Police-arrest–503174101.html
My hat’s off to the investigators who never gave up on finding Michelle’s killer. My prayers to her family and friends, who also never gave up and worked to keep Michelle’s memory and her case alive over the years.
Kim, I tip my hat as well to the investigators who never gave up on solving Michelle’s case. Det. Doug Larison spent endless hours (years) reviewing evidence, and when Investigator Matt Denlinger picked up the case, he stayed the course and remained as steadfast as Larison.
There were many others, of course, who shouldered this case over nearly four decades, but in the end, the investigators’ commitment and cooperation between law enforcement agencies combined with advances in DNA technology carried it home. It’s been a great day for Cedar Rapids police and for Iowans.
Yeah Michelle finally some JUSTICE rest in peace friend.
Yes! Per Cedar Rapids Gazette… A long time coming!…
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/watch-live-cedar-rapids-police-to-release-major-development-in-michelle-martinko-cold-case-20181219
Confirmed by Des Moines Register…
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/12/19/cedar-rapids-police-iowa-cold-case-make-arrest-1979-killing-michelle-martinko-murder-jerry-burns/2370821002/
Related to Jerry Burns who was just arrested for a murder in 1975 today?
After reading up on the cold cases of Mason City, I couldn’t help but notice the psychic led investigators to the exact same location as the case of Andy Hatges. It was noted that the cases were somewhat similar; was the part about the landfill accidentally added into both cases or is that accurate?
Kylie, see https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/andrew-hatges/ – yes, the landfill is mentioned in both cases.
I guess they failed to find any investigative leads that would point to an offender in this case. Their is no mention of anything being taken although the motive was burglary. So if there were any fingerprints found, they never came back to anyone.
So, it makes sense to run them again and see if they match anyone. I wonder if they ever reviewed the evidence and their investigation to see if any forensic evidence can be retested.
I agree that the girlfriend needs to explain things since she could not keep the story straight. Also does anyone know anything about the supposed sale by Mr. Terrell of a moving company to this Phillip Stender. This should be explored as it might provide a motive for his murder. I aso find the reference to Mr. Stender visiting the Carlisle, Iowa area, since a veteran who disappeared from the Knoxville VA Medical Center was found dead in that neck of the woods. He cause of death is Unconfirmed, but his sternum was fractured, most likely by blunt force trauma.
There is one who should be included here. Deborah Dawn Sadler was born July 9, 1964 and died December 1, 1965. Someone bashed her to death and the county medical examiner bought the ludicrous story that she “fell” from a chair. I contacted the cops who weren’t interested in doing anything since the autopsy hadn’t been preserved (here in Wisconsin where I live coroners records can never be disposed of, unlike in Iowa). I also contacted her younger sister (born of her mother’s second marriage) who apparently lacks interest in bringing the perp to justice.
In the 48 hours segment there was mention of Crank phone calls in the days leading up to her disappearance. I did not hear mention of any follow up in regard to the crank telephone calls.
I know the theory floating around is that John Vancise was calling her apartment when he was suspicious about her having a male friend there. Crank calls that were just nobody talking on the other end, just listening. There is no proof of this, at least not publicly. I don’t know who offered landline telephone service in Mason City in 1995 and if they would be able to produce call logs at that time.
Autumn, the questions I asked are some basic stuff. In investigations, authorities try to develop a idea of the victim. Earlier this year in Miami County, Ohio, they finally identified a young woman, who had been found murdered in April 1981.
She was originally known as the “Buck Skin Girl”, and now they knew who she was. Her mother never reported her missing, and was waiting for her to come home. So, with her name, they could fill in some blanks in her life. They knew she had been in Pittsburg, a month before she was murdered. She was from Arkansas.
So, the more information we have about Connie, it means more information that could lead to someone who might some minor little tidbit, that she was having a problem, with someone, a landlord, someone where she worked. Someone could have been supporting her, or whatever, and they got upset with her enough that he or she kidnapped her and murdered her.
it comes under something called Victimolgy.
Just curious, were you in the military with Connie’s husband? Do you believe there is a link to the “Buckskin Girl” and Connie Ruddy?
I wish there was more information out there to help Connie and her family get the justice and answers they deserve.
Hey mom, it was your birthday on the 8th… just wanted to say happy birthday and I miss you. Adriana will be turning 4, wish you were here to watch her grow up…we love and miss you mom, forever and always
The other night I caught an episode of Cold Case Files, about the murder of prostitutes. Anumber of them were found on both sides of the Mississippi River in the East St. Louis, Illinois, and in the St. Louis, Missouri. They were all black females. Most of these murders took place in 2001 into 2002.
The offender was identified as a Maury Troy Travis, who took his own life in the county jail. DNA may have linked him to at least 12 murders. The authorities think he may have more victims. At least 5 unidentified skeletal remains.
Nothing online points to Travis being in Iowa, but it appears hs known victims, were all strangled. He was active in the time frame when Ms. Nicholson was found strangled. It’s a long shot.
Mr. Travis video taped his torture and murder of s some of the victims.
Patrick, could you please post your email on here? I’ve observed from other postings of yours that you are a former Illinois cop. I am aware of a woman in Illinois who lost 5 kids from 2 different fathers to so-called “crib death” and she was the only one home when each of the kids died. 2 of the kids were far too old for that. She also got a lot of public attention (which she sought out). Classic munchausen by proxy, and I’m convinced that just like Waneta Hoyt, Marie Noe, and Mary Beth Tinning, she killed her kids. However, the Cook County Medical Examiner couldn’t be bothered even responding to me, even though I gave her everything on a silver platter. The entire Cook County Board of Commissioners ignored me when I contacted them with the story, to inform them that their medical examiner wasn’t doing her job. I did eventually get one email from a detective– I tried to call his cell number that he’d given me and it was full so I couldn’t leave a message there; I did call his office number and left a message but he never got back to me. This woman is now age 70, but she is well enough that she could be prosecuted.
48 Hours is doing a story on 12/15/18 about Jodi’s disappearance:
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/sneak-peek-findjodi/
Recent news article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette about Michelle’s case:
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/cedar-rapids-cold-case-michelle-marie-martinko-20181212
ALSO MY BIO MOM, PATRICIA KELLEY, HAD NO SIBLINGS, SO AGAIN, I FEEL HER HUSBAND RICHARD SKILLINGS FROM MINN. IS THE KILLER, AND LIVES AMONGEST THE POPULATION IN EVANSDALE IOWA, BIG GAME HUNTERS TOO, LOVE GUNS
Go get them. If it was my Dad, I would for sure.
Wow. I really hope this case gets solved. My MIL is Melvin’s sister. She is still heartbroken. Michael, I hope you are thriving in OK. Anyone ever contact Dateline?
No I wish we could
Michael how bout contacting waterloo courier to run an article in paper an a short newscast of it on tv? May spark sumthing an cost nothing bc itll boost interest and add numbers who watch kwwl kcrg etc
Were there empty shell casings left at scene?
Not sure about the casings,I have never been given any option from the Waterloo PD thank you though
Mr. Elledge, thanks for the follow up on this case. It was nice of your father to make the effort to solve this case. Especially, since the victim, was his uncle, and he provided the answers for the family.
Although, no one went to prison, all the parties involved have gone to their graves. A higher power most likely has dealt with the parties involved. I would consider this case closed. No further police action necessary.
My father Bert Elledge Jr. nephew of Lyman Elledge, reopened the case when Bert was
Sheriff of Delaware County, Iowa in the 1980’s. Bert is now deceased. Dad told me before his death, that Lyman was estranged from his wife and they were living apart.
Lyman was seeing another woman, and another Colesburg man was also seeing her.
Some time before his murder, Lyman came home and found a fire burning in the staircase that went up to his bedroom, in the house he was renting. He thought someone
believed he was in bed, and tried to burn the house with him in it, or that the fire was set
to claim insurance fraud by arson.
Lyman’s body was found without shoes, and his glasses found a block away. The info
my father, Sheriff Elledge, related to me was that Lyman was at his girlfriend’s residence
when the woman’s other boyfriend burst in and caught them together. Lyman ran from the house not even putting his shoes on. As he ran the other man chases him and hit Lyman in the head (probably where his glasses were found) by what the coroner thought
may have been a 2X4 or similar club. Lyman suffered a skull fracture, but staggered to
the lawn of Mr. Wiskus, collapsing there. People saw him moving in the prone position
at dawn, but he succumbed and died. My father told me who killed him, and the man is long deceased. Lyman is dead. The killer is dead, and Sheriff Longseth, Sheriff Barr, and
Sheriff Bert Elledge Jr. Is also deceased.
Here is a photo of the nurse who killed him. https://wcfcourier.com/announcements/anniversary/drewelow/article_95f33323-9793-5714-aa60-f5fc953a0e3c.html
That is the problem with some of these cases. Also, how many missing persons cases from around the country have no other details then the person’s name, age and when last seen. As a former police officer & detective with the Veterans Administration Police, it was drilled into us at our hospital to did up as much information as possible.
There is no age or date of birth information on Mr. Cramer, unless he had no further identification information on him. But, I would think that a major police department, would have done some further digging to see what they could find. A minimum would have been to send his fingerprints to the FBI, and see if they had any records of him. He could have been served in the military, or had a minor criminal record.
I’m wondering if maybe he wasn’t a homeless man, and they were weren’t able to find anything on him or if the police (at the time) didn’t care enough to dig any deeper.
? Noi circumstances as to how Mr. Cramer’s body was found? Any indication how he died? No details as to his personal life at the time, etc.?
To everyone saying why didn’t they collect DNA it was 1953 !!! Nobody knew what DNA was 65 years ago. I highly doubt any fluids were found inside or on the charred body that’s just like asking why didn’t they didn’t they use finger prints during the inquest of Julius Caesar the technology didn’t exist.
I went on Family Research Later Day Saint’s website to see if anything came up on him. Nothing about death date. Several F. Cramer of Iowa did come up with with variations of spelling on name. I was hoping that death date would come up. Do you have any other information on him, like age, homelessness, was he positive id, to help locating his life prior to his death. This man is a ghost in more ways than one.
Do they have a suspect
I find it interesting that there is no mention of forced entry. So, if no forced entry, then it points to Mr. Rude possibly knowing his killer. This is somewhat supported by the fact that he was found shot to death in the basement, and not somewhere else in the house.
Also, we don’t know much about the victim. We don’t know what he did for a living, if he had problems with anyone. But, would he let them into his home willingly. Also, I assume authorities verified his wife’s story, that she was out of town.
Also, the use of a .22 or .25 caliber firearm, points to a female as a potential offender. I would expect a man, to use a higher caliber firearm, such as a .38 caliber, or higher.
However, two young women in Chicago, were shot to death in 1972, with a .32 caliber firearm. Their bodies were found sort of posed in a large park on the southeast side of Chicago. Their murder is still unsolved. However, there were a number of shootings involving .32 caliber firearms in the Chicago area, in that time frame.
One of the most interesting was a young man, in his 20’s, who was driving through Kansas, after visiting an aunt out west. He was speeding on the interstate, and after a 25 mile chase, the Kansas Highway Patrol, forced him off the roadway. When they approached his car, they found him dead of a self inflicted wound from .32 caliber firearm. He had a shoulder holster. He lived in a suburb of Chicago. There was no mention of him being depressed in the newspaper story.
Im willing to bet they made more than one .32 cal gun
Never forget. Awakened with Tammy on my mind. Read her story. All these years, She is on my mind and on my ❤. Praying for you and your family.
It would be interesting to know if the spent cartridge and live cartridge were entered into the ballistics computer system. It might be a long shot to see if the weapon had been used in any ther crimes.
Also, he had an established pattern of stopping by the bar after work. It appears he was known to carry large sums of money. So, he became a target for a bad guy. But, the person would have become some sort of regular at the bar, for the victim to leave with him.
This was my father. It was my understanding he only knew the murders for about three weeks. He played pool with them. These killers had murdered others in Des Moines as well. People who came from good famlies and were well respected in the community. One of the killers James Burroughs has died of cancer. The police told us initially they could not get enough evidence to prosecute.
That’s was my aunt’s boyfriend
I’m so sorry for your loss!
If this is the same John that I went to High School with at North Polk in Alleman Ia. His father worked there. Mr Shuey had two teenage sons, that were just as nice as he was. I think of John often! His life was taken way to soon!
Hmm something did not sound right with the Dylan post so with a little tap tap on the keyboard I found a Dylan Oldenburger on LinkedIn, says he is a grown man, a detective in Ottumwa. Something strange is going on here and it’s not a little boy innocently posting his address in the comment section of this website.
Hi and my name is Dylan oldenburger and I am 21 right now and I wants to find out who’s killed john robert hill and other men who’s were murdered by the same killers in ottumwa iowa right now and my email is oldenbudylan@gmail.com or texts me at my phone number is 571-931-5831 texts me only pleases pleases pleases pleases
I agree, i also looked around in google maps and there is no house there! Also there is a sign that says the address so that would explain how this “Dylan” got it. I DONT THINK THATS A KID TALKING OR THE REAL DYLAN OLDENBURGER.
I actually also found this “Dylan OLDENBURGER” facebook, it’s all just a bunch of strange stuff, the website itself made me uncomfortable. Which leads me to believe that something isn’t right with this person.
This women should have the same done to her. God I hope the other brother does not have to see her!
This happened 21 years before my time. I’m thank the Lord for two loving parents. Neither were perfect and they didn’t have much. As sad as this story is its humbling because it could have been any of us reading this. I’m sure it must have been scary to have have or raise a child back then. There’s no amount of fear, or financial circumstances to justify slaughter of an infant. It’s much scarier now because of lack of discipline and carelessness. I’m curious, did anyone else notice a year before this baby was murdered there was another male infant found by construction worker near U.S. hwy 30? Same manner of death minus being burned beyond recognition? 12 years later there were two girls age 3 and 13 months and two more a year later? I’m so no detective but I’m thinking (possible connection?)
8 months after ben went missing andy cole killed marburger from sabula. Keep in mind these were both on the 400 block of 10th Avenue south. This just seems odd to me
Holli Ann, I talked to Sherry earlier today. A lot of stuff to wade through, and complicated family situation. Also, her brother disappeared two days after he was admitted to the Knoxville VA Medical Center in June 1991, and found dead in Polk County. However, his cause of death is Undetermined. However, his sternum was fractured, which may have been caused by blunt force.
The autopsy, mentions him being unaccounted for about two weeks. Also, who did her brother get to this area, since he had no car. Also, he was wearing boots when he was found, but Sherry said he was wearing tennis shoes when admitted. Also, her brother was not from the area. However, his mother had sent him a bus ticket to travel to California. There was a emergency hold on him, to keep him in the hospital.
I know more details on his situation. But, I would like to protect his family. It seems odd that two non-related patients disappear from the same hospital, and found dead in the same county, which is not close to Knoxville. Also, one death is a homicide and the other is Undetermined, and case report and investigative records are locked up.
Also, Donald Murphy, was born in Knoxville area, and not from Polk County. So, was he fleeing something at the hospital or in the area. Supposedly, his late mother may have worked at the VA. I would like to talk with one of his siblings, to see what they know or suspect.
Jack, do we need a road trip, to visit the area. I find it interesting that a police department in Western Illinois, that is using billboards to highlight a missing person case for a young girl. It appears they are trying to shame the person or persons involved to come forward. Maybe we can do something similar in Keokuk, and stir things up.
Patrick. And Jack. I worked with a man who is recently deceased that was from Memphis Missouri and had known Artie up until his death. He swears up and down it had to do with an illegal high stake card game in an upstairs of a Keokuk bar. I can not verify all info related to me other then this Bar is well know for it’s illegal gambling. I am not sure how familiar you two are with keokuk, but it It has distant mafia ties, and a long history of corruption in the local police dept. This man who passed swore that Artie was murdered of a card game(that he had one). It was said to be committed by an ex keokuk police office that was involved with another shooting out in that area. Since the office has passed but the card game loser is still alive, and would scare the hell out of my employee every time he walked through the door. And at that time the bar was in the process of being renovated.
Matt, thanks for the information. I am not from that neck of the woods. I live in the most corrupt state across the Mississippi. However, I am quite familiar with the Mafia, being that I live in the Chicagoland area.
So I am quite familiar with the murders committed by the Chicago Mob, over the years. In fact the head of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Vice unit, was mobbed up, and conducted many raids. However, they knew ahead of time he and the boys were coming.
Matt,
Thanks for taking the time to post here. First of all, I want to let you know I appreciate the fact that you took the time to share this information. Second, I want you to know I believe you when you say your friend shared that story with you.
I’m really thankful for Jody and all the time she puts into this website. Without her efforts, most of these Iowa cold cases would go unnoticed. We’d have no way to connect with people like you who might have important information about a case.
Now, I can’t speak for Patrick, but as for me personally: I’m not a police officer. While I’m sincerely thankful for the information you shared here, the best way to help bring justice to this case is to follow Jody’s instructions in the article: please contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (319) 372-1152. At worst, the information you’ve shared will not produce any new leads. You never know though: this information could break the case wide open and help the police solve a decades-old cold case. As you can see here, not much has happened with this case in the last thirty years. You’ll be hurting nothing by submitting a tip, and who knows, you might help solve this thing.
Like Patrick, I’m not local to the Keokuk area. Therefore, while a lot of the information you shared might make sense to someone from that area, I have no personal experience to compare it against. With that said, I did my best to research the information you shared with the resources I have available.
You said that the murder had to do with a card game that occurred at a Keokuk bar known for its illegal gambling services. I took that information and attempted to compile a list of bars in Keokuk that might have been associated with illegal gambling in 1983. At that point, the population would have been around 13,000 people. I would have expected very few problems with gambling, but I was wrong. I found reports of two major law enforcement raids on illegal gambling operations in that time period, occurring in 1973 and 1981, respectively. The 1973 raid turned up such operations at eight bars and one private business in Keokuk. These included the Tipenbud Grill, the P.J. Tap, Joe’s 400 Club, the local chapter of the Eagles Club, Harrington’s Lounge and Restaurant, the Draft House, the Shack, the Six Pack, and Bottger Novelty Company. The 1981 raid resulted in arrests and seizures at three bars: the 400 Club, Harrington’s Lounge and Restaurant, and the Tee Pee Lounge. With so many bars in the town involved with illegal gambling, including two which were the targets of multiple raids, it is difficult for non-locals such as myself to narrow down which one your friend might have been referring to. However, I chose to focus on the establishments targeted in the 1981 raid because they were closer in time to the victim’s death, and because two of the three were repeat-offenders in the illegal gambling business.
Unfortunately, I was unable to determine the location of Joe Hickey’s 400 Club despite it having existed in Keokuk for many years. However, I was able to locate both Harrington’s and the Tee Pee because both still exist.
I wanted to locate their addresses because you said your friend told you specifically that the illegal card game took place at the “upstairs” of the bar in question. Therefore, only bars which had at least two floors could have possibly been the location where the game took place. Unfortunately, both of the two bars I was able to able to locate from the 1981 raid were located in building which have more than one floor, so I wasn’t able to rule out either of them. On the bright side, all of this reflects well on the veracity of your friend’s story. There were many bars in Keokuk involved with illegal gambling at that time, and at least two of them had an upstairs level where gambling activities could have taken place.
I did my best to follow up on the information you provided regarding one of the principals being a former Keokuk police offer who was involved in a separate shooting incident. Although I found about a half-dozen reports of shootings in Keokuk around that time, I wasn’t able to connect any of the perpetrators with former police service. Just because I couldn’t locate the information though, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
With all of that in mind I would like to offer two thoughts I have on the story your friend provided. First, it is important to remember that while a gambling incident may have served as the impetus for the crime, the murder probably didn’t occur at the bar. Recall that contemporary reports said that the body was clad only in shorts, and that the hands and feet were bound. At risk of sounding morbid, I would propose that it only makes sense to bind the hands and feet of a living person who could offer resistance (i.e., fight back). Further, unless the perpetrators had some bizarre motivation to undress the victim, it would seem he was kidnapped from his own home, where he might have been dressed as described (e.g., while sleeping). Thus, an illegal gambling incident certainly provides a potential motive, but don’t dispense with the possibility that the crime itself occurred elsewhere.
Secondly, I would like to note that Mr. Ransford had apparently been unemployed for quite some time prior to his death. One would expect that this would have had an effect on his spending habits. Now, I acknowledge the existence of gambling addictions and also the fact that people with lower incomes are in fact the primary consumers of gambling entertainment.. however, it is worth noting that the victim’s life situation probably precluded participation in “high stakes” gambling. Recall that this was a long-term unemployed individual living in Keokuk, Iowa, not a trust-fund socialite from the Hamptons.
Gambling is the perfect opportunity for conflict between individuals, and so I bring up the above points simply to propound the notion that the dispute you mentioned may have been related to a regular, everyday gambling event, rather than one involving high stakes.
Patrick, to answer your questions: Scotland County, Missouri is about an hour west of Keokuk, Iowa. If you really, truly want to take a drive with me to Keokuk to shake the bushes, I’d be happy to oblige although I wouldn’t wish an hour in the car with me on my worst enemy. I think Matt has provided a great lead, and I hope he shares it with the Keokuk police. Either way, a trip to Keokuk would be a great opportunity to catch sacrament over at Nauvoo on a Sunday. You just let me know if that’s what you really want to do.
– Jack
Jack, I like the research you did in regards to the information provided by Matt. I agree with your theory that Arthur being unemployed would not be involved in high stakes gambling. So, maybe he crossed path’s with these individuals and they must have felt he was a threat to them.
A road trip will have to wait for better weather, then currently being visited upon us living in the Midwest. I am hoping it will be better in March.
I still wonder about the second wife. She divorces him a few days after reporting him missing. To me that would attract a lot of attention to me. I don’t know if he had any kind of assets that she could have been eligible to receive if he was deceased.
Also, it would be interesting to know if wife number #2, was involved with this former law enforcement officer. It might explain the delay in reporting him missing and the need to divorce him.
Also, who else was shot by this former police officer. There is a former Chicago Police Officer who became a sort of hit man for the Chicago Mob. The fed went after him big time.
I agree that money should be fund a Cold Case Unit. In Tulsa County, they created a charitable foundation, to support their operations. A criminal justice professor does not believe in cold case units. I think they are worth the money, to clear a case that was not solved many years ago.
We need to relook at all these cases, with fresh eyes. Also, we have new forensic tools that are available then look for DNA and other evidence. However, the roommates, need to step up and take the polygraph test. They lived there and found the body, they should know something.
I must also add how the DMPD pushed Nicholas White’s family in the direction of the roommates being under a huge umbrella of being a suspect. They were feeding lies in place of positive results. It’s a game it appears. I reevaluate my life very often and blame myself for many events and try to make corrections. I’m not anywhere near to perfect.
thank you.
I do believe that we should let all of these young men rest in peace from now on. If the police cannot build a case, they are considered innocent. I don’t believe Nicholas would want them to suffer with him. Although he is in Heaven now and better off than any of us on this planet I feel. I do have some strong feelings about the DMPD and also how other police agencies handle homicide cases. As they say on TV crime shows, if not solved in the first 72 hours, it will probably not be solved. The thing hiding behind that is the police will drop it after 72 hours and at the very most somewhat pursue it to 168 hours.(7 days) Then they drop it. They do incomplete investigations in my opinion. I questioned a lead detective about completely searching a dumpster next to the house for a discarded weapon, He did not search it completely,felt it sufficient, said that they could take it down to the DMPD and dump it in the parking lot to inspect and did not, but proclaimed no amount of money and time would inhibit how deeply they investigated. Part of that was true. Disclosures in the DM register reported the two detectives collected 25,000 to 35,000 in overtime the prior year on top of their already healthy salary. They have no Cold Case investigators on staff, but that includes most police departments. Some do, and when they do, they produce results. Seems if they have no results on current homicide investigations, and they are collecting large amounts of funds in overtime, that they should do away with it and use those funds to hire a couple cold case detectives. Otherwise, it is an endless cycle, Just look at Iowa cold cases, or perhaps any states cold case backlog. People can easily get away with murder it appears unless it is domestic related.
Totally my observations and opinion.
Starfire and Sherry, please provide more details on your brothers case. There could be a connection, at least they disappeared from the same hospital.
Jack, Arthur Leon Ransford, was born in Scotland County, Missouri, where his Social Security Number 497-52-4675, was issued in 1964. I don’t know where that is in relation to Keokuk, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army from May 10, 1966 to May 9, 1968. This is according to Social Security Death Index and Application & Claims and his VA BIRLS Death File.
Starfire, please let me know the exact details of your brother’s story. Sherry, also I would like the know the same details involving your brother. Also, if both of theses guys were missing from the VA Medical Center, did the police at the VA ever write up a report. I seriously doubt if they would have a copy in their file systems.
This includes information on branch of service, if they were admitted for medical or other reasons. The more information the better. The fact that several patients who disappeared from a VAMC, in the same year and were murdered, makes me
I used to work at two VA Medical Center here in the Chicago area, as a police officer and detective. So I was involved in a number of missing person’s investigations. Also I would hope that the local police were notified by the VA.
It would appear that their might be a connection to these cases, at least from the connection to the VA Medical Center. Also, I can be reached at 708-466-4624, my phone takes messages, even text.
My brother came up missing from Knoxville VA hospital June 14 1991 and his body was found in augs 1991 his murder was never solved it to was found in poke county he was 30 years old
Sherry and Starfire please contact me at 708-466-4624, with the details.
Did they contact you?? They’ve got to be related!! Maybe someone who worked at the hospital????
He was walking home from a family outing. I guess it was to hard for someone in the family to drive him home. Especially, if he was drinking. But, then I am a former sub sailor, and we always made sure we got our shipmates back to the boat, especially if they were drinking.
Jack, I was thinking about the stuff including the plastic, bricks and cement blocks. It would give the impression that they came from a construction site. However, you would not expect in one sense to see a rug there, especially if a new house was being built. A new rug would get damaged sitting outside. I don’t think that their were bricks and cement blocks in the area, where his body was found.
The binding of the hands, feet and waist, makes me wonder. It sort would take time, after shooting him, to bind him, wrap him in a rug and then the plastic sheeting. It sorts of points to his murder as something planned. Also, the second wife, decides to seek a divorce three days after disappearance. That makes me suspicious big time. She was only married to him for a month. Did she fall out of love that fast. She supposedly married him for a reason.
I wonder if he was getting any disability from his service in Vietnam. Also, if what he did he do when he was working. Since, there are not a lot of jobs, in the civilian world, that requires a background as a combat infantryman.
I did not contact the cemetery. I was resting up from dealing with nice slush/snow we got Sunday into Monday morning. I do the snow removal for a number of neighbors. I was out chopping up ice in a neighbors driveway. This was complements of the snow plows, where I live in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
I was looking at the area on Google Earth at the library earlier. I saw the spillway or whatever it is just above what should be U.S. Highway 136. I was wondering why the offender or offenders did not dump his body in the Mississippi, and let it drift way with the current. The water would have eliminated some forensic evidence.
This was my uncle’s (Michael’s)father and we were told that he was wrapped in a rug that was the same rug missing from his second wife’s (whom he was still married to and lived with) home. The rug was missing when she was questioned by police.
Have detectives used google maps with recently used photos? I was navigating through the street view option and seen a few white trucks that fit the description. The driver had to of lived close by. Maybe he was on his way home when this happened.
I heard that the guy ditched his truck in a sioux city river and the guy was recently (within the last year) living in spencer and has children of his own now
NAMUS Unidentified Person / NamUs #UP12594 Female, White / Caucasian
Date Found
February 15, 1982
Location Found
Columbia, South Carolina
Case Information
Case Numbers
NCMEC Number
—
ME/C Case Number
82-0073
Demographics
Sex
Female
Race / Ethnicity
White / Caucasian
Possible First Name
—
Possible Middle Name
—
Possible Last Name
—
Possible Nickname
—
Estimated Age Group
Adult
Estimated Age Range (Years)
35-50
Estimated Year of Death
1982
Estimated PMI
—
Height
5′ 0″(60 inches) , Measured
Weight
134 lbs, Measured
Circumstances
Type
Unidentified Deceased
Date Found
February 15, 1982
NamUs Case Created
June 18, 2014
ME/C QA Reviewed
—
Location Found Map
Street Address
2414 Bull Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
County
Richland County
GPS Coordinates
—
Circumstances of Recovery
Jane Doe was a patient at SC State Hospital who was unable to provide her real name due to schizoprenia. She died as the result of an accidental fall on 02/15/1982 in the hospital. She was buried as ‘Jane Doe’ by the Richland County Coroner’s Office, following exhaustive efforts to determine her identity. Her skeletal remains were exhumed by a forensic anthropologist in 1996 from the county cemetery, as part of an effort to revisit efforts to determine her identity.
Details of Recovery
Inventory of Remains
All parts recovered
Condition of Remains
Recognizable face
Physical Description
Hair Color
Brown
Head Hair Description
—
Body Hair Description
—
Facial Hair Description
—
Left Eye Color
Blue
Right Eye Color
Blue
Curious, what did the results show?
Has anyone ruled out Richland County S.C. Jane Doe who passed away in a State Hospital?
NAMUS Has the unidentified decedent in Richland Co. South Carolina been excluded in this case?
NAMUS ME/C Case Number
82-0073
Demographics
Sex
Female
Race / Ethnicity
White / Caucasian
Possible First Name
—
Possible Middle Name
—
Possible Last Name
—
Possible Nickname
—
Estimated Age Group
Adult
Estimated Age Range (Years)
35-50
Estimated Year of Death
1982
Estimated PMI
—
Height
5′ 0″(60 inches) , Measured
Weight
134 lbs, Measured
Circumstances
Type
Unidentified Deceased
Date Found
February 15, 1982
NamUs Case Created
June 18, 2014
ME/C QA Reviewed
—
Location Found Map
Street Address
2414 Bull Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
County
Richland County
GPS Coordinates
—
Circumstances of Recovery
Jane Doe was a patient at SC State Hospital who was unable to provide her real name due to schizoprenia. She died as the result of an accidental fall on 02/15/1982 in the hospital. She was buried as ‘Jane Doe’ by the Richland County Coroner’s Office, following exhaustive efforts to determine her identity. Her skeletal remains were exhumed by a forensic anthropologist in 1996 from the county cemetery, as part of an effort to revisit efforts to determine her identity.
Details of Recovery
Inventory of Remains
All parts recovered
Condition of Remains
Recognizable face
Physical Description
Hair Color
Brown
Head Hair Description
—
Body Hair Description
—
Facial Hair Description
—
Left Eye Color
Blue
Right Eye Color
Blue
Eye Description
—
Mike
i knew him under an alias for about the last 8 years and i hope that he can patch his life back togeather and move past all of this and reconnect with his family,he was a good man and while i cant speak for what crimes he was convicted of ……the man i knew for 8 years was an all around good fellow…………. i just cant place him doing anything like what they said he did(((((((im not saying he is innocent or didnt commit a crime)))))) the man was very docile and ive never even herd him say a cuss word or even get mad about anything. il just say some prayers for him because i know there is good in him.
I find the comments from Professor Walker very disturbing. A number of cold cases have been solved, through the use of various tools. Quite often a review with fresher eyes, have come investigative leads that were missed or never followed up on. We have new forensic tools, and also thousands of civilians who research and discuss cold cases on-line. Also, one of the people connected with NAMUS, was the person, who was able identify a Jane Doe, found by his father-in-law. Also, we had a woman, who spent years trying to identify the Golden State Killer, with the assistance of others.
Now, we are using Genealogy DNA, to identify a few Jane and John Does. This same tool has led to the arrests of a number of offenders including the Golden State Killer. So, I think they are not a waste of time. These families deserve some sort of closure.
Jack, thanks for the details. The fact that his body was wrapped in a rug is interesting. I wonder if the rug is old or new. It could in a sense point to him being killed in a location such as a home being built or remodeled. I would lean to a place being remodeled.
It makes me wonder if the evidence has been retested because of the new forensic testing available. You figure that the bindings and plastic might provide something useful.
I looked at the picture of the headstone, and noticed the death date damage. Since, it is a VA cemetery they are the ones who made the headstone, and are responsible for the upkeep. They also provide a headstone for veterans buried in civilian cemetery. However, they normally provide a flatstone.
I may give them a call and they can check it out. Maybe they can replace it.
Did he live on Rural Route M, or in the city of Keokuk.
I wonder what caused the landlord to go to check on her. However, I would assume that had not reported for work. I see there was no mention of forced entry. So, either she let her assailant in or someone had a key.
The ex-boyfriend would be an obvious person of interest, because of his background and his arrests for domestic violence. However, I wonder if someone who had developed an interest in her that she may have rejected. It mentions that the electrical cord was still wrapped around her neck. I wonder where the cord came from, and weather any forensic evidence could have been found.
It appears that the Rev. Kevin’s wife and daughter haven’t exactly walked in the path of the straight and narrow that the Rev, Kevin preached and practiced….
Medicaid Theft and Fraudulent Practices, Contempt of Court
https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/judge-finds-owner-of-iowa-nursing-homes-and-her-husband/article_ecad0505-16ea-5300-ba39-eb94cb495fe1.html
https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom/judge-finds-nebraska-owner-of-western-iowa-care-centers-and-husband-guilty-of-contempt-orders-thre
Does anyone know about the double homicide of Kathleen Hopkins and her son Alex Hopkins? It happened in North Omaha… on December 1, 1995… this is my husband’s mother and he still has no closure or know if anyone’s been charged with the murder of his mother and brother. Please! Anything helps… I’m on Facebook…Milov Stuart. Any information will help us!
Was he shot.It seems a lot of shotings going on in that time frame why not list cause of death in a lot of the cold cases Just curious why You dont.
Jody, thanks for the information. I like that his name was flagged. It was someone that we starting doing at the VA, wen we went computerized. it also helped eliminate the problem of certain patients tweaking their prescriptions to get stronger pain medications.
Jack, thanks for the information. He fills in a few blanks. But, a lot of unanswered questions. His wife reports him missing, and then files paperwork seeking a divorce, after being married for a month. That’s real nice. Makes me wonder why she married him.
As a veteran and former employee of the VA, I would expect that he had issues from his time in Vietnam. This could explain his not having close relationships. However, I wonder if he ever went to the VA for any kind of help or medical treatment.
Also. I wonder if anyone followed up on the yellow in color 39 gallon trash bags that Theresa mentioned in 2012. I don’t think the manufacturer would have sales records going back that far.
I get frustrated that they don’t mention what caliber of firearm that was used to murder him. Also. I would assume that he was shot someone else and his body buried there. So, I wonder if where his body was found is a well traveled area, or off the beaten track.
Patrick,
I don’t think that the bags Theresa mentioned are relevant. Jody’s write-up says that the body was in a yellow bag, but it doesn’t say that it was a “trash bag”. I think the information from the Des Moines Register illustrates why it probably wasn’t a 39 gallon trash bag:
“Mushroom hunters had found a billfold in the area before discovering the body, which was clad only in shorts, wrapped first in a rug and then in a sheet of plastic and then covered with bricks and concrete blocks. The hands and feet were tied, and there was binding around the waist […]”
I seriously doubt a body concealed inside a rug would fit into a 39 gallon trash bag. It sounds like the plastic used was almost more of a home improvement or construction type product.
Also, the use of the rug, I think, answers your question about where the murder occurred — probably elsewhere if they used a rug to conceal the body before burying it.
Jody’s post says the body was found about two miles south of Montrose in a wooded area — there seems to be pretty much only one area that fits this description: Galland School State Park Reserve, and the associated sections of land. It contains a stretch of trees adjacent to the road which follows the Mississippi river from Keokuk to Montrose (Mississippi River Road, AKA County Road X28), laying approximately across the river from Nauvoo, Illinois. If you drove out of Keokuk going north on that road you would eventually be driving alongside the treeline (opposite the river). The trees are on/on top of a hill, and the road is at the bottom of it next to the river. In certain areas, the road is slightly further from the river and there are smaller treelines which separate the two. I would say the park section of these trees is off the beaten path in the sense that a road does not run through it, but on the other hand, Mississippi River Rd does run next to it for its entire length on the east side. The area is also somewhat populated (in a rural Iowa sense), probably due to its proximity to the river. It was apparently visited by mushroom hunters, so was not too inaccessible, it seems. There are public places to park, e.g., a “rest area”, though I’m not sure if that was there in 1983. Here is a link to that if you want to see it: https://www.google.com/maps/@40.499471,-91.3753428,3a,75y,112.03h,83.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWSX8p9oMWv_9lIegigZKWw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?shorturl=1
I found something I think is very interesting. I found a picture of the victim’s grave marker on the internet. It is a military headstone in Keokuk National Cemetery. Here is what I think is irregular: the stone has been damaged and altered. Whether those two things are related I don’t know. It has gouges and breaks on the face and edges, but most interestingly, it almost looks like someone has crudely filled in the death death inscription with DIY cement. You can still see “NOV 22” under the cement, if you look closely. I wonder what precipitated this. Probably not important, but caught my eye. You can see for yourself at https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/80266525/arthur-leon-ransford
My husband grew up in Montrose and he thinks the body was found on the border of Bluff Park subdivision and Camp Lookout near the bottom of the hill. He also told me at the time of the murder, the rumors were that it was a mob hit from Chicago or St Louis and it had something to do with drugs. Now that he is older, he doubts that story is true because it is doubtful anyone from out of the area would have found the area where the body was left.
Based on the information you shared, the location your husband remembers is within the boundaries of the area I mentioned above. Such a specific location on the border of two plats would be an odd thing to remember if he hadn’t actually heard it somewhere, so, I’ve got no arguments against it.
Back when this happened, the area your husband is talking about was definitely wooded as it is today, but nowhere near as thick in growth. In fact, that particular property boundary was accessible by car, it appears, not only from the south via a path from the subdivision, but also from the north on a driveway off the river road.
The is a link to an aerial photograph of that location take on March 15, 1985, less than one year after the victim’s body was found:
https://ortho.gis.iastate.edu/arcgis/services/ortho/ortho_1980/ImageServer/WMSServer?wmtver=1.0&request=map&bbox=635055,4487091,636055,4488091&width=1000&height=1000&layers=ortho_1980&format=jpeg&srs=EPSG:26915&styles=
That spot isn’t as easily accessed these days:
https://ortho.gis.iastate.edu/arcgis/services/ortho/ortho_2016_nc/ImageServer/WMSServer?wmtver=1.0&request=map&bbox=634986,4486931,635986,4487931&width=1000&height=1000&layers=ortho_2016_nc&format=jpeg&srs=EPSG:26915&styles=
The information you provided is useful because it helps explain how the body may have been transported, and not only that, why it was in an area accessible to mushroom hunters — it literally had a path running through it which connected to a road at either end.
I’m not so sure on the whole mob hit thing. I think that we’d have a lot more information about the victim’s personal life if he was somehow involved with activities merited the mob getting involved (i.e., a history of crime). I’m not saying it’s impossible, but I’ve not seen anything to corroborate the idea yet.
As for the location information, thank you for that. It certainly provides something to consider.
You said your husband was from the area. Any chance he’d recall the location of a bar called the 400 Club in Keokuk back in those days?
– Jack
The 400 club was located at 400 Main St.
I found a photo of where the body was found in the May 14, 1984 Fort Madison Daily Democrat. It was found in the foundation of a collapsed building near the Bluff Park subdivision.
Michelle, thanks for the information. However, the information mentions a subdivision. It sort of gives the impression that there were houses in the area. Yet, it appears that his remains were found in what I assume is a state park or preserve.
The foundation of a collapsed building might go along with the debris that he was hidden under. However, it does not explain the rug and the yellow plastic sheeting.
Also, a historian from the Keokuk area, supposedly collected information on all the unsolved murders in that area, according to a 2018 newspaper article. Supposedly, the material is at the library in Fort Madison.
I agree with Jack, about the Mob connection to his murder. But, then if he was unemployed then he might have been attracted to being involved with something illegal to make a few bucks. It could be that he heard or saw something that put him jeopardy.
It’s nice to have another person, providing more information about the area, and possible reasons for his murder.
If you have access to newspaperarchives.com you can read the series of articles published in the Democrat. Here are the quotes from the articles:
May 14, 1984 “Arnold said the location where the body was found apparently was not where the person died. It appears it is where the body was dumped…The body was found under a pile of concrete blocks and other debris, apparently from a building that had stood in the area. The site is a wooded area about a mile south of Montrose near the Bluff Park subdivision…Dr. Torres said that the only part of the body protruding from under the concrete was part of the head. The rest of the body was covered by bricks, he said. He said that they site could be classified as a ‘shallow grave’.”
May 15, 1984 “The body was found under a pile of concrete blocks and other debris, apparently from a building that once stood in the area. The site is off of Middle Road at the end of a lane and overlooks the Mississippi River from the bluff.”
May 17, 1984 “The body of a white man in his mid-30s was found in the foundation of a building that once stood in a secluded area about one mile south of Montrose on top of a Mississippi River bluff.”
The May 15th article also had some other interesting details:
“Dr. Torres said the body was clad only in underwear and socks and was wrapped first in a rug and then in a sheet of plastic. The body was carefully wrapped and placed. The hands and feet were tied and there was binding around the waist. Dr. Torres said. He said the bullet entered the skull between the ear and the top of the head on the right side. It was lodged in th right side of the neck, he said. He died from multiple fractures of the skull. Dr. Torres said.”
It is unlikely that the body would have been dumped in the Galland School Preserve. My husband said the area was fenced at the time (he said he believes that it is still fenced, but I never personally noticed the fence and we no longer live in the area so I can’t check.) making it difficult to access. Mushroom hunters also would not have been in a state preserve.
This is all great information. In regard to the Galland School State Park Preserve, you’re correct on all points. Apparently, Google Maps has some inaccurate information in its listing. It shows that the wooded area we’ve been discussing is the “preserve”. I looked into it and apparently the state park just the tiny plot of rest stop land, and the “preserve” is in reference to preserving the replica schoolhouse, not an area of land (e.g., the wooded area of land Google calls the park). So, thank you for correcting that misnomer — the area of land we’ve been discussing has nothing to do with Galland School State Park Preserve, which is some distance away from the place mentioned in the newspaper article you quoted.
I appreciate the information regarding the location of the 400 Club. In retrospect, it totally makes sense. As an outsider, I didn’t realize that the name was a pun regarding the physical address as opposed to a reference to other groups/entities/etc. which had the same name. It appears that building also has two floors, meaning that, unfortunately, the previous poster’s information about rumors surrounding this case cannot be used to identify the alleged location of the death, nor rule out some of the alternatives. This is because, apparently, in those days not just one, but rather several bars in Keokuk had a reputation for hosting illegal gambling activities, and all of them had two floors. Thus there are at minimum three locations which meet the provided description perfectly.
Thank you for posting the information from those articles. I’m glad to see that they confirmed my hypothesis from an earlier post that the death did not occur where the body was found. That makes sense, because it explains why a rug would have been involved – concealing the transportation of the body to and from a vehicle.
More interesting is that the articles you posted seem to cast a new light on the nature of the burial. Previously, this sounded like a professional job of sorts: a body wrapped in a rug, covered in plastic, buried with a layer of bricks. In reality, it sounds a lot more like the perpetrator(s) were unprepared for the events that unfolded and made a shoddy attempt to hide the body using stuff that happened to be laying around the dump site. In fact, it’d seem they really didn’t even do that great a job, because part of the body was visible above-ground according to the article. To me, all of this suggests that this killing wasn’t probably planned well in-advance. It possibly means that it wasn’t planned at all. Whereas at first it looked like a calculated event, I’m really starting to doubt that. It sounds more like something which occurred in the heat of the moment. Maybe there’s some truth to the gambling story after all?
Something else sticks out too. The area you described, off Middle Rd., is nowhere near as easily accessed or well-traveled as the one we talked about in our previous posts (which would have been accessible right off the main highway). Instead, it would seem much, much more likely that the perpetrator(s) were familiar with the area and knew of this particular spot. I would not be surprised to learn that whoever killed the victim had some sort of ties to it. In fact, it looks like maybe there was a trailer park at that location in the 1970s and 1980s – it is possible that the individual responsible either lived there themselves or knew people who did.
I’m not sure if we’re getting somewhere with all of this or not. But I feel like I’m getting a better idea of some of the circumstances. The population of Montrose was under 1,000 residents at the time of the victim’s death. Even though people his age would be in their 70s now, I’m willing to bet there are plenty of people who remember this case. If we’ve learned this much through just what you’ve shared, I wonder what we could learn with a little social media exposure. Just a thought.
– Jack
Yeah that’s weird. It looks like his date of death was Nov. 26th was altered. At least that’s what it looks like on the stone. I have never seen that before. Why wouldn’t the Cemetary make a new stone?. That’s a military cemetery stone.
Melanie , I worked for the VA, but not at one if their cemeteries. They are in a sense, a separate part of the agency. So, if a stone is damaged then may have a policy on replacing it, but not sure.
If he had a family, and they saw it was damaged, then hopefully they could request it be replaced. But, it has to be the exact same type of stone.
A visit to a VA cemetery shows all the stones are the same, normally in a uniform row.
All local veterans organization such as the VFW and the American Legion, usually have enough clout to get the VA’s attention, in regards to the stone being replaced.
I wonder how he was located.
Patrick, he suffered an injury while working and needed to go to the hospital, where he gave hospital personnel his real name. A system was in place where it flagged his name and they recognized a warrant was out for Rolfe’s arrest and contacted local officials.
Theresa, that’s a great lead you developed there. One question is where is this company located. It would be a long shot if they still had records of sales from back then.
Also, I would hope that the local police would have looked at that. Since, a would seem odd to place his body in a yellow bag, and then try to hide it a wooded area under some cinder blocks.
I would think someone local would have remembered seeing yellow bags being used by someone. I was over at a neighbor’s house earlier this evening. One of the family members was flipping through the channels on the television and she stopped on a football game, most likely a college game. One of the teams was wearing yellow uniforms. It stuck out like a sore thumb, as they say.
Also, there is no information on the caliber of the firearm used. Also, not much on his background, besides having served in Vietnam, being married and having two kids. We don’t know what he was doing on Thanksgiving Day, when he disappeared. We don’t know what he did for a living.
Patrick,
According to the Des Moines Register on May 19, 1984, and the Quad-City Times on May 20, 1984, it isn’t clear what he was doing on Thanksgiving Day. His mother said he failed to contact her that day. He was married, but note that the kids were not from his marriage at the time of his death. He had been married for five years to his first wife before they were divorced. He got married to his second wife the month before he disappeared. Three days after he disappeared, his second wife filed for divorce (prior to his body being discovered, of course). He had been unemployed for an extended period of time prior to his disappearance.
His mother described him as someone who didn’t have a lot of close relationships and wasn’t particularly social. She wasn’t aware he had been reported missing until after she had been told his body had been found. Her other sons (Ransford’s brothers) had known, but chose not to tell their mother about it so as not to “worry” her.
I had three roommates and several friends from Clinton when I was at UNI who graduated one year earlier than Pam from Clinton HS. I distinctly remember one conversation when a few of them spoke of what a nice girl she was and was saddened about this tragic event.
Thoughts and Prayers to the family. Justice will be served, in this lifetime or the next.
I just found out through DNA that Jerry Lee Huff is my birth father. I was adopted at 5, the man I lived with until then was a horrible person. I am so sad about your Mom….and I hope justice is served.
It’s sad that he served his country and someone thought it was a good idea yo rob and then kill him. It would be interesting to know if the evidence is still around. Also, if the shell casings could be connected to another crime.
Recently, a guy in jail in another state for a crime, was tied by DNA to a similar murder in adjoining state, which took place in 1984.
There are several unsolved murders of F/B prostitutes in Iowa in the early 1980’s. All of them in their early 20’s. I don’t know if they are connected, but something to look at for a pattern or how they died.
CJ, thanks for the update. I wonder if the Lyons County Sheriff, ever posted the picture of their suspect to other agencies around the country. I am sure some agency dealt with her based on her background.
Please check into why they wanted me to sign some paper. It was all a very weird thing for me and I was really surprised that there was no tape no nothing and they let everyone in the house leave, no tape. I think they decided what was what and it was wrong.
I will never give up for justice for Charles William Netherland my son. But, I also need my family right now too. I’m getting ill, I’m not sure if this is the right place to say anything. But, I started getting I’ll after my boys, James Lee Netherland jr. in the car accident, than Charles William Netherland murdered August 18,2012, same year. Than James Lee Netherland jr with the Brain injury he fought for 4 years Than he passed away. I was their for him and fighting JUSTICE for Charles where only 2 people wanted to help when I had and have every thing. Not Even hear say. I’m not sure if this makes sense to any of you. I’m just saying that I need my family to help. I dont really want to put the health issues out there.
I am Charles Aunt I woke up to pounding on my door letting me know I needed to get to the hospital because something happened to him. Then when I was getting ready to leave I received a call from my ex son in law asking me to stop by his house. I did and there was no police tape and Hank came up to me and said I am sorry I had no idea what he was talking about then I was asked to go to a police truck that my ex son in law and a police officer was in and they wanted me to sign a paper that I knew nothing about I did not because I wanted to get to the hospital and also had no clue why they wanted me to sign some paper and my ex son in law said he needed to contact a lawyer. I do know my grand babies where in this house and do not understand why things were done the way they were. I do hope my sister and the rest of our family will get the truth.
It mentions Dean’s return to the Knoxville area around the VA Medical Center. Was he ever in the military. He would have been old enough to have served in the military, and been sent to Vietnam.
I was concerned enough about the draft to having a real low number. So I volunteered to join the U.S. Navy, and indirectly volunteered to serve on a submarine. Not bad duty, extra pay and good food.
The other thought, what drew her to Waterloo, Iowa. It’s not like it was a gold rush or they found a large oil deposit. She left East St. Louis for a reason. Was, she brought there by someone to fill a need. Also, who reported her missing. She had only been there for a month, and someone thinks enough of her to report her missing.
I am sure the bike gangs probably are connected to many crimes around the country, especially with the distribution of drugs.
I think that a case like this and a few others, the crime scene should not have been contaminated. It’s not like a crime scene from 30 or 40 years ago. If need be you request assistance from the next higher agency.
I would think with advances that this case be looked at again. The resources from the FBI and forensics can provide more answers. The cutting of the what they thought was the phone lines, is also interesting. So what kind of lines were cut. Also, if the details of the crime have been entered into the FBI’ VICAP system. This way it could be linked to other similar crimes around the country.
It appears she was targeted for some reason.
Jody, can you contact the person who wrote this and see if they will speak with me off of Facebook? “The murder was never solved and the police questioned many of us who were teens at the time. It wasn’t the 60’s. It was more like 1972 and most of us thought it was a Penn student who left school right after the murder and lived next door.” It looks like we have the same suspect. When this happened, I was doing an undergrad degree in Psychology (graduated Feb. 1972). I wanted to be a Psychologist at the time, but got steered into another career. Now that I have been retired for a few years, I am starting another career, that of a Forensics Psychologist. I have just begun working on the degree in Clinical/Forensics Psychology. I will be getting an Iowa PI license and a Certified Forensics Interviewer certifications concurrently. The firm that sponsors the CFI did a number of motions and amicus briefs for the Steve Avery/Brennen Dassey case (Making A Murderer.) I am looking forward to an exciting career for the rest of my life or as long as I can work. If anyone has information on Ed Schmidt case, please contact me by IM on my personal FB page.
Carole: I have asked Tom Neuleib to contact you, since in 2016 he had two names of likely suspects. I continue to try to get Dateline interested in doing a segment on this.
Thank you. I wonder who wrote “most of us thought it was a Penn student who left school right after the murder and lived next door.” If I could talk to them, I think we could get a lot closer to solving it.
Jody or anyone: Was the FBI ever involved? Thank you.
This was wonderful. I wish I could get the full shows and watch tyem all!
Start TV, 2 Episodes daily… In original order!!
Linda and Janet, every season and every episode of “Cold Case” is available now on HBO Max. I just happened to run across it not that long ago. To my knowledge, Start TV, Roku TV, and HBO Max are the only mediums airing the former series at this time, though there could be other venues of which I’m not aware.
It sounds crazy and goes against everything in me. But I think the family should consider allowing the reward to be claimed by the offender or those involved in his disappearance. They don’t deserve it and Ethan’s loved ones wouldn’t want to do good for that person. But it could get the answers, and that’s what really matters.
There is not much information on Yvonne Nicholson’s background’s besides her being released from prison about 10 days before her death. Since, she is identified as being from Rock Island, Illinois. I assume her arrest was for prostitution, but where did she normally work or hang out in Illinois or Iowa.
Also Agnes Kennedy’s photos gives the impression that she would normally be seen at the Lyric Opera, or at a Broadway play, instead of doing a stroll down some city street looking for a john.
Not a lot of details on his disappearance. It would be nice if someone fill in the blanks about him, since the police seem to have failed to get them. We don’t know what he did for a living, if he was married, single, divorced, where he lived.
What a heartbreaking story. Why not tell someone so that the baby could have been raised by someone who loved her.
I looked at Rock Island and Moline, Illinois area on a AAA Road Atlas. Interstate 74 passes through the area, and noticed a Interstate – 280, that runs from I-74, and by passes Rock Island and Moline and ties into Interstate – 80, after crossing the Mississippi River. Also Interstate – 80, passes just north of Rock Island and Moline.
Often times a criminal will return to the scene of the crime to relive it. Sometimes I read these cases and the comments and wonder if this site isn’t providing a reliving the crime type of experience for the offenders. They can get on here, read about how the family is suffering, try to throw off the investigation…
I know it’s a stretch, and I may be overstepping my bounds, but I think it’s entirely possible that on occasion people commenting may have been involved. This is one of those that makes me wonder. I imagine everybody who comments can be traced. I think it would be worth it to investigate people who are commenting.
Well, here are the details from Galesburg. A Peoria salesman, Willia, Ross Kyle, was found dead in his room at the Sheraton Motor Inn, at Iinterviewedterstate – 74, and East Main Street, on June 25, 1980.
He died from a dozenzblows from a sharp heavy object to his head, neck and shoulders. He was found face down on the bed, knees on the floor, with his head covered in a blanket. There was no signs of forced entry, and very little taken from the room.
The authorities determined that a Raymondo Esparza, (50’s), a drifter, transient, drug addicted veteran as the offender. He was actually picked up by the police earlier and dropped off in the same area. He entered the motel, seeking something to eat. He carried a tool belt from his work on a sugar cane farm in Mississippi.
On the blanket, police found the bloody outline of the murder weapon was found. It matched the size and shape of a sugar cane knife. Also, they found a leather case with a metal fingernail clipper made in Europe. The manufacturer told authorities that the finger nail clippers had been only sent to a blood bank in California, which gave them out over a two week period. Esparza had been in the area receiving treatment for his mental health issues.
According to one of the lead investigators said that Esparza had a violent background, according to interviews with his girlfriends. They interviewed him, but could not get a confession. He later died of liver cancer at the Iowa City VA Medical Center in March 1983. This is not to far from Williamsburg. Authorities obtained a DNA sample from the VA, to compare, but the material from the crime scene was degraded to be useful.
I don’t see it mentioned in regards to the murder of Roger and Rose, but they appeared to be covered with a blanket. Also, they were face down in bed. These two crimes scenes should be reviewed by a criminal profiler, to see if they might be linked.
Raymund or Raymond Esparza was born on January 7, 1931 in Morgan City, Louisiana, and died March 26, 1983, per VA & SS records on Ancestry. Also, his SSN, was issued in California. He served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal in Korea, (1948-1952). At some point in time he lived in Rock Island, Illinois. This information is listed on his VA headstone in California.
At some point in time his family moved to California. His mother died in LA, on 9/17/1937.
I agree this murder was personal. Also, the theats to Tammy and her files were destroyed in a fire. Also, what about the incident in Galesburg, Illinois on June 25th. Anyone know more details on that incident.
Also, their was the murder of that couple at the Amana Holiday Inn, in September 1980. I notice that all three of locations are connected to Interstate -80. On another webite, they mention a witness claiming the offender was driving a red in color Ford Mustang. I wonder if a similar vehicle is connected to any other cases.
I don’t think that was related to this crime. It seems different.
As usual, I will ask if these cases were entered into the FBI’s VICAP system. It might identify a pattern or link to other crimes. Who knows it might be connected to other unsolved cases
A minor tweeking of the story, refers to a newspaper article tmentions July 4, 1962. However, the article that is shown is dated correctly July 4, 1982. It does not exactly mention that the husband was cleared of any involvement in the crime.
Also, where is this motel located in relation to the Starlite Motel, where Linda Mayfield was murdered. Also, the one Wisconsin hospital is 20 miles from her home in Michigan. I think that Wisconsin, is more than 20 miles from Nunica, Michigan.
There was no forced entry to her room, located on the 1st floor. So, it had to be someone she knew or someone claiming they were from the motel allegedly saying they needed to check something.
I find it interesting that the authorities collected DNA evidence in this case back in the 1970’s. Maybe, we need to rethink that since DNA, did not come along until the early 1980’s, and was still not as advanced as it is now. I assume they may have collected blod evidence from the crime scene of Sarah’s murder.
I hope they still have the evidence and it should be sent for updated forensic testing. Who knows what they might find. Maybe a link to another suspect.
Andrea, I agree the belt should be tested. Also, what other evidence they might have. However, the medical examiner really threw a monkey wrench into the prosecutor’s case, when he changed the time of death. A bit of rush to judgement in his time of death, and did not consider the food, and then the telephone call.
However, the neighbor had access to her apartment, supposedly there were no signs of forced entry. I wonder who else knew about that other door. Also, they moved out within days of the murder.
They should have taken their time, and gotten everything nailed down.
It should be reviewed by newer invetigators. I am sure that they might come up with something. It wonder however if any of the evidence still exists. With new forensics they might find something different.
I notice there is no mention of the certain circumstances of her murder. Also, was anything of value taken from the residence. Tina, how many times was she stabbed. I Wonder why they determined that the stepson and his buddy, did the dirty deed.
Also, who stood, to inherit her money, and that mansion of a mobile home. I find it interesting that they moved the trials to two other counties. Maybe, the authorities should have stood down after the hung and maybe dead locked juries, and reviewed things, and looked at their case.
Interesting thoughts.
Old Bill was as tough as nails. Hard working man!
Robin, for general information a Vietnam veteran and lawyer from New York, disappeared sometime in 2005 or 2006. He was tracked through Pennsylvania and Ohio, I assume he was using his credit card. Well, he ended up in Chicago, where he found his way to the Pacific Garden Mission. He was using a name in found on a empty medication container.
He finally got with someone there and they checked and found he was a missing person from New York. He had PTSD, and was depressed prior to leaving. Also, he had walked through the twin towers sometime prior to them being struck.
Also, it migh be an idea to see if they was any activity on her social security number or even Medicare. About a year ago, a New York State Police investigator, was trying to identify remains that had been found. They appeared to match the description of a woman who disappeared in Sullivan County, in New York, over 20 or more years before. They found the case report, and rechecked everything. That included her SSN, and found a woman with the same 1st name, but a different last name. She was a resident in a nursing home in Lowell, Massachusetts. They took the picture from their case file, and drove to Lowell. She recognized her picture. Her husband had died since she dsappeared, which did not bother her.
I wonder if the suspect Mr. Schnider, had a criminal record prior to this crime. I don’t understand how they transferred the button to the FBI, and they supposedly they lost it. Yet, according to a post the victim’s son has the button and other evidence. It would be interesting to know how he has the evidence. Also, it’s contaminated and also, the chain of custody was not maintained. So, any good criminal defense attorney, would have it thrown out. So, we are back to square one, unless we get the alleged offender to admit that he shot the victim. Then he would get a easy sentence after pleading to a lesser offense.
I bet the Ames Police Department, is actively investigating the case, so they can’t reveal any evidence. It would hurt the case and maybe cause the suspect to flee. He or she could cross the southern border into Mexico, but then they might be arrested for entering the country illegally.
But, at least his wife got all the money. It helped cover her debts to the boys from Chicago.
Literally, there is not one living soul to prosecute in this case. Any/everyone even remotely connected to it is dead.
Is his wife dead?
It would be nice if the Des Moines Police could provide a bit more details on his murder. Was he shot, stabbed, strangled, beaten to death. Also, was any money missing. Robbery, might be a motive to kill someone especially a cab driver. It makes me wonder why they are holding back some information. He was murdered over 22 years ago, and not releasing some basic information, seems to not have helped.
Patrick, as the founder of Iowa Cold Cases, I give thanks to the Des Moines Police Department for taking the time to provide to me a list of their unsolved homicides, to include the names of victims, their case numbers, the address or vicinity where these individuals were killed, and the crime dates.
I’d also like to note that the DMPD has an incredible 85% homicide-clearance rate (as of the end of 2018), which is not only higher than many other Iowa cities, but well above other several other major American cities.
It’s been nearly 14 years since the ICC website launched, and there were far less digital newspaper archives available in 2005 as there are today. Murders across the state are going cold faster than we can add pages for them on ICC, and we put a priority on getting the names and basic details added to the site rather than queueing up back-logs of other names that equally deserve to be noted here. In between adding new cold cases there are tips to forward to the respective investigating agencies, numerous inquiries awaiting responses via email, website comments, ICC’s Facebook page (where there are more comments and messages to review), and of course taking daily phone calls.
We are an Iowa nonprofit agency run by real human beings who also have real lives we must address.
As more and more arrests are made by agencies utilizing genetic genealogy, those case summary pages must be updated accordingly to reflect current developments and/or convictions or acquittals.
This site’s mission is to include on the website every known unsolved homicide to remind readers these cases remain unsolved and information still badly needed. We are not city- or county- or state-paid homicide detectives. But we spend thousands of hours every year trying to keep this ever-increasing list of victims’ stories up to date (including any arrests and details arising during the subsequent trials) in a state that has no official Cold Case Unit. Are we able to include every single detail of every case or answer every question posed to us? Real examples on different cases include:
All are legitimate questions, but why are they not being directed to the investigative agency instead of ICC? Who amongst us doesn’t know that LE oftentimes do not release the cause of death (or even how many stab wounds a victim sustained and where on his/her body?) because it possibly could compromise an ongoing investigation.
We have several hundred cases on this website from across the state, and though we do conduct research and interviews and update case summaries on a regular basis, we don’t have access to all documents in every city/county cold case file.
In an in-depth 2018 Washington Post series titled, “Murder with Impunity,” there are numerous sections that address different aspects of homicides such as Where Killings Go Unsolved. Another article in the series is “Buried Under Bodies” (published Sept. 13, 2018), and it explores the average homicide caseload any detective should reasonably be expected to handle over a one-year period. (Hint: “Any city that has a homicide detective handling more than five cases is kidding themselves,” according to Vernon Geberth, who wrote the textbook used by many police departments to teach homicide investigation. “Even the best detective can’t handle more than five cases,” Geberth says.)
The people who contact ICC are looking for answers they haven’t found in newspapers or press releases or in phone calls to detectives, but both Carol Kean and I juggle many separate cases per day and dig to find those answers (to include photos for victims in archives). We do it because we care about the victims and the family members left behind, but we don’t and never will have all the answers. Still, we carry on.
Jody @ ICC
Thanks, I see a need for the various Attorney Generals around the country, to establish cold case units, that would use retired and active investigators and some federal input, to take these cases. That way they could take the burden off the local agencies to work on the more pressing cases.
The idea for this came from author J.A. Jance, a mystery novel writer. One of her characters is a J.P Beaumont, who have a number of years moved from Seattle P.D., to the Special Homicide Investigation Team (SHIT), which is under the control of the Attorney General. They have statewide jurisdiction.
Here is Illinois, the reported on the unsolved murders of a number of mainly African-American women, who have been found on the West side and South side of Chicago. The Chicago Police response is their waiting for DNA, to provide some sort of investigative lead. I am of the mind set, that they should be looking for other things that might point them towards an offender. What will they do if the DNA comes from someone not in the system. They are back to square one
I agree that they do withhold certain information as in regards to cause of death. But, in many other cases the authorities have released that information. I have a problem with some of the stuff that has been withheld, especially in cases that are over 20 or more years old. That little tidbit about a ring, or watch that was missing, might have jogged someone’s memory.
I came across a cold case from Indiana, involving the murder of a man and his wife, on Websleuths. I don’t know all the details, but one of the main contributor appears to be someone from their family. It appears when in days of their murder a relative is cleaning out the house. Also, that included a safe containing numerous firearms. When complained to the police about it, they were told its a civil matter. Wait a minute could one of those weapons have been used to murder them. There are hints that the relative was a female who had a serious drug problem.
I also point to Todd Matthews, a spokesman for NamUs, to was the guy who spent years of his time trying to identify the murdered woman known as the Tent Girl.
Cindy, did Valerie actually go swimming at the pool. Also, why would she leave alone, since it appears you two went there together. Also, did she have a boyfriend, possibly someone older than she was.
Also, a comment mentions someone with a shoe fetish. Can someone elaborate on this person. Again, is this and the others entered into VICAP.
Valerie and I were dropped off at the pool by my parents. We were going for the evening swim session and she was going to stay the night at my house after. We paid our admission and went to the changing room. It was then that she handed me her suit and towel and informed me that she was going to go meet someone and would return to swim within the hour. I instantly had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. As much time as we had spent together as friends, she had never done something like this. She seemed nervous and conveyed that the person she was meeting would be angry if she was late. I begged her not to go. But she promised to be back within the hour. I proceeded into the pool area and immediately went to the chain link fence that separated the pool from the park and looked out to see her walking South of the pool. I called out to her and she started towards me. I asked her again to stay and she smiled and said I’ll be back. I watched her walk away for several minutes, and then turned my attention to the pool. Valerie never returned. My parents were there at 8 pm and were very concerned when I told them what transpired. I cannot answer any questions about the person with the shoe fetish as I have never heard about that. I have answered hundreds of questions over the years about that night. Maybe thousands. And I will continue to answer them, if for no other reason, than to keep her memory alive. She was a wonderful person. Kind and funny. She loved life and animals. She didn’t deserve what happened to her. But she deserves justice.
Do you know who she was meeting?
What a haunting description – and to relive it hundreds, thousands of times, answering questions, but never coming up with new answers (who, why). Yes, she deserves justice!
Cindy, what you say here – “she handed me her suit and towel” – is different from what Valerie’s grandma reported: “When she (Cindy) came outside later, she found Valerie’s swimming suit and towel nearby” – Valerie walked from the pool to the Hicks residence, where she “spoke briefly with an older Hicks girl,” then walked away and “was last known seen” (???) on the street corner around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. When Valerie hadn’t returned home by 10 p.m., her father filed a missing persons report with the Waverly Police Department.
A town the size of Waverly, someone had to see something and know something – and with the FBI joining forces with local LE, how hard could it be to figure out what happened to Valerie?
Carol, your response to Cindy’s version of what happened that Sunday evening makes me wonder where she would have gone that she would be back in 1 hour.
Also, Cindy’s parents dropped them off, yet Valerie decides to go off and meet someone. Then why go the swimming pool, if she had to meet this individual, who gets angry when she is late. Unless it was her way of sneaking out of the house using the excuse that she was going swimming with Cindy.
If she returned then she would be using Cindy, to cover for something she was doing against her father’s wishes.
I can say with certainty, that my account of the events at the pool are accurate. It has been almost fifty years since that night. And I can see the events as clearly in my head today as I did then. I don’t discount the Ted Bundy theory. Anything is possible. But my gut tells me otherwise and that gut feeling has never been wrong. The person who did this, in my opinion, is hiding in plain sight.
Cindy, please know that I was not questioning the accuracy of your recollections. Valerie’s grandma quoted you one way, but people misquote others all the time. She said you said….
I am saddened all the more with every passing year that a town as small as Waverly cannot figure out which one of their own is a killer. I have no doubt this was not some distant serial killer passing through town. Joseph Carmody Jr. had victims in Waverly as early as 1971. Julie Benning, #2 of “The Waverly Three,” was silenced during the same month that two Waverly women charged Carmody with rape. He was operating there. It’s possible that Valerie was supposed to recruit a new girl for them, but failing to produce her (the Hicks girl), Valerie got killed. Lisa Peak was held captive by Carmody when she went to interview him in Mason City (journalism major, Wartburg, her freshman year). She escaped, got him arrested, and was writing a book about Carmody’s sex trafficking scandals when she was killed. I’ve always wondered by her co-author, Chuck Offenberger, never finished the book and got it published.
Who was the guy Valerie was supposed to meet that night? All roads lead to…. (Not a Serial Killer).
The other question is whether any other similar crimes have taken place under similar circumstances. That’s why it’s important that these cases get entered into the FBI’s VICAP system. There is no mention of any signs of struggle, at the store, such as displays knocked over.
What about the boyfriend, was he ever ruled out as a possible suspect. Also, was it normal for the manager to show up that early. Also, I would have made sure the authorities were be aware that a woman, was working alone at the store, so that they would check her on a routine basis. It also could have been accomplished by a phone call. If no response, then a unit would be dispatched.
Mr. Elledge, do you remember the name of the individal that was charged. It might be something to tie him to this case. Also, how far away is Jones County from Delaware County. What was similar between the two cases. I assume the offender is deceased by now.
Yes, when the Jones County case happened, the M.O. And signature evidence matched.
That is the reason Delaware County Sheriff’s investigator Bert Elledge suspected the same man as the killer in the Delaware County case. Elledge worked closely with then
Jones County Deputy Jim Benter. Benter would be your best contact. Sheriff Barr of
Delaware County is deceased, as well as Deputy (later sheriff) Bert Elledge. If I recall correctly the suspect was convicted in the Jones County case, (the victim did not die
In that one) through the investigative efforts of Elledge and Benter. Seems like if memory serves the suspect upon conviction got 10 years, and did time. Jones County Clerk of Court should have the records, and Benter first hand knowledge. Seems like a few years ago DCI had it on their priority cold case list, and were digging back into it at one time.
Good luck.
Maybe Mr. Kurtz, returned and decided to kill Mr. Alborn. It was nice of the criminal justice system, to give him only 30 days for burglary. I wonder if his major was basic burgary, and was working towards an advanced degree in burglary.
I thought so too!
Very odd that he only received 30 days for stealing all those guns!
Praying for justice!!
It could that he had an interest in her, and most likely she blew him off. There was no signs of sexual assault, and no money was missing from the store. So this points to someone who was upset with her. Maybe her family can think of someone who expressed an interest in her, or someone who attended her services that was overly distraught.
I also wonder what was in his vehicle, when it was found in Mount Pleasant. I wonder if it might have been stolen. Also, I wonder what connection that this area had with Mr. Doerring or his family. I find it interesting that Harold and his wife were married in Beloit, Wisconsin.
List not complete, Gilbert was guilty, Brocks kill serving time in Illinois. These were casez the CRPD did not want to solve from the beginning. Other murders they considered accidents. For years CRPD was corrupt. Now for last seven years, they are second to none in this state. Now if the judicial process would catch up it would be great.
Jonathan, nice of you to update us in regards to the local police. Too bad, all these cases were not solved due to the local police being a problem.
However, where was the county and state law enforcement agencies stepping up to the plate. In Georgia, their Bureau of Investigation is required to review all cold cases. About 2 weeks ago, they arrested a woman, and charged her in the kidnapping of a 19 year woman, who disappeared almost 20 years ago.
Is this case still open?
April, thanks for the additional information on his criminal history. One of the problems in the criminal justice system is that we bounce from legislation that tells judges that if someone is convicted of a certain crime, they get a certain amount of time in prison. Then, we think that the judges should have the freedom, to decide how long a convicted criminal serves. Here in Illinois, many felons were barely serving half their sentence.
It also depends on the states attorneys, they sometimes will downgrade a charge, if the offender will take a plea. Here, in Illinois the powers to be want stronger gun control. However, many of those arrested for gun possession, get a slap on the wrist. Earlier this year a convicted felon, was running from the Chicago Police for selling drugs. A district commander chased him down. He struggled with the offender, who shot and killed him.
The politicians wanted to place a ban on selling extended magazines for weapons. Yet they missed the point that he was convicted felon, and could not legally possess a firearm. If he was arrested on a gun charge, he would get a slap on the wrist.
In New York, they have stricter gun laws, that were passed by an Irish-American elected official back in the 1930’s.
I hope we can get the family’s attention to the information you have posted on Christopher Drew. Keep me in the loop. I would love to get my hands on a all the arrest reports and criminal history. A good review might develop some investigative leads. They, might even provide names of others involved.
Someone, mentioned the rumor that he owed people money to people here in Chicago, which might point the finger at the Chicago Mob, or the branch in Milwaukee. It might be something for the Chicago Crime Commission. They have done their homework on the mob and street gangs over the years.
The family is monitoring the posts Patrick however there is nothing anyone can do with this information. It needs to be provided to the authorities. The authorities who seemingly have zero interest in this case.
A great use of time might be to better understand why “Dsm Lady” is so interested in knowing about any potential reward so many years later.
I saw that to. I’m not in this for money. I just want justice god the family and safer streets with this guy behind bars!
Patrick, do you ever post anything that isn’t ex-rectum speculation? Honestly, your posts aren’t needed here. Please go away.
Robin, this is only a guess on my part. I came across this disorder in an article about a missing woman from New York. Her sister was identified as an MD, and most likely works in the field of psychiatry.
There are a number of articles about disappearances connected to this disorder. A couple of individuals have experienced several bouts of this disorder. If you get a chance Google the names Hannah Upp and Jody Roberts.
This disorder has been written up in medical journals, but nothing in law enforcement journals. It would be nice if they could put something together such as a profile to say this person might have fled because of this. The other problem is to create a search protocol for law enforcement.
I am a former police officer and detective, and worked at two VA hospitals in Chicago.
There were a number of people who rode with her in the Des Moines Commuter Club, several that day, including me. I didn’t remember any details about her, I usually slept or studied in the car. A lot of members became friends with fellow passengers. If they weren’t all interviewed, something may have been missed. At this point my memory is fuzzy too. I would trust the notes of the detective who interviewed me and the car schedules and passenger lists I gave him more than my own memory.
It is also possible that police know, but just can’t make a strong case or they know the criminal is safely incarcerated or already dead.
Can targeted funding like Crime Stoppers or a Go Fund Me help get a re-look? Can civilians get involved? As an engineer, I know that fresh minds applied to a problem can often uncover what previous people overlooked. Just like a technical problem I don’t want to let go. I know there are many cold cases but this is the only one that directly affected me.
Another important message is that police and people in general think human life important enough to bring murderers to justice no matter how long they think they have gotten away with it.
JP, the State of Wisconsin has a Cold Case Review Team of 13 active & retired investigators, with local, state and federal agencies. They bring 13 extra sets of eyes and don’t hesitate to ask the agencies if they took certain steps or spoke to other people.
So, the case should be reviewed by others, with a more detail. How, a homicide investigation is handled today is different then when she was murdered. So, different questions would be asked.
Yes, Even if a detective simply re-read the case notes with an eye to what might have been missed or what new forensic tools might be applied it would be hearting. It would be good if say every 10 years at least that was done. Another thought. It would be good if agencies would report a status like: no suspect, suspects but weak evidence, suspects in prison for other crimes, suspects deceased. I could be satisfied with no further review if a suspect is deceased and that was reported here. Of course the suspects should not be named to protect the innocent.
I think a volunteer team of people connected by the internet having some appropriate training in forensics but not necessarily detectives or forensic experts could review cases and ask questions that then could be reviewed by professionals. Appropriate non-disclosure safeguards would have to be instituted but I think the fresh eyes might generate some of the right questions. An organization like Iowa Cold Cases might sponsor such an effort.
j think the authorities need to consider the girlfriend as a suspect. I agree with LuAnn, that the girlfriend should have gone after him. But, she was protecting her brothers. If it was my family member, I would be filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the girlfriend and her family. It might force them to come clean about what happened.
Exactly…I.Agree 100%
Teresa, keep pushing for the retesting of the pillow case. Also, how many people knew about the safe in the basement. It appears from this story, that family members knew about it.
It might be something to challenge family members to provide some answers. Also, it seems odd that the thief would remove the pillow case at the crime scene. Unless, he believed they the victim’s wife would not turn him in.
Also, was there a problem with the local police to do an investigation on their suspect. I guess it was to hard to develop leads by working the street. Also, what was in the safe, that was of value.
JP, also it’s important that we keep discussing and commenting on these cases. It might knock loose some tidbit of information that someone all sudden remembered. It might have been something inconsequential, but in the grand scheme of things it might be the key to solving her murder.
JP, I find that sometimes law enforcement does not interview everyone. A few years ago someone commented on a cold case involving somene in Mchigan. The person, had received a phone call from the person who disappeared the night before. She was looking for a ride, but the poster was going out of town. The poster had never been interviewed by the police all these years later.
Also, quite often relooking at cold cases is not a priority. Also, a recent article reported that testing of evidence from cold cases was not a priority for crime labs in California. This allowed several offenders to remain on the street, committing further violent crimes.
It cost money, manpower, and other resources to relook at cold cases. But, it also sends a message that the agency does not give up. It also important to the famiy that the authorities are still determined to find the answers to what happened to their loved one.
April, I found a whole bunch of addresses for Christopher, most of them in Des Moines and West Des Moines. But, came across three addresses in California, two in Riverside and one in Pomona. Also, one address in Betany, Missouri, which is located close to Interstate -35.
One of the addresses in California, dates to around May 1996. It makes me wonder, if he was hiding out in California, for some reason. I believe his date of birth is July 24, 1975. Maybe, being in California was to create an alibi.
Also, he filed an appeal to a conviction, that he pled guilty to via some sort of form. He had been arrested for being drunk, and arguing with someone in a trailer park. He suuposedly told someone that “he knew some N word, that carried guns, or something to that effect”.
It appears he has a problem with alcohol. That could be the trigger for some of his violent acts over the years. I dealt with patients at a VA hospital, who acted up and out due to the influence of alcohol. One of the reasons, I don’t drink, unless walking. It’s easier to cry in my oatmeal, plus it has fiber. LOL!
April, keep me in the loop, we will figure this out some way. Then, we will have to investigate other cold cases. A modern day Nick & Nora except we investigate online.
So on Iowa courts online it’s extensive. It’s amazing he’s even had the time to walk the streets to commit these violent acts ranging from assault to domestic abuse to robbery and harassment and the list goes on and on. He has several no contact orders from several women. The list was so long I didn’t have the time to view them all. I am hoping family members see this and take this info to the police. Check him out on Iowa courts online
I find it interesting that a number of communities in Iowa, are so anti-social in regards to people who move into the area. But, then there are those people who alllow their family members get away with murder. This seems to have popped up in another cold case posted on this website. I guess this is tolerated in Iowa, even up to the state government.
But, then here in Illinois, we have elected officials put their family members in government jobs. It appears they could not handle working in the private sector, like real people. I actually worked for the federal government for a number of years, but left after having to deal with incompetent leaders.
I missed the work, but the leadership tolerated the incompetent people. But, then the leaders don’t know the process of leadership, and how to properly deal with these people. I just easy to move them around then get rid of them.
I searched him on one database. They have links to some court records. I did not find anything on him on the database. There was a number of Christopher Drew’s in the court record database, but not him, for some reason.
It could be that he has a number of alias names.
I need to get a hold of that detective of MR.Marlon’s case i’m doing a report on him in class and he is about my age so I picked him…PLEASE WRITE BACK👮
April, I wonder if the authorities ever looked at him for this crime. Also, he would have been about 21 years old at the time of this crime. It would be interesting to run him through the databases and see what he has been arrested for. Was he ever connected to any street gangs of note. Maybe, one connected to my neck of the woods in Chicago.
I wonder if any of Big Earl’s family is monitoring your postings on Mr. Drew. Then, they could pass it along to the authorities. Keep me in the loop.
April, and other interested party’s, Christopher Sean Drew, 43, was booked into Polk County Jail, on October 22, 2018, for Public Intoxication- 3rd offense, and two counts of parole violations. So, he might be a keeping the State of Iowa for awhile.
His rap sheet is continuously ongoing for very violent offenses. He’s a very scary man
It sounds like something that the Chicago Mob, would want a piece of his profits. They most likely behind on his street tax, or wanted to be silent partners in his business. What,I don’t uunderstand is the arson business. The offender gets community service, what a crock. Some jail time was deserved.
Alsom has anyone checked Mr, Christopher Drew’s background. He sounds like a possible person of interest. April, you need drop a dime via crime stoppers.
He may have been hospitalized somewhere, but because of HIPPA, this information is restricted. The family should contact the Salvation Army. They have a Missing Person’s Bureau. They can be contacted online or by calling an 800 number. They have some sort of form, to fill out and submit. The person has to be missing for at least 6 months. Freddy, meets this requirement.
Also, if he has gotten medical treatment, he might have a Medicare or other medical coverage. It might be something for law enforcement to check with Social Security, who knows he might be getting SSI for his condition.
It’s been about almost 6 years around that since u been gone brother I know I don’t show my feelings but now I am I am hurting inside really bad my heart is broken I miss u so much I cry all the time brother Freddy this is Chris ur bRotherham I miss u so much it hurts a lot I am crying right now cuz ur still gone and no one has heard anything from u if ur still out there I hope u are please try to get a hold of someone wherever ur at brother I hope u are safe and I love u so much Freddy please come home I am so hurt without my brother Freddy I wish u were still here I love u
Chris I am sorry you are hurting I just came on here to say I am currently researching your brothers case and have been following it since the “sighting” of him in Davenport that turned out no to be him a couple years ago. He is not forgotten, best wishes to you and yours
Hello I have called the police in every single state and have called everyone in the Homeless shelters across the USA I have filled out every paper work in the USA every State and Country so far nothing has came up .I have sent flyers every where if you or anyone else know what happened to Freddie please call me I’m Sherrie Brown I’m Anna’s sister 813-313-8777
Still no word on Fredrick Workman i have never stopped looking for him,i would like to put his picture up on missing persons again in hopes it jogs some body memory ..i have a new phone number in case someone wants to talk about my nephew or have possibly saw him 8134394982 I will continue to pray 🙏 and look for him Freddy you are loved
It makes wonder what the story is with the different alias names. It would make me think that he had an arrest record besides the terrorism charge. I assume that he did not have any other weapons after his arrest. It might have been someone thinking he had some money, and was upset that when he didn’t.
It’ nice that the people who posted on here, know what supposedly happened. Law enforcement should be monitoring this page. All, they would need was to fill in the details, and file charges.
There is no proof. The family of the slain hired a detective, and the family of the accused sued for defamation, or something like that if I remember correctly. The bottom line was, there was no proof. Only heresay.
I had heard that DCI has parts of the house and items that were taken at the time. I suppose it’s been too long to find DNA. Terrible tragedy.
He was active in the church, yet was homeless. He was arrested for public intoxication. Yet, he could spend hours doing crossword puzzles. An interesting character. I would be looking at someone in the homeless community that all of a sudden dropped out of sight. Maybe, his character changed under the influence of alcohol, and he got someone bent out of shape enough to take his life. But, the cause of death took a while to determine.
I would wonder how he was murdered, that was complicated. It makes me wonder if anyone else was murdered the same way anywhere else.
A certain Iowa grocery chain moved their corporate headquarters to Chariton in 1945. Did the founders have young sons at that time? No doubt they were influential in Chariton. Just a thought I had.
1981 a man with 1972 impala tried to kill me me he had black hair with a pitted face and also drove a small white car he was never caught ,he beat me with a metal baseball bat and was a public official he often drove 19th street and 1st ave . He ran me over when I dug my fingers in his eyes ,I will never forget his face
Eugene you make no sense, you just talk nonsense and hatred. Something is wrong with a person who acts the way you do. Grow up!
excatly.Why dont keep his/her mouth shut and stop spreading false claims..?
Just for general information, there is psychological disorder that is triggered by severe emotional trauma, that leads to amnesia and the person to flee the area.
This disorder is called Dissociative Fugue, and can last for months and years. A man in Australia disappeared for almost 23 years. He was actually found by an investigator checking the Australian version of Medicare. This was a week before he was to be declared dead.
It could be that she wandered off and might have lived thinking she was someone else. It is only a guess. Since, she had been dealing with depression. This disorder is considered rare, but their maybe a number of undiagnosed cases.
Wilbur Millhouse, a man who lived directly across the street from Morris’ store, implicated himself in Johnny Gosch’s disappearance in 1982. In 1973, the DM Register interviewed Millhouse at the scene of Morris’ murder and quoted a neighbor who said Morris would only have unlocked that store door after hours for someone from the neighborhood. In 1986, Millhouse went to prison for 20 years for sexually abusing teen boys. It would not surprise me at all if Millhouse was involved in Morris’ murder too.
No the person who is involved lives here in Mesa Az at 155 N. 88th way 85207 his name is Mark David Davis Sr.? He’s also a Child Molester & Rapist I should know I’m one of his victims & unfortunately one of his siblings our family had to leave Iowa because of his crimes he was young violent & on drugs (PCP) & involved with people even far more dangerous than him! His terror continued in AZ on innocent women & children. I’m sure if they took his prints & DNA they’d be able to solve several unsolved cases.
Are you saying he implicated himself in David Morris’ murder, or in the Johnny Gosch or Eugene Martin kidnappings? Did he live in Iowa in the early 1980’s? How old would he have been in 1982? Did he have any involvement with the Des Moines Register?
I do not see any offenders by that name at that address. Did he pass away?
Wilbur Millhouse died in 2015.
Also, Millhouse was a newspaper dispatcher who regularly drove old delivery trucks at that time.
Millhouse wasn’t the only pedophile working with the young delivery boys at that time, there were at least two others, delivery boys had stories about them propositioning the teens often, rumors of worse, and Millhouse mentioned on a number of occasions that Gosch never learned to keep quiet and that’s what got him in trouble, this was after he went missing.
How is this tied to David Morris?
Has Kimberley Sue Doss’s DNA ever been compared to Princes Doe, Found dead in Blairstown, N.J. August, 1982. I have been inquiring for years now with no answers. Is it possible there are some mix ups with DNA samples from wrong parentage?
Another unsolved attack on a senior citizen in Des Moines. Again no mention of any signs of forced entry. Off course, the police may have held back this information. Who knows, someone after all these years could walk into the police and claim they killed him.
This would be a detail that trip him up, if he or she confessed to the crime.
I again wonder if this case was entered into the FBI’s VICAP system. It would be interesting to see if there were any other cases involving the use of a .32 caliber firearm. There were two girls found murdered in Chicago in the early 1970’s, that were shot with a 32 caliber firearm.
Also, a young man missing from Zion, Illinois, was found shot to death with a 32 caliber firearm in Racine County, Wisconsin. I know the case involving the two girls by has never been solved. The murder of the young man, I am not sure about.
I wonder if this case might be connected to the homicides that involved other senior citizens in Des Moines in 1978 and 1979.
I wonder if the Dubuque Police, ever ran a check on the vehicle VIN number. I recommend they contact the National Insurance Crime Bureau. They could check their databases and see if they come up with anything. This is like doing a Carfax check before buying a used car to make sure it was not damaged.
I have wondered the same thing. Parts of that car like the tires, grill etc could be in a junkyard. But a chop shop would have been a smarter choice
No record that way….
As, always they are protecting someone and don’t want to rat out their supposed good friends. How many young people get killed or wounded over an argument over some stuff that amounts to nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Their have been shootings, where someone was denied entry to a party. So they go home and get a gun. Then they go back and shoot up the place and kill or injure someone. If I don’t get invited to a party, it bothers me. I go home and cry in my oatmeal. But it does not bother me.
Therese, the other thing for crime patterns is geography. An investigator in Canada, plotted the locations of a rash of sexual assaults in his city. He theory was that the offender lived in the area, and was in his comfort zone. However, his computer program, sort of displayed a graph, vesus a map. There is a company that provides training in this area, and he was an instructor.
As former detective with the Veterans Administration hospital, I used a Geico leave and pay period brochure, to look at some thefts from patients. It highlighted that the thefts were taking place on pay week. We had no incidents after payday. It did not identify an offender.
There might be a pattern, or something that might link these cases, but it will not reach and grab you.
Someone, I assume thought that there was something of value in the place. The offender or offenders were most likely upset that they found nothing. But then there is no mention if anything was missing. Also, I notice there is no mention of signs of forced entry to his home.
I like that Theresa is looking at possible pattern to these attacks. It could that somene seemed to think that these seniors may have had something of value. It would be nice if these cases were entered into the FBI’s VICAP system. It was set up for this reason to help see if the M.O. of the crime had been used before.
The pattern could be related to the day of the week. It could be related to wgen they got their retirement checks. This was before we had direct deposit. Also, someone was observing certain stuff about these people, at a bank, store, drug store or whatever. Then they shared it with a friend who targeted them.
They might have something in common, that law enforcement did not look at or think to look at.
Good Point!
It appears that the authorities should have looked at the woman truck driver Lucy Evans and made sure they covered all the bases. I like that the prosecutor should have been clear as to the motive and not assumed a motive.
I wonder if the local police ever relooked at his case. Also, I wonder if their any similar crimes like this in the area. Also, the fact that the offender or an accomplice cut the phone wires
Also, I wonder if she had a previous boyfriend who was upset, that she dumped him and married Douglas. The other thing was that she was stabbed twice in the stomach, and once in the throat. I wonder if this was to keep her quiet. Also, the auhorities mention robbery as a motive, but no mention of anything missing, or signs of forced entry.
I wonder if contacting Des Moines Police would get them to look again in light of so many forensic technical developments in recent years. The investigation at the time seemed pretty thorough. I was asked about things like possible boyfriends and conflicts. I knew of none but provided lists of people she rode with commuting to Iowa State University. I assume those people were also asked.
I didn’t know her, but she was from my home town in Illinois. I went to school with her younger siblings. I remember when this happened, but was too young to understand much. I randomly remembered it after I developed a interest in cold cases. It always struck me as weird that a “robber ” would cut phone lines, and break in at basically dinner time? I do remember that she was strikingly beautiful (the photo used here is terrible) and wondered if some guy had fixated on her or targeted her. I very much doubt she had a boyfriend, both from what I know of her family; also she’d only been married for a few months. Her parents had the resources to pursue the case publicly or privately, and perhaps they did, or perhaps they wished to put it in the past. Looking at it now, it just seems strange that it’s labeled a robbery/murder and makes me wonder about the thoroughness of the investigation. I know there were a lot of unsolved homicides in Iowa in the years around this sad crime.
They were protecting their friends. That’s more important then standing up and telling the truth. We then have the local police involved in covering for the guilty parties. I would be suing the Garrison family and their son for the wrongful death of Douglas.
I like that Larry’s parents should crucified their son, for having the party and the fact that someone died in their house from being shot. I would be ashamed and do anything possible for the family
Theresa, the fact that a detective with the police department advised against looking into his murder is disgraceful. I wonder if these boys now a bit older have been paying off the right people to protect their own children’s mistakes.
Also, I wonder if the detective would feel the sameway if it was someone in his family? It would be nice to file a lawsuit against the police department accusing them of covering up the murder of Joe. It might expose those involved and also expose the corruption in the town. Then it would lead to a wrongful death lawsuit against those involved. Also the town’s residents should be ashamed that they protected those who committed the crime.
Especially, he did not hesitate to help someone in need. He was a good and decent man. I wonder what the FBI dug up in their investigation.
That’s crazy!
I can’t believe they said that!!
Very suspicious.
who the hell dumps a carpet in the woods..that was the killer
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for carpets and other bulky trash items to be dumped in semi-remote areas. I have seen everything from carpets and rugs, to stoves and wash machines, dumped in areas off the beaten path. Maus Park in Dubuque, due to it’s location, is a prime location for dumping items. Today, it is a mostly forgotten space, chiefly inhabited by the homeless.
Seems to me iowa dont know how to acomplish a damn thing period…get your sh* t together
The state of Iowa always has an excuse. I have no faith what’s so ever in our justice system. I can acknowledge Iowa is better for raising children but that doesn’t mean DHS, courts or law enforcement agencies are doing their job. Cha chingg$$$
This lack of information on these cases, is the norm in certain communities. In Illinois a coach for some sort of team, got upset and started an argument. He then pulls out a weapon. Luckily, no one was shot, and he got arrested.
What a nice example for the kids on the team. Their coach is supposed to be example and provide leadership and guidance.
Instead, this guy resorts to the street gang mind set. Well, what do we expect, when we promote this violence in certain songs, movies and video’s.
I like this story, he gets discharged from the hospital, visits a daughter and then has to hitchhike home. I am glad not be part of his supportive family.
They just threw him under the bus. Then he is found murdered and his body wrapped in a tarp. I also like that there is no identified cause of death. But the authorities claim he was murdered. Was an autopsy performed by someone, and he or she classified it as a homicide?
What do we know about the tarp. Where was it made or sold. Where we normally find this type of tarp. I quite often see trucks hauling various products that are coveted with tarps.
I wonder if any of the veteran posts provide any transportation to the Iowa VA’s for patient to visit there clinics.
He served his country and needs medical treatment at the VA. Then no one gives a damn on how he is supposed to get home.
There are a lot of untrue things being said, but i can assure you that we are just as happy that you’re not part of our supportive family. Find something else to take your bitterness out on.
Why isn’t any DNA available? Couldn’t they extract DNA from bone marrow? Familial matches could potentially be found through ancestral databases.
Not a lot of details on his murder. There is no mention of what he was doing for a living after returning from Vietnam. Also, were there any shell casings found at the crime scene. If yes and hopefully they still have them they should be entered into the computerized ballistics system. Maybe the gun was used in another crime, or recovered by law enforcement.
These cold cases should be revewed and details that were with held be released to seek information or investigative leads.
I agree!
They need to check the shell casings.
I also find it very odd that the person who murdered him called it in!
Praying they find the person who did this!
I would assume, someone from law enforcement is still in the area, from that time period. I would think they would come forward and state yes that the police chief was corrupt, and protected this pimp, and others. Also, the BCI, was involved, would they tolerate a coverup. I wonder if her autopsy could be revewed by a pathologist today and maybe he or she might be able to pinpoint something on how she might have died.
Also, how did she get to where she was found. It would have been nice to determine what caused her to runaway. Also, was the former boyfriend ever interviewed. What about her close friends.
Where did the issue of a pimp come from? There is no mention of a pimp in any of the articles? What pimp?
Bill, individuals involved in human trafficking, normally target young women, who may be runaways. So, the term “Pimp”, was used by the commenter to describe an individual, who was involved in prostitution.
She could have be targeted by this guy, since she was a regular runaway. We have her juvenile probation officer, sort of ignoring the fact that she had runaway again. He was going to work the grapevine.
This was the mindset of law enforcement when teens disappeared. Here in the Chicago area, many years ago, a 11 year old boy was missing from home. The police figured he ran away, since the family was moving to Kentucky.
Then they changed that mindset, when he his body was found in the woods. It was determined that some individuals had burglarized his home and found him in the process. So, one of the burglars killed the boy.
I pray that someone has seen your comment by now Andy! And that it has not been pushed under a rug.. I don’t think that your off base at all. Anytime someone is feeling as if they are being watched,.. 99% of the time they are.
Im curious about the shell casings at the scene of where Lisa’s body was found ..and the fact that the Connelly boy was shot to death. Could they have been linked in some way? Or perhaps the person who disposes of the evidence and bodies in the same place..
I am sorry for the families loss… Truly a terrible thing! And to not have any answers or justice… And perhaps to never have justice served . RIP Lisa :(
There is no mention of forced entry. Also, if the neighbors saw or heard anything. Also, was she a stay at home mom, or did she have a job. Also, did the neighbors see or hear anything.
She ran an in home daycare at the time. No forced entry, and if I recall there was a sighting of a person wearing sunglasses who was spotted by a person in the neighborhood during the mid day.
It appears from some online records that Donald Eugene Wellington, may be deceased, but others show him as being 70 years old, with addresses in Palmdale and Pleasanton, California. So, which one is correct.
He is deceased.. since 09..there is more than one person with that name in that same area. I verified by his dob that it was him.
I wonder if they ever tracked down her ex-husband Donald Wellington. I am impressed t that Sheriff Bloemendaalm took the bull by the horn to solve this case. It’s important to someone and sends a message that his department will take the necessary actions to find and charge the offender in this case.
The other thought I had was that he might have suffered from what we now know as PTSD, from his service in WW II. Her divorcing him, most likely did not help him. He most likely never sought treatment and maybe qualified for a disability for his condition. The money could have helped him support his family. But, then he was thrown under the bus.
KP, he did have a responsibilty to support his family. However, he puts his life on the line for his country. He may have suffered some from serving in combat, that affected him. I wonder if he ever returned to Kansas, he might have gotten support from his siblings.
How many WW II veterans suffered from their time in combat. Many of them never spoke about what they saw. How many of them never sought the treatment and the option of getting a disability from the military.
So, this may have caused problems in his marriage, led to the divorce and being put in prison for non-support. So, he gets out an rides the rails and ends up dead in Iowa.
So, his ex-wife and family are out of luck in getting any financial support from him.
P.S. I am a veteran and the son of a WW II veteran, who suffered from what we know call PTSD. I also worked as a police officer and detective at a VA hospital in Chicago. So I have seen my share of what combat does to these guys.
One patient broke down crying about the fact that he was sent into combat in North Africa, with not a lot of training.
My father suffered during 18 months of combat, was wounded and knocked out three times from concussions. He got lucky when a doctor temoved him from combat.
His death is considered a homicide. Yet, it does not indcate how his death tied to exposure is considered a homicide. Also, he us from Kansas, yet spends time in a Oregon prison for non-support. He serves his country and they throw h7m in jail. He should have gone back to Kansas and his famiy. He might have found work and supported his family.
Since, he was deceased his ex-wife and kids got nothing for getting sent to prison. He gets out and is riding the rails and ends uo dead. I hope she was happy with the outcome.
You fail to understand, or at least to acknowledge, that he had a responsibility to support the children he fathered. It has nothing to do with whether or not she was “happy with the outcome”.
What a sad story. Her husband was killled during the war. She then gets remarried and then separates from him after a short period of time. I don’t understand all the tattoos. Also, she was from Ohio, and then marries Stanley in West Vrginia. Then she ends up in Davenport, working at a laundry. It makes me wonder why she did not go back to her family in Ohio. She could have been estranged from her family, and was embarased to return home.
They may think they got away with this. They think the law can’t get them but know this: Karma will find you. It always does. Keep looking over your shoulders guys cuz Karma is following you and you never know when it will reach out and grab you.
I really think the waterways need to be searched in the area he was last known to be in. My thoughts and prayers are with Ethan’s family and loved ones. He’s been missing far too long. They need answers, justice if his disappearance was at the hands of another, and some measure of closure.
I like the fact that the Hotspot manager does not remember David being there that night. But supposedly he got into an argument with someone there earlier. So, I guess the manager ignores the fights and arguments taking place at the club. But, then he be protecting his gang members who hang out at the club.
Also, wonder about the car VA accident. He was driving a friend’s car. Could his friend beenb brought the actual target.
I’m sorry I never got the chance to respond to this how to say yes there is 20 people to interviews and nobody wants to step forward 20 some years later in the person’s car he was driving with a female and she passed away a couple short years later that seems to be that code of the street where nobody speaks
I wonder, if she was having any problems with someone at work. I am surprised that all her supposed friends did not want to go fishing with her. Did one of them know something was going to happen.
Also, her phone is missing, which is interesting. But their should be records of all the phone calls she made. It could be that the offender’s picture might be on there. Also, where was she staying while on her fishing trip.
This is real nice. His pregnant girlfriend and “friends”, cleaned up the crime scene for two hours before calling EMT’s. I guess they wanted to make sure that authorities did find proof that they killed him. I hope someone was charged with obstruction. It might be an udea if they dumped his body.
I hope she can explain to his child that mommy killed daddy.
Nobody was charged. And police said not any evidence to charge anyone .And the skank murdered his unborn child too and got away with that also. The police dept in fairfield iowa is lazy..and corrupt. Police letting the ho get away with murder while their other officers are eating pain pills they steal from the vet clinic. Another officer with domestic abuse charges but can carry weapon while on duty is now been moved up as a Sheriff’s deputy..and he beat on a woman after handcuffing her and charging her for domestic while she was bruised and bleeding from her old man at the time and his nephew investigated the report she made on him and of course found no reason to charge him with a crime. Something needs to be done with this police dept ..There is way too many illegal things going on. Too many crimes not being investigated right. Murder left unsolved cause they dont wanna do their jobs right .
She lost the baby
Not a lot of details in this case, but it took place a couple of months before I was born. It would be a nice case for cold case investgation training. I wonder if the Delaware County Sheriff’s office even has any records or evidence from the case.
It mentions that he was found on the front lawn of the Barney Wiskus Home. I wonder what kind of place. Also, if it was not his residence, then why was he there. Did he wrk or live there. It would be nice to know.
So heartbreaking! I remember Kim well and have thought of her many times over the years…..praying for answers and justice for Kim! Wish there was something I could do to help
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister, Kim. It’s just horrible. When reading the story from that night 32 years ago, some law official should have noticed something just isn’t right. Is there anyway you can go over the sheriff’s head and have Kim and Craig’s case reviewed? I hope you and your family get some closure.
He is murdered about five months after his last divorce. Also, authorities seem to blow off the report of the fight with his latest supposed marred girlfriend. His friends were concerned to mention it.
Believe the married woman was my late grandma I was told she spent the night away from home….was told he was abusive….
Mr. Teske, I assume that supposedly Mr. Clary was abusive, and not your grandmother’s husband. However, Mr. Clary served in Korea, so he could have been dealing with what we now call PTSD. That would have contributed to his at least two marriages, and him having an affair with your grandmother.
I worked with a Chief Quartermaster, on a submarine who had spent time on the riverboats in Vietnam. I noticed certain things going on with him. AS a former employee of the Veterans Administration, those things were signs of PTSD, from being in combat.
I think it’s odd too that he divorced & a few months later he is dead but from what it says they were on good terms.
I also think it was odd that he got into a fight with his new gf.
Could he have fought with someone else too at the party?!
Maybe someone who followed him home from the party & they spoke in the trailer?
Then the person flipped out & murdered him.
I wonder what caliber the firearm was. In Chicago, two young teenagers were found murdered in Washington Park, on the Southeast side of the city in the 1970’s. They had been shot with a .32 caliber firearm. Someone said their murder was connected to the Chicago Mob.
One of the girls worked as a waitress at a restaurant and motel for truckers, that was owned by a mob guy. Also some senior mob leaders from Bridgeport section of Chicago, hung out there. So one of the girls may have overheard something.
There were several murders in that time frame, where a .32 caliber firearm was used. It would be nice if they released that information and other details.
Anon, I don’t know. It seems a long way from Iowa to Tarrant County in Texas. Also, we don’t know if the authorities in Iowa have any DNA, to compare with what ever they migh have in Texas. It might an idea to notify the Eagle River Police Department.
Also, is anyone from her family from Texas. It would help if the authorities provided more details. I guess it was to hard to provide them. It’s frustrating since they will ask for the public’s help.
Doubtful it is her – the age range given for Jane Doe was 21-35 (in 2013). Yerlanin would only have been 16 in that year.
I think it would behoove us all to consider the possibility that she exited this country with her family and has lived a perfectly normal and lovely life. It is somewhat common for Latino families to return home and very normal for them to return for visits. There very well could have been issues that prevented their return.
Charlie, the local police would have a problem if another agency was bought into review their investigation. But, if they have nothing to hide, it would support what they have done so far in their investigation. The outside agency might recommend further action.
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article211259264.html Could this be her?
Who stood to gain?
This case should be reviewed by another agency. If Les Kennedy was in law enforcement and still has friends in that field, then it appears that there is a conflict of interest. So, it would make sense to have an ouside set of eyes look at it.
Great answerPatrick. Why hasnt DCI or whatever authoritative Superced over any City Police Force or County Sheriffs office stepped in and taken over?? In 19yrs?? Im pretty sure FBI supervises over each County Sherriffs office in iowa. Idk for sure but i bet Jody Ewing might know oe be able to find out??
Charlie, the DCI can’t just step in and take over a case from its local jurisdiction. They MUST be called in and asked to assist in the investigation. Specific circumstances must be met in order for the FBI to intervene and take the lead on the case, and it also depends on the resources they have available to them at any given time. Jody @ ICC
Please allow me to say, there was nothing covered up by the Council Bluffs Police Department. I was a detective at the time and worked on this case, we all thought Les was in on it, but believing and proving are two different things. Les did everything in his power to sidetrack the investigation, like not allowing his wife to talk to us at all. Believe me when I tell you, Les Kennedy was not a friend of anyone on the department, we just lacked the DNA technology to solve this murder until recently. Since the suspect was Les’ son Matt, his attempts to cover up the crime and thwart the investigation are understandable, but Les could still be a coconspirator. In my mind, I believe he was in on this murder, but there is no proof as of now.
How about a physic I can read it
It would be nice if authorities could provide more details. I mean what she doing when she disappeared. A commenter has posted that she was with her grandmother or her father.
I guess it was too hard for the authorities to provide more details. Unless the did not make an effort to get them
My heart breaks each and every time I see his missing posters.
Lived in Eagle Grove all my life and never heard of this…..
It’s been 13 years. They should have reopened & solved it by now.
So sorry for your loss.
The local authorities could not have the expertise to handle a homicide. So, they could have requested some assistance from other agencies.
It makes wonder if someone had it in for them. I guess we will never know. Also, we have few details. All we know is that they were shot with .20 gauge shotgun. I assume there was no forced entry, no fingerprints, no footprints, no other forensic evidence.
One on-line directory seems to sho him as being at an address in the Bronx, New York, in August 2006. That’s about 6 months after he disappeared. But, he is currently living in Council Bluffs. Maybe he is hiding in plain site.
Clueless Human’s, I agree the authorities could have been a bit more specific about where he was from. Maybe, they never made the effort to check and let us know. The other question is whether he had any major emotional stresses prior to his disapearance.
Also, their is no mention of any family. Was he working anywhere, or attending school. Also, was he normally up and about at this time, There is no mention who him. I guess that is top secet.
Jack, I wonder if this case was ever reported in the Asian community’s in the area. I wonder if there is any Vietnamese communities in the general area of where she disappeared and found murdered.
Also, it wonder if there were any similar cases to hers anywhere in Iowa, or surrounding states. The other thing is wondering if this case was ever entered into the FBI’s VICAP system.
The other thing, is the question is whether she worked at the casino, or just went to hang out would seem to be easy to answer. The alleged boyfriend should have been able to provide that information. I would think authorities could have released that information to the public.
Sounds like a real nice family. The parents let their sons kill their son, and never threw them under the bus. I would charge them with concealing a homicide, and obstruction. Also the witness could have come forward after a number of years.
Then they could say that who actually murdered Frank. Then the case could be closed, and add that the offender or offenders are deceased. Authorities in Oregon or Idaho, about a year ago, identified an offender in the death of a young female resident of a state facility. He is also deceased. The cold case is closed.
Maybe the police are to lazy to make the effort.
WTF is an Alford Plea? I know what it is actually, but it is the stupidest thing and it really pisses me off. It not only allows, but encourages these criminals to continue to deny any personal responsibility. They are clearly guilty, but are allowed to say “I know it looks bad, but I super duper seriously didn’t do it.” And by continuing to lie they are rewarded with less time!
Everybody is a jerk sometimes, granted some more than others. But when I hear stories of a killer admitting “yeah, I did it, I’m sorry, let me answer all your questions so the family has closure” I actually find some respect, and even grief and forgiveness for the offender.
Offenders who continue to BS everybody should rot in prison because they clearly lack any conscience or personal responsibility.
F this guy and any coward who uses this plea as well as the SOBs who got the ball rolling on this garbage.
My regards to the family.
I would be interested to see if they had any evidence that could be tested, with the new tools available. But, it appears that they never recovered the weapon used to kill her.
Also could it be linked to the other murders mentioned.
So if Wilson didn’t commit the crime and it wasn’t Ed Edward’s. Who then did kill this baby so brutally? If he has passed away years ago… it should be ok and up for discussion. And I’d also like to know, … is why is this other person a suspect?
Lisa, you ask good questions. The problem is taking the known facts and connecting them to someone.
In this case it appears this was a planned event. Not, something that was random in a sense, because the offender seemed to know where she was.
This was a time when law enforcement, was not up on serial killers, people into molesting little kids, crime patterns, sharing information across jurisdictions, etc. They did not have the ability to run license plates through NCIC, or state motor vehicle records. We still don’t know if they traced the plates on that one vehicle.
So, all we have is suspicions of who might have done the dirty deed. We have no proven facts that a prosecutor could use to seek an indictment.
We need some facts that be proven. There might be a clue on the reports on this case, that was never followed up on. On review of many cold case investigators have come across someone who was mentioned and never interviewed or a piece of evidence that was never tested.
There is a law enforcement agency that is looking at Ted Bundy in connection to a murder of a young girl. He was supposedly in the area when she was murdered.
But, don’t stop asking questions, because it might jog someone to look at something they remember from that time period. Who knows they provide a clue to a culprit.
This was definitely someone from that area who knew the house and the family and that they had this very young female baby and that she was located in that particular room. This was not random! These demons, hide among us! They are called sociopaths! They do not have a conscience and what he did, does not bother him at all! He does not think or feel like normal people do. That is why he is a sociopath. And there are degrees of sociopaths….and I would say this guy is the worse on the meter because of the horrid description of what he did to this baby girl Donna. This guy if he had been caught, deserved the death penalty for what he did! It is so unjust that this animal was never caught for this rape, and torture murder of this baby girl it make people literally go crazy in their minds to think about it! I can see why that policeman felt so responsible and was losing it in the end of his life about this case! Very sad all the way around!
So if that man admitted to what he had done to little Donna Sue … why was he not charged with her murder? Were all of the details released to the public? And even , if it was, within his confession I am sure there was something he claimed in his detailed confession that would’ve been enough to prosecute is sorry ass! That poor baby, so innocent ,sleep in her bed and taken by a pathetic monster and brutally killed. To know she never received justice is heartbreaking! May her small soul RIHP …
Why is everyone bitching and complaining about what Noreen does to her website or what not? I know it’s been over 30 years but for Christ’s sake have some sympathy… having a child kidnapped and going through all the shit that she’s gone through cut her some slack…. have you ever had a child kidnapped or murdered and not knowing? Maybe that’s just the way she’s dealt with it all these years…… back the hell off… just let her be
She needs to back off. Her foundation no longer exists, yet she claims it does. Why don’t you educate yourself about what is really going on by reading and listening to the research performed by people outside of Noreen’s cult-like camp. She even accused her husband of burying Johnny in a crawl space at 1004 Marcourt. What a joke!
Why don’t you back the hell off and start getting with the new information. She should have never made the documentary or went after Sarah DiMeo, who has done a great job revealing what really happened.
Noreen has taken advantage of Johnny’s disappearance and I am not alone in thinking that.
The truth shall set you free!
Here is a link that will give you an idea about where the Johnny Gosch Foundation (Help Find Johnny Gosch, Inc.) stands with the IRS. I talked to a few people that work in the West Tower on Valley West Drive where the Foundation leased an expensive to rent space for several years. Every one of the people I spoke with stated the non-profit simply “disappeared.”
Now, get off your lethargic ass and do some frickin’ research.
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/42-1194024
Why don’t you stop lying? Yes, it’s true that the JG Foundation lost its tax-exempt status. But had you bothered to do any research, you would have seen that this happened in 2011 (https://i.imgur.com/jfsH8WT.png), meaning that the cessation of maintaining that status predated the documentary. Will you be retracting your claim that forms stopped being filed “after the documentary lines Noreen’s pockets”?
Interesting that you should say “The truth shall set you free”, as that was your username on Franklin Files. And while there, you made some pretty startling insinuations if not outright murder accusations against both Noreen and her then-husband LJG.
> […] Leonard has easy access to lime […]
> […] Lime slows decomposition, which reduces the stench considerably. Just throwing that out there.
>
> I forgot to mention the Register reported the day after the disappearance that Leonard found the vacated newspaper wagon and delivered the full load of 37 Sunday editions of the Des Moines Register, instead of going back home to call police. I find that odd. […]
> […] The only conspiracy here is the one that involves both parents, regardless if they killed Johnny or simply conspired to make it happen. […]
Back then, you were quite suspicious of LJG. But I guess that as soon as he validated your virulent hatred of Noreen, he became a credible guy in your book. It doesn’t matter, I suppose, how many discrepancies there are in LJG’s statements. Meanwhile, as you call Noreen crazy for accusing LJG of burying Johnny underneath his house (an allegation that rests solely on LJG’s dubious word), you accused Noreen of burying Johnny’s body underneath her house:
> […] On Saturday October 20, 1982, Leonard leads a search team to search for Johnny in an area that resembles the psychic “perspective.” No body is found at the section of rural area between Hickman and University Avenue adjacent to Interstate 35/80.
>
> But wait…I know of another area where all of the psychic predictions comes true. I lived here in 1982 and I am back again.
>
> Care to venture where that area is, Noreen? Could it below the hill you live on in West Des Moines?
It is easy to distract you, George. While you attempt to place the blame on Leonard, you clearly miss the bigger picture.
The resolution of the case might be near, and it does not assign guilt to either John Sr. or Noreen. I’ve known this for a long time. I lived here when it went down. You did not. You were not even alive.
Just the facts. Johnny was taken by a local perp.
Son, you are way too young to understand what was going on in Des Moines back in the early 70s and throughout most of the 80s. Let the adults sort this out.
Now, back to your school books, lad.
Your attacks on my age are laughable. No matter who points it out, a lie is a lie and you’ve told some big ones.
While I have highlighted many inconsistencies in LJG’s statements, I have never accused him of anything. The only one who has attempted to “place the blame on Leonard” is you, as anyone can tell by reading your statements posted on Franklin Files.
If, as you now maintain, the resolution of the case “does not assign guilt to either John Sr. or Noreen”, would you care to explain your statements expressing the exact opposite view? My favorite one is “The only conspiracy here is the one that involves both parents, regardless if they killed Johnny or simply conspired to make it happen”.
Either they both were involved, or they were both not involved.
It is a packages deal.
Do you know how easy it is, George, to use the straps attached to a backpack, duffel bag, or, let’s say a paper carrier’s bag, to choke out someone?
No ether, no Chloroform.
Just a sturdy strap that explains it all.
George, look into that.
Simply a diversion to capture your obviously naive mind. Do some work George. Working for Noreen is not a good thing.
The truth about this case is coming , George. It will be a revelation that will make Noreen wish she never made that con artist documentary.
I do not hate Noreen, George, but if I did, I would.
She is a lying POS.
“I do not hate Noreen, George, but if I did, I would.” You do realize that your statement makes no sense at all. For you to call anyone else out on their theories or conclusions is complete bullshit. I don’t care if you grew up in the area, there really isn’t any concrete evidence with regards to this case and any theory is still plausible. As for Noreen, she’s either telling the truth, telling exaggerations or complete lies to keep the media and public interested, which I see no fault in, or is completely delusional and believes her own fabrications. Either way, she is the mother of a kidnapped child. I honestly don’t believe for one second that she or her ex-husband had anything to do with it. For the situation that she is in, you are a despicable person if you give her no grace.
No, you are the lying POS. Keep your filth of this site and leave her alone. Have some decency. Troll.
I agree
He went missing on October 13, 2016 not 2017. Please update. Thanks!
Christy, all the references were to 2016 except the one, and sorry I missed that! It’s been corrected. Thank you for catching it! Jody @ ICC
No problem! I was a Quality Anylst when I was working. Force of habit!
Maybe he needed proof, that the job had been completed. Also, the part about the dog being found hung and butchered. The dog was purchased for protection. So, who was able to get close to the dog, that they could have hung it and then butcher it. The question, is whether an autopsy was done on the dog, to see if it was drugged.
You would think that the students from the high school know something. But, then I recently read a story about the murder of an active duty female sailor and her male companion. NCIS and the local police worked the case. The sailor was white and was her mother’s only child. She also loved being in the U.S. Navy
They identified and arrested the offenders, a bunch of males of color. One of them was found guilty of kidnapping and not guilty of murder because some juror did not want to put another person in color in prison. Well, the guilty verdict gave him 60 years to think about his actions. I wonder what that stupid juror would have thought if the victims had been their son or daughter.
So someone in Des Moines know something and is protecting them. I wonder if the othersstudent’s murder is connected to Pennye’s murder. The aumni of that school should stand up and demand answers from her community.
Apparently you know nothing about Des Moines, Ia. This is isnt New York, Chicago, Cakifornia where people are afraid to open their mouths about things like this. If we seen something we would talk, no matter what color of the victim. We care about our city and all the people here.
Have police check into Henry Claytor!!
Who is Henry Claytor and why/how do you believe he may have been involved?
Eugene Gosch: Why not share what was said on this unavailable interview instead of eluding to it? You seem to be more anit-Noreen than you are pro-Johnny.rescue/search. Are you a relative? I have nothing to gain or lose by studying this case. Do you?
I’m not sure what interview you are talking about, but if you want to learn more about the case, spend some time reading the Des Moines Register articles on microfilm at the downtown branch of the Des Moines Library system.
Like Sarah DiMeo said, the case will not be solved until someone confesses or the remains of Johnny are found. Confession is the only option, as no one will ever find his remains.
As for Noreen, she has lied about the case since day one. Her version of events makes the Easter Bunny seem plausible, and I am not the only one who thinks this.
Sarah DiMeo, who has done a great job looking into Johnny’s case, is visiting the Des Moines area at the end of September. She plans to present at least three episodes from West Des Moines on Saturday September 23.
Check out the podcast at https://fadedout.libsyn.com/, if you are interested in learning more about the case outside of the “official story” told by Noreen Gosch.
Sarah has dealt with Noreen making inaccurate statements on the Johnny Gosch Foundation website. The IRS has not received the proper paperwork for the past three years that validates the existence of the Johnny Gosch Foundation.
Hence, there is no Johnny Gosch Foundation and Noreen’s post on the foundation’s website violates IRS code.
Remove the post Noreen.
Interesting article. I was on the phone with my half brother, Robert. He was talking about my family in Madrid today.. My father Charles, passed away when I was a toddler. I never really knew that side of the family. I do remember a visit where I got head butted by a goat! I was looking on Goggle for Ruby’s Cantina. Came across this cold case in Iowa. After I hung up with Robert, I was scrolling down the article, only to find my Aunt Ruby’s obituary provided by Jody Ewing. I thank you for that. Also, I am very sorry for Ronette’s families loss. I pray for the capture and convection of her murder(s).
Please email me with any information you have re Ronette. I am her birth other.
I don’t understand, this guy was married and had a place of his own. Also, his wife had died three weeks before. So, why was he at this residence? We some exlanation, why he was not living in his own home.Also, who was the owner of the residence? There was no bruising to support the story that the homeowner provided to police. So how did he die.
His death takes place three weeks after Brenda Dailey, dies after she was beaten and thrown a set of stairs. Makes one think that these cases might be connected. But, then she moved around a lot and maybe someone from her past caught up with her. There is no mention of forced entry of her residence. Also, who called 911 in her case.
Also it mentions that there was a suspect that was linked to Connie Marie Ruddy’s…. but I dont ever remember hearing or reading about a suspect been looking but cannot find a name
He was at this Kathy’s house I can’t remember her last name at this point? My Dad would’ve never fell downstairs and my dad was a good person, But stuck up for all of us kids I wasn’t the best kid out of all us but my dad definitely helped me before and after a lot of things.
I wonder how she supported herself and her two kids, while her husband was stationed in Fort Lewis. Also, was she renting the place where they lived. Also, she was in the process of getting a divorce from her husband. I wonder what the reason for the divorce was. Did she have a new boyfriend. I assume they did not live at Fort Lewis, due him not being eligible for off base housing.
Why does this matter?
Samething is happening with my brother in law brother’s case, he was murdered in Cedar Rapids. Beat to death and left by the side of the road a year ago. The Cedar Rapids cops have been horrible to deal with and they know who did it. Hell there have been other instances in that area of town where people have almost been beaten like that. To many unsolved cases in Iowa. I know how the procedure goes, but its frustrating and sad to see others having similar issues when trying to find answers in this state especially at the local level. We do feel your pain and I am sorry it’s been that long with no real answer.
So, I assume that the wife reported him missing. It makes me wonder who else were they involved with. Also, she was about 12 years younger then he was. It makes me wonder if she became involved with him. Also, what knowledge she has or had in regards to his disappearance.
You don’t even know what happened so you can dismiss yourself fr werido
I am wondering.. Did she drive? Was her car found? What happened to the friend that she went with?
She did not drive here. She was in someone else’s car. No Idea what happened to her friend. If i had known in advance that she would become a missing person I would have been more observant . If I had known the ball would be dropped by my mother snd LE I would have been more aggressive in my search.
Unfortunately we don’t plan this stuff honey… And it is definitely not your fault. She had gotten a bus ticket back tho right? Any idea if she had made it on that bus at all?
No idea if she got on a bus or not . No records found of that.
Betti, anything new on her case. It would be nice if the Waterloo authorities could check their records for the name of the woman who was being allegedly abused.
It could be that the ex-boyfriend or victim’s husband, held her responsible for the love of his life leaving the area.
If only we had more details, and the initial case report from Florida, or wherever she was reported missing.
That update of what she may look like today … She looks so familiar! I Need to really meditate on this! May just be a coincident..
Is there any other info given about Joseph? Did anyone ever get a hold of him? Just wondering if there could maybe be a a drawing or picture or perhaps even a description of him. ?
I have said it before, I don’t understand how anyone can take a life and just never feel any remorse for what they did! As one commenter said, who ever has done this will have no other choice than to answer to God in the end.
May this family one day have the answers to 2ho committed this awful crime!
Julie and Diane (Schofield) and Lisa and Valerie…..and so many others
your lives mattered!!!
see, people like me are still reading the comments too
and want justice
My family and i lived in that area at the time. We lived on 2nd Ave N. My son was 6 at the time. He, too, was hit by a truck that was leaving DJs bar on the corner. The guy didn’t stop… My sons back was hurt , thank God not badly! But his bike was ruined and he had just gotten it.. He was scared to tell me at the time cause he thought he did something wrong. His brother told us..
I often think of Josh ! And pray that someone would come forward! Someone must know something! For real! How in Gods name can someone live with this! Knowing they did this!
I wonder if the police ever investigated these two crimes as a possible connection. If you get away with it once…
Is there any info on his life? Why was he in iowa, so far from home? Girlfriends, enemies, etc.?
The second question is whether the motorcycle has been found. Maybe, somene wanted the motorcycle in the worst way, so they got rid of him. Maybe, he missed a turn and drove into a body of water. We have a few cases of people who have driven into various lakesm rivers and canals around the country.
in my neck of the woods, a woman was murdered by her husband. Her body was recovered from the trunk of her car. The car ws dumped into the Calumet Sag Canal, in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Her husband was a Mob lawyer.
It appears that he has connections to several places in Iowa, Delaware, and Florida. It appears his mother died in April of this year. Her obituary identifies Dennis and her husband Paul G. Addlesberger as preceding her in death.
Ironic that Eileen was sleeping way downstairs yet could hear odd noises coming from Charles but never heard the gunshot. Doors locked and no sign of breaking in says that the killer was already in the house. Eileen apparently had quite a few reasons to be mad at her husband for his infidelities. After all this time, and if no more evidence is found, I feel you should charge Eileen and go with circumstantial evidence. She’s already lived 34 years beyond the incident, and with no other possible leads, what does justice have to lose?
Sylvia, this is Carol. I only wish we had the influence and authority to get people charged. Jody has reams of information, and whenever brings information to her rather than to LE (wanting to remain anonymous), she diligently forwards to the authorities all new information. She cannot make them act on a tip, so it may appear that she has done nothing with a new lead, but Jody is a journalist and a blogger, not an officer of the law.
I don’t see any information on whether he had any family members. Also, why is considered endangered. Did, he have a health condition.
I want to add to Kim’s comments about John Wayne Gacy, that a number of investigators from one of the Chicago Police Department’s Youth Divison were following him. However, because of political pressure, were told to leave him alone.
Also, comments on 2nd City Cop Blog, mentions that some of these investigators were directed to remove any infomation that related to Gacy, from their follow-up reports on missing teenagers.
There are about four teeens, that he killed, have never been identified to this day.
I agree with Margaret, that Mystery Addict, mentioned a farm, not a specific farm.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., a search team discovers a cardboard box in a ditch under a stand of juniper trees about five mouths south of Norwalk.
* needs updated to five miles south of Norwalk.
Thanks so much for catching that! Has been updated!
Annie, remember that the details listed are estimates. It could be the guy. It would be interesting if they any way to get DNA, and run it through the systems.
It says people saw somebody follow her out of the laundromat. Was there not a sketch made?
I am too young to remember my cousin Bryan, but every since I was a little girl, I would go to the cemetery with my mom, his great aunt, and put flowers on his grave. My mom never wanted us to work at a gas station due to Bryan’s murder. This was not the first time he was robbed.
I can tell you marion manley was the salt of the earth kind of guy he was a good man and I also remember as a kid Patti Loy she was a pretty blonde girl who has a lot of brothers I had heard back then that her mom was very very abusive and had issues i remember her being religious also….George Pattis brother was in my class in school,this is so sad that this murder went down and not prosecuted when the whole town of Creston knew what happened,it also breaks my heart that Reggie Moorehouse and Corrine Perry never were brought to justice I often wonder if the county doesnt was the expense of prosecuting it??
Can anyone tell me any Elaine’s other family names? I learned about this case recently when my uncle made a passing comment about a family member whose murder had never been solved – and I’m curious how (and if) we are related. My Uncle’s last name is the same as Elaine’s. This is such a tragic story – and I’m curious to learn more about it.
Jami, who is your uncle? Elaine is my great aunt. I too wish that I knew more. I only recently found out about this. My grandfather never talked about it and it seems like a sensitive subject to much of my family. My dad remembers Elaine fairly well but was away at college at the time and doesn’t know any of the details.
The article leaves out so much about “this older man”. Who was he, how they met, if he was married…
Awful 😢
Even though I didn’t get to know you Love always dad,grandpa
He was a awesome young man RIP Charles you are missed truly sorry for your loss penny 😔
Several months ago, I caught a program on obscure television channel about arson invesation. I was watching a friend’s foster daughter. They showed a house set on fire by a Florida fire department. There were two expert arson investugators there watching. After, the fire was out, they inspected and found signs that they connected with arson. Yet, they the fire was not arson.
Also, the ATF has this hugh facility, where they can reconstruct the fire. Their were certain assumptions on how certain fires can reach certain temperatures. Well, the experts were surprised when it reached that temperature faster then be expected.
So, the fire and circumstances around Jaymie’s death, need to be revisited. The newer forensic tools, may reveal something different about the point of origin.
We know that Texas, executed a guy for murders by arson. Yet, we now know, that it could not be arson, if investigated with today’s tools, and better knowledge of fires.
Ok. As a legitimate massage therapist I take offense that it is assumed that masseuse equals sex worker. I realize this profession was a little more lax back then, but let’s not assume she was anything but legitimate unless the article or somebody who actually knew her confirms that. I feel like that would be more respectful to her as the victim as well.
Her sister confirmed in an article that Diane was “a masseuse, and not the kind that works the kinks out”. Diane was found guilty of a weapons possession charge and was ordered by the court “not to work as a massuse”, implicating that the court was aware she was involved in some shady business practices.
I wonder if someone who may have worked for him, may have had a beef. The other thought was maybe someone did not want him the race of office. Maybe, he was not part of the right crowd. Like here in Illinois, the elected officials don’t go to washroom with out permission of Michael Madigan.
Also there is no mnetion of the caliber of the weapon used. I wonder if they still have the the bullet. If it was in decent shape they could run it through AFIS.
Towards the end of the Cold Justice video, the drunk guy trying to get into the car is Bret.
Bret is Rocky’s dad, Terri’s first child.
Bret had a great paying job in the Kansas City area, while her 2 children were growing fatherless. Terri never took him to court or forced him to pay child support. Which seemed odd.
Jump forward to 2013, Terri finds out he’s homeless drunk, living behind a grocery store.
He’s lost his KC wife and children, his company went bankrupt and he had nothing.
Terri was able to leave a note and find Bret again.
The guy was a monster drunk and abuser, but Terri let it go on until she was arrested.
This guy seemed to have spell on her, and the whole thing seemed odd.
Well they do say that love can be blind. It defies logic many times especially when a woman stays with a drunk & abuser. I’ve seen many people go through this and it always is crazy why they stay. Like you said maybe he had some sort of spell on her. Well all you can hope for is woman in that predicament figure out how to get away and stay away. However many don’t.
Jody, I think the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation needs to look at Ricki C. Hess, 52, as of 2017. He supposedly had two previous arrests involving children. He has lived in Evansdale and other towns in that general area.
He is also listed as a Missing Person from North Liberty, Iowa, according to the Iowa Dept. Of Public Safety. He is considered endangered/physical, for some unknown reason.
I am not saying he was involved, but he has connections to the area.
We have many cases over the years that have never been handld properly considering all the available forensic tools. But, we have missing person’s cases, where the agency tossed the reports or never took a report. So, law enforcement has a black eye in many of these cases.
However, the FBI should have been involved from the beginning. She was last seen in Illinois, and was found murdered in Missouri. They hopefully would have processed the vehicle and the crime scene.
I spent four years in the U.S. Navy, most of it on a submarine. We normally hung out together. We watched each other’s back, and made sure we got back. Also, there is a missing young man, who was staying in Dubuque, but went drinking with a friend in East Dubuque, and got ripped off. He was thrown out, without his jacket in the cold. A police officer from East Dubuque, stopped him, but let him wander off. His remains were found in the river, a few months later.
I guess it was to hard to drive him across the bridge to his hotel. He could have driven him across the bridge and passed him off to a Dubuque officer. I hope it does not say Serve & Protect on their squad cars in East Dubuque. Maybe, the authorities in Dubuque, don’t trust the police in East Dubuque. They might be good friends with these brothers. We could ask the FBI, but then they are busy, looking for the colluding Russians. They also are protecting those who took money from Putin & friends to control 20% of American unranium.
I feel for his family. But, still stick with my concerns about him being allowed to wander by himself, especially after dark. I would refer you to the Grimes sisters, whose disappearance and deaths have never been solved. Also the Petersen & Schusslers, kidnapping and murder, which took almost 40 years to solve. These cases took place in Chicago, in 1950’s. We did not have cell phones.
I was not allowed out to wander the neighborhood, even while in high school. I wandered around a bit by myself, in the U.S. Navy. But, we normally hung together to look after each other, so nothing happened to each other. But, that was the way it was on a submarine.
Not being allowed to wander your own neighborhood in high school is ludicrous unless you lived in a horrible neighborhood.
i dont think thats the problem. he was autisitic and as a parent of an autistic child they seem to gravitate towards water. someone should of been watching him more. i dont let my autistic child wander my neighborhood.
Leisure lake
If anyone has knowledge about suspicious cult activity in the Iowa City area during the fall of 1975, please post.
My heart is broken for this family. My son is 20 and on the autism spectrum and each and every day I worry about his safety and well being. He is a wanderer and our years have been filled with frustration and anxiety while trying to be vigilant as possible. Parents are only humans trying to do the best we can. Please don’t be so quick to judge until you have walked in our shoes. From a mom with a son with autism.
I remember Marie “Lisa” Peak, her tragic death, and when she was found September 7, 1976. I was a Freshman at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa in 1976 living in Hebron Dorm. I will never forget.
I am a Wartburg alum and knew Lisa – we were both from the same hometown as well as at Wartburg at the same time. I will never forget her or that tragic day,
and hearing what had happened. I continue to hope and pray that someday, somehow, her case will be solved.
Don, I see your frustration that this case has not been solved. But, at the time, crime scenes were not prcessed like we expect to be handled. Also, I assume this was an isolated area. It is frustrating to hear that the authorities may have lost reports, evidence, and maybe did a lousy incomplete autopsy.
It bothers me that Roger heard this guy muttering stuff in regards to the case, and never passed it along to authorities. He posts it here. Maybe, he ecpects Jody, to pass it along. So Don, if you have an investigative background go for it. But in regards too the flowers at the crime scene, remember someone would place flowers or something at the grave of Edgar Allen Poe. He also wrote the 1st crime novel.
I do agree that there are not enough details posted on some of these cases. Some of them state that there the authorites are seeking the public’s help. But, they don’t provideany details.
A few years ago, there were several burglaries in the area, wher I live. One if them was attempted a house across a busy street from my house. The alarm system scared them off. This was during the winter, and I was outside cleaning up snow neary every other day.
I saw the local police patrolling the area. None of them, stopped and asked me if I had seen anything suspicious. I was talking to the mailman about it. He told me that the policewere looking for a brown PT Cruiser with three individuals. I had to hear this from the mailman. It pissed me off, as I am a former federal police officer and detective.
This was a good friend of mine n I really wish they would reopen this case n try to solve it,I have wondered why this was never looked into again .I miss her dearly
Hi there. I stumbled across this article and found myself unable to stop thinking about it. Some things in the comments stood out to me. I have a question, not necessarily about Maureen, but victims like her in general. How often do you suppose people post on these sites claiming to be someone else? I think that would be torture for the family. I’m sorry you’ve had to endure this. Also, often times a murderer will revisit the site of a crime. These websites are obviously necessary and provide valuable resources for capturing those involved. However, I wonder if culprits of a crime ever visit these sites as a means of revisiting the crime, trying to throw an investigation off track, or some other sick purpose. In which case, have those who have commented ever had their identities and/or motivations confirmed. I realize I’m making a very intense suggestion here and apologize if I’ve overstepped any line. However, I think I speak for everybody here, it’s never a waste to exhaust every Avenue.
Margaret, some killers might revisit the scene of the crime. However, at that time period stuff was not well know.
The criminal profiling we know about today, was not something known to LE. I suggest reading the book ‘Mindhunter’ by John Douglas.
I would think the crime scene today, would be handled much better then it was. Also, hopefully the clothing being in a disarray, or whether she had shoes on or not would be better defined.
I would hope that the initial officer and others who arrived at the scene, properly documented the condition of the body, clothing, that they observed. It might differ from what the two boys seem to remember.
It’s important for initial officer to document what he or she observed upon arrival. The same for the investigators, when they arrive.
I wonder if pictures were ever taken, as we would expect today.
But, again thanks for your questions. It might trigger something someone to remember that might provide a clue.
Retired police capt. John Schweer was murdered in Council Bluffs on July 22, 1977. Two Omaha Ne males, Terry Harrington & Curtis McGhee, were convicted of this crime and sentenced to life based on the testimony of two other people (Kevin Hughes & a Miss. Pride, who happened to be dating each other.) After 25yrs of fighting for his innocence the case went all the way to the US Supreme Court. Before the big 12 in DC laid down their decision Council Bluffs reached a plea agreement with Harrington and McGhee and the were released. A mistrial was declared.
Doesn’t this make Schweer’s case unsolved?
https://www.nonpareilonline.com/news/local/council-bluffs-settles-multimillion-dollar-wrongful-imprisonment-lawsuit/article_ca41a3ec-353f-11e3-8736-0019bb2963f4.htmlhttps://www.nonpareilonline.com/news/local/council-bluffs-settles-multimillion-dollar-wrongful-imprisonment-lawsuit/article_ca41a3ec-353f-11e3-8736-0019bb2963f4.html
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-attorneys-say-iowa-detectives-framed-nebraska-men-2012nov01-story.html
There are a number of cases of adults, who have disappeared along with vehicles. Also, their vehicles were never found. There are a few cases where they were found years later, by draining a pond. A woman a year ago or more disappeared from a veterans post. Her, vehicle with her remains were found after a farmer found part of a car sticking out of a pond on his property. She probably missed a turn in the dark and drove into the pond and drowned.
However, Helen, appears to have a medical condition that bothered her emotionally, and it could have caused an onset of amnesia. I wonder if authorities ever checked with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, to see if their was any activity on the car’s VIN.
The problem in bodies of water, is a search tool that is easier to use and gives an indcation that something is there. There are only a few agencies that will spend the money to bring in someone with a boat equipped with side scanning sonar.
Alvin Beets Jr. just died. The obit says that Alvernia Beets Franklin is still alive. It reads:
Alvin R. ‘Stone’ Beets Jr.
August 21, 1949 – July 12, 2018
Alvin R. “Stone” Beets Jr., 68, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Thursday, July 12, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Gospel Tabernacle Church, Cedar Rapids. Pastor Jackie Horton and Pastor Anthony Smith will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date at Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Alvin was born Aug. 21, 1949, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Alvin R. Beets Sr. and Lucy Margaret (Young) Snow. He graduated from Kokomo High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He married Jacquelynn Ballew on Oct. 1, 1994, in Cedar Rapids.
Alvin was a syrup system operator at Quaker Oats for 33 years before he retired. He loved going out to eat, playing golf, watching westerns and Judge Judy. His quick wit and sassy sense of humor always got a lot of laughs. Alvin loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family and close friends.
Alvin is survived by his wife and companion of 38 years, Jacquelynn, Cedar Rapids; children, Reba, Daylene, (Keever), of Fort Worth, Texas, Luther, Lester “G”, Paris, LaRhonda (Dillion), Isaiah (Ranee); 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Carolyn S. Bell, Kokomo, Indiana, and Rose Merry Thomas, Iowa City; brothers, Richard R. Beets and Oscar Snow Jr., both of Kokomo; a special aunt, Alvernia Franklin “Aunt Berna”; and lots of special nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin R. Beets Sr.; mother, Lucy Margaret (Young) Snow; son, Rolondo; daughter, Jacqueline (Johnny).
The sister of Wendell Beets who allegedly was involved in the Paula Oberbrockling case was Alvernia Beets Franklin.
I found a newspaper article from 1967 showing he and Janis Louise Fish, age 18 of Story City, had applied for a marriage license.
I found other newspaper articles. In 1955 he was in a piano recital. He was admitted to hospital in Story City in 1962. He won half a beef in a raffle in 1968. He had drunk driving convictions in 1966 and 1968, and driving after revocation in 1964 and again in 1968. He had a public intox in 1970, and then nothing in the papers after that.
I can’t find anything about who his parents are.
Anon, thanks for the information from the newspapers. It shows he had a drinking problem, which could have led to medical problems down the road. I will have to run him through Ancestry and see if they have anything more on family.
Also, Anon, you do some great detailed research, from some of your comments on ther cases. You would make a great investigator digging for the facts, and other material.
Anon, I checked Mr. Westwick on-line and found that according to the The Charley Project Blog, he had epilepsy, and lived with his parents.
Ancestry, does not show much, however, it has two Find A Grave entries for him.. One shows a picture of the stone in Rose Grove Cemetery, in Williams, Iowa, with a date of birth of October 26, 1945. Also they have the date he was last seen on it. The second entry does not have a picture, but mentions the 1944 year of birth. There is no body.
Also, there is an entry from the Iowa Consecutive Register of Convicts 1867-1970. It shows he was sentenced to Anamosa Men’s Reformatory, for one year on June 3, 1965. He arrived there on June 9, 1966. He was released on February 19, 1967. The prison record shows his date of birth as October 26, 1944.
I did not find any marriage record entry for him. However, there is ton of stuff on Ancestry. There is a lot of stuff not on there. Since, he was born in 1944, there would be no census record. There was no address record entries for him. Which seemed odd.
I tried to search Janis L. Fish, but did not have her age, or year of birth.
So, we are back to square one. It would be interesting if we had more details, on where he was last seen.
Another murder should be on Story County’s list. In November, 1965, 18 Month Old Kenneth Eugene Clapp was murdered in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Quillen of rural Story City. The newspaper article reads:
No Charges in Death of Baby NEVADA—Story County officials
have decided no charges will be filed in connection with
the death of Kevin Clapp, 18 months, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Harold Clapp of Des Moines.
The child died early Thursday morning at Blank Memorial
Hospital in Des Moines of head injuries. He was being cared
for by Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Quillen of rural Story City.
The Polk County medical examiner’s office said an autopsy
showed the child died of brain damage and noted the body also
had a number of bruises.
Ambulance attendants had been told the baby fell from a high chair.
Strange how kids never die from falls from high chairs in this day and age but we instead prosecute their caretakers for homicide…
There is also the murder of Deborah Dawn Sadler of Waterloo, age 17 months, whose head was bashed in back in 1965. Of course the authorities had their heads in the sand and pretended it was an accident. Funny how kids no longer die from falls from chairs.
Here is the story from the Waterloo Daily Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 2 December 1965, pg 1, 2:
Child’s Death is Probed
Police Thursday afternoon continued their investigation of the death of a 17-month-old girl.
Deborah Dawn Sadler, of 1009 Bluff St., died at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday at Allen Memorial Hospital.
According to Dr. Paul T. O’Keefe, county medical examiner, the girl died of a massive brain hemorrhage which could have been caused by a fall or a blow on the head.
Dr. O’Keefe said he tentatively has ruled the death as accidental.
Says Fell from Chair
Police said the girl’s mother, Mrs. Lorraine Sadler, told them the baby fell from a chair Wednesday morning and hit her head.
She said the baby was unconscious after the fall and that she took her to the hospital.
Police, who said Thursday morning they had no evidence of foul play, intended to continue their investigation during the afternoon.
There are no other children in the family.
Services Friday
Funeral services for Deborah are planned at 2 p.m. Friday at Bethel United Presbyterian church. The Rev. Earl D. McCrae, pastor, will officiate.
The casket, which will be taken from the Kearns-Dykeman Chapel to the church at 12:30 p.m., will not be opened at any time.
Born in Waterloo
The girl was born here July 9, 1964, daughter of Charles and Lorraine Spiering Sadler.
Surviving besides the parents are the maternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Spiering, 911 W. 2nd St.; the maternal great-grandmothers, Mrs. Claire Lowe, Casper, Wyo., and Mrs. Matilda Kolashefsky, Madison, S.D., and the paternal great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Irving Sadler, Jacksonville, Wis.
Well, if you are going to kill or neglect your baby, having a Doctor as your father may certainly help getting some strings pulled with the ME. Especially in a small rural city.
WHERE EVERYBODY AT ?
What is the status of Ben Steffe’s murder case in Sioux City, Ia.?
Seven years with no publicly known advancements in this case makes me ill. What happened to Kay and Bill broke my heart from its beginning 7 years ago and still does. I cannot imagine Kay’s terror and that horror remains because my age and gender are so similar. I have had this case on Google email alerts for years so that I stayed updated on developments.
The long silence on this case is frustrating because we don’t know if stems from the beginnings of investigative policy to not share information, or if it is from a total lack of leads. Then there is a trend that my mind is conflicted about: our society’s lack of regard for the elderly. As an example, I was angered during this last winter’s flu epidemic that states and the CDC did not track hospitalizations and death rates among the elderly. My mind struggles with the seeming societal logic of that and a personal belief in each person’s value regardless of age. The length of time Bill and Kay’s family waited for autopsy results was among the initial aspects of this case that was appalling to me.
I have tried on several occasions to bring some light on this case; most recently with a YouTube channel that focuses on cold cases. That channel has 354,000 subscribers, but it again seems to not see merit in Kay and Bill’s case.
To the family, and those who loved Kay and Bill, my heart and prayers remain with you.
Helen you have no idea how much your statement means to me.. Thank you from me and my family for remembering and keeping them alive . Closure is all we ask for. People keeping this case alive instead of dead with thier file. From the bottom
of my heart thank you!!
Melonie. Wood
♥
Thank you Helen
It seems odd, that she does not have dementia, but without medication, she becomes confused and depressed. I wonder why she was in a nursing home. Also, where did she live prior to being admitted. Also, how far away is the Iowa River, from where the nursing home is.
Was, there any strange or odd behavior before she disappeared. She could have amnesia, and not have recgnized the nursing home. It might have seemrd strange to her, and fled before getting in trouble.
I was wondering how far away is the Iowa River, either from the town, or the nursing home. Also, what is the reputation of the home. Also, what amount f searching was done at the time. Also, the alias last names, are a concern, unless they are her maiden name, and she was married and then divorced.
She could have been found, but being confused about her identity. A woman missing from Sullivan County, in New York for a bunch of years was found alive in a Lowell, Mass, nursing home.
it appears that the remains of a woman, that matched her description were found by NYSP. They contacted the sheriff’s police. They dug up their case file, and rechecked her SSN, and found a woman in the nursing home, with a different name but the same SSN.
They visited her and showed the picture in their files and recognized herself. So, how many other cases out there could be cleared by the search of SS records.
I searched Peggy Ann Cottrell on Ancestry. I found that she was born Peggy Ann Rowen in Union Township, Iowa in Hardin County. She was Peggy Ann Rowen, on June 1951, then Peggy Ann Dickenson, July 1955, and Peggy Ann Cottrell, on September 1970, according to her Social Security Application and Claims.
I did not find any records of any marriages, or divorces. She had an older brother Larry J. Rowen, and two younger sisters, Marjorie Mae Rowen and Ruth Carola Rowen.
There was an address of 840 11th Street, in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1954, for a Peggy A. Rowen. Also, an address in 1993 of 321 7th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa. No age of year of birth was connected to this last address.
However, there was an entry for a Peggy & Roy Dickenson, of 2017 Grant, in Davenport, Iowa. This appears to be a business address in 1960. Not sure if this is her.
She might have lived in Des Moines and West Des Moines, while working a the IVH according to Rosemary.
Jaw bone found today in Iowa River
Theresa, I agree with your question about the caliber of the weapon. It appears the dogs did not pick up the odor of someone in the area. Also, about the dogs, one comes in the front and the other goes to the back door. I wonder if they normally came in at that time.
The information on the home is somewhat confusing. They owned the farm for years. Yet, they just purchased the house and only had lived there a month. So where did they live before this house.
I agree someone might have been upset at him, in regards to his involvement in the soil or water commissions.
We have no information to show if he had any family. Did, he ride his motorycle a lot. If so, did he have a certain area, who route he took. Also, was his cell phone ever pinged by law enforcement. Also, did they review his phone records to see who he normally talked to.
I think the jury and Mitchell’s attorney owes her family an apology. Also, that judge that lowered his bail, so that his mother could bail him out, is responsible for him being out on the street. She, would still be alive, and her son would be still be alive.
If she was a family member, I would sue Mitchell’s attorney, for defamation of her character. He accused of being involved in drug activity, yet he provides no proof, or evidence to back it up.
He must be proud of himself, letting a career criminal get away of murder. At least the feds got involved.
It makes me wonder, if the offender knew that Mr. Bates was working that night. He wasn’t supposed to work that night. So, if this was connected with the confrontation, then how would know Bates was working.
Also, was the confrontation caught on tape. Also, when did this confrontation take place in relation to the shooting. Also, he mentions it to a family member, but not the management.
It would be interesting to see if their are any people who lived in the area, who have caused problems at the store over the years. Also, were their any complaints made to corporate about this partcular store. If, yes, these people need to be interviewed, who knows they might identify a person of interest.
UPDATE:
Quoting Luke Nozicka and Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register Published 4:11 p.m. CT Aug. 16, 2018 | Updated 4:33 p.m. CT Aug. 16, 2018
Authorities announced at a news conference that the remains were spotted by kayakers in Wolf Creek, which flows through La Porte City.
La Porte City Police Chief Chris Brecher said it could take “up to a couple weeks” to get DNA results from the remains that were found in rural La Porte City. He declined to give the exact area.
When asked whether the remains could be those of Wilson, Brecher said: “With what we have found it’s consistent of what we’re looking for.”
“We’re not in a position right now to make comment on any possibility of foul play,” Brecher said.
Since the remains were found, authorities have been working to clear the area to hopefully locate more definitive evidence.
… In previous news conferences, investigators indicated they found no information to suggest a crime was committed in Wilson’s disappearance, though police had not ruled out the possibility of an abduction.
… In the months after Wilson’s disappearance, authorities echoed words officials told the public since the beginning: “We can’t rule anything out.”
More at:
Human remains found during search for missing autistic Iowa teen Jake Wilson, authorities say https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/08/16/jake-wilson-missing-autistic-iowa-child-boy-la-porte-city-black-hawk/1011290002/?from=new-cookie via @DMRegister
Andrea, I agree with your comments, especially if has the intellectual level of a 9 year old. As a kid, I had to be home when it got dark. Yet, with his background his family lets him wander off at 9 p.m.
Someone in his family should have said no or went with him. I have problems with these cases. He could have been taken by someone, who could manipulate him, for their own perverted needs
He is a diabetic and disabled. Yet, he was out drinking with a supposed fishing buddy. I am missing something. He could have a problems mixing alcohol and his medications. This could cause serious problems, which could have led to him doing wandering off.
Is there a way to get Mikey’s real name. Then we send him for an extended vacation in Gitmo. Then we can tell his new roomates, that he disrespected their religion and the Koran. He will then be willing to tell the truth.
A few nights ago, I came across a history of the Ohio Fish Market. It was an interesting story. However, the article mentioned that three homicides took place at the place. One of victims was identified as Johnny Joe Shields. It did not provide any details on how he supposedly died. Yet, the details appear to show that Mr. Shields, disapppeared from home, and not from work.
Also, someone with the same last name was born in Nebraska in 1938, and lived in Carter Lake, also in Bettendorf, Iowa, and Port Byron, Illinois. He died in Carter Lake, sometime after his namesake disappeared. I wonder if this was his father. Since, he was living with his mother.
Yes it was his father.
Prayers to you Penny and your family and friends in your search for justice for your son.
Iowa version of “Easy Rider”. Did they stop in Newton?
I hate to ask the question. But how was Harlan killed. Was he stabbed, shot, strangled, run over by a car, truck, bus or train.
It makes me wonder, are they sure he us dead. It appears from this small bit of information, that they never conducted an investigation.
It appears they took someone’s word that he was dead and that someone killed him. Case closed.
They want the public’s to do the job, that it appears didn,t do. I wonder how they determined he was slain. There is no mention of an autopsy, to back up the statement, he was slain.
Is the work of a modern day police department in the State of Iowa. If this is the kind of work rhey do. I would ask for my tax money back.
Can you please tell me where the article is that talks about the circumstances of his death. I notice you have more information than I am reading here. Thank you!
A story that’s available on newspapers.com said that he had an abdominal stab wound that did not correspond to anything found in his house.
I am somewhat confused about this case. Ms. Payano is living in a house with Mr. Burgs, but her boyfriend is Ralph Jordan, unknown age. Where did he live in relation to the crime scene.
Also, the house was owned by Mr. Quinn’s father. He supposedly had rented the place out to Jordan’s ex-wife. It makes me wonder when she lived there before the crime took place. Then her boyfriend Ralph has go to jail in California for unspecified crimes.
He left L.A. supposedly it was to fast paced. Well, maybe some of former friends might have been looking for him. Also, authorities recovered two weapons and ammo from a car with California license plates. Who did the car belong to.
I like the part, that he developed some names of possible suspects in his shooting. However, they are in prison for other crimes. Well, what were these other crimes, Also, did he know if these crimes involve the use of weapons.
Also, what type of truck did he have that attracted them. Was the truck registered to him, or did have dealer plates, like some vehicles used by salesmen by car dealers here in Illinois.
No money budgeted for cold cases, so criminals roam free. That’s worse than corporations not funding R&D (Research and Development), then having no new tech to bring to the table when it’s time to bid on a contract. The money wasted on so many pork-barrel projects or more weapons of mass destruction could be dedicated to apprehending murderers lurking in our small towns and cities, killing and getting away with murder.
We need new blood in political offices!
I was wondering if their any traumatic events that took place in his family or friends before he disappeared.
I wonder if was dealing with any type of stress connected with his job. Also, were there any noticeable changes in his demearnor in the days before he disappeared.
Why did someone mention Julie Anne DaBillo in the thread below? Who is she and what does she have to do with this case? Who is the crazy old black prostitute lady around these parts in Iowa? Somebody knows.
Hmmm, I don’t know why Jennifer mentioned my name here. Maybe she thought it would tag me and I’d read all this? I knew Angie way back back and also were in the Facility together. She said I looked like her Mom but Angie and I were about the same age but seeing the photo here of her Mom, I understand why she said that. Anyway, she was an incredibly funny and sweet girl that had a wild spirit and beautiful singing voice. I think of her every year that she’s gone. Her loss to the people who knew her is huge and I doubt I’ll ever meet another like her..
Not a lot of investigative details for some reason. I guess the police don’t have or found anything of use. I guess he was loved by the whole world.
We don’t know if he worked, was extremely wealthy. Was he was married or divorced. I guess they closed the case, since he is deceased.
Maybe, the police are holding back some details to prevent someone claiming they killed him, while not being involved. I guess after 46 years you have to prevent that from happening.
Divorce announcement April 5, 1968 from Marilyn Jean McConnell, but they were still married at the time of his death (hmmm). They had no children. He died Wed., July 7, not on the same day as the fire. He was a welder at Fruehauf Trailer. His father lived in West Virginia. I posted the July 9, 1971 DM Tribune story on FindAGrave.
His mother (not father) lived in W. VA.
He separated from his wife earlier that week & had been threatened. See June 26, 1971 article on FindAGrave.
Aug. 3, 1968, TRIB, he or his father, also Ross, held at gunpoint in a robbery at the Hotel Kirkwood.
He went to Phillips Elem. School.
Sept. 25, 1957 TRIB, found innocent of an OWI south of Indianola.
July 23, 1969, TRIB, while welding at Fruehauf, gasoline fumes caused a fire.
Dec. 3, 1952, TRIB, attacked his former father-in-law with an axe, accused him of causing the divorce from Enid Eleanor, the daughter of C C Downey, paroled from a year at Anamosa.
His parents divorced in 1935, when he was 12.
His father was from Mexico & advertised he sold the ‘best hot tamales this side of Mexico’ in 1941.
Patricia, thanks for the information. I wonder if he suffered from what we now call PTSD. It appears that he was married and divorced twice,
The last set of details provide some interesting details. However, nothing stands out as pointing to someone or a reason, for his being attacked in a way. It would be nice to know if law enforcement has any information in regards to the alleged threat, or what it was related to.
Also, I wonder if any of his co-workers were ever interviewed. The threat could have been work related, maybe a labor/management issues. We know that Organized Crime was involved with many labor unions years ago.
Patricia, thanks so much for sharing the photos & newspaper articles. I’ve updated Ross’s page to reflect the additional info about his case.
Patrick, these case summary pages are always works in progress. When the Des Moines PD first sent me their list of unsolved homicides a decade ago (included the case #, victim’s name, date of crime and location), it was important to me to get the victims’ names added to the website so they were at least “acknowledged” as being unsolved cases. The DMPD’s list, like other LE agencies, includes just the basics, and the date is always the date the crime took place.
There are far more publicly available newspaper archives available today than back when we launched in 2005 (those are checked when anniversary dates roll around as we continually add new cases), but just because a case here may not include every answer to every conceivable question one might ask (there are always more questions than answers) it by no means indicates that investigators didn’t do their job(s).
One of the primary reasons cases don’t get solved is because witnesses or those with knowledge about a crime refuse to cooperate with investigators. “We’re not going to do your job for you,” John Q. Public says, oblivious to the fact that “interviewing witnesses and getting those statements” is part of any investigators’ “job” and often plays a tremendous role in whether a case gets solved or goes cold.
But please, do not confuse the amount of details on any given case summary here with how hard the respective investigators worked the case.
What about Mary Lou Cooper August 8th 1978? Obviously a cold case. I gave the Polk county sheriff’s office my DNA to rule out my father who was a suspect over 2 years ago and no results yet and the case is not listed. Her and her children deserve justice.
What a tragedy. Her son gets murdered and then his mother takes her life. I wonder if the break in was tied to his murder. Burglars will break into a home when the family is attending the funeral. But this break in takes place within a short time after his body is found.
Also, the victim is stabbed and dragged out of the apartment, and his roommate hears nothing. Did someone else share that room prior to the victim. There was a reason for his murder, or the wrong guy ws murdered.
I like that authorities have no motive for his murder, but his wallet is missing. It could be that he was killed for his wallet. Also, did he normally hang out at this restaurant. How much money did he have in his wallet.
He had a skull fracture. The other question was their any sign of a struggle. Also, what side of the head. This case needs to be relooked at with today’s investigative standards
He had other cash on him when they found him. That makes me question whether or not it was just a robbery.
I believe they stated that because he had other cash on him when his body was discovered.
It appears that we have identified several persons of interest in these Des Moines disappearances. It appears no one connected the dots, but then crime pattern analysis was not as advvsanced as it should have been.
I think the feds should be looking at these cases, instead of spying on political candidates that were running against the Clinton’s. They could interview the circulation manager and do a work up on Mr Matice.
I agree that Mr. Matice would not have geen cured of his problem, after one arrest.
I did some searching on Mr. Roger Dean Matice, and found the newspaper articles and press release for his arrest in 2013.
What appears interesting is that he filed a federal law suit against an unnamed defendant in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Iowa, Cedar Rapids Division in April 2017. It was dismissed in August 2017.
The other nice part is that he is supposedly living in Westmont, Illinois. Westmont is located, n the Western suburbs of Chicago. It’s about a 40 to 50 minute drive from me.
I did not find anything to show that he was convicted for the child pornography charge.
Real nice.
Marc Allen is not connected with Gosch and Martin, unless you consider Sam Soda. Everything that happened in Des Moines was perpetrated by locals, not Matice or anyone from Omaha, including Bonacci.
I really hope you didn’t make up your name because if you did that is sick
Agree totally
The other dstion who is the father of her three kids. Also, who was watching them while she was off visiting her family in Florida. She should have brought them wirh her to visit her family. Since, her property was tossed from where ever she was living and they were thrown in foster care.
Merlyn, if I had the time to dig through law enforcement records, it might produce some names to research. I used to dig through government property records while working as a detective at a VA hospital in Chicago. This was the different deartments could not find equipment during their annual inventory. Our medical research service was the worst, but kept great records.
The other question was this visit to Florida planned in advance. Did her family know she was coming. Also, you would think that she talked with her family and they would be in the loop on some of her supposed friends.
Also, how did she end up in Waterloo, Iowa. Her family should have gotten her to move to Florida, so that she be closer to them. I guess we need to know more details on the family dynamics. Especially in Waterloo.
I will try to answer your questions Patrick and Merlyn. 1. We did not know that she was on her way here. 2. The girl she brought here was unknown to us since she was living in Iowa. 3. I never saw the car that she came down in. She stopped here to borrow money for a bus ticket back to Iowa. If she got on a bus we so not know. She was missing more then 10 days before we knew she didn’t make it back to Waterloo. 4. Viola did not have a car. 5. We had no idea whose car or who the friend she was helping name.
6.The fathers of the children were not involved in the kids lives. The state of Iowa tried to find the father and could not. 7. Waterloo police never investigated nor did the state of Iowa. 8. When we went to Iowa to get the kids we went to where she was living at the time she disappeared and noone was around to give us info. It took over 3 months for the state of Iowa to allow us to pick up her children There is so much more. The Daytona Beach police could case unit (1 guy) has been working with me to find the original police report and who knows maybe something will come of it. Any more questions? I am taking care of my one and 6 year old grandchildren so sometimes it takes a while to answer.
Also Patrick my sister liked living in Waterloo. She was 28 years old. Also I have tried all the agency’s and only one ever had any info. Most told me the records no longer existed. Waterloo pd are the only one that ever found anything and that took a while but they did it.
Betti, thanks for the updated information. So, maybe we will have to see if the Waterloo Police will let someone dig through their records. I would think that this supposed friend who had an abusive boyfriend or husband would have called the police on him.
That information might be actually found in dispatch records for say several months up to a year before the trip. The information would provide a name of the complainant and possibly a name of the abuser. It might only provide an address. This woman most likely has family in the area.
The other thought, would be to contact the local media and see if they would run a story about your sisters disappearance. Then they would ask anyone who might know who the person who she traveled with. They would be asked to call someone in the family or post something to a Facebook page.
I did a little research on Ancestry, and found four different family trees, two of them show a date of birth of April 22, 1938 and two of them with April 22, 1937. I found that his father married his mother on June 17, 1937, according to the Iowa State Department f Health record which was signed by the pastor of St, Mary’s Church, in Dubuque. A 1940 Census record shows him as being 2, when it was enumerated on May 13, 1940.
Also, he served in the U.S. Air Force sometime around 1959. Also his father Anthony Hubert Hoerstman died on October 19, 1981. His mother passd away a few years earlier. Also, Theodore had a brother William Patrick Hoerstman, who was born in 1945. He died in 2017. Their was a reference to him on a Family Tree, but no name was mentioned.
So, I wonder if he was still grieving his father’s death. One Family Tree pisting showed a number of pictures. None of them had his brother in them. It could have been the age difference. He would have been sx years older.
I think the authorities need to verify his date of birth. But, then he considered deceased, so why would the Dubuque Police Department make the effort. It would be interesting to find out what his disability was.
I wonder what his relationship was with his younger brother. I found it interesting that his brother was not mentioned in any time lines listed on the four family trees that were posted on Ancestry.
Maybe, I might call NamUs and pass it along to them about the age situation.
I agree with anon. Did L.E investigate Curtis Padgett indepth? Like search his car for evidence of foul play towards Erin? What clothes was Curtis wearing at the time and did he have any scratches or cuts on him around that time? What about Erin’s friend Brit, that Curtis supposedly dropped Erin off at. Did Brit ever come forward to confirm or deny such events took place? Did they actually have plans and either party backed out? I wish L.E would release more info, without jeopardizing the case.
Why wouldn’t the local or state question the father (the last person to see him)? Seems they really bungled this case. I wonder if Ian was able to contact his father. I hope Ian is okay. Ian, please give us an update.
I get emails regarding updates. Yeah, we’re definitely finding that the locals do not want us here.
From two large male vigilantes coming into our back yard to bitch about something we later learned waany illegal (burning sticks) to a couple two houses down doing the same thing (complaining about us shooting off parachute fireworks for our child) again, later learned it’s not illegal in town.
Apparently, it’s just illegal for us to do it.
Then during ragbrai that same couple refused to walk on the sidewalk in our front yard. I guess they would rather walk in the wet grass 🤷🏼♀️ When I told them they could walk on the sidewalk they both just scowled at us. This is THE most unfriendly place I’ve ever lived.
And whenever I do try to talk to the locals they ask where we live and apparently there is a whole story about the couple that used to live here.
It’s like, all they have to do is talk shit about everyone 🤦♀️
And they all did their rude, uncalled for bullshit in the presence of our child. Do they have no conscience, social skills, filter, etc etc? 🙄
They’re not all bad…
Our neighbor is like our family. She’s so sweet, classy, and educated and doesn’t fit in-kind of like us.
i mean, our daughter isn’t even going to the Keota school this year. We’ve opted to drive her to Kalona every day instead.
We’re outcasts here and we’re both fed up.
We didn’t pay much for the house so we won’t be out much if we sell at a loss.
Sorry, these people are too weird for me.
We’re getting out of here!! 🙂
I lived in Cresco, Iowa and was made to feel like we were unwelcome. Nobody but our neighbors across the road welcomed us. I hated living there and when we moved to my hometown in SD, I swore I would say hello to any stranger. People who were to do remodeling for us ripped us off and refused to take my calls regarding getting any money back. So Iowa left a bad taste in my memories.
Keota is and was a shit hope. I grew up there and left as soon as I could. It’s gotten way worse over the years. The town has no money but the people that live there refuse to let it just die. Leaving was the greatest thing I ever could have done. In regards to Aaron I’m not surprised in the least that he went missing or the amount of time that went by with people doing nothing about it. It’s all about your last name in Keota not who you actually are as a person. If your last name was Greiner, Sieren, or Flander you better believe you would have been found within the hour with the whole state looking for you. ✌️
I agree about Keota! I was assaulted in high school, but I kept it to myself because of the he said/she said crap. I knew better. I watched students be tormented in the high school (they would put one kids head in the toilet), I know the gal that says Keota is her beloved town in this post. She was a few years younger than me in school. Obviously she married into a connected family, so her experiences are different. I never even heard of this case before. It couldn’t have been in the local paper more than once. Obviously Aaron was from a broken family and it seems people don’t think much of his mother. Hence, why the police aren’t interested. Most of the people in Keota sit around and drink beer and root for the Hawkeyes, though few of them actually went to college. I wouldn’t move my family there if you paid me!
I am somewhat confused about her disappearance. She travels with some unidentified person or persons supposedly to Florida. She supposedly returns to Waterloo, Iowa. The dumb question, is who car was being used. Was she using her car. Also where did this supposed argument take place.
Also would the alleged abusive husband have reported his wife or girlfriend missing. A search of police reports from the Waterloo, Iowa area, might identify a possible victim, if she ever called the police on him. Also, if she received medical treatment at a medical facility in the area. These steps very labor intensive might provide a name of the abused woman.
Also, you would think she would have come forward after all these years and tell her version of what took place on the trip. Also, where and when the argument took place.
Also, if you were driving from Waterloo to Daytona Beach, Florida, which way would you go. This might be something someone could research. Did they drive straight thru or make any stops along the way.
Patrick, I’ve wondered the se things! I would think that the first thing you’d do is track down the people she was traveling with and interview them.
I was wondering the same Patrick! Seems like a lot of stuff has been skipped over. The woman on NamUs that some one posted in the feed here.. Could be her.. Like does any of this woman’s discrption fit Vivian’s?
Meant Viola
It does not explain how he was dsabled. Also no information, on the details of his disappearance. When, Where, Why, Who, and How, of his disappearance. This is the basics of police work. I assume the police department know this.
There should be something in the FBI files about her. Also, I would xpect that they would have someone who infiltrated the group. When, I was in the Army Reserve, some members were federal agents. They said that a number of people who attended meetings of a local Nazi group, were federal agents keeping tabs in their activities.
So, Who knows what might be buried in their records in the archives. Since, she had been interviewed by them. They would be interested in her disappearance. Plus, they should have the names of those involved with the group from that time period and where they lived.
Who knows what they might find, if they tracked down the surviving members from that time period.
There are two people interviewed who have an idea of who it was. One person stated that a former classmate confessed years later, saying it was an uncle and that the whole family knew and covered it up. I am perplexed. Was this reported? Any kind of follow up? Why would you keep that to yourself?
If he has the intellectual level of a 9-yr-old, why was he allowed to go out alone at 9pm? Wasn’t it dark and cold out? Just wondering if this was something he was normally allowed to do.
I truly hope he is found unharmed.
Whatever happened to the Smiths?
One of those boys was her son n his long time best friend! Her son surely wouldn’t of killed his own mother n I know for sure his poor now deceased best friend wouldn’t have neither! Those boys wouldn’t have heard anything if they were asleep downstairs w the door shut n she was upstairs on the couch being strangled while asleep. Because if she wasn’t she would of fought back that’s for damn sure n there would of been defense wounds on both her n Scott! So think about it! I’ve known this family all my life n have witnessed Scott beat her up! So I know what that drunk ass meth head woman beater killer is all about n is capable of doing! I heard there was a witness that seen them the night before fighting in the laundry room n he was trying to drown her in a sink in there. Did anyone follow that up??? Also of course his prints would be in n around her home bc he lived there w her! So that throws off the investigation. So he pretty much committed the perfect murder however everyone knows he did it n is guilty they just need witnesses n evidence! So if anyone has any information they need to come forward not come on here w bullcrap n hating on Alisia!
Did Mr Johnson, have any family? Also did he have any medical issues. Also, there is no mention of him having a vehicle. I hate when there are few details.
I searched him on Ancestry, and found that John Thomas Johnson, was born on October 23, 1925 in Columbus, Ohio. This is according to his State of Iowa WW II veteran bonus. He served in the U.S. Marines Corps from October 8, 1943 until March 9, 1946. It does not mention what unit or division he was attached to.
I could not find a marriage record. I assume he may have used the VA for his medical care. However, there is a SS Death Index entry showing he died on March 15. 1998. Someone did not wait long in my book. His last residence was Des Moines, Iowa.
Yes. My grandpa had a lot of family. I Am one of many kids. John Thomas Jr Johnson was my dad. He died in August of 2008 from kidney failure. I have 7 other siblings. I don’t know about the vehicle thing. My mom left my dad when I was 1 because my dad John Thomas Jr, was very abusive mentally and physically. My grandpa John Thomas sr had very bad mental issues. He had schizophrenia. John my dad had a very rough childhood. I have an uncle, Jerome, David and a aunt christianna and Roseanne.
I think that investigators have a decent case, they can try and get prosecutors to file homicide charges without a body. The FBI has a program on this. Also, it’s interesting that his vehicle was found on the east bound lanes, when he should have been going West. Also, they find any fingerprints other then his.
Since he worked at the arsenal, his fingerprints would be on file. As a former federal government employee and retired military, I have been fingerprinted a number of times.
So with the news of Billy Lewis being identified and Larry Eyler being the person who took his life; would I be silly to think some of these missing cases of young men in Iowa we’re linked?
You need to look at the redinbo family, their story and alibi are questionable, I lived 2 houses from them and when I heard the shot their cars were present in the drive way as I could see them from my bedroom, the redinbo family was home when Eric was shot and killed!
I would also like to add that I questioned the daughter Bambi 3 days ago with that I said in this comment and she immediately blocked me from facebook……I liked this family but all fingers point to them….I know what I saw
Anthony Gibbs, you are full of dog caca. I am Bambi’s Aunt and I am the only REDINBO besides Eric that was in Keokuk or the surrounding area when Eric died, in fact we weren’t even aware he was here, his mother and sisters were living in Ohio at the time. Do you enjoy causing them more grieve and pain than they are already suffering? Murder and not knowing the true circumstances is hard enough. All fingers do not point to any Redinbo’s and I wasn’t even there. So knock off your bullsh*t!!!
Eric’s parents were home when the shotgun went off because I lived in the neighborhood and I saw their cars after I heard the shot they lied to the police because I know what I saw
OH YES YOU WERE I SAW YOU LIAR!!! And am going to the police with what I know ERIC DESERVES JUSTICE AND YOUR HIDING SOMETHING!!!
I never said it was a Redinbow I said it was the family Eric Redinbow was living with they are lying to the police and they have been for almost 30 years don’t you think it’s time for the secrets to stop what are you trying to hide
FYI – They didn’t live in Iowa when this happened. I don’t know who you are but you are full of it and since you think you ‘know’ so much maybe YOU should be questioned!!! You are a sick individual!
You stupid SOB you need to remove this crap you contacted my daughter you didn’t even know my sons name or where it happened you contacted my daughter Bambi trying to hook up with her when she turned you down saying she was happily married you got mad and weird as you are , I am Eric’s mother we lived in Ohio when this happened my pain never goes away do you think myself or any family member appreciates this … just makes all our pain resurface again , myself or any family member had nothing to do with this what so ever, you said you seen our cars in our driveway never ever had a damn driveway, when you met my daughter and hung out with my daughter was when we moved back to keokuk after my son was killed… I’m contacting keokuk police dept and going to file charges against you…so just keep it up
You worthless pod leave my family alone it’s hard enough they have to deal with a loved lost one he was my nephew so shut your fuvking mouth
Hey Anthony,
I am assuming that you believed the Redinbo to live in the house that Eric was killed in. It wasn’t the Redinbo’s that lived there, it was the Anderson family and Eric hung out there quite a bit.
You said you saw the vehicles in the driveway when you heard the gun. Can you remember what those vehicles looked like? Did you ever report this to the police?
Yo Anthony dude you really need to shut your fucking pie hole before somebody shuts it for you permanently my sister didn’t kill her kid you god damn dumb fuck
Yeah she did and the proof is coming out!!
I am frustrated that someone with that diagnosis was still driving. He puts himself and others at risk. He been missing since 2013, and presumed deceased. He should have been monitored more closely.
I think there would be some forensic material on the blanket. Also, why leave the body outside a bowling alley. I wonder if she hung out there or was seeing someone connected to the place. There is no mention of her being employed. Maybe, she had a conflict with someone at work, or someone was stalking her.
What is your point about the minors , they missed school often , and one of them is dead commitmented suicide he hung his self !
I watch this every time someone makes a comment , were ready for his ass to be prosecuted for first-degree murder on my mother, Scott Macy is a killer walking the streets smoking meth with his mother every day and he is FREE Still …. Sickening !!!
No point. I just remember them being home. Remember I lived next door.
Yes, Alisia. No point. I just remember ! lived next door you know. Yep the boys did stay home sometimes on school days. They were there when I visited.
Then why say mystery?
wild stuff, i hope everyone comes home safe!!
I wonder if either of these two cases were entered into the FBI’s VICAP system. I would think the young M/W, probably committed similar crimes somewhere else. Also do we the type and caliber of the weapon used in these two murders.
Wow I cant believe the audacity of state officials and poor judicial policy
There should be a petition for the DOJ to look into raising the penalties
Its a joke to give someone that small of a sentence for killing another who did not wrong
Get those dirty politicians out
lawlessamerica.com
I feel a deep sympathy for all family members suffering the loss of missing family. With all the technology and DNA these days… Why is this? We can’t it’s don’t search find work hard enough, if fire enough to do or complete the job. We should never stop searching..
Hire smarter individuals or use the money to investigate poperly…
I wonder if the murder of Pam Hinrichs and George Leonard , may be connected. They worked at similar places of business in a sense.
Was George a robbery victim, or was he shot for general principles. I see that Pamela was murdered on a Tuesday. What day of the week was November 28, 1981.
I would think if the police department had it’s together, then they should make a stab at clearing a few of these cases. Especially, since one commenter suggested a possible motive for his death.
If they can’t even solve thefts god help thes people and 911 don’t seem to make some of bpds officers from being good peace keepers .reported attempted stabbing I’ve never heard back from them wow and ya want to solve cold cases?pray the new chief gets them doing their jobs oh now let me guess ya will still be on my aaa for being a good citizen I even reported it with the presence of a Burlington social worker and victim will testify because she lived
Sarah DiMeo has done an outstanding job with the Faded Out podcast. Unfortunately, Noreen trolls have started posting the same old talking points that simply do not make sense. Monique Ventrano is especially annoying, as she or it spews lies after lies. For example, the Des Moines Register presented a story the day after Johnny went missing that no one heard the dog bark. Monique claims the entire neighborhood heard the dog bark. that is, if there was a dog
The Noreen version of events should be dispelled and put to rest. she stopped searching for Johnny years ago and her foundation continued to rake in the cash. The jackpot was the so-called documentary produced by Rumor, which if you think about it, is an appropriate name for a Johnny Gosch documentary under written by Noreen. Shortly after the documentary lines Noreen’s pockets, the foundation stopped submitting the paperwork the IRS requires for organizations to maintain a non-profit status. The IRS gives non-profits three years to make amends and the Johnny Gosch Foundation simply disappeared.
At one point, it became all about the money for Noreen and hence, the presentation of lies only a Hollywood writer could create.
One more thing: there were two cars (three cars if you count the Birge’s car near the scene of the kidnapping on a day when the sky was overcast and you cannot see much on a clear morning at 6 am and much less when it is about to rain.
She did help draft the Johnny Gosch bill but, other than that? Well, she wanted to be a movie star from way back and she kinda got her wish. The only ones still supporting her story are folks who have not done enough research into the case and have not looked at the source of claims from the story as told by her and the various con men that inserted themselves into the case from early on up until present times. I’m still trying to figure out what some of those con men got out of it other than sounding ridiculous. I guess some of them sold books, but the ones that didn’t should have chosen a different post retirement activity like golf or watercolors. The last investigator still believes that Gannon was Gosch and that he was simultaneously hiding on an Indian reservation. Ridiculous! The only facts that morning are those presented by the witnesses and those facts are very few. The rest is just a story and a story told by the “investigators” and con men and people the con men conned who were not there that morning and those who wanted to cash in on the case. The only people that know what happened to Johnny are either dead or aren’t about to come forward and have purposefully been laying low for years. Even though he didn’t probably come after Johnny on foot and emerge from the trees between two houses like the “story” suggests, I would bet my life that GPB, SS, and a few former Des Moines Register employees know exactly what happened to Gosch and Martin. Why was SS never arrested for impersonating a DCI officer or for obtaining and showing CP? The reason why is one of the things wrong with the case from the start. Boy if there’s one guy that I wish I knew what he knew it would be S. The fact that he moved from Omaha to Des Moines once things heated up and was straddling two cities and was part of local politics at the time just blows my mind. I am not saying he was the abductor at all. All I am saying is he at least knows who it was and there he was part of city council all that time that LE was so desperate to find information on Gosch or Martin. All that detectives had to do was talk to one of the guys on city council and then ask themselves how he could know or have access to something like that. There were several people around the case that should have been polygraphed and interrogated that weren’t. Too bad LE were probably all prevented in a certain manner by certain parties from doing any such interrogation or asking too many questions. After all “you saw it too and what would your wife think of that or the folks at church?” “You want your pension don’t you?” Ask too many questions and look forward to your next career bagging groceries instead! He was clever I’ll give him that.
I agree with what you wrote. Both Gosch and Martin were taken locally and dumped locally. I wonder how deep the cover up goes and why was Martin targeted. I get Gosch, because of the motive to eliminate a snitch to keep the pedos in business. No one, however, has linked Martin to any pedo activities.
Noreen Gosch is posting lies about Sarah DiMeo on her Facebook page. Noreen states Sarah is not part of the Johnny Gosch Foundation. Well, Noreen, your foundation went out of business, so you are not a part of it either. Right after the release of the untruthful documentary, your foundation stopped filing the proper forms with the IRS to continue operating as a non-profit.
Let Sarah finish her work and tell your robotic groupies to stop promoting the fairy tale told by Bonacci the lying scumbag.
You should have never made the documentary, Noreen. You opened the door for credible researchers to debunk the myth surrounding your son’s disappearance. I’m not sure when it became about the money, Noreen, but I think it happened before Johnny was kidnapped and most likely murdered.
Say hello to Sam Soda for me in hell Noreen, when you see him.
Hey Gene. You were physically abusive while you were married right? Why dont you stop bullying your Ex/wife and try doin that shit with me? Its a shame after all this time your still trying to intimidate her. Your a slimey dude Gene. I’d bet my life your behind your flesh and blood going missing that day. Pretty sure you’ll be the one in hell you pos. Go peddle your ever changing story of what happened that day somewhere else jerkoff. We know its just grandstanding. Ps if you were a man at all. Instead of an abuser you would meet me for a little chat. Don’t worry i won’t post anything i know about you after i pump your fuckin’ teeth down your throat. Enjoy the misery that is your life.
Sam Soda came from Omaha? I thought he had always been living in Des Moines and was a PI there. Was he maintaining residences in both cities at the same time?
Good question! People should ask more questions and not speculate.
Yes Sam Soda came from Omaha. If you look at some early articles from Des Moines register staff writer Frank Santiago wrote , they say Sam Soda, Private investigator of Omaha, while later articles say Sam Soda private investigator of Des Moines. I have heard he was straddling two cities. Easy to create a double life that way and easy to reinvent yourself in one place when things go south in the other. There’s the old saying don’t piss in your own sandbox. There you go. I’ve heard from one source, not sure if it’s true but, that he was a manager at a bar in Omaha called the Stagedoor in downtown Omaha, close to the old market in the early days before all the PI stuff.
Hello. I would like to leave a comment. As a point of information, I viewed the comments on the podcast. Referencing the one comment you mentioned above pertaining to the dog barking was not a certainty just a speculation. The comment does not read that the dog woke up the whole neighborhood instead it reads the dogs bark triggered the witnesses to pay attention to it resulting in one looking out his window and the other spotting a man walk out of the bushes. If the dog woke up the whole neighborhood it would of been better more witnesses may have seen what happened that morning.
The report of a man walking out of the bushes did not surface until years after Johnny’s disappearance. Not credible!
First of all, Troll is a silly word and I do not Spew lies. I was simply setting a possible scenario.. I never said the whole neighborhood heard Gretchen bark, I said Mike Seskis reported hearing the dog bark and it’s possible PJ Smith did as well, which led him to look out his bedroom window. Sorry you found me to be annoying, but I raised great points and tonight’s Podcast Episode 23 was excellent.
The September 6, 1982 edition of the Des Moines Register quotes Mike Seskis saying he did not hear the dog bark. Because the dog was not barking, Mike did not “sense immediate danger.”
I do not find you annoying; I find you unwilling to entertain other possible scenarios besides the garbage spewed by lying Noreen. She is the reason the case became a mess. She criticized police, but when two psychics told her where Johnny’s body was buried, she did not bother to join the search.
She stayed at home to devise more ways to milk the case for publicity and hence, money. She’s a freaking liar!
I do not know if you live in Des Moines or were around when this went down, but you should know that many people that fit both descriptions think Noreen had something to do with it.
I’m not from Iowa. I never read that newspaper article I’m not a closed minded person. You’re entitled to your opinion. Unfortunately we’ve become a society that if they don’t agree with someone you’re the enemy that must be destroyed. Sad.
“Unfortunately we’ve become a society that if they don’t agree with someone you’re the enemy that must be destroyed.”
You just wrote about a tactic found in the Noreen Gosch playbook. She has hammered innocent people for years. Very sad.
Do the research and get back with me. Quoting unhinged Noreen is not research.
Sweetheart. Those are my words. Has nothing to do with anyone else.
Oh, but it has everything to do with someone else.
Noreen’s version of events has run its course. Her harassment of Sarah DiMeo is a disgrace. The Johnny Gosch Foundation no longer exists, so referring to the former money machine applies to no one, especially Sarah. I hope Sarah puts the Patreon page back up.
It is apparent Noreen became unhinged after the John Sr. interview. She is obviously trying to protect the Noreen Gosch brand, which she has done for more than 30 years.
She has lied so much Noreen makes politicians look honest.
What a surprise
As a former US Army MI Analyst, what I believe happened is that Dan was traveling with a pop-up camper (News had it the murder scene has two sets of narrow-gauge tire tracks as if pulling a trailer) and perhaps with Misty, as well. I note from news reports they both disappeared for a while. I have read that there is a “Meth Town” at the head of Wamsutter Road to the West where it meets the main highway and that road is the back way to avoid attention thru Casper. There seems to be a good camping spot up there, and remote, I found on the Internet. I think the two girls tried to get away while Dan (And Misty?) were perhaps showering at Love’s, for it is the only place in Wamsutter for many miles to get such services and supplies.
But to later see his small blue nice paint and body job p/u right at a tight place in the road parked in the ditch as no local would ever do, seeing their reaction to me and my white 18 wheeler, and, in passing looking to read their plate #, seeing copious amounts of dust dumped upon the trailer hitch, and hiding the licence plate just added to the intrigue.
Conclusion: Meth-heads are murderers; The young girls knew too much about something that meant serious jail time for Dan and Misty, and/or perhaps even retaliation from other Meth-heads. Or it’s all Fake News.
And no one from Crime Stoppers, etc., ever called me back.
I worked at Rawlins City Market had station for quite a while. One evening just before closing a small purple sedan with a couple on it tore thru lane 2 then lane 3, back again, turned around, and back into lane 4. No way was I going outside. I watched the man driver seem at if to pump, but did not start it. He just furtively went to the pump and the open again and again. Finally I heard what sounded like a .22 short. They suddenly drove off without fueling. As I was about to lock the doors the same car pulled into lane 6, and an obese woman pre-paid 8$. She had 2 notable small moles on her right cheek next to her mouth. I went out to pretend to check the trash cans but kept my distance while I tried to get the plate number. I called the cops on what I thought were high meth heads. The man had black short hair, but was balding on top, and unless he was hiding was now not with her. The next day while browsing my photos I recognized my downloaded photos of Dan and Misty from the Amber Alert. I checked, and it was the newer colors of the Iowa State licence plate the sedan had and that’s why I hadn’t recognized it. I guess I almost bought the farm that night. Wonder why the authorities never have contacted me.
Rick A. Hyatt
548 15th Street
Cathy Gardens Apartments – #402
Rawlins, WY 82301
307-321-3371
rickahyatt@gmail.com
7/28/2018
Chief Jeff Jensen
Evansdale Police Department
Evansdale, IA 50707
Fax transmittal 319-232-1586
Re: My reported sighting of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins attempting to hitchhike at Wamsutter, WY, Love’s Truck Stop way back when the Amber Alert was still active. And dressed in urban street clothes (We’d just had a snow) while holding a cardboard sign penned in ink “IO…” How, about a week later, I came upon a man I am certain was Dan Morrison in a small blue p/u with Lyric (Notable “Owl” eyeglasses) about 15 miles up Wamsutter Road seemingly very distraught about her ID’ing me or something.
Also, a most recent encounter (7/6/18) with Misty and Dan Morrison at my work place at Rawlins City Market, HERE IN WYOMING.
To wit:
Perhaps my previous attempts to report same were dismissed because I have Celiac’s Disease, and only recently have recovered from its adjunct, Lactose Intolerance. While being a former MI Analyst, these two conditions can still give one “Brain Fog,” and I note that the odd names and circumstance of this case are bizarre enough anyway.
I was never called back by anyone, so when I one day saw a sedan with IA plates and what looked to be four suited detectives at City Market, I approached them to tell them, “If you know any cops back in Iowa, tell them I’d seen (The above).
I note your cold case people have re-instituted a grounds-up re-investigation. Please do call if you with and please ignore my speech defect (A past tongue surgery), but I do now have hearing aids. My eidetic memory is still good, however.
On July 6th, right before my closing time when it’s pretty dark and slow out there, a small purple sedan zipped south thru lane 2 to turn around the kiosk to whip north through lane 3 to turn around, whip back, then turn again to stop at lane 4 as if to fuel. A young Caucasian man with black needle like short hair and what I would call a “Meth-head” demeanor keep gesturing to his passenger as if “How could you do that!?” Going back and forth, and looking at me in dread.
I could have sworn I heard the report of a .22 short thru the thick windows but saw nothing.
He suddenly hung up the handle and sped off without fueling. This was so bizarre I called 911 to document this. Since I’ve worked there, many a “Meth-head” had tried to instigate trouble. I think I’ve noted and reported things that have had an effect upon their covert means of transport.
I’d tried to get the plate #, but could only note the multi-colored plate was one I’d not seen before, but definitely not local Wyoming. I note from the Internet Iowa now sports a new design. Did his passenger have an accidental firing while handling a pistol? Or was it all some sort of show?
Right at my closing, two Hispanics came in at not their usual time to buy cigarettes. An Obese blond Caucasian in her late 20’s or so with a mole on her lower right cheek came in with a nuisance conversation about the price of cheap cigarettes and to put $7 on pump six, the furthest one out, where she’d now parked.
I noted that it was the same purple sedan, so tried again to get the plate number without approaching too close. This time I could read “IOWA” in white on top, a black cryptic block lettered custom #, and a green bottom symbolic, I guess, of a grassy field. She stood triumphantly before the car door, so I could not tell if the male was with her, had been dropped off, or was perhaps hiding in the back seat.
I did not know what to make of all the above until the next morning when I was browsing my photo Gallery.
Misty and Dan Morrison from news files.
Dan now had male-pattern baldness, and she is quite the more obese, but apparently has the same blond hair and facial mole. And some untoward current and intent interest in me.
Without a doubt, this man, his black needle-like hair, shape of face, and his “Universe is going to end” demeanor is the same man I saw with Lyric on the side of Wamsutter road when the Amber Alert was on.
Apparently coming all the way from Iowa to check me out? Well, I surmise they’ve been getting renewed questioning, I guess. Please note my long-term survival has been do to my practiced and trained ability to not react to things, but to appear to “Not notice.”
I am in occasional email contact with Officer Gamlin of the Rawlins Police Department.
“:” is publicly posted, if it is correct.
Yet as a twice-sworn-in Veteran “To Preserve, Protect…” I am painfully aware of how our moral base has been corrupted in order to Conquer-And-Divide by foreign forces, as with the Drug Trade, and do what I can to note and report things per my training at the 4th PSYOPS Group at Ft. Bragg.
On top of which, I no longer work at City Market, so would hope to have hit pay dirt with the proffered reward. I am a pragmatic man.
Lastly, please forgive my visually-oriented over-attention to detail. I was trained to be like that.
Rick A. Hyatt
Electronically signed.
Please forgive the typos and in that this media will not accept the embedded photo nor email address I had in the original. Please just make sure this gets to the right authorities if you would, please.
In my research of missing persons, I came across an article about a missing woman from New Jersey. She had been rejected by a Muslim that she wanted to marry.
She had a breakdown and was placed in a psychiatric facility. Her sister and M.D., had her released and brought to her home in N.J., and the sister fled within 15 minutes of her arrival.
Her sister said that Renee had a case of ‘Dissociative Fugue’, which is psychological disorder. This disorder causes amnesia, where the person completely forgets their name, and flees the area of the severe emotional stress.
The 1st documented case of this in the U.S. was in 1880’s. The person is identified as Ansel Bourne. There are more cases of this documented on-line over the years.
It appears to be triggered by a death in the family, marital discord, and PTSD. One guy in Australia disappeared for about 23 years. He was found because he regained some of his memory and registered for their version of Medicare.
I recommend the stories of Hannah Upp, who disappeared at least three times with this disorder. Also, the story of Jody Roberts from Washington. She was found by the investigators in Alaska. Her parents were surprised to find she was married and they were grandparents. She had been missing for 12 years and had not recovered her memories.
So, this could explain her disappearance. Especially the death of her husband, would be a trigger as the medical community suggests.
I read excerpts online of a book by Norma brother Sydney Louis, who lived in Texas. He lists all his evidence that his nephew Carl Maynard, the chief of police in Boone, his nephews attorney’s, and the Iowa circuit court system for the disappearance of his sister.
He believes that Carl Maynard was most likely involved in the murder of his mother. Sydney, mentions that in May 1980, Carl was starting the process to declare his mother dead. He also became the conservator and the executor of her estate.
Also, he claims that the disappearance of his sister was not properly investigated or no mention of her disappearance was mentioned in the local media. Sydney, would have been mote involved in the case. But, he was taking care of his mother for almost 20 years, who was suffering with dementia.
He found out in 1988, that his sister had been declared legally dead in 1986. He also brings problems with Carl’s reports about parent’s assets. He spent money on the family home that would not have raised the dollar value of the home in that part of Boone.
Also, after his father is dead and his mother has disappeared he gets married to a woman, who it appears from a poor background, who she may have assumed that Carl Maynard had some money. Also, he suggests that Carl, who supposedly has an AA degree in welding never seemed to get a job in that field.
Sydney, is the one who suggested that Carl and his wife move to Texas, as there was plenty of work in that field. Also, there was another brother of Norma, identified as Sam, who still lived in Iowa.
Also he does not believe that Norma, would buy a bus ticket to California. There were other comments about stuff that Carl did that was not normal for him.
Not sure if this is still an active case. She was a former student of mine in Clarion. I believe she was either with grandma or her father when she was reported missing.
Clearly the boyfriend did this. It doesn’t take a genius to know this! Hello! Domestic Abuse always leads to someone being killed! Plus time of death was around the same time her boyfriend left for work supposedly well doesn’t that give you a clue right there? Plus if he noticed her laying upstairs on the couch when she was sleeping downstairs and she’s got a blanket over her head wouldn’t his first thought be to check on her if he truly cared? NOT throw a pack of cigarettes on her head! Duh! Because he killed her and tried to throw the police off and they once again failed the family! The killer walks free! Not to mention he calls his mom after he calls the cops… why? Because he’s guilty and is freakin out? Why doesn’t the Des Moines Police ever do their job and handle domestic abuse cases like they’re suppose to? Get with it guys! You’ve failed this family, you’ve failed me and my kids and you’ve failed a lot of other women plus their children too. How many more have to die in the hands of their abusers til someone learns how to deal, educate themselves and handle cases with domestic violence?! Seriously?! I just pray everyday for this family that this killer one day gets punished for what he did to this beautiful lady ❤️🙏🏻.
Murderer walked right past my house yesterday. Glanced over. You want to no how that makes me feel? Take a guess.
With all the new forensic tools available the police should review their case files and determine what evidence they have and whether anything can be tested.
However, if the boyfriend did it, his finger prints and DNA evidence would normally be found there since he lived there
However, it would be nice to know if they verified if these other people were present. Also, do they remember anything from that night or morning.
But, in some jurisdictions cold cases are not a priority. A recent article spoke about a six year delay in forensic testing in several cold cases, allowed the offender to remain on the street. However, this was a decision by the crime lab. This took place in California.
Right Patrick. Prints and DNA everywhere from him anyway..The part that I can’t stand is he was across from me then and. 23 year’s later he’s across the way from me again. New questions are coming up about the deal with the two minors downstairs that fateful morning. It was a school day. Mystery!
If they knew who did it and he’s dead now, then why can’t you tell us who this person was Iowa Cold Cases?
There are a number of Native American women, who have disappeared. However, they don’t a lot of attention from news media, since their disappearances take place on Indian Reservations, and either Tribal Police or Bureau of Indian Affairs Police don’t have the resources. Also there are jurisdiction issues that complicate law enforcement issues on the reservations. Also some of these reservations cover a lot of territory, for the detailed search.
I wonder how she got connected with a guy from Kansas. I don’t know how far away his home is from her residence. Also, it mentioned that he was married. So was she aware that he was married. Maybe she found out ad decided to end the relationship. Also, did he have a family, that could provide some answers.
Obviously I am just a reader so take this with a grain of salt. It mentions he drove but doesn’t say anything about what, if anything, was found in the vehicle. Was it not searched for evidence or was it and that information is just not shared here? Unfortunately, I believe she’ll be found in one of the bodies of water along the route indicated as it’s a fast place to get rid of any evidence. His commission of suicide leads me to believe he didn’t do a very good job concealing his crime and the evidence is out there to be found and he was under the assumption it had been and killed him self. Having other people involved may have given him a bargaining chip if he shared information so it seems likely he acted alone. I do not know this woman but PLEASE, if you live in the surrounding area, search for her. One year later or 20, any small bit of information or evidence may help solve this. “Missing” with no other information is an unacceptable answer and she needs to be brought home and we cannot count on a dead man or any possible other perpetrators to solve this.
The guys is from rolfe iowa. Not kansas.
Bob, there is a Coffey County in Kansas, according to my AAA Road Atlas. I did see the town you referred to in Iowa.
Still, I wonder how she met him, and develop a long distance relationship. t would be nice to know more about him.
Such as what he did for a living.
Also, her car was found at a local nightclub. I wonder if thus was some place she normally hung out.
Bob, his obituary mentions that he was involved in selling insurance. He moved several times, yet was a great family man, and played Santa.
One newspaper has the police saying he was unemployed. But, one of his other girlfriends, has him driving bull semen around Iowa.
Also, he met Dawn on an online dating service. She was going through a divorce and one of her sons committed suicide, and was lonely.
His obituary mentions him taking his son hunting and camping. I hope authorities were able to search those spots.
But, her vehicle being found at that nightclub, the next morning. But, it was not there when it closed at 10:30 p.m.
Very interesting.
He was living in Rolfe, IA with his wife but he was raised in Kansas.
I am Dawn’s niece. They met online. He lived a double life. He was married yet told the family he was divorced. He lived in Rolfe, IA with his wife. He lied about his employment, his marital status, everything.
I came across Emanuel burgs my high school friend wow 😢he has been missed his murder still has been unsolved even with all the technology being so advanced RIP J.R🙏🏽
There is not a lot of information on his disappearance. I wonder if he had any family, and if they are still looking for him. It bothers me that no one has taken the time to colllect more details on his background.
The question is why did Handlon took the truck. Was it for another criminal enterprise. Also, did Delaney have a criminal record, or needed the money. Also, you woyld think that the dealership would have the VIN for all the vehicles in their possession.
This is just a thought…beings he wasn’t wearing that shoes or stockings maybe he was having an affair and got cought by the husband?
OH MY! Maybe!!
In less than 10 minutes she got a ride that Friday night- suspicious or very bad luck
I don’t want to change the subject, but were the skeletal remains in the 55-barrel ever identified. When, I read that it reminded me of the Bear Brook remains found in New Hampshire.
The other question is whether the ex-boyfriend that was in prison. Was he ever questioned.
Patrek those remains where identified as Lois Tomich, who was murdered by her husband. Her husband, Thomas Tomich, was also a person of interest in two other murders; Debra Ann Barajas and Brianne Smith.
Thanks for the update on Lois Tomich. Her husband sounds like a class guy. I hope he staying safe in a uncomfortable prison cell.
It is once again the upcoming anniversary of my father and stepmothers deaths. Also their grandaughter malinda jos 14th birthday. Every year i pray something new has been found. Please God let this come to rest. And bring us some closure. .. I love you… Melonie
I was the Attorney who defended Les Brockert. I have left comments here before. Why were they deleted? John Wunder.
That isnt something I would be bragging about!!!!
I have never seen anything from you on here before. You defended him wasn’t that enough? What made you come here to comment anyway?
I seen them Barb… he was once again defending him on here…. and how he was found not guilty blah blah blah….. and I said it then and I will say it again…. he was found not guilty on kidnapping not on murder….. so murder is still on the table…..
Everyone knows he’s guilty except for his family that may have something to do with it….
John, I apologize for my tardy response to your question. I do remember you making one or two comments and I also remember responding. I did a search on my computer and found a single text document referencing what you’d written Aug. 20, 2012, that said (verbatim):
–>I was Brokert’s attorney. He did not give police five stories, nor were there gloves or shovel in his car. The medical examiner testified the child was murdered 72 hours after Broker was arrested.< -- It also showed my response (which I will post below), but I honestly have no idea why your comment went missing as well as my response. As a rule, comments are never deleted unless there is excessive profanity (yours certainly did "not" fall into that category), and I'm at a loss as to what happened because I would not delete a comment to which I had replied. My response had included some of the text currently included in Amber's case summary. I'd written (also verbatim): -->A doctor who testified for the defense said the remains found in the dry creek bed would have been placed there about 12 to 72 hours before they were discovered. He admitted he wasn’t an expert in studying fly larvae, a forensic entomology method used to determine the length of time since death.
According to interview notes taken during the investigation, a special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said Brockert gave five different stories regarding Amber’s disappearance.
Jose Canas testified he saw a pink diaper bag sitting in weeds near the alley behind his home the night of June 8, the same night the baby disappeared. Canas also testified that he saw Brockert driving in south Muscatine the following morning with the diaper bag in his car. Canas said he would allow Brockert to borrow some of his tools without asking, and that after the abduction, he believed a shovel was missing.<-- I do remember one point in time (many years ago, though I don't recall the year) when we'd made the transition from using WordPress's regular comment form to using their "Jetpack" version, and I'd received perhaps a dozen emails from people who'd asked why their comments were deleted (on other cases). I hadn't deleted those, either, and though I was able to find some of them in old email messages notifying me (from WordPress) of new comments received, it wouldn't allow me to "re-approve" the comment so I'd reposted them manually citing the comment's original date and poster's name. I don't recall any other comment glitches since that incident. All my best, Jody at ICC
John also stated after the trial that was held that if it went to a murder trial that he would not be representing him.
you’re a piece of shit mr defense attorney
IT’S BEEN ALMOST 7 YEARS GRANDPA! IT’S BEEN REALLY HARD WITH OUT YOU! NEXT WEEK I’LL BE 14!! BUT THAT WILL ALSO BE THE SAME DAY IT’S BEEN 7 YEARS WITH OUT YOU…. I’VE GROWN INTO A STRONG YOUNG WOMEN AND HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH IN LIFE. THINGS WERE SO TUFF GROWING UP AND I KNOW IF I WERE TO HAVE YOU EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE BEEN A BIT EASIER. I KNOW WRITING HERE DOESN’T CHANGE ANYTHING BUT IT TAKES A BIT OF THINGS OFF MY SHOULDERS. I HATE THE MAN WHO DID THIS. I TRULY AND DEEPLY DO. I WANT YOU BACK SO GOSH DARN BAD. IT’S SUCKS YOU’RE NOT AROUND. SO MUCH CRAP HAS HAPPENED. BUT I THANK YOU FOR THE YEARS I HAD WITH YOU AND ALL THE MEMORIES I HAVE TO CHERISH I LOVE YOU GRANDPA- with all love your grand daughter Malinda wood
luv u little brother
Just throwing this out there but did anyone consider it a revenge killing in association to her fathers practice? Lawyers make a lot of enemies. Especially good ones.
Why were so many without picture’s? The public needs to know what they look like in order to be found. I never knew there were so many people in Iowa that are missing. I pray that they are all ok and safe.
Thank you for adding this!
As usual, I am looking for more details on his case. What was the cause of death, if it is considered a homicide. He was supposedly murdered in 1984, over 30 years ago.
Maybe someone could be held responsible if authorities released more details.
There is an 11 year old girl missing in Iowa. All we know is her name and date she supposedly went missing. I would expect a lot more than just that. Is someone being protected? If the authorities don’t have the details then they need to fill in the blanks.
The closest VA Medical Center is in Des Moines, Iowa. There is a VA Community Bases Outpatient Clinic in Knoxville. However, any admissions from the clinic would normally be sent to the VA Medical Center in Des Moines.
So he may have been referred to a civilian hospital, and eloped from there. Eloped is the term used for patients that leave medical facilities against medical advice, better known as going AMA.
So we need to determine what hospital he was in and why. Also, if he had a service connected disability from his time in the Coast Guard. Just for general information Coast Guard Personnel served in Vietnam,any many other conflicts.
I served with the Coast Guard Reserve during Desert Shield/Storm, in the Persian Gulf. I also served on a U.S. Navy attack submarine during the Cold War, and Vietnam era.
I did some more research and found that there was a VA Medical Center in Knoxville. However, it merged with the Des Moines VA Medical Center in 1997. So the Knoxville VA Medical Center is an Out Patient Clinic or CBOC.
Omg this is what happy to my brother too in 1991
The county attorney Kenyon is a crook. He has less morals than an drug addict I’ve ever seen. He should be fired for not prosecuting the mom. The reason he didn’t is because that crazy bitch has an uncle who is county attorney in next county. Let me guess was that hardisty? He was wierd also. They all blame me for getting an attorney barred but that attorney also was a crazy pedophile pervert. All the attorneys stick together weather they are right or wrong. I know other cases where Kenyon got the cops to lie on the stand and he lets his rich friends kids get away with rape of a minor. If your friends with Kenyon you can get away with murder rape whatever. He should have been fired a long time ago. I’ve never seen anything like it. My son went to law school just because of the crooked ass lawyers in this area .
Motive for mother to kill one child…she can’t handle two or less child support to the father. She is a crazy bitch and should be put away or finally she forgot to take her nutcase medication. She’s just out there looking to kill some other innocent person or animal. Thanks to kenyon. And there are rapist wanting to rape again ….why… cauae they can get away with it. Daddys rich
https://www.kcci.com/article/new-developments-2011-toddler-death-case-reopened/22347014
I wonder what was going on in the family that may have led her to run away from home. This might provide an investigative lead of sorts. What were her interests at the time. Also, what modes of travel into and out of Clearfield.
As a follow-up, it would be nice if Social Security could check their records and see if they issued a SSN to a female with that date of birth, or within a few days before or after.
Also under her original name. I wonder if she might have a boyfriend, who happened to be 18 or older. He leaves and she decides that he is the love of her life. It only an idea.
I find it interesting that her best friend is out of the loop on her disappearance, except that she ran away. She figured that Colleen would have gave her a head’s up. Maybe, it was a spur of the moment thing.
She mentions a family function outside of town, where Colleen took of from. Her brother said she ran away from home in the middle of the night. So what is the truth.
I agree, confusing, brother says she ran away from home. Her friend says she was with family at a function and disappeared from there. Not much to go off of, someone hiding the true facts of where she really was that evening.
This is my Aunt. My uncle is Mike. Our family misses her and we wonder where she is.
Hello, run a missing person group in NY and I am trying to get a hold of any family members of Colleen. If one could contact me at usnymp@gmail.com
Hi my name is Amanda Howard. My uncle is Mike and my Dad is Kelly. I’ll be contacting you. Thank you so much for this message.
Has there been a Facebook Page set up to try and find leads or information about Colleen Simpson’s disappearance? It has 46+ years since she disappeared. It sure seems to be a good way to try and find leads.
Hope these peoples families are at peace. It’s sad n sobering to think somebody misses them and they’re lost. Crazy.
I don’t understand why the police refused to release any details of his murder. Were they protecting someone? This case is almost 35 years old. What are they waiting on. Also, has this case been entered into VICAP, so it can be possibly linked to another case that might have been solved, or matches this case.
We don’t even know the caliber of firearm used. Someone needs to ask the Cedar Rapids Police, when they are going to release the details of the murder. His children deserve some answers before they die.
What the hell is going on with Law Enforcement in the state of Iowa for the last 50 years? All these sad cases on this website all ended the same way and tell the same sad story. I read about how law enforcement dropped this ball or that ball, how there was no investigation or the investigation was botched or the crime scene was compromised or a member of law enforcement was actually in on it or somehow responsible or the ex police chief was corrupt and arrested himself for drug dealing or stalking or was buddies with the DA etc etc over and over again. What the hell was going on with Iowa police departments ? We’re they always this bad or is Iowa any worse or notoriously negligent and incompetent than every other department in every other state or are they all this bad everywhere? I think I know the answer sadly but that’s my question.
The only arrest’s the CRPD and Linn County can make are DUI’s,they don’t even try to investigate anything else unless it’s big news and then only if CBS,NBC,or ABC shames them into doing some work!
I have some questions. Please message me..
I find it interesting that there was no mention of whether if the victim opened the door to his home, or entry was forced. Also, were their any prints found in the car. Also, we have a guy involved in the theft of the victim’s vehicle, but it appears he was not the guy who was driving the vehicle stopped in Minnesota. Yet, the car was found in Effingham, Illinois, most likely close to I- 57.
If I remember right the Illinois State
Police have a district headquarters in the same town.
I think that’s odd as well!
There were no signs of forced entry so he must have know the person & let them in.
If he has done that, why do it nude??
Was this a girlfriend he was meeting???
Praying this get solved
Again another case with no details. The guy died, and we have to wonder how he died, that his death was classified as a homicide. I guess it too hard to provide some details. Who knows it might generate some leads. I like that his fellow homeless guy told Graspy’s niece that there was something wrong with him.
That more then the police have told us. Maybe, if they provided more details it might jog someone’s memory. Nah, we can’t that.
Again, law enforcement has not shared the basics of who, what, where when, or how. Where was he when he was murdered? How was he murdered? What was the time of the incident?. This incident took place almost 22 years ago. Yet, they might be some detail that they quite often withhold. I assume that he was murdered someway, shot, stabbed, strangled, died of blunt force trauma. When, will they tell us.
Jorge, I would make the call, and let the police follow up on the lead. It never hurts to say that the seen a guy in Cedar Rapids, that matches his description. Also, it keeps his case active with law enforcement. Mervin, could have have moved on from Spencer for greener pastures in the big city.
I searched Mervin Walvatne on Ancestry earlier today and found an address entry from U.S. Public Records showing an address of Route 1 Box 134 in Lone Rock, Wisconsin. However, their is no year when he was living at this address. The records from them covers 1950 to about 1993 or so.
I wonder if he had any family in that neck of the woods. It bears further investigation, even it means figuring out where Lone Rock is located in Wisconsin. Also, if alive he would be eligible for Social Security and Medicare. So, they need to be checked to see if he is receiving any benefits.
Another resource is the Salvation Army. They have a Missing Persons Bureau of sorts. I don’t know how they search their system of facilities, but because of his background they may have come in contact with him. I would think that he has come to the attention of some social service agency.
The first thing I would do if I were a detective on this case is hit all the recycle spots where you can get cash for cans in Cedar Rapids. Especially since he is on a bike he should be easy to track down. I would Interview the folks that work at these recycling redemption spots and interview other can collectors like this guy and ask if they have ever seen the guy and what time or days or how often this guy comes in. Most of these transient types who collect cans do it for a living, know each other and believe it or not, have a routine and frequent the same places regularly. They normally come weekly or more. There’s a ton of guys just like this in my town. Worst case a family member could post up there for a few days and I believe they could run into him. Now, Getting a law enforcement agency with stretched resources to track a mentally ill transient who is a non-contributor to society, a drain on local medical and emergency response resources, last seen in 1993 that generates no tax revenue for the city, yeah that’s the hard part. Best results could probably be achieved by a family member willing to put in the time and effort.
I like that idea. But something better would be the agency faxing a missing persons flyer to these facilities. Then they could notify the appropriate agency and the local police can then pick him up. He should be referred to social services. However, at 81 years old living a transient lifestyle, would he still be on the streets looking for cans.
Also, between social service agencies and law enforcement should be interacting with these people, to determine their identies. Who knows how many missing persons they m might account for.
Your idea about posting a flyer at these sites is a good one. Although if last seen officially in 1993 unofficially in 1999, that was quite a while back. Most of the transient types with no mental illness pass on in their 70’s at most due to hard lifestyle and being outdoors. But add in mental illness, poor health and hygiene and that makes even 70’s a stretch. If he’s truly in his 80’s there’s a good chance he’s not alive anymore. I wonder what the authorities do with random unidentifiable people that expire. Do they go into some kind of database? Are they cremated? Any notifications get put in a local paper for unidentifiable people for their loved ones to hopefully see? Like if I was someone random with no ID on me and just died on the street, what do they do if they have no one to contact? I guess the policy and procedures would vary by county. Sad. I believe the family could have done more to find this guy if they really wanted to find him. Some people don’t want to be found.
There are not a lot of details on his disappearance. It makes me wonder how the police determined that it was involuntary disappearance. If they have more details, they should share them, so that it might generate some leads.
When and where was he last seen? Does he gave have any medical or mental health issues? Does he drive or have access to a vehicle.
Time to call on Parabon Nanolabs for a “Snapshot” based on the DNA?
“In 2013, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office announced that they had sent the evidence from Ron’s case for testing and there was a DNA profile from an unknown person found on his clothing. The sample was run through CODIS (the Combined DNA Index System). No match was found. Ron’s case again is at a standstill.” –Marlene Florang Chramosta, guest columnist, The Gazette, https://www.thegazette.com/subject/opinion/guest-columnists/who-killed-ronnie-novak-someone-must-know-20170710
you are absolutely correct, people really are capable of terrible things that they hide from others
Solved? This case hasn’t even gone to trial yet!!!
love you aunt kay and uncle bill, reading this article breaks my heart. :(
jumma mubarak images
Can’t believe after all this time that adam Schumacher hasn’t been investigated
It’s frustrating that the authorities ignored this case. They should be ashamed. It appears that Karen, is a serial arsonist. How, is it that these previous and later fires did not provoke investigators to connect the dots. The State of Iowa needs to admit they failed and look at it again. The same with a full complete autopsy.
I wonder if her case was entered into the FBI’s system. Another thing is that her ankles and wrists were tied. There are other cases around the country involving the binding f wrists and ankles. It would be nice to see if the case might be connected with others around country. Also, I wonder where she got the idea, she was pregnant. Also, what was so important that she had to go back out at that time. Also, the roommate appears to have dropped of the radar screen in this case.
The Fred that Chris referred to in the FadedOut podcast is Fred Freelin Sayre. He was a known chester in the Des Moines area that worked at the piano store at the mall and died in 1994 from a gunshot wound once he relocated to Missouri. Not saying that this guy was the “Emilio,” just saying that he is one of many many people that could have been potential suspects and I’m sure at some point he was on the police’s radar. Just think of how many hundreds of people it could have been that are known chesters. Then think of the many chesters that are unknown or were unknown and have died since then. It’s literally impossible to tie anyone to Johnny Gosch’s kidnapping or Eugene Martin’s kidnapping without evidence and witness accounts that could positively ID a license plate or someone for certain or someone to lead them to the remains and then do DNA testing. Yes Johnny and Eugene were both paperboys and they were both kidnapped but then think of all the attempted kidnappings that almost happened but didn’t. For years I thought the cases were tied together and they very well could still be because there are many similarities. Both on a Sunday, both paperboys, both around the same age etc. But the more years go by on this case, the more I’m beginning to understand why law enforcement couldn’t tie the cases together. The only one saying Johnny and Eugene and then Marc Allen’s case were tied together was Noreen in her book. The whole Sam Soda alerting Noreen that there was going to be another abduction in 1984, then Eugene Martin was kidnapped- that whole thing was from Noreen. Noreen said in her book that Soda told her. Sam has denied it and there is absolutely no proof, no recorded phone call, nothing concrete that shows that Sam did alert Noreen before Eugene Martin’s kidnapping. If she could put a wave file or MP3 of that convo on her website, I’d believe it all day long and it could be true but I’m just saying there’s no proof. Linking the two cases together was probably done to keep the Johnny Gosch case in the spotlight and keep the leads coming in. Hell I probably would have done the same thing if it were one of my sons. A good way to keep your case alive is to tie it to other similar cases as the years go by. Notice that Patty Wetterling didn’t tie her sons disappearance to anyone else’s kidnapping or to Franklin or MKUltra or DeCamp or Gunderson or anyone else and neither did the Martin family. Think about that one for a minute. Just saying. This case cannot be solved by looking at all these far out conspiracy theories. The whole Franklin thing was a tragedy. I’m sure it really happened. I’m sure LE King had some skeletons in his closet but most politicians do and that doesn’t mean it’s tied to Johnny Gosch. This case could only be solved by looking at who the chester the molesters were at the time, and what witnesses saw. A lot of the folks that could have potentially been perps are long dead and there are only a few people living today that probably know what happened to him. Not saying they were the perps but I bet Sykora has a pretty good idea even if he just heard through the grapevine and I bet even more so Soda because of his involvement with the program he put on, S.C.A.R.E.D (Stolen Children are Reported Every Day), he has a pretty good idea of what happened also. Wilbur Millhouse probably knew for sure as well but he’s dead now and I doubt he was ever polygraphed at the time anyway. I’m saying we have no real idea who the perps were. I know the general consensus among many is to view the police as lazy and uncooperative in this case according to the many watered down documentaries, just remember the police really have no proof what happened to him. There are good cops and bad cops. Most cops are pretty good. Some good cops have a bad leader and they are stuck. The police also have limited resources and can’t stop everything they are doing to dump all their manpower and money into solving one case. The only thing that was tragic is that the police had to wait 72 hours before they started investigating it as a missing person’s case but that was the law at the time and thankfully Noreen did a wonderful thing to change that. That’s probably why they weren’t in a big hurry to get to her house that morning. If it was a murder, they would have been there faster but they had 72 hours to get there. That’s why it took them 45 minutes. I’m taking a wild guess that the police worked harder than anyone who wasn’t a member of the West Des Moines Police Dept at the time could ever know on this case. All the facts from this case can be found from the early days. Everything else is just a story. I urge everyone to use common sense when investigating this case and don’t get sucked into all the Gannon, MK Ultra, conspiracy stuff. Go to Netflix and watch a few episodes of Longmire and then tell me if you think a white person could just run away and go post up and work on an indian rez. Not a chance.
At least 9 pedophiles were arrested in the Des Moines area after Johnny’s kidnapping. I found newspaper photographs of all but one of the men. None look like the man who approached me in the Ford Fairmont when I was delivering newspapers in 1982. I agree with you that Johnny and Eugene were probably dead within 72 hours of their kidnappings. If Johnny was kidnapped to make pornography, how come no one has ever reported seeing him in pornography? There are some real problems with the story of Johnny’s 2 AM homecoming (listen to Faded Out podcasts 6-8, and take careful note of Noreen’s account of that event in two separate interviews–one right after the Bonacci trial, and the other done later by Ted Gunderson). See if you notice what I noticed.
One thing I have thought about lately: Wouldn’t it be counter-intuitive for a pedophile to kill his victim? These nine men apparently liked having sex with teen boys. Wouldn’t kidnapping and killing a boy put an end to what they enjoyed? So this kidnapper either took pleasure in killing, or Johnny was kidnapped (as Wilbur Millhouse told me) to shut him up. When the man in the Ford Fairmont insisted I get into his car on a snowy morning, I sensed rage, not sexual desire. I could see that man killing for pleasure.
If Johnny was kidnapped to shut him up, that makes sense too. Millhouse was arrested for trying to sexually entice a teen boy in 1975. Millhouse spent 30 days in jail for that, but the Des Moines Register rehired him 3 years later to work with children. They had to have known about Millhouse’s arrest because that arrest was printed in the Register in 1975. Maybe Millhouse was calling Johnny and Johnny threatened to tell on him. With a second offense, Millhouse would have know he faced prison, getting his a__ kicked again by fellow inmates, and the loss of his dream job (working with and victimizing boys).
I still don’t know what the connection was between Millhouse and the Fairmont guy. Someone out there does. When that person speaks up, there is hope this case will finally be solved.
Yellow Bag- thank you for your responses. Yes I agree with you 1000%. The 2AM homecoming is bogus and if it did really occur it was probably someone who played a cruel prank on Noreen even if it really did happen. People do all kinds of crazy things for dares or even just to be a sicko.
I have also heard that the composite police sketch of this “Emilio” character is bogus and was concocted as well as it didn’t assume the name “Emilio” until Paul Bonacci gave it that name in 89 or so. Also that sketch lists the man as in his 40s and if you go back and read newspaper articles, the age discrepancies are all over the place. Some articles list him as in his mid 20s to 30s, some in his early to mid 30s, some in his 40s. The only thing consistent with the descriptions in the articles are that they are inconsistent in his age range and that he had beady dark eyes, looked angry had dark hair and a darker complexion so possibly like Italian or Mexican or Puerto Rican or something but probably Italian is my guess. I would like to know the date of when this first composite sketch of “Emilio” came to light. One source clams November of 82, but I’m not sure it could have been much later. One thing I am sure of is it didn’t assume the name “Emilio” until Bonacci came along, which was many years later than the kidnapping itself, which could cast doubt of the person being named “Emilio” at all, even if just used as an alias.
The only people that could solve the crimes are people who knew exactly who Wilbur Millhouse hung out with. You would think guys like Ron Sampson, who was president of the Johnny Gosch foundation and also worked for the Des Moines Register for years and a very good and respectable guy could probably at least remember Wilbur Millhouse and perhaps some names of who he hung out with at these register events, and also especially people like then Des Moines district circulation manager Lou Cooke probably knew Wilbur Millhouse very well since Wilbur worked there so long and Lou could also probably tell you who he hung out with at these register events like the one at the Old Skate East. I wish someone would interview Lou or some other old time Des Moines Register managers just to see what they remember of these shady characters. They have to remember some names of these guys even if they didn’t like them, didn’t condone their behavior or their presence at these events. These Des Moines Register managers probably knew “of” these guys.
On another website about cold cases that my Great Great Grandmother told police that her son in law confessed 2 her twice that he was the one that did it.
Did you let police know?
According to newspaper articles my 2x Great grandmother told the Waterloo PD about it but there wasn’t anything to prove it but her word. That is one of the reasons she Mr Cordell, as well as mistreating her two daughters.
The question I have is whether this case has been entered into VICAP. I assume this MO., might have been used in other unsolved cases.
As a former detective with the Veterans Administration Police, I am frustrated that LE may have lost or misplaced stuff connected with this case. However, LE sometimes holds back some details. However, after all these years why would they not share it to possibly generate some leads.
However, from different comments, there is some confusion on what was the condition of her body when she was found. Shoes or no shoes, dress torn or not torn. So it forces us to look in the wrong direction.
It would be intetesting if they have any phyical evidence, that could be retested. Also, he was found dead inside a van. Most likely it was not his. So, who was thevan registered to.
Glenn was my great-uncle. I was 15 when he was killed. He was a transport driver. He drove one van while pulling another. The vans were similar to what the older UPS trucks looked like.
Becky Turner
This is my grandfather. I contacted the homicide dept in Des Moines 15 years ago. They informed me that there was in fact evidence at the time, but that it has since been lost or misplaced. As far as the van, it was his employers.
I’m just throwing this out there…. anyone ever thought it might have been a gang initiation? Kill somebody random to prove one’s worth for a gang? Prayers to the family…..
No, it’s not a racist thing, like you are suggesting. He got wrapped up with some named Di or Ty, and then a man she knew killed him. My sense is they were using him and things got messy because of drugs.
Reginal – i am a very old friend of Cory’s…wondering where you heard about the “Ty or Di” info….is this something that is well known?
This is my grandfather, my mother is his daughter Sue Ann. I was two when this happened.
I am so sorry for you & your families loss!
Praying justice is done!
Like others, I’ve heard rumors for years that the killer is or was a police officer. Does anyone know, or has anyone heard, it it was a New Hampton cop or from somewhere nearby?
Thanks
I’ve also heard that. I’ve been told that investigators know or have high suspicions of who did it, but there has never been enough evidence.
Everyone is pointing fingers i have heard of a person and not the pimp who killed Lisa was i there did i see him do harm to Lisa no, I am sure Lisa did not get a ride 3 miles away from home to commit harm herself. Someone took her there where so died of an over dose and the person with her was scared and left her there to be found it is crazy. If this did happen then why has no one come forward with info. I feel it some one left her there they would have told someone and may regret living her there, but nothing has been come up. Now, if a person kills someone, then that would be a deep dark secret that will never be talked about.
Has someone looked into chad runnels? Drug deal gone wrong
Finally…..mr runnels name is coming out….. ok cops, follow up and solve this crime!!!
If G Kelly was in that attic space, at 5’2″ and thin, and emerged around midnight, he might have been identified by either of the Moores in wakefulness in the dark as one of the children.
They had no indoor plumbing, in the way of a bathroom. Perhaps it is plausible to imagine that during warmer months, the kids created late night traffic through the house to visit the outhouse in back, and as such, create a routine background noise during sleeping hours, never considered suspicious at all by the sleeping adults.
Kevin Colston: “They has no indoor plumbing; it’s plausible… the kids created traffic to the outhouse and back…”
I also considered this, but in a house with that many children (4 not counting the Stillinger girls) there were closets in each room, and they would likely have had bed pans. It’s possible they didn’t, but when you have small ones you don’t want to get up with them several times a night. You would probably have a water pitcher and basin, with a cup that older children can help the youngest with and, a few chamber pots inside their closet. I don’t know if this is true, but I heard that they had milk and cookies before bed. A mother as experienced as Sarah was, would not have given them milk immediately before bed, if she wasn’t assured that they would be able to access the toilet quickly. The youngest two were ages 7 and 5. Just a practical mom’s point of view. It still doesn’t necessarily rule anything out.
Good theory about the chamber pots. You wouldn’t want your young children running about outside early morning to use the outhouse. But then again, perhaps there wasn’t the fear we have today about our children’s safety. Who’s to know. Very tragic……very interesting.
“They have”, not “They has” – excuse the typo, lol
Good theory about the chamber pots. Wonder how strict parents were back then as far as any of the children using the outhouse at night? Everyone was so much less fearful back then.
These events obviously took place after the 2200 dismissal at the church. Maybe midnight? How dark was it? How does a killer navigate a dark house with no light, without waking someone? That house is small. One sneeze after bedtime would certainly be heard. Moore had enemies, competitors in business. Is it possible there were two killers?
He used an oil lamp with the chimney removed and the wick turned low. Same MO he used in other crimes. This was one of his signatures.
I believe it was a person that was very religious I say this because of the bacon wrapped in a towel in the kids room and i believe this person went to there church the old saying about pig in a blanket was said to be pretty much about wrapping the meat to hide that your eating it as a religious point when your not supposed to I’d look back in to all the people who went to there church I believe that’s were they would find the one responsible
Theres a new book called The Man from the Train. The author went thru old newspapers and found there were more than 20 killings like this near railroad tracks. The authors theory is that the man was a pedophile who killed families with little girls. Its gross but there was often bacon found at the crime scenes. The author thinks the killer used the bacon fat to masturbate. The killer may have been a lumberjack who traveled by train.
I grew up in Dubuque Iowa same age has Kenny joe Johnson , trust me Dave Soppe did this i remember this like yesterday because as a kid i was scared all the time after this that it would happen to me or my little brother, Dave Soppe drove around in a ice cream truck and would try to pick kids up all the time. My dad ( rip ) would run him off all the time. Dave Soppe would run his mouth to Kenny lick about doing it Kenny was a friend of my older brother about 5 years older then me and he hung out with us. Kenny got a pool table from my dad in late or early 1987 /1988 my dad was getting rid of it Kenny had no way of getting it to his home he lived with people down by the old Dubuque packing house it was a brick building , i remember this also like yesterday when me and my dad took the pool table to Kenny’s house Kenny was all shook up my dad asked him whats up Kenny replied by saying” Dave Soppe just threatened me if he told anyone about killing that kid in the carpet at Maus park he would be next “. This can be proven if they can pull up where Kenny Lick lived at that time trust me it’s where i said by the packing house. now Kenny Lick was no saint but he trusted my dad big time, a few years later Kenny lick was charged with multiple rapes around the Dubuque Iowa area. I believe Dave Soppe died in davenport Iowa. Dave Soppe would always tell Kenny if he told he would be next, yes sure Kenny lick could of made this all up, But you ask anyone who grew up there they would of told you Dave Soppe did this. I feel so bad that this has not been solved i truly think the Dubuque police messed this up like other cases. Now if you think i’m full of it look up the records about Kenny lick and Dave Soppe pretty sure Dave is dead but Kenny i have no idea we moved away from Dubuque Iowa in 90s. Hope this helps. feel free to contact me i’m 47 years old now this needs to be fixed so this young man can be in peace now. I know so much about hill crest my sisters where in there trust me this place was a joke and not good for kids. And yes we told the police the same thing before but my dad was not liked so they would blow it off.
Brian,
Can you please reach out to me? I dont know how to contact you
Michelle
hi sorry i just seen this been threw a lot over the past few years and my mind was not on it , and i been watching old cases on tv and thought about this again. you can contact me at theecheesypizzaboy@gmail.com i hope you come back here and see this please contact me.
does anyone know how i can get a hold of this person ? i have no clue how too
Yes I can please call Iowa division CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION at 515-725-6010 , Thank you
Kenny Joe Johnson rip, i grew up at this time in Dubuque i remember this like yesterday everyone at that time new damn well dave soppie did this, the guy was a perv drove a icecream truck around and always tried to pick kids up including me and my little brother. he was seen with this kids by people and police were told but fucked it all up
I spent some time looking at all the sex abuse arrests reported in the Des Moines Register from 1980 to 1987. My hope is still to identify the “Fairmont guy” who tried to get me into his car when I was a 15 year old newspaper carrier in 1982. I know the Fairmont guy and Wilbur Millhouse, a Des Moines Register employee, were acquainted.
It appears that the Des Moines Police were very aggressive in going after local pedophiles after Eugene Martin was kidnapped in 1984. There were multiple home searches and arrests, and it was alleged that there were three “child sex abuse rings” targeting teen boys in the Des Moines area. The arrested men all denied being part of a ring, but nearly all either pleaded guilty or were convicted of sexually abusing teen boys.
Sam Soda’s investigation alleged 3 Des Moines Register employees:
1. Frank Sykora (Register adult carrier, pleaded guilty)
2. Unnamed, presumably Wilbur Millhouse (Register circulation manager, pleaded guilty)
3. Unknown
The Des Moines Police raided 3 homes in February of 1986:
1. Steve Crawford (school volunteer of the year, pleaded guilty)
2. Wilbur Millhouse (arrested 6 months later)
3. Robert Robbins (young man, apparently not charged, died of AIDS in 2001)
The Des Moines Police alleged a child sex ring centered around a local witches coven:
1. Davis Graham (school teacher, leader of the coven, pleaded guilty)
2. Jerry Wintz (income tax preparer, pleaded guilty)
3. Patrick Baird (insurance clerk, partially deaf, pleaded guilty)
4. Stephen Woodcock (school teacher, convicted)
5. Larry Hoffman (declared mentally incompetent)
Millhouse told me on several occasions that Johnny was kidnapped because, “He couldn’t keep his mouth shut.” I think the key to finding out what happened to Johnny is to find that person (maybe a cop, school teacher, childhood friend, Des Moines Register employee) who remembers what Johnny was saying back then and who he was accusing.
Also, I found in my research that the Des Moines Register rehired Wilbur Millhouse in 1978 (he previously worked for them in 1969 and 1970). That was 3 years AFTER Millhouse was convicted of sexually harassing a teen boy by telephone. Millhouse was sentenced to jail time, forced to undergo a psych evaluation at Broadlawns, and the Register still hired him to work with children. Hmmm…
YellowBag, have you thought about going on the Faded Out podcast to discuss your theories?
I have been in regular email contact with Sarah, the creator of the Faded Out podcast. I may do an interview in the future. Sarah, by the way, is doing an outstanding job of analyzing the different Johnny Gosch theories, organizing them into easy-to-follow narratives, separating truth from fiction, and presenting the stories in an interesting way. I had my doubts that a young lady in Connecticut could make any difference in a 36 year old Iowa cold case, but Sarah has proved me wrong. I hear that Sarah uncovered some new information, and I am looking forward to her next podcast tomorrow night.
Yellow Bag- Does the guy you remember that tried to kidnap you and that also you said knew Wilbur Millhouse, does the sketch of “Emilio” even resemble the guy you remember? How close is the sketch to the guy you remember?
The Emilio sketch does not resemble the man I saw in the Fairmont. The man I saw in the Fairmont was only around 25 years old and he was not Hispanic. He had black hair, brown eyes, and a well-trimmed mustache. He was medium build, had a very angry look in his eyes, and he spoke with a slight accent (not a foreign accent, maybe east coast). The thing that stood out the most to me was his bright blue and orange jacket. When I called the West Des Moines Police after Johnny’s kidnapping, I told them I believed it was a paramedic jacket. If the Emilio sketch looks like anyone, it was Millhouse himself. But then again, Sarah DiMeo with the Faded Out Podcast found an eyewitness who is telling her that Johnny did not walk to Ashworth Road on the day of his kidnapping. That makes the Emilio sketch dubious.
This is only tangentially related, but in 1967 Jerry Wintz was also put in the Boy Scouts list of ineligibles. He had a long history.
I saw a photo of Jerry Wintz but he does not look like the guy who approached me in the Ford Fairmont. The guy who approached me was not heavy, like Wintz. I have seen photos of Frank Sykora, but not his brother. It looks like the Sykoras lived in the 1600 block of E. Capitol. That is really close to where I was approached–around E. 23rd and Grand. I would sure like to see a photo of James (?) Sykora.
The man who approached me in February or March of 1982 seemed very alert, angry, and agitated for someone out and awake at 6 AM. It was also snowing very heavily at the time. After he asked me for directions, he told me I should sit in his car to get out of the snow. My thought was that the man was coming home from work, not going to work. He did not look like someone who just woke up in the morning. I guess it’s possible, too, that he was wound up because he was out hunting for a victim. I got nervous because he kept looking in his rearview mirror, like he was worried about someone seeing him talking to me.
I still think the blue and orange paramedic jacket and East Coast accent are the keys to the man’s identity. If I remember right, it was Labor Day of 1982 when I called the WDM Police after hearing they were looking for a suspect in a Ford Fairmont. What are the chances there were two men trying to abduct paperboys who just happened to drive the same model and color car?
I have not posted in a while, mostly because I have nothing to add. The only new think it that I was able to get into Millhouse’s house when it was for sale this spring. There was nothing in the crawl space from Millhouse’s day except some old paint cans. There was an old fireworks box in the attic. That is kind of interesting because I heard from a reliable source that Millhouse sold or gave away fireworks to try to get boys to come to his house so he could molest them. I still think the truth about what happened to Johnny Gosch will come out. The Fairmont man, if he is still alive, would only be in his 60s or 70s. Someone out there has the missing pieces of the puzzle.
I cou;d have answered the car and driver question years ago when we spoke but you were to busy attacking my creditabilty . FYI I moved here thinking people cared, but Iowa is just as mind controlled as California is.
Are you aware that “they” socially programed one million Iowan incuraging them to sing JG songs and then say all those JG expression that act to keep the programming current. Thier plan was to gain conscious particapating control of me then use that population as my loyal base to rise me to political power. It is a political satanic cult.
I have chosen the other path that will allow me to protect the children who are traumatized and curupted into willing participation in this cult because nobody else will.
Those of you who are in the perpitratjng class act like you care but when confronted with the truth you resort to the same old tactics. Now I’m really here and you have no way to deal with me and can only try and silence me in ways that keep others from lessening to me. Those people I ask to start thinking about how damaging your actions are to the children who you profess to be seeking.
What??
The name of the guy Who was driving the Ford Fairmont that tried to pick-up yellowbags.
The location the samples were taken from Said they came and removed carpet, parts of the wall and floor. Yes Les that’s right. Blood soaked through the carpet into the floor and I hope you rot in hell.
Coming up in less then 2 months it will be five years that my little brother Freddy has been away from our family… Freddy this is ur big sister Angela Marie Dowd I have recently changed my last name I wanted to update u just in case u want to reach out or if anyone has any information my new phone number is 6414525917 so if anyone has any information please let me know and Freddy if u do ever see this we miss and love u so much…
Sorry my number was entered wrong it’s 6414515917…
Dear family and friends of Freddy. You have my hope and faith that soon you can all be reunited. My name is Charlie and I know I’m a complete stranger but I felt the need to comment. I suffer from short term memory loss and PDSD from a coma I put myself in a couple years ago. Since then I found faith and strangely have random shocking events (that shock me) at least, so before I forget this event I wanted to share my my view. Been up all night due to insomnia and a random movie came on Hulu that I ended up watching that ended maybe 30 minutes ago and it intrigued me to look up missing people around my area. The movie is called Kidnap. It’s an extremely moving film that I encourage anyone to watch. After watching it and curiously looking up missing people around me, I scrolled over around maybe 30 missing people and decided to click on Freddy first. Once I began to read I noticed the date he went missing which strangely happened to be today. I got that random strange coincidence feeling I encounter from time to time and went wide eyed again. This could be a small coincidence to others but through my experiences since I woke up from my coma I find these random coincidences a bit more strong then others can see. I ask for you all not to ever give up hope on seeing your loved one Freddy again. Life is hell without hope. Before my mind separates and I forget this I wanted to give you my hope on a safe return of Freddy, and to say I’m here thinking of Freddy and praying for the best. If you’d like you should watch the movie. The strength and faith throughout the movie is something everyone needs. Stay positive. Sincerely,
Charles L, Pond.
Council Bluffs IA.
My Aunt and Uncle know his family and said how terrible it was for them. :(
Everyone thinks he was just swept off the face of the earth.
There has to be something we can do! Can we all call the Union Country Attorney and demand he release the information?? This story has bothered me since I first heard about it :( its obvious who started the fire and killed Ricky Jr.
Please join #justiceforRicky on FB
https://www.facebook.com/1074966057/posts/10214268336597056/
I tried to research her on Ancestry, to see if they any records of her marriages. I found a Family Tree entry for her, but no marriage records. I was hoping to find when her last husband died and when. It said he died in Minnesota one place. Someone thinks the husband died along with his son died in Missouri. It might explain why she disappeared. Also the family tree did not mention her children.
I have researched all of her marriage licenses the only one I ever came across was for Charles Jackson and as I was told she never actually married the guy in Minnesota but maybe I’m wrong but I did fine a person I was connected to the carnival with the same to scars on her face and they said that she passed away in a car accident but had several different names and she was leaving the carnival about the same time same height scene hair color a little bit heavier but the timeline didn’t match up
Another question can anybody give me any information on Charles Chuck Jackson I’m trying to find any of his siblings and his obituary date for family history
I talked to Amy tonight. All of Grandpa Chuck’s siblings have passed.His only living relatives are Kathy, Amy, Chuck jr., and of course all of us grandkids.
did your mother know my mother
Amy said Eileen’s last marriage took place in Sioux Falls South Dakata
Her daughter’s don’t know all of the info. I do know her last marriage was performed in Soiux Falls South Dakato. The reason she was reported disabled is because the family believes she had a nervous breakdown due to Alan’s death and a miscarriage shortly after.
Alan died in a accident in Minnesota. They were married in Sioux Falls South Dakota.
his name was tom demsris he died releasing the band on a trucload of logsthey werent set right on the load they rolled off on himhe was adding on to farmhouse due to big family they had
For Brian Schappert-I didn’t find a write up about him. Sept. 8, 1989. I do appreciate all
of the work you do for doing this. Thank you!
Laura, the write-up about Brian Schappert is located here: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/brian-schappert/
Eileen was a wonderful lady! She opened a branch of our dress boutique in Mediapolis. Main store was in Burlington. Bob didn’t want a divorce. Why is there no mention of her 2 year old daughter Mindy as a survivor. Bob didn’t want to give up his daughter. Bob has passed away now and with him – his secrets. As the story goes Bob Dill passed a polygraph test but I always wondered – his line of work and past history of physical abuse in other relationships. Only the Lord knows and those responsible for this terrible tragedy will be held accountable by a higher power.
She has two kids. I think her death put her family through unimaginable horror. Her ex was the last person to see her, he was an excavator or in that line of work. I researched her Sharon and saw that she opened a boutique. I think, argument, things got out of control and It was convienient for him to bury her at one of his work sites. The family doesn’t want to cause waves or upset those still alive. Breaks my heart
Tina has anyone ruled out the decedent 1982 in Richland Co. S.C.? It’s a longshot however this is what I research. Local LEA has been contacted.
NAMUS Has the unidentified decedent in Richland Co. South Carolina been excluded in this case?
NAMUS ME/C Case Number
82-0073
Demographics
Sex
Female
Race / Ethnicity
White / Caucasian
Possible First Name
—
Possible Middle Name
—
Possible Last Name
—
Possible Nickname
—
Estimated Age Group
Adult
Estimated Age Range (Years)
35-50
Estimated Year of Death
1982
Estimated PMI
—
Height
5′ 0″(60 inches) , Measured
Weight
134 lbs, Measured
Circumstances
Type
Unidentified Deceased
Date Found
February 15, 1982
NamUs Case Created
June 18, 2014
ME/C QA Reviewed
—
Location Found Map
Street Address
2414 Bull Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
County
Richland County
GPS Coordinates
—
Circumstances of Recovery
Jane Doe was a patient at SC State Hospital who was unable to provide her real name due to schizoprenia. She died as the result of an accidental fall on 02/15/1982 in the hospital. She was buried as ‘Jane Doe’ by the Richland County Coroner’s Office, following exhaustive efforts to determine her identity. Her skeletal remains were exhumed by a forensic anthropologist in 1996 from the county cemetery, as part of an effort to revisit efforts to determine her identity.
Details of Recovery
Inventory of Remains
All parts recovered
Condition of Remains
Recognizable face
Physical Description
Hair Color
Brown
Head Hair Description
—
Body Hair Description
—
Facial Hair Description
—
Left Eye Color
Blue
Right Eye Color
Blue
Eye Description
—
Has anyone excluded 1982 Richland Co. S.C. Jane Doe?
NAMUS Has the unidentified decedent in Richland Co. South Carolina been excluded in this case?
NAMUS ME/C Case Number
82-0073
Demographics
Sex
Female
Race / Ethnicity
White / Caucasian
Possible First Name
—
Possible Middle Name
—
Possible Last Name
—
Possible Nickname
—
Estimated Age Group
Adult
Estimated Age Range (Years)
35-50
Estimated Year of Death
1982
Estimated PMI
—
Height
5′ 0″(60 inches) , Measured
Weight
134 lbs, Measured
Circumstances
Type
Unidentified Deceased
Date Found
February 15, 1982
NamUs Case Created
June 18, 2014
ME/C QA Reviewed
—
Location Found Map
Street Address
2414 Bull Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
County
Richland County
GPS Coordinates
—
Circumstances of Recovery
Jane Doe was a patient at SC State Hospital who was unable to provide her real name due to schizoprenia. She died as the result of an accidental fall on 02/15/1982 in the hospital. She was buried as ‘Jane Doe’ by the Richland County Coroner’s Office, following exhaustive efforts to determine her identity. Her skeletal remains were exhumed by a forensic anthropologist in 1996 from the county cemetery, as part of an effort to revisit efforts to determine her identity.
Details of Recovery
Inventory of Remains
All parts recovered
Condition of Remains
Recognizable face
Physical Description
Hair Color
Brown
Head Hair Description
—
Body Hair Description
—
Facial Hair Description
—
Left Eye Color
Blue
Right Eye Color
Blue
Eye Description
—
I am Bob Dill’s daughter. I am amazed how Eileen’s family are so eager to trash my father even though he was proven innocent with a polygraph test. I guess they forgot about the time Eileen disappeared with her son Derek and was later found in Texas living in an apartment as if she did nothing wrong. Poor Stan went through hell finding her and getting his son back. Makes me believe she was the Jane Doe in the mental hospital in SC.
Also, not long after her disappearance, I seen her in person in Gulfport Illinois at a night club. I reported it and gave them a picture of her. There was an investigation and the bouncer at the club confirmed he seen her. There was a class reunion going on that night and she was with another man.
As you can tell, it has been years and I remember that day still. I could go on and on but prefer to let the Detectives do their job.
I have not seen a single thing written or otherwise by Audreys’ family saying anything negative about your dad. Polygraph tests are not solid proof, especially in the 70’s.
He was the last person to see her in Iowa. Trained authorities listed her as= involuntary missing for a reason.
Why would she go to another state for a reunion?
I do not believe she would just up and leave her two children.
I know it must be difficult to ever believe a loved one committed such a crime… but it does happen.
Didn’t she have a 2-year-old daughter Mindy? I was the owner of the dress boutique in Mediapolis where she lived. Eileen loved life and was looking forward to being divorced. Didn’t Bob kick his first wife while she was on the floor and broke her hip? That is the story she told us. I will never forget the day she went missing. Yes, everyone thought Bob was guilty – backhoe, she would have fit in an empty garbage can – soo soo sad!!!! No one leaves their purse, a birthday cake for her daughter and clothes in the washer… Just too many questions that will probably never be answered. Bob is gone – and with that his secrets.
Yes Sharon she had a daughter Mindy and a son, she would not have just left her family and children. It is well known he abused her and his first wife. The detective said the last person to see her was Bob and as we all know polygraphs might help but they do not prove a thing.
Pretty convenient he had a excavating company. She was tiny, would have been very easy to put her body anywhere. I do not believe she went to Illinois for some school reunion. Wish there was a better picture of her on her though.
I know he is gone, one thing helpful with that is I believe he had to answer to our maker. We just won’t get justification or closure here on earth.
Your father choked Eileen till she passed out. Whatever mistakes she made in the past doesn’t change what he did to her. Don’t ever bad mouth my sister again.
I was always told that during the time of her initial disappearance, Bob had poured a new cement slab and on it had built a garage at their home. I wondered why no one had ever had it dug up to check.
Is this her husband? http://www.kmaland.com/news/braddyville-man-arrested-on-multiple-charges/article_8617269c-ad0e-11e7-832f-03eedf59c90d.html
yes
I Donna L. (Monson) Booth married. Traveled to the funeral with our father & young brother, Darin.L. Monson. Denease was also in a Women’s Crisis Center 2 weeks before her death due to extensive injuries by Robin. Her funeral had to be closed casket due to the injuries new & old. Seeing the extensive abuse on her young body was crushing. Robin Latham is known to have been verbally & physically abusive on an ongoing basis, dating back to their life in Blackfoot, Idaho in the mid 1970’s. She returned to Idaho with her 3 young innocent boys in 1985, seeking relief from Robin’s abuse. Family & friends saw the lengths Robin went to abuse her. Her death was tramatic for everyone that knew her, dieing 2 weeks before her 25th birthday.
Please, if you have any information that could help solve this case, contact the Unsolved Case Department in Iowa.
Thank you, Denease’s Families & Friends.
Mrs. Booth, would you consider a telephone conversation sometime. I’ve been researching Denease’s case for the past five months and could really use some help and perspective about her. Thank you. You can reach me at the Oskaloosa Herald 641-672-2581 ext. 424. My hope and goal is to put her story out there that somebody might come forward or evidence comes to light. Thanks again. -Shelly, Herald staff writer
I find it frustrating that the now sheriff, is claiming that her death was accidental. Since, he was a senior person in the sheriff’s office, he should have referred the case to another agency. I hope the State of Iowa would take a look at it.
Craig’s mother most likely does not want to acknowedge that one of her sons had a hand in the death of his brother. He also may have been involved in the death of Kim, or knows what really happened.
Now they are stating case is closed just like my family’s cases both closed kims case was suspious then closed and my mom dad and 2 brothers died in fire christmas day this year and they say undetermined but wont even look at all evidence or speak to all siblings
First of all, I apologize – I realize I’m a little late in reading this.. I hope with all the time that’s passed, you have been able to obtain some answers and get the closure you deserve.. Someone else asked about the 2 guys that were there/and a part of Kim’s demise – did the Blue grass sheriff’s department speak to them?
Julie, I’m so very sorry for everything you’ve been through.. I don’t know if I mistook your family’s home catching on fire the wrong way, but it kind of seems like maybe it was a message from the authorities to hush?? God I hope not. Please let us know how you’re doing!! You’re very strong and courageous, don’t ever forget that!
I will never understand why investigators don’t speak to all family members before making decisions.
Julie Loose
I agree. I’m so sorry for the losses you and your sisters and brothers have endured. This sherriff sounds like an ass. I wish there was a good private investigator who would take your case for free.
I checked Ancestry and found a South Dakota marriage record for a Dwane Dreher (30), who married Lois Irene Genzler (18), on June 6, 1952.
However, a Family Tree posted on Ancestry, shows that Lois Irene Genzler was born on October 6, 1936. So that would make her like (16) years old.
That might explain him getting a marriage license in Mason City, Iowa to marry his now (18) year old wife Lois Dreher.
Also, the Family Tree entry shows that he may have lived in San Diego. California in 1953 or 1954. But there was no link to an official record to support it. A David Allen Dreher, supposedly was born there on December 1, 1953. He died on November 6, 1977, at the age of (23).
It makes me wonder.
Good job!
We are now approaching 35 years of an unsolved case. DNA technology and the evidence should be enough to try the monster. If Terri was white, he would have went to trial years ago. She should not be forgotten and this crime should not be forgiven. Take some action and give the family some peace. Native American women are murdered at TEN TIMES the National Average…35 years should be enough time to figure it out. Stating that it is still being treated as an open unsolved case is an insult to the Native community. If this was your daughter, or sister, or cousin; how would you feel about this time warp?
Frustrated with a Heavy Heart.
Tjay Gill is a GooD Guy and from what i Gather from him and a friend whos mom was actually dating the Guy that did this to my mother..
The scpd knows who did it and im for sure this guy did it to i want to expose this guy on facebook he has a account on there talking about where he lived and what kind of gun he had and that he use to frequent the place they found my mom and he lived within a 5 block radius of the place but i dont want to mess up any legalityz or anything..
what is the name of the accused??
Tom popp
Nate, Tom Popp has NOT been accused in your mother’s unsolved murder. This conversation is treading on dangerous waters. There are cases that have a considerable amount of circumstantial evidence, and as we’ve seen in the past, that’s often what it comes down to when a completely different person is charged and arrested. Coincidences are bound to exist in any case.
Jody @ Iowa Cold Cases
Well Hopefully EverythinG Vomes To LiGht Soon..
I respect your opinion Jody Thank You
Thank you for understanding, Nate. This case means more to me than you know not just because of Terri, but because it was one of the cases I covered for the Weekender series long before ever launching the Iowa Cold Cases website. This is why her case actually has an article title and the same reason the original content has not be edited.
I understand the frustration of a loved one’s case having been cold for so long, and 35 years is a long time to wait for answers, but I do stay in touch with SCPD and know this case is important to them.
Most interesting, I think, is the irony in Sunclades’ words about the true perp eventually screwing up and getting caught. In today’s world, the possibility exists that one of the perp’s close or extended relatives may unwittingly help solve the case by having submitted his/her own DNA through a genealogical organization like Ancestry.com or 23AndMe. DNA and genetic genealogy is now solving decades-old cold cases in record numbers across the US. Hopefully, it will catch up with your mom’s killer in the very near future. All my best to you, Nate.
Terri was my Aunt and her murder deserves to be solved.
whats up Family..
me n my son live down here in omaha now.
we went by uncle pats house.Condolences fam..
but nobody answered..
i would love for you to meet my son and i wanted to catch up with you guys..
Love yall..
5053624772
Unfortunately MPD is far too busy to reopen the case and investigate. Evidence has been lost so the story goes…. I for one have written letters to numerous agencies trying to get justice for Amber…. always the same answer it is out of hands…. The beat thing thing this family has is each other and knowing the fact there is no statue of limitations on MURDER!!!! He was tried for kidnapping and was found not guilty….. There is still a murder charge on the table and I hope for the sake of Amber’s family he will be blessed with the murder charge and found guilty….. how this POS sleeps at night is beyond me….
Sounds like you all were there and know exactly what happened that horrible night. What are the facts, as I myself do not know because I wasnt there or around. From what I can tell is that a perfectly innocent child was taken from her home, where she was left by her monther in the care of said Les Brockert? And from there I have no idea until a schoolmate of mine found a part of her. So can someone fill in the missing pieces? From being at home, to being scattered across Port Louisa.
#angelbaby
Any new updates on this case?
Also, he may have suffered from what we know s shop as PTSD. Also, did he ever seek medical treatment from the VA. Also do you have any of his military service records. There were several VA hospitals in the Chicago area at the time.
The other thought is that PTSD is a trigger for a psychological disorder called ‘Dissociative Fugue’, which causes a form of amnesia, where the person completely forgets their name and quite often flees a source of trauma, such as marital discord, a death in the family.
Quite often they will adopt a new name. There are recent cases of this and others dating back many years. A guy was missing for 23 years with this disorder in Australia. He was actually found a week before a hearing to dclare him deceased. He had remembered his name and applied for their version of Medicare. They found an entry in the records.
It would be interesting if he exhibited any signs of strange or odd behavior. Also, did anyone track down the woman mentioned in the marriage license application in November 1954.
I do have his military records. I also believe he has PTSD as he mentioned being fired upon by planes and subs.
It sounds like he was a part of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard, these men manned various guns installed on cargo ships during WW II. So they were extra protection against attack by U-boats and German aircraft especally on the runs to Murmansk, Russia.
I’m going to put forth my theory, crazy as it may sound. I think the father did it.
Look at it with forensic psychology. Of all the victims, the adult male’s face was completely demolished. This happens for two reasons – 1 – the killer is in a rage, or 2 – the killer is trying to obscure the identity of the body. The whole house speaks of cool calculation, not a crazy rage.
And there is this – how could so many people be killed quietly with so much violence? My answer is that they were drugged. Something slipped into a bedtime glass of milk, say?
Now the obvious question is where did the dead man come from? The same source where most of the suspects come from – the train, and the transients who walked through town. The father could have offered him a job, some charity like new clothes, or food. The father might have killed him in advance (since time of death determination was really crude at that time) or arranged for him to come to the house late at night. The man could have been poisoned in the kitchen (the uneaten meal) or with blunt force that was then obscured by the axe blows. The father dressed him in his clothes and finished the job.
For a few loose ends, the food and bacon left the impression of an outsider. So did the cigarettes, though those might have been smoked while the father waited for, you guessed it, the train. He slipped out into the dark and went to start a new life.
Makes sense. They could exhume and compare dna.
I’m not gonna lie, I just started doing deep research on this murder case and all of these replies and comments have me thinking! This case and all of the conspiracy theories are crazy!! I wish I could see the actual legal reports and the evidence so I could look at it! It would be super cool to have an actual answer to the biggest US crime case of “WHO DONE IT?”!
I agree very much with you Serena. I have also been looking into it and the world needs answers.
Cannot help but think this has a connection to the 1904 Ella Fox murder done with an axe…too much in common.
If someone was to do the research, think it would be discovered that many other cases exist….this is the kind of thing that CANNOT be a solo act…just has to be others….this kind of Psycho doesn’t stop at one or two….
What an interesting theory! I personally keep thinking it was the father too, or perhaps a teenage boy close to the family or part of the family.I get a sense of a secret and pain perhaps abuse and the need to cover it up or to end it.
What if the preacher witnessed it (just a thought), What if someone committed the act but someone with their own issues went in the house after?I also feel have this feeling the mother might of been a main target out of anger and hurt. Was the father having relations with Lena? So many thoughts.
The house is close to a train track you can hear it from the ghost hunting videos.
It also states there have been 2 dozen similar murders throughout the Midwest, did the father do these as well?
Arrest has been made:
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/arrest-made-in-1992-murder/
Why isnt Alex Micheal Bullerman’s case not on here ? Did they not even investigated more ?
Hailey, this is Carol Kean, filling in for Jody, who’s battling breast cancer. i’ll find out why the case isn’t posted here. “Gang related,” police say, but still no arrests or convictions. https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/2-people-injured-after-shooting-near-UNI–456810433.html
“Police say Alex Michael Bullerman died after a shooting in the 2300 block of Olive St. He is 18 and from Waterloo. Police found him in the backyard. One hour later they found Dylan Gehrke. He has been treated and released for a gunshot wound.” Apparently, Gehrke hasn’t been able to ID the shooters?
Hailey, I added a case summary page for Alex Bullerman on Nov. 5 about a week before the one-year anniversary of his death.
Thank you for remembering him! Jody at ICC
Wow, I used to live in that gray house showed in the video and pics referenced in the linked article when I was a student at UNI. That is literally one block from the NE corner and “The Hill” where the bars, etc. starts.
It’s very unfortunate. I certainly don’t recall any gang activity at the UNI campus – and I spent a lot of time on “The Hill’ back in the day.
Edit: “That is literally one block from the NE corner of the UNI campus and “The Hill” where the bars, etc. starts.
I FEEL BAD FOR THIS BABY AND FOR THE FAMILY BUT WHO WOULD EVEN DO THIS TO A 7 1/2 MOUTHS! OLD THEY MUST BE A PHYSIO
SUP YALL
Maybe Martha did it???
I wonder what the protocol was for showing the model home. I would like to think that you called and asked when you could visit, or did you just show up and walked in.
Also, was it normal for some from the realtor to be working in the model home. Was, there someone there every day, or just on Friday, leading into the weekend.
Was, the door locked or unlocked when someone from the realtor was working. Also, did she let the offender in. Was, there any fingerprints anywhere on the home.
Realtor is always spelled with a capital R. Martha has never been to Iowa. All the questions are valid, however model homes are consistently left unlocked if an agent is on the premise. All Realtors are real estate agents or brokers, however, not all real estate agents or brokers are Realtors. Realtors belong to the National Association of Realtors as well as the state and local associations, and has A Code of Conduct with very specific standards, just a bit more info you may not have in your repertoire. Martha is the author of the upcoming book, possibly completed in November, To Real Estate Agents and Brokers — Homicide and Other Subjects You Slept Through In Class. Be advised the number one cause of death of an agent on the job is homicide. Respectfully, Martha – a Realtor and licensed Broker in VA and NC.
Reading through the information, had I been Eric or Chris, I would have recommended meeting with the Investigator at the police department. What if Chris or Eric were the perpetrator? Anything is possible, and there has not been any other communication regarding this since February 10, 2018. Does anyone know if there has been an arrest? I am writing a book for Agents and Brokers – Homicide and other sujects you slept through in class. Homicide is the number one cause of death for agents on the job. Martha
https://fox42kptm.com/news/local/family-of-boy-killed-in-2001-fire-says-officials-are-not-doing-enough-to-solve-arson-case
Please add #justiceforRicky group on FB to follow the case and see documents that haven’t been released to the public.
ALSO IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION OR WANTS TO TALK NOW PLEASE GET A HOLD OF ME ON THIS PAGE ASAP, thank you.
My prayers to all the families. Let me say, I am not accusing anyone. My grandmother had a saying, if something isn’t where it’s supposed to be, check EVERYWHERE. Here goes…I hate to say it, but cases go cold because close evidence goes un checked. If you go back to the 1st anomaly, the boy allegedly did his route alone for the 1st time. Why didn’t his brother go? Did he really leave the house? New incidents of family hurting family, even accidentally was too harsh to be considered by police or the community back then. I am not throwing shade or saying I know the family or town. Just offering my opinion as a person who has seen the dark side of families through child welfare. The boy had a scar and a wrist break but no mention of his playing sports, (red flag #2). I think the towns folk should be questioned again, especially the school staff& neighbors. Someone knows more, but back then you didn’t speak on how a parent raised a child due to sovernty of a home and the religious beliefs not to judge. At this late date, someone has something to confess before meeting his or her maker. A polygraph test should be brought in.
I pray the property in & around the home is searched and clues to this poor boys body can be used to lay him to rest one way or another.
My gut feeling is that this one literally hits close to home. As for the witnesses to his talking to another male, in small towns, one day is the same as the next, so the witnesses my have gotten the dates mixed up or there may be a cover up. The description is too vague. As for the pedophile ring theory, plausible. If the father was ill at the time, then Eugene may have been coerced by the promise of money for doctors & medicine, in exchange for his “time”. There are all sorts of newspaper want ad’s written in code, offering cash for young men. Maybe an employee at the paper told Eugene to meet with someone who could “help” his family situation, but he had to go alone. Maybe the dad knew of the meeting and was against it, but gave in eventually, only to lose his boy. And he couldn’t come forward out of guilt or threats. And why on one poster it said eugene wore a crop top (“boy-toy” apparel for that day), but other reports say a sweatshirt? (Red flag #3), Then the manager finds the boy’s bag and finishes the delivery without ever going to the boy’s home or school to confront the kid? (red flag #4) either way. I say check the home& family, ask at the school. There is more to the story, at the beginnig.
There were found to be a few “Chesters” working for the Des Moines Register. One was incarcerated for sure and another was a known pedophile. There was a prostitution ring in Des Moines. The police and detectives knew it. Route managers knew the boys routes.
Nice analysis Cold case enthusiast. Same principle might apply to the Gosch kid as well. For years, block on 45th Street in West Des Moines where Johnny lived had a low chain link fence around the perimeters of the homes that are along Ashworth Road. Now, there is a 10-foot wooden privacy fences along the same property boundaries. As for the “Chester,” start with Frank Sykora and Wilbur Millhouse, both Des Moines Register circulation managers at the tome bot boys went missing. According to one former newspaper carrier, Millhouse said “Nothing would have happened to Johnny is he had kept his mouth shut.
According to some, all detective James Rowley would have had to do then or now was go talk to or polygraph or interrogate a member of his own then city council that happens to still live in the same town for the information. Seems pretty straight forward to me. Wonder why this never happened?
This fact that this case was never solved is insulting to the Martin family given the wealth of knowledge of the scrupulous characters that swarmed around at the time. This case and Gosch stink to high heaven of blackmail.
I agree with what you wrote. I would also add the complicity of non LE.
We were in elementary school when Eugene broke his wrist! I was with him when it happened!!! He fell off of the backside of the viaduct beside Willard school! I am the one who ran back to school and got help! And as for the scar on his knee… really? Most kids have scars on their knees… that in no way points to being abused at home!!! If he was abused at home there would have been a lot more than 1 scar!!!
He was my friend and a cousin to one of my childhood friends, he was a very kind, loving and compassionate boy from a very loving family!!!
I agree kids were in no way the way they are now outta control n disrespectful hell to have a paper route back then was just the beginning of learning to be a responsible young man
Eugene went to Willard but lived on the southwest side of Des Moines?
The article states Eugene enjoyed football and skating. He could certainly injure himself doing either one of those things.
I’ve been hurt playing football. My sister broke her wrist skating. Your “red flag #2” isn’t plausible
Anyone can have a mean bone in their body. I just hope questions are answered and this baby can finally get the peace he deserves.
Brandy please go watch the story on FOX42. That’s all I ask of you.
https://fox42kptm.com/news/local/family-of-boy-killed-in-2001-fire-says-officials-are-not-doing-enough-to-solve-arson-case
A few people have said on here, oh she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, she could never do this ect ect ect. The fact is, YOU NEVER KNOW. Yes, she has been founded for Child Neglect. The paperwork from DHS does not lie…especially after multiple times. This was before Ricky died. Who’s to say that after it happened, she didn’t have a coming to Jesus moment, change her life around, become this great person you all claim that she is? Probably got her self saved and thought she was good to go…does not change the facts! It was deemed arson by official investigators. The child had an accelerate doused on him before being set on fire. People are saying let it go let him rest in peace, let the family get on with their lives ect…That can never happen till the truth has been known! Do you think Madiline McCanns parents have stopped wondering and looking? Natalie Hollaway? There are too many what ifs to let it just go. And if you are any type of parent at all if it was your child you would want to know too.
Robin, I applaud you.
Thank you!
I think the whole thing was a cover up. The mothers relative was part of the neighbouring country attorney team. I knew one of the fire fighters that was there when they discovered little Rickys body. I happen to be Ricky Neal Morehouse III ‘s great uncle. The cold case crew for this incident should have the dacking or authority to get the files needed, released to open this case back up. Murder holds no statute of limitations. The case needs to be open and people brought to justice for this obvious hellatious crime. Just get it done please.
A family member of the father im bitter about how this has never been solved and justice served. County attourney was her uncle which is a conflict of interest on all accounts. Everytime .Visits made and reports of spoiled milk forks on floor or unsafe environment by DHS he wrote them off. so dont you think he is going to protect her in this? someone needs to take his files and stand up for Ricky please! Thanks Robin M and justice
I never heard about this case. Another Tech High grad was murdered in October 1983. His name is Jeffrey Deaver. That murder is an unsolved case as well. The weird fact is that Pennye was murdered one month before Jeff was killed on Jeff’s birthday.
Do the know what accelerate that was used?
This would be a question for Rachel… not being sarcastic, I’m serious.
Lighter fluid
Robin for one I was raised with that family, yes I I haven’t been around for yrs, but I do keep in contact with them. Also you can’t say that Rachel is my friend when you have no clue, I talk to Rachel, she was at a funeral the same as I. Do I have hard feelings for her, No, I guess I feel the entire story not just one side or what I’ve heard from this person or that person. My brothers beat beat f was shot point blank in the head, murdered, his fiance was also shot and survived, yesterday marked the anniversary of nothing being solved, my cousin was hit by a rock truck, he took his own life because of the brain damage he endured from that, do I hate anyone involved no, but I can stop to feel both sides. As I said before I didn’t say she did/didn’t do it, but it’s not meant to be online bashing people because in the end what will you get from it, it’s gonna make more hurt feelings, and you still have a baby that’s gone.
You don’t keep in touch with Rick, I assure you of that. If you are keep track of him as well, it’s through a third party. So no, you don’t know Rick.
You’re right, I don’t know your relationship to Rachel as you defend her so much I assumed you were friends.
What do I get from this? I get justice for Ricky. Nothing more, nothing less.
No not everyone knows the history as you, Rachel, Rick, and Reggy do. I just don’t agree that being online dive bombing everyones comment is gonna help anyone in the end, as you can not use any of the things you have exposed in a court setting now.
You’re right, not everyone knows the history like we do. We are trying to get it out there though and we will use every avenue available to us.
I reply to people because I want people to see the truth, as does Rick. I’m just more active on the internet than him and I have his full blessing. Ricky deserves justice. This is all for him. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. Everything can still be used against Rachel since there is no statute of limitations on murder.
I know as her friend and a mother yourself, it’s hard to imagine this happened. It was for us at first too. Obviously, you’re not going to change your mind today, but maybe someday when it all comes out. That will be soon. Just keep an open mind when you hear or see things about your friend that you probably don’t want to.
I don’t know you, so I have no hard feelings against you. What you are doing is what you think is right. I totally get it. Like I said, this is all for Ricky. I will never give up until justice is served.
I’m not here to say yes or no, but I do know alot of people whos hearts have hurt because of all this. I as a mother couldn’t imagine to purposely murder your own child, but as I have found mine almost dead from suicide.
Because I know she’s switched nursing jobs around this time. That would be why. So no my comment wasn’t foolish.
No she didn’t; she transferred from the Atlantic Care center to the Lenox one. At that time it was the same company that owned both. I do not know if it is still though.
If she’s so guilty and have all these signs of her doing it, then why in the hell isn’t she paying for it, that’s right she pays for it every day just like you and Rick do, and his grandparents. I can’t imagine what it feels like to lose a child, but again there’s another child involved, the last time I seen Rachel in February, obviously Reggy still communicates with his mother and has that right, again I truly believe Reggy is the one who’s suffered the most out of this entire thing. It will never bring Ricky back, nobody will truly know what happened that day except the baby that’s in heaven.
That’s a perfect question to ask to Tim Kenyon. So go ask him. Make him explain why he failed at his job in representing Union County. I believe that has already been explained too though. It seems you only read what you want to.
I actually agree with you that Reggy has suffered more than anyone in this. I have never said he doesn’t communicate with her. I have even stated they had a good relationship up until fairly recently, when she tried to pawn her bills off on him.
We all know what happened. Some people just don’t want to admit it. Rachel herself places only her, Ricky and Reggy at the scene. The Fire Marshall also has determined the fire was arson. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out.
Pretty soon, and I mean very soon, people are going to see the truth. It has been years in the making, but it is going to come out. Rachel knows this as well. I wish I could tell you everything, but you’ll see soon enough for yourself.
It’s been five years since this comment was made. Are their any updates to this case? Has Rachel been charged?
Hello,
Unfortunately, even though the death certificate was updated to the correct and factual cause of death… Union County will not proceed without new evidence. There are people out there … even a few at the scene of the crime, that police have not spoken to. They do not want to come forward and speak with law enforcement, due to the corruption and possible backlash from certain individuals.
And the mother…..
Robin I’m well aware of what was said in other statements, and I myself know how the process goes when hired or already working at a place. Thank you though for attempting to point that out.
Then your comment was foolish to make if you know.
I have searched everywhere and can not find the address this took place at. I am curious at to the apt bldg supposedly straddling county lines or city/county lines. Could anyone provide an actual address so I can study the Creston map online?
It has been a lot of years ago and my memory of exactly where this woman lived is very fuzzy in my mind. I can’t give you an exact address, but I believe she lived in a small apartment bldg on Townline Road.
This street runs east/west at the north edge of Creston and at that time would have been the north city limits.
Highway 25 runs north from US Highway 34 toward the west side of Creston, then makes a 90 degree turn to the west. This is Townline Road. The apt would have been a few blocks to the east.
I hope someone can give you an exact address but hopefully this will help give you a general idea of where she lived.
I did not know her but did know Sheriff Loy and also knew Marion Manley who was on the Police dept. Manley was from my home town 32 miles east of Creston (Osceola, Iowa)
I knew both men personally. Totally trusted Manley. I had no idea of Loy’s affair and was very shocked when this came to light. He did not seem the sort to be anything but upstanding & honest.
I am sickened by the fact that this woman’s death was called an accident and so much was done to cover up the affairs.
She may well have died as the result of an accident, but the truth should have been told then. The cover-up was obviously, at the very least for the face saving of the County Attorney & the Sheriff.
Tracy Lee
Contact me on Facebook
The investigation was a complete joke. They didn’t do shit to solve this!
Interesting…What makes you say this if I may ask?
That fucking killer still walks the streets and more people than me know it. I’m not going to write a book on here but the investigation was shit. That young man deserved better
He and the entire family and friends deserved better. This totally should have been solved and have to believe the investigation was totally botched.
Without naming names, do you feel comfortable indicating the motive?
I just can’t believe this wasn’t solved. Maybe starting at the motive can shake things up with the investigation?
In 1985 I was 17. I was at a police station in northern California when I saw the police sketch of an unknown Jane doe who was Bambi. It is something I always remembered. I prayed she would be identified. Rest in peace.
There’s been an arrest made in James Remakel’s murder in Bellvue:
The police should probably look into Ronald Dilley and his father Cliff (who died shortly after Greg’s disappearance). Anonymous reports have been made regarding these two including reports that RJ told people about this crime. Considering Cliff served time for attempted murder and RJ is currently serving time for murder, the police maybe should’ve took those tips seriously.
Casey, I really hope you get the chance to read this. It sickens me to no end, how an “entire family” like yours, would go as far as “making/reporting a false alibi” to protect one of their own, for a crime the “entire family” knows damn good and well what your mother committed. Everyone knows that she didn’t act alone. Lie for her, try and play all innocent that she couldn’t have done such a thing. For Denial is a Sin that WILL NOT go unpunished. You and your “entire family” are all crazy and crooked. Know this, Terri will meet with her Maker, for what she’s done. Just because she got away with murder for 31 years, and was found not guilty, and walks free, makes me happy knowing that Judgment Day for her can’t come soon enough, and I guarantee she will ROT in Hell! Along with her accomplice(s)!!!
DNA has been around since 1992.
Why did it take 40 years to do the DNA test?
It’s not all lies. They need to be checking with the schools to see what info they have about these kids welfare. They will find it’s all TRUE.
the kids are doing real good and are happy
Jim you are full of shit and you have not known them that long so guit lying OR SHOULD I CALL YOU
LESS
My ex wife and i use to pick up Kim in malmore she told us how afraid of les she was. Les Kennedy is An evil man I believe him and his creepy son killed Kim. Les was pointing the finger at everybody. I believe he did that to keep attention off himself. I believe Kim’s mom knows Les did this and she is protecting Les just like she did when Les was molesting the kids. I hope Les rots in hell.
LIES! I’ve seen the reports Les. I don’t know how long the paper trail has to be to get those kids out of there but I hope it’s soon. They will never talk because they are terrified of you but something don’t need words. Your day is coming Les. It’s coming.
I know the Kennedy family for 27 years and what there saying about them is bull shit
I truly believe this is Les. The grammar and punctuation are deplorable. He is defending a man and woman ( Les and Joyce ) who have already killed one child and are now being charged with abusing a second generation of children. As for the screen name, he pours salt on the wound by misspelling their last name and using a common moniker for the now deceased Jacque as a first name. This man has terrorized a family for two generations, his wife is no better for allowing this to happen to her children and now her grandchildren while disguising herself as a godly woman.
I have read nearly all of the cold case files on here and this one haunts me. It defies belief. People do not vanish in one or two feed of water. Were scent dogs ever brought in? I only ask because going by the everything mentioned only a predatory animal could have snatched the poor boy that fast and taken off with him without anyone seeing or hearing it. Perhaps a mountain lion if it got his throat on its initial attack. Otherwise the screams would alert attention. I do hope my suspicions and/or comments do not offend anyone.
https://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-rail-cop-honored-years-after-unknown-transient-killed/article_9c32f140-bd8b-534e-ab12-3df92671b345.html
Fascinating story. It’s so nice that he was honored in this way.
Can any of the critics of the police identify the county attorney, and all the assistants, on the street? Can the critics identify the district judges on the street? But the police drive around in marked cars, and in uniform, easily identified, so they are the target of all the blame. Here is an idea for the critics. Apply for a job as an officer, and see how the other half lives. And when you kiss your spouse and kids goodbye for work, you will be wearing a gun, and it could be your last goodbye. Or, next time you are assaulted, or are the victim of some crime, don’ t call the
police. Call the ACLU, and tell them to work the case, or intervene in the bar fight!
F. Lee Bailey when asked if O.J. was guilty, said ” It matters not whether he is innocent or guilty, all that matters is what the State can prove in court.” Rumor, innuendo, here say, and speculation are laughed out of court. FACTS are what are needed to convince
A jury to convict, or not. So before people blame the police for everything, they should really stop and consider how our system works. A lot of times people who hate the police have their own history with the police, and have a record. And by the way, stop trying to get out of jury duty.
You need to keep your opinions about rape and assault in your fucking brain or someone is gonna teach you a lesson
Yellow Bag- You mentioned this character with the Ford Fairmont you thought he was wearing a blue and orange “paramedic” type jacket or maybe it was possibly a vest. Reflective high contrast safety vests or jackets are worn by folks in all kinds of professions. Baggage handlers at the airport, bus drivers, highway workers, railway workers etc. Tow truck drivers, long haul truckers and repo guys too.
I suppose it’s possible. It was snowing like crazy that morning, so he could have had any job that required a reflective jacket. Since I saw the man later with Wilbur Millhouse, a DM Register circulation manager, I wonder now if any Register employees had jobs that required the wearing of blue and orange reflective vests. One other thing that puzzles me: the man had dark hair, brown eyes, a mustache, and an average build, just like the “Emilio” sketch associated with the article above, however, the man who tried to get me into his Ford Fairmont was only 25 to 30 years old. I don’t remember thinking the man was Hispanic, just a Caucasian guy with dark hair and a very angry countenance. I distinctly recall that the man had an accent–not a foreign accent, but I got the impression he was not originally from Iowa (maybe New York, New Jersey, Boston, or somewhere else on the East Coast). He stopped and watched me for a while, then rolled down his window and motioned for me to come to his car. He asked me for directions to Ankeny, but then insisted I get into his car so I could get warm and he could help me finish my paper route. Six months later, when I heard Johnny was kidnapped by a guy in a Ford Fairmont, I had no doubt it was the same man.
Yellow Bag, did you see the comment from a girl named Sarah that does a podcast about the Johnny Gosch case? I’d be interested in hearing your story further and answering a few questions if you were to do an interview with Sarah. Just wanted to mention it again to be sure her comment didn’t get buried.
I’ve started listening to her podcast and it is really good. She is thorough in her research.
I am a daughter of sandy… is there any addtional information on this case. how do i go about getting information on my mothers case?
Tammy if you ever see this please contact me. Email is thompaap47@gmail.com.
I would really, really like to know who “MT” is in this article. If anyone knows, please respond.
We bought a foreclosure a year ago in Keota, knew nothing about the town, etc. and had a stalker within the first couple months of living here. Having never lived in such a small community, I innocently posted an ad in the local library with a photo of my child and I (from behind) walking in an apple orchard, name, and contact information seeking childcare. Within a week we had some sicko pervert pedophile contacting me via a blocked number, saying disgusting things about what he was going to do to me when he “catches me” and that he watches my child play in our back yard. I reported it to the local police, they subpoenaed the harassers number via my cell company but they refuse to give it to me! All he tells me is he “isn’t local” which actually makes me think he IS local and is being protected.
After reading this article, I am definitely not surprised and it makes me even more uncomfortable living in this town :( I do not even go outdoors alone at night because we do not know who this person is. Nor do we really know many people, in general.
For a town recognized as “the most extroverted town in the US” via Wikipedia, it couldn’t be farther from the truth.
KJ,
So sorry to hear about your experience in my beloved town.
I would suspect that you’ve experienced some crappy luck.
We are very friendly.
We’ve had things happen but from my observation, every town does.
The town is presently investigating building a day care. Might suggest you go to a council meeting and inquire about volunteering for the committee.
Also, look up the Facebook group, Moms United in SE Iowa. Its geared towards moms networking and is run by a great local gal.
I’ve actually been discouraged from attending a school board meeting when I inquired about the dates.
Maybe I am “making too many waves” here? I tried to start a girl scout troupe, to no avail. I am unnaturally outspoken here, which is strange b/c I am an introvert but I just feel like more should be done that isn’t being done.That being said, I don’t know much about living in small town, rural Iowa.
I know there are some really good people here (our neighbor is like family, sweetest person I’ve ever met reminds me of my grandmother) but everyone here is related so it’s hard to acclimate to the environment. I’ve never lived in such a small community. I was hoping it would be more like I had envisioned small towns to be.
Please don’t be offended. I am ignorant in regard to rural Iowa.I guess just imagined outgoing, friendly neighbors, and block parties like I experienced in AZ.
And we acquired a stalker within the first few months of living here. That doesn’t exactly make me feel comfortable here.
I was told this pervert in the article referred to as “MT” is now deceased so he cannot be our stalker, which is more unsettling b/c it’s hard not knowing who this person is. There is something so terrifying about someone calling you, by name, and telling you that they watch your child play and basically want to brutally rape you. I clearly never should have put up that sign in the library. Whether he was just doing it to scare me or not, somebody doesn’t want us here.
Thanks for the info on a “moms group” I will have to check it out.
School board meetings are generally open to the public. Minutes and agenda are posted in The Keota Eagle.
Might want to get associated with one of the local churches.
Report this stalker to Doug Conrad.
Volunteer in her child’s classroom. I know it’s the end of the year but you might be able to still get in.
It must be very difficult to move to a small community when you’re not from the area.
Go ahead a message the administrator for the Moms from SE Iowa. I know that she would be delighted to hear from you.
I understand it’s open to the public but I was discouraged from coming.
And I did report the stalker to the local police officer to no avail.
It’s fine. I am pretty sure we are selling and moving out of area.
I’ve seen enough.
I’m sorry that you’re leaving.
Keota is a really nice town.
Sounds like you might have gotten off on the wrong foot.
Good luck.
Yeah well, I don’t think I am the problem but thanks for reiterating why I am leaving :)
You were wise to move out of Keota. That gal that was acting like it was your fault…was a few years younger than me in school. She married into a family with a big farm and money. She’s in la la land. Be glad your daughter was in school in Kalona! No, I’m sure they don’t have block parties there. People sit in their garages and drink beer. They wear Hawkeye gear like no tomorrow, but most of them never left town to go to college.It is sad that no one looked for Aaron. If he had the right name, they would all be looking. I wouldn’t move to Keota if you gave me a free house and paid me. Hope you are happier now that you’ve moved on.
KJ, I doubt you will look at this, since it has been a month since you posted. I actually agree 100% about this town. It is probably “beloved” if you have the right name in town. A friend of mine moved here and her daughter was assaulted (high schooler). It was he said/she said and the he was from a well connected family in town, Well, you can imagine how that ended. They ended up moving after 3 years. It was so hush hush, that probably no one knows that this happened. You won’t find block parties in Keota.
Keota is not friendly and very unwelcoming. I’ve been here 8 years. My kids spent all of 2 weeks in this school and was moved back to Washington schools as my daughter was tormented and called nasty names and one certain kid had all the boys calling her the nasty names in the halls and then she had enough and punched him square in his nose in the middle of class after throwing pencils at her. I FINALLY got a call from the school after that incident. As far as the town cop investigating. It’s who you know and who you blow for him. We had brand-new tires stolen out of our yard, along with my husband’s child hood redline bicycle frame and a few other things. No report was made as police officer Conrad never came to file a report. But let my dog get off the chain and they do everything they can to deem her dangerous and fine us and take us to court to get rid of her. Sad that this man Did not get the attention he deserved and needed to be located back then because of who he was and where he lived. This town is unpleasant and If we didn’t own our house outright with no mortgage I would have packed up and left week 2 of living here!
#aaronpate
I never knew my uncle Amos but Elmer was my father. So hope and pray this cold case
gets solved.
May I inquire please how you did not know Amos Jellison yet Elmer Jellison is your father? Thank you kindly.
Me and my older sister, Lois, were children of Elmer Roy Jellison.
My mother considered her in a common-law marriage with Elmer.
My mother’s name was Mary Ernestine Larkey but know at the time as Mary (Marie) Leidigh. Elmer never accepted us as his to
keep face with Ethyl, his second wife.
Thanks for the info Yellow Bag. Maybe Sykora took over while Millhouse recovered from the heart attack. The key to the case is motive and you have presented a compelling motive for Johnny’s disappearance and most likely murder. However, that begs the question, why was Martin killed? Did he or was he about to expose some of the same illicit behavior Johnny mentioned. Johnny had to talk about what he knew to at least one of his parents, or maybe law enforcement.
Noreen book has an interesting story at the start talking about the events leading up to the disappearance. She discusses how Johnny left his seat at a Friday night Valley High School football game two times, and both times, Leonard Gosch found Johnny talking to a West Des Moines cop under the bleachers.
There are so many things that make no sense on this case. I could go on for hours. One of the strangest is Johnny’s step siblings have never been interviewed by the media and frankly, I have no idea where they live. According to Noreen, both step-siblings were present at what she refers to as “The Last Supper.
The fact that both boys went along to deliver newspapers for the first time the3 day they disappeared speaks volumes about what happened.
Unfortunately, I do not have any first-hand information on the Martin kidnapping. In the summer of 1983, I started to get creeped out by Millhouse calling me every night trying to talk me into coming to his home. When I refused, I heard an anger and an evil in his voice I had never heard before. Also, as I posted before, three teens boys who were visiting a girl across the street saw Millhouse dropping me off at my house after buying me beer. The boys lived in West Des Moines and had delivered newspapers there. When Millhouse was gone, the boys warned me that Millhouse was a “faggot” and that I ought to stay away from him. I stopped answering my teen line phone, and I told my mother to tell Millhouse I was not home every time Millhouse called our home phone. Around that time, I also had a vivid nightmare that Millhouse tried to drag me into his car. I took that as a warning from God or my subconscious that I ought to stay away from Millhouse.
I did not know this until recently, but I spoke with my mother about Millhouse, and she actually remembers him showing up at our house one night when I was not home, shedding crocodile tears because I quit talking to him. Around that time, Millhouse had his heart attack. I turned 16 and had a car, so that fall I was able to find a better job and leave the DM Register.
Last night, I was able to confirm through online research that Millhouse died in 2015. He is buried in the Leavenworth National Cemetery with a military headstone that mentions his Vietnam service. In some ways, I am disappointed Millhouse is dead. I had hoped an investigator would get a chance to question Millhouse about what happened to the missing paperboys. It also steams me that Millhouse was buried with military honors. I am a combat vet myself. I don’t care if Millhouse killed 100 enemy soldiers of saved his Army platoon. After the war, Millhouse was a convicted pedophile and admitted accessory to a kidnapping at best, and possibly a serial killer at worst. That ought to negate any military service he had. His body should have been disposed of in a trash dumpster!
My best guess is that Millhouse was the “brains” of the Register’s pedophile ring, and the Ford Fairmont guy the “muscle.” There were several other Register employees who hung around with Millhouse. One in particular I will just call Slimy Dufus Guy (I cannot remember his name). Since Johnny’s kidnapping happened 35 years ago, Fairmont guy should only be around 60, and Slimy Dufus Guy 55 years old. There must be multiple people out there who know exactly who Millhouse hung out with and what happened to Johnny and Eugene. Hopefully, one of them will read these posts and speak up.
Hey Yellow Bag,
Thank you for your insight. I hope one or more people speak out after reading the posts left here.
Here’s my email address:
dedicatedwriter69@gmail.com.
You have written about Millhouse and Sykora. Lou Cooke took Johnny for an airplane ride over the Des Moines area as the reward for winning a sales contest. Did you ever deal with Cooke or Charles Edwards Jr., who was the Circulation Director at the Register during the time when Johnny disappeared?
Don Potochny and Yellow Bag, I don’t know if you saw my comment but I do a podcast called Faded Out, in which I’m following the Johnny Gosch case with the goal in mind to solve it. This is genuinely fascinating information that you’ve both brought forward. I’d really like to talk to each of you. My e-mail is fadedoutpodcast@gmail.com. Don, I see you put down your e-mail address, so I hope it’s okay if I send you a note this week.
Hello Sarah. I apologize for not responding to your message from May 3.. My tunnel vision made me miss your comment. I will check out your podcast for sure and feel free to email me at your convenience.
Hopefully Yellow Bag will get in touch with you because he is the one who has made all of the contributions shedding new light (at least for me) on the case.
I typically enter the Johnny rabbit hole at night, but not every night. If I do not respond to an email promptly, it is most likely because of my workload as a freelancer.
Take care.
Hello Yellow Bag.
I have been independently researching the JG case for awhile now. I live in central Iowa, and have previously lived in Southside Des Moines. I would love the opportunity to talk with you about your knowledge on the case. If you are interested in speaking, please reach out to me. ouimetbridgettel@gmail.com
Thank you!
Don Potochny, you say: “Noreen book has an interesting story at the start talking about the events leading up to the disappearance. She discusses how Johnny left his seat at a Friday night Valley High School football game two times, and both times, Leonard Gosch found Johnny talking to a West Des Moines cop under the bleachers.”
Do you know of Leonard Gosch has ever backed this up?
Listen to Faded Out. He doesn’t believe most of what Noreen said. Someone at the paper probably took Johnny.
Hello Yellow Bag.
Millhouse was about as tall as Johnny, but weighed around 10 pounds less than Johnny.
I remember driving back to Des Moines from St. Louis several times and there was no development around Four Mile Creek. You are correct the perp had little time, but he did have 45 minutes before sunrise. On September 5, 1982, the sun rose of course, but thick clouds darkened the sun’s entrance into the day.
I’m thinking more along the lines of a remote area back then that no one would walk through, such as what is now Four Mile Creek Park near Easton Boulevard or Strasser Woods State Preserve. The Bottoms works as well, since it is near the Des Moines River.
The fact that both Johnny and Eugene Martin did not leave any evidence of a struggle tells me both boys got into a car driven by someone they knew.
I have read about the Morris murder and read Millhouse’s Register quote.
Hey Don,
The reason I suspect the Bottoms is that Millhouse tried to get me to drive out there at night and meet him behind his house. I see, now, that there are some houses behind his house, but that may not have been the case back in the early 80’s. There has been a little bit of development in that area. I may drive out there sometime and take a look.
One other thing that puzzles me is why Johnny and Eugene were both kidnapped on Sunday mornings. The Sunday morning newspaper routes were completely separate from the Register weekday routes. When I started delivering newspapers, the Des Moines Tribune came out in the afternoon, so there were actually 3 separate newspaper routes in each neighborhood: the Tribune, the weekday Register, and the Sunday Register. One carrier could take all 3 routes if he were ambitious, or it could have been 3 different carriers.
I can only speculate, but the Sunday newspapers were very heavy. It was impossible to carry a full route of Sunday newspapers in our yellow bags. Unlike the weekday newspapers, the Sunday papers were dropped off in front of the carriers’ houses. We had to take them indoors and actually assemble the newspapers. Since the Sunday newspapers were so heavy, it was best to “stage” them along the route, then go back and deliver them. If the kidnappers were Register employees, which is what I believe, then they may have offered the carriers rides to help stage bundles of newspapers along the routes. During weekday routes there would be no reason to offer or accept a ride.
Also, I wouldn’t rule out Marc Allen’s abduction just because he was not a newspaper carrier. Millhouse had a heart attack in 1983 and stopped working for the Register at that time. When Millhouse was arrested in 1986, he apparently was using some kind of telephone “chat line” to meet teenage boys. Losing his job with the Register changed Millhouse’s approach to his sexual crimes.
I took the time this morning to read Eugene’s page on this website. The detective in the case questioned why no newspaper carriers were kidnapped between Johnny (1982) and Eugene (1984). Remember, Millhouse almost died from a heart attack in 1983. It took him a year to get back on his feet. Another pretty startling coincidence.
I know Handlon did this. He was my cellmate in Sheridan, and used to talk about Delaney quite a bit.
Where is the money?
Please email me with more information. Delaney is my uncle.
Saracasper1@gmail.com
hope whoever is responsible will be held accountable for their actions :(
I was born in Sioux City and lived the horror of the Davis and Bremers murders. I was attending Irving School at the time. We lived 3-4 blocks from Irving. My father had the most direct route from school to home figured out , and if I deviated from the route, he was out looking for me. Things were never the same after these two events.
Please one more thing continue to watch over your boys in the rest of the family Darius 💰💰 please one more thing continue to watch over your boys in the rest of the family Darius 💰💰💰 could be deployed with the year maybe eight months just please keep your hands over them as they take on these journeys of life Love you forever and always rest in peace David love you to the moon And Beyond
Well David it’s April 2018 I miss you more and more every day and I know you would be proud of your boys Greedy is getting yourself out of trouble and Darius 💰 Will David it’s April 2018 I miss you more and more every day and I know you would be proud of your boys Greedy is getting yourself out of trouble and Darius 💰💰💰 well you know he was the go-getter he’s a junior in college and deciding to maybe transfer to the army out of the Marines he wants to go on for more years of college to graduate with his masters and David wants to get out and he’ll take care of his mom these kids remind me so much of you day in and day out so many memories and so many of your traits come through them I miss you more than life itself I just want you to know how much we miss you and we will be to see you and there’s never a day that goes by that I don’t think about you I drop a tear at least once a week You are my knight in shining armor and nobody is ever set up to be half the man that you were to me I love and miss you dearly
My mom lived a couple houses down from his family on 27th and E.Grand
There was a group of pedos working at Register at the time Gosch and Martin were abducted. There were also several subsequent abduction attempts after 1984, as meticulously researched by someone who started a Reddit thread.
More than on online poster has called out Millhouse and Frank Sykora, the latter whom was fired from the Register in late 1984 for having molested at least seven Register paper boys.
For a few years, Noreen was all over the Register connection. She even implored parents not to deliver for the kids to deliver for the Des Moines Register.
Yes, Johnny and Eugene were victims of a pedophile ring, but the ring operated in Des Moines, not Omaha.
Is it just me or is it odd that the manager found Eugene’s papers outside of des moines, and finished his route? How the heck did he know where to find them?
Sorry about the late reply, Cw. What’s just as strange is Johnny Gosch’s father finished his son’s paper route after finding the abandon wagon.
That said, the trail for finding who took Johnny and Eugene goes through Des Moines, not Omaha. Des Moines Register Circulation Manager, Frank Sykora, went to prison for molesting 7 Register paperboys. We was outed by Noreen’s private investigator, Sam Soda.
Omaha involved high profile politicians and business leaders. In Des Moines, it was Register Circulation Managers. According to one former Register paperboy, Circulation Manager Wilbur Millhouse told people “Johnny wouldn’t have disappeared if he had kept his mouth shut..”
Johnny either told his parent or law enforcement, or both, because shortly after the Register transfered Millhouse to a much less lucrative route on the east side of Des Moines and with his job hanging in the balance, Johnny disappeared.
Not odd at all, he kneow the route, he started where the first complainant said they never got their paper and worked backwards, finding the papers abandoned he probably figured the kid abandoned his job and just quit.
“There was a group of pedos working at Register at the time Gosch and Martin were abducted. ”
And at the local churches, and at the supermarket, library, nearby businesses, schools, daycare centers, retirement homes etc., in short- pedophiles are EVERYWHERE not just working in a newspaper!
I think it is possible John Norman Collins killed her. It is similar to his killings. Could he have passed through Iowa in Jan of 68?
It’s been a while since I read the book, but that’s exactly what I was thinking, StephieG.
I really don’t know why but I’ve always remembered this case. I didn’t know Ramona and had no idea who she is until I heard about her murder. I would love to talk to family members to let them know that she’s being remembered even by strangers who didn’t know her.
“A friend stopped by Pruin’s home the following day and found the door open about four inches, the keys still in the outside lock. After calling out to Pruin and getting no response, the friend left.”
Some friend..
Did this friend already know what was inside if he or she went in?
I was witness to a confession to the murder of Melvin Gallagher by one of the participants to my mother while living in RR Black Hawk county south west of Eagle Center, Iowa. “Bub” White a cousin by my fathers ‘aunts’ grandson was “laying low” because he and his father ‘Bob’ White had killed a service station man in Waterloo with a 20 ga shotgun while robbing a gas station. Bub was at my mothers’ house during the following fall coon hunting season and this was his way of “laying low” to get the heat off. I have tried for the last eight or so years to clear this matter up with the Waterloo police, the last contact as late as last summer. No confirmations or actions acknowled by same.
WPD, Has this tip not been followed up on?
Because the cops are dumb as a box of a rocks, stupid, and not accountable to anyone.
Kelly, the WPD had no interest in reopening the death of Debra Dawn Sadler mentioned in a comment below when I got in contact with them. They apparently believed the mother’s story that she had died of massive head injuries after falling off of a chair. Incompetent fools. I grew up in Eau Claire Wisconsin where back in the 1960’s the cops weren’t buying into anyone’s story about a baby falling down and dying- in Eau Claire this stuff got prosecuted as child abuse even back in the 1960’s. I know that you are commenting about a NON-child case, but the WPD’s pattern of not following up and not doing their jobs is demonstrated by their nonchalance about a baby being beaten to death.
A new book titled The Man from the Train makes a good case for whodunit, saying this wasnt an isolated case….
I agree with Mr. Kerrigan. Has her vehicle been found. Has it checked through the National Insurance Crime Bureau, to see what information they might have. I am sure the police would have the VIN on the vehicle.
Also, there is no further information on the cause of the fire and whose bedroom was damaged. Also, what property can’t they search. It would be nice to purchase it and then the authorities to do whatever they need to search it.
Law enforcement asking for help identifying human remains found in rural Cerro Gordo County.
We’re they identified?
We still wait to recover BethAnns remains.. Please.. Her kids and extended family still suffers today.. The small bit of info could crack this case open..
Yes, they are remains of an Arkansas police officer.
My thoughts are something happened in her bedroom and the boyfriend who claimed she was still alive was lying. My condolences for her family. Not knowing is the hardest part.
That case may have been on Investigation Discovery
I have always prayed that this case would be solved. Thank you for the cold case work.
Jim Weaver, Grinnell High School Class of ‘77
Friend of Camille Njus
I’m sorry for your loss!
Praying justice is done!!
I’m thinking it was the older man she was seeing.
Hi, I am Camille’s cousin and wondered who she was seeing at the time of her death? I was a child when this happened, but I never heard about him as a possible suspect.
My daughter knows someone who has told her things but said she would deny it if anyone was told. Pretty sure plenty of the same group of people know what happened to my brother.
What does your daughter know Marcia?
“She was last seen at her residence in Mediapolis by her ex-husband.“ that is what I found out from the case detective
Pretty sure her ex husband who operated backhoe equipment did it. She lived next door to her ex in laws and he was the last one to see her. I am guessing there is lack of physical evidence
Is this man dead yet?, can’t find anything on IIT as yet from a different country, but very sure new guilty of a lot more crimes as such
I think the one who had robbed her 1 month before is a goodvsuspect
Barbara, appears to have suffered a bout of dissociative fugue, which is a version of amnesia. This is triggered by depression, PTSD, marital discord. The person loses all their regular memories, assumes another identity and flees the source of trauma.
She most likely is some where in the country, possibly living on the margins. I recommend that her family reach out to the Salvation Army, and many of the well known homeless shelters. One of them is Pacific Garden Mission.
I thank you so much for the information
Sounds like it was an accident on a foggy morning with the culprit leaving the scene. But we are being fed accusations of deliberation with no motive being provided. The whole “video speed” argument is inconsequential as even still images should have sufficed. I am led to believe the judge allowed this argument because an over zealous district attorney was not being allowed to throw the book at him. Again, I am only assuming this from this page and the local news videos provided. Please enlighten me if I am wrong.
I should clarify that if the DA had decided to charge him with manslaughter and leaving the scene that the video speed argument would have been struck down.
A poster on another forum spent considerable time researching a timeline to the attempted abductions of Des Moines Register paperboys after Gosch and Martin. Millhouse went to prison and shortly thereafter, the attempted abductions stopped.
Research I have performed indicates Noreen at one time believed the Register was protecting an employee who was considered a pedophile I wonder if the employee was Milhouse.
Hi Don,
From what I remember, Wilbur Millhouse was very angry about being transferred from West Des Moines to the Fourmile area of east Des Moines shortly before Johnny was kidnapped in 1982. Millhouse did not tell me why he was transferred, but he did tell me he had fallen out of favor with Register management and that his job was in jeopardy. Millhouse asked me to help him with a little scam in which Millhouse would pay me to gather names and addresses of Register non-customers, offer them the newspaper at no charge, record them as new customers to temporarily inflate Millhouse’s circulation numbers, then gradually cancel the new customers later. Millhouse paid for those newspapers out of his own pocket so he could keep his job.
Millhouse told me that he was not Johnny’s direct supervisor, but that he knew Johnny because Johnny delivered newspapers in an adjacent district in West Des Moines. Millhouse told me on more than one occasion that Johnny was kidnapped “because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.” Millhouse became visibility agitated and angry when talking about Johnny Gosch.
This is pure speculation on my part, but I wonder now if Millhouse’s transfer had something to do with the Register finding out that Millhouse was a pedophile. The Register may have been shuffling circulation managers in the 80’s the way the Catholic church shuffled abusive priests. Millhouse was a big money-maker for the Register; I Googled Millhouse’s name and found an old Register page from I believe 1979 or 1980 reporting that Millhouse was “circulation manager of the year.”
It has never been publicized, but I suspect now that Johnny either told someone or planned to tell someone about Millhouse or one of Millhouse’s Register associates grooming or trying to sexually abuse him. Millhouse’s anger toward Johnny may have been due to the fact that Johnny got Millhouse transferred and nearly cost Millhouse his job. I was just a teenager then, but I would imagine that many of the Register employees from the 80’s are still alive and would be able to provide more information about Millhouse and the pedophile ring that existed within the Des Moines Register.
Just for clarification, nearly all of the circulation managers I worked with as a Des Moines Register paperboy were good people. Millhouse, though, was a sexual predator who hung out with a very small group of creepy men. After 35 years, I can remember a couple of faces, but no names. I distinctly remember that Millhouse brought a couple young men (approximately 18 to 20 years old) with him to Register functions. Millhouse introduced them as former paperboys of his. I suspect now that they were involved with helping Millhouse in his evil deeds.
Hey Yellow Bag. Sorry for the delayed response. I checked back here a few times for about two weeks after I posted my message. Your reply was not there. Pretty weird.
I want to ask you if you knew two Des Moines Register paperboys at the time you delivered Register newspaper.
Shawn Williams and Brian Hikock. I have met Brian and he says he delivered Register papers near the route Johnny deliver Sunday Registers. I know about Shawn because I used to work for his mother at a Court Avenue restaurant between February 1983 and August 1984.
Also, I have conducted research by reading the microfilm documentation of Des Moines Register newspapers starting the day after Johnny disappeared until about two months after that. There are plenty of discrepancies between the official story told by Noreen now and what she believed happened to Johnny back in the 1980s.
She was quoted in a northern Iowa newspaper in the 1980s warning parents not to allow their kids to deliver Des Moines Register newspapers because she believed the perp in her son’s case worked at the Register.
Thanks for the reply!
Hi Don,
The names of the two newspaper carriers don’t ring a bell. Then again, 35 years ago was a long, long time.
I remember my manager’s name before my family moved and I went to work for Millhouse. She was a nice lady who went by “Bert,” I am guessing short for Roberta. She would have known Millhouse since they worked together. Millhouse’s boss was a pretty blond lady named Vicky. I worked for her after Millhouse had his heart attack in 1983. I Googled her name, and it looks like she still lives in the DM area. If you want her last name, please give me an email address and I will contact you directly.
I try to check the ICC website a couple times a week to see if any new information has come up on the Johnny Gosch page. An investigator I spoke with was honest enough to admit the law enforcement investigation had serious flaws, and chances are police will never solve this crime. I feel like I have laid down the few pieces of the puzzle I have held for many years. Other people are adding pieces now. Maybe at some point, a writer or investigative reporter will put the pieces together and finally solve the mystery of Johnny’s disappearance (and probably Eugene and Marc’s too).
I have never met Noreen. I left her a voice message and sent an email, but she never responded. My guess is that she was correct to initially suspect Register employees in Johnny’s disappearance, but later got duped by private investigators. From what I’ve read, it was common practice in the past for private investigators with no real leads to create elaborate conspiracy theories involving politicians and powerful people. That would justify years of investigation, explain their inability to get an indictment, and keep their paychecks coming the whole time.
If I were working to solve Johnny’s disappearance, I would try to locate former Register carriers and employees (as you are doing). It might also be worthwhile to check Millhouse’s former property. Millhouse lived in the area people used to call “The Bottoms.” On multiple occasions, Millhouse tried to convince me to drive to his house late at night without telling my parents. Millhouse called me one night saying there was a cute female carrier there who was looking for a teen boy to have sex with. Millhouse another time said he had a rich gay friend who would pay $100 “just to look.” There were other times Millhouse said he had work for me to do there. His excuse for wanting me to come late at night is that he did not want to wake his elderly mother. I am glad I had sense enough to stay away from Millhouse’s home, but I wonder how many boys did go there. If you Google map Millhouse’s old address, there is a wooded area and a pond directly behind his old house. Hmmm….
Also, the guy who drove the Fairmont was out in a blizzard and looking very wide awake when he tried to get me into his car around 6 AM. He looked like a guy who had worked the night shift and was just getting off work, not like a guy who just woke up. He was wearing a very distinctive blue and orange jacket, leading me to think he was a local paramedic or fire fighter. I don’t remember seeing any insignia. I suppose he could have been a Register employee, but why the jacket? It might be worthwhile to research if any employees of a local fire department or private ambulance service were ever convicted of sex crimes in the 80’s.
I am certain Millhouse was involved in Johnny’s disappearance. Heck, was going around back then telling everyone why Johnny had to disappear. My mother is still alive, and she remembers Millhouse saying something strange about Johnny to her. What I don’t know, is if Millhouse was “ringleader” of the Register’s pedophile club, or if he was just the guy who rounded up boys for other men to abuse. I am optimistic, though, that someday the truth will be revealed and this huge mystery will be solved.
There was another DM Register circulation manager, named Frank Sykora, who was convicted of sexually abusing carriers in 1984. Sykora was apparently cleared by polygraph in the Gosch and Martin disappearances. Whether Sykora and Millhouse had any connection, I do not know.
Thanks for getting back with me. The poster who uploaded a map of the attempted newspaper carrier abductions post Gosch and Martin has performed some amazing research. At this point, he is the leader of the movement to discover the truth.
I will leave you an email address at a future date. Spend some time reading the Des Moines Register microfilm resource at the downtown branch of the Des Moines Public Library.
I’ll check out the possible Sykora-Millhouse connection. I think there is something there, considering they worked for the register around the same time.
Marc David Allen should not be connected with Gosch and Martin. His disappearance had nothing to do with a Sunday morning paper route. He disappeared in the middle of the afternoon.
I find it strange both Johnny and Eugene disappeared on a morning when it was the first time either boy had an adult accompany him on a Sunday Register newspaper route.
Hello Yellow Bag,
I have not forgot about sending you my email address. I am in the process of creating an author and writer site. Once I establish an email address for the site, I will forward it to you.
You have provided helpful information and yes, I would like any names you can provide to perform research in addition to what I have done reading Des Moines Register microfiche stories of the case.
One thing I have thought about the past couple of days. You mentioned Millhouse was transferred to the Flour Mile area of Des Moines, which is on the east side. Back in the day,Four Mile Creek ran through mostly undeveloped land and today-outside of Pleasant Hill-it still does.
There has bee speculation for years the perp dumped Johnny’s body along either Walnut Creek or Jordan Creek. Heck, even Noreen claimed not one, but two psychics told her she could find Johnny’s body near a creek.
Why not Four Mile Creek? You said Millhouse had it out for Johnny for at least exposing the actions of pedophiles who worked for the Register. It is possible that if you are correct, Millhouse and one or more of his sick buddies killed Johnny and buried him on the east side of Des Moines.
Hi Don,
I think that if Johnny was dumped along a creek, his body would have been found long ago. Those urban streams may look desolate in places, but there are mushroom hunters, hikers, kids catching tadpoles, walnut collectors, and even homeless people frequenting those creek beds.
Millhouse lived on Maury Street, right next to Dean Lake, in the area people call the Bottoms. There was not much there in the 80’s other than swampy places, trees, junkyards, and slaughterhouses. In 1973, David Morris, a Jewish grocer who had a store directly across the street from Millhouse, was robbed and murdered. Morris was shot in the back of the head with a .32 caliber pistol. A neighbor named Robert Braather said that Morris was killed in the store two hours after it closed, and that Morris would only have unlocked that store door for someone in the neighborhood he knew quite well. Hmmm…
Interestingly, the Des Moines Register also interviewed Millhouse, who would have been working for them at the time. Millhouse talked about how well-liked Morris was, and said of Morris, “When I was little, he used to give me candy.” Millhouse also revealed that he (Millhouse) had lived in that neighborhood since 1955. I have speculated enough about Millhouse on this website, so I am not going to type it, but you know exactly what I am thinking!
If Johnny was killed to shut him up, which is what Millhouse was blabbing about right after Johnny disappeared, then it is likely the kidnapper already had a plan to dispose of Johnny’s body. The sun would have come up soon after Johnny’s disappearance, so the perp would have been in a big hurry to get Johnny out of West Des Moines and into a remote area (like the Bottoms) before daylight.
Millhouse had a sexual interest in teen boys, not in younger ones. Millhouse’s last sex offender mugshot showed him at 5′ 7″ and 130 lbs. Johnny was actually bigger than Millhouse. Millhouse, though, was part of a small group of pedophiles, some of whom worked for the Des Moines Register. If Millhouse had help, possibly a gun, and maybe some previous experience with killing, well, you may find yourself writing a very interesting book.
Hi, this reply is for Don and Yellow Bag, and anyone else on this thread providing all this information. My name is Sarah DiMeo and I do a podcast called Faded Out, in an effort to solve the Johnny Gosch case. You can find it on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, pretty much all avenues for podcasts, or the direct link fadedout.libsyn.com. I’ve been obsessed with Johnny’s case for well over a year now, and I started the podcast in February while I was a student at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. I would really really like to talk to each of you. Please give my podcast a listen so you can see the direction I’m aiming for, and please e-mail me at fadedoutpodcast@gmail.com.
Bernice Row was hit by a hit and run driver on Oct 20-1940 in Sioux City, To my knowledge no one was ever arrested for her death. Her death certificate reads: Homicide? Accident?
I’m sorry when Bernice was killed her name was Bernice Henshaw
Woodlawn jane doe
I am curious, how could there have been a spent .44 magnum cartridge casing laying on the floor if he was shot with a revolver????
Mike, thanks for catching that; obviously it should have been “slug” rather than “casing” and I’ve corrected that. I’d typed up the initial case summary based on notes from phone conversations and email correspondence with others, along with references to the data cited from Gary Peterson’s post at the findjodi.com website. My fast-typing fingers appear to have gotten ahead of me as I went through my notes. Can’t believe I didn’t catch it at the time. Thanks again.
Okay if it was the spent bullet laying there it would have had to go through him and I thought the report said that the bullet went into the ceiling. It would have then had to fall next to the gun. Makes no sense.
I would have shot those bastards entering my property as a clear threat. Family is so important, sometimes the law is corrupt when big dollars are involved. However there are good cops and detectives out there that could solve this. Sounds like a movie with small town rednecks and a redneck sheriff. Come on to my property and see what happens. This is devastating and I feel so sorry for this family!!
Corey, My Appeal to the Supreme Court of Iowa 17-1933 for the Polk County Courthouse Dismissal of my Civil Rights Case CVCV046761 (saying it was untimely) charges the State of Iowa and the Iowa DNR to honor my Civil Rights, my Rights to my Property, my information, denied since 1993 including contaminant well test reports and even the information and evidence of both the murders of my husband, Gary and son, Adam Lack after their murders and my harassment by the Iowa DNR’s Dale Adams and Russ Tell and Iowa FSA’s Charlie Heiderschiet since 1993. And the Iowa DNR had promised to warn the 1/2 million Iowans in Russ Tell’s mapped out Plume of contamination in 2009, but at my deposition in June of 2015 promised again that in just 45 days from my deposition, they would warn well owners in the Plume, and restart investigations into both Adam’s and Gary’s deaths. Then both my attorney and the Asst. Attorney General’s attorney reneged on their promises and claimed it was to POLITICAL to tell Iowans they were drinking the Koch Brothers Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer. So the Republican leadership claimed they could not tell Iowans of the Anhydrous Ammonia levels increasing to unheard of levels that were documented increasing in the Iowa DNR published research of Paul Johnson and Robert Libra. I tried to get the Iowa DNR to alter their Chlorination Protocol, so the Iowa DNR stops advising well owners to Chlorinate Source Water testing high in Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) and Cyanobacteria as that causes the release of very carcinogenic Cyanotoxins and Trihalomethanes and other decontaminants into Iowans drinking water, as it did into my home’s, pets, and farm animals water. I have spent $40,000 on attorney fees so far on this Civil Rights case and was promised the Iowa DNR would warn Iowans in the Plume back in 2009 however Russ Tell has still refused to warn the 1/2 million Iowans whose health has been put at risk in this one Plume. I have been refused an attorney to represent my Rights to safe drinking water, my property Rights, and my Rights to Protection from harassment, or even my Rights to Justice or Rights to Life in Iowa for my family and Downstream neighbors for this civil rights suit that I have to file pro se, please help me find an Iowa attorney to stand up for the 1/2 million Iowans in this one documented growing Plume mapped out by Russ Tell. Veronica Lack
Hi Veronica,
I am terribly sorry for the loss of your husband and son, such an awful thing.
I’m not saying that I don’t believe what you are saying, sounds like you have a lot of proof. None of it sounds far fetched at all…money is the root of all evil.
I have a question, how do you know that impala turned and blocked the road? Maybe you have that info, maybe a witness? Just curious if only that car and your son were there.
Like I said, I believe what you are saying, this just popped in my head.
It was either Deputy Hintz or Sheriff Younker who mentioned something about that, when I was filing a request to Prosecute form. I had identified Brody Mitchell’s Chevy Impala and who I thought was Bradley Johnson jumping into the passenger side (light came on). As Adam drove home from Poet’s Ethanol Plant on the night of 7/12/2008.
Is Mr. Douglas a military veteran? thank you
Charles was my nephew he was a very great father to his kids everybody loved him we all miss him his laughter his loving us we just want the people that know what happened to my nephew to come forward and say what they saw and help catch the person that did this to my nephew it’s been too long and we want Justice for him and we want it now there’s other family members on here that I feel sorry for and I hope they all find Justice for them to nobody in this world should have to go through what all these families are having to go through somebody needs to come forward and tell the truth and be honest because I know there’s somebody out there and I know this is eating them up so they should just come forward I will miss seeing him grow up I will miss seeing him get married I will miss everything about his life I love you Charles forever and always
I can’t even freaking believe what I just read I was only 6 I wish I could have met my cousin.
As pauls sister, who always looked out for me when i needed him too, 2019 we still have not been notived about any kind of closer or neither found out who had done this. Paul never hurt no one…. Paul i think of you often, i wonder what you would like at the age of 51 ,where would you be living, would of you had a family a wife, i just wish you were here…. With love your sister michelle brule, stephens, bell
Lies. She has never been on child abuse registry & has always had custody of the boys. There also were never any unexplained injuries. Although stepmom continually reported her to DHS, no reports were ever found to be true.
Judy/JAJones,
I have seen the reports…yes, she was founded of child neglect/abuse… multiple times. Have you asked Rachel about it?
Perhaps, you’re unaware that ‘criminal’ charges are not always pressed when someone is founded of child abuse. Basically, someone can be on the child abuse registry and not have a felony or misdemeanor for child abuse…make sense? Why would someone not be charged criminally one would ask? Well, great question…the last founded report from what I can tell was finished after the fire. In the report, it was recommended that Rachel be criminally prosecuted…however, she never was.
Would you like to see the reports? I have them all and I’m willing to show them unlike her. It wasn’t just me that reported the injuries to Reggy either. Several people did including the hospital. They called because we couldn’t explain his broken leg. Why couldnt we you ask? Because she couldn’t either and it happened in her care, yet we were the ones to finally take him to a doctor. That and he had stiches above his brow, completely bruised up back from being hit by Jeff, and was involved in a single car accident while riding with Jeff because Jeff was driving drunk.
Show us your proof, as they have showed us theirs…Just saying.
False statements are here. The mother spent several days in hospital due to injuries. Twin brother smelled like smoke as he was rescued from house by the mother.
Why would they lie about the boy smelling like smoke?
Damn!! She is one ugly woman. She needs the firing squad. My ex wife was charged with child endangerment for slapping my son around. She lost her rights as well. And this fat piece of white trash still walks the streets??! You must have the worst set of investigators. There is enough evidence to charge her just based on reading the story. Sick baby killer. How you can put your ugly mug on Facebook is beyond me!! You need a new sheriff in the office!
We need harsher punishment for child abusers in iowa! Thoughts and prayers to find justice this child deserves.
Wilbur Millhouse was a circulation manager for the Register at the time both Johnny and Eugene were abducted. He is a convicted pedophile and on other forums, several former newspapers carriers in Des Moines believe he had something to do with both cases.
The first question you have to ask is it just coincidence that the two boys disappeared delivering newspapers on a Sunday morning for the first time without adult supervision.
Coincidence? Really?
Mike & Gary Anderson were murdered north of Mt. Pleasant. Two were tried but acquitted.
I rode together In the Des Moines Commuter Club with Mary Senne to Iowa State. I barely knew her but have never since forgotten her name. Every few years I am saddened to discover her murder has not been solved. I hope to see justice in my lifetime.
Poor little ones… I’ll bet their so-called ‘mother’ has/had Munchausen By Proxy, and expected to be the center of sympathetic attention.
Our judicial system sucks….period!!!
It’s a hard day today for many people I’m sure …Including myself. I’ve been turned around by every official involved in this case, and when an opportunity came to help open this investigation, it was turned down. For anyone who thinks this will be another lost case after my thesis is done, you’re wrong. I won’t stop…I can’t stop, the media is coming and the pressure will intensify. This is not over, and it won’t be until Ricky’s case is opened and the truth comes out.
I want to thank Robin Moorehouse for helping me with my project and always being there to answer questions and giving me more of a reason to keep going!
You keep going! There are many people behind you I’m sure. Thank you for your efforts to help Ricky and his family the justice they deserve.
Premeditated too if Reggy was outside, unharmed.
Money talks. I’m guessing bribery had, or still has, taken place. Very very sad. Don’t ever give up.
Vote these Criminals out of office for poor little Ricky.
Shame on the DA who offered that plea deal. shame on you!!! I understand that you don’t want to leave it up to a jury but he murdered and raped her dead corpse…. you’re telling me you thought that a jury was going to come back and not convict this guy. I can’t believe with the evidence, DNA MATCH, witness testimonies, the fact that the guy turned around and smiled at the dad when the picture of his dead daughter was up on the projector, and everything else yet still they didn’t have a rock-solid case????????you roll that dice on this one…he was guilty and I’m sure 10 years in prison is not going to satisfy what the family has suffered and what the victim suffered. you put them away for as long as possible or in other terms you throw the book at him and hope the jury does the right thing even if they acquit the man he still is seen as the monster that he is because of the evidence that proved it….. if a jury let him walk then let him walk.. 10 years isn’t going to make anybody feel better and you know it. Did you not take into consideration that he’d been living free and clear for 38 years since this murder???????? The state literally gave the man free room and board and food for 10 years…. the family deserved a longer sentence the victim deserved a longer sentence. I understand that he paroled after like 5 but I’m trying to make a point that I’m disgusted by this story disgusted and hurt that this girl her family had to suffer like this she didn’t deserve to die like that the family didn’t deserve to have their loved one taken away like that and the state screwed up and gave this man seriously a pass on this…..
just seen this again on ID sorry he only got 10 years and is only going to do 5 he will be out this year 2017 after what he did to that poor girl
I know Eileen’s daughter who was just a baby when she went missing. She is my cousin’s half sister .
Found an old Polaroid picture of her in my dads old things that made me wonder if they had ever caught anyone. Very sad they didn’t but hopefully they will someday.
Yellow Bag – I met Wilbur Millhouse around 1971 or 1972 and he was then an employee of the Des Moines Register.
I had no idea Millhouse was with the Register that long. I guess that explains how he had the names and addresses of 2200 boys in his home. Just curious, what were your experiences with Millhouse?
It would be nice of Mr Lester to share the photo he has of Kathy so we can see her face on here.
Would not mind posting her picture on here except there is no where to post it , and they never put one there back in 1994.
Thank you for posting the pictures , you must of had to contact them for posting them . Last I knew when I called them they were closing the cold case site for some reason but it is still available so they figured a way to keep this program going , thank god maybe someone will come forward there is still a reward leading to a arrest of her killer .
Your welcome. I’m very happy they were able to upload Kathy’s Picture. Thank you to those who worked on getting picture’s on here so fast. Appreciated very much. Kathy never liked sleeping downstairs. Most of the time she chose to stay on the sofa. We spent a lot of time together in 1993-94. I on one end of the townhouse her on the other. She came to visit when he would leave, it’s the only time she could get away . According to her , he tried to keep her confined, not wanting her to have friends. She said she didn’t know how to go about getting away from him. No job, no where to go and did fear for her life.
Death Anniversary has come and gone. Of course I remember it like yesterday. You were my neighbor and friend. He lives across the way from me now and it’s a constant reminder. Miss you. I decorate your grave each year. So glad they finally added a photo here.
I think they made a segment into a film already
THE BEAST OF BODMIN MOOR
missy you were my first love, my first everything. you will always be in my heart as i think about you daily. I LOVE YOU. Troy Manley. GOD BLESS…….
At the time of her disappearance, Colleen was much younger than most, if not all, of Ted Bundy’s victims but I am wondering if the sheriff or anyone involved with her case, ever tried to track the time of her disappearance with Bundy’s travels. The number of Bundy’s victims is staggering and the total may never be known. (A friend of mine’s daughter disappeared from Grand Junction, Colorado, around the mid to late 1970s and to my knowledge, her body was never found. The parents, both of whom have since died of natural causes, believed Bundy was responsible.)
Shared, just seen someone else repost this…Hope you find your answers…
What about contacting one of the murder mystery TV shows or Dateline or 20/20. I think they are always interested in new “old” murders. Maybe they would uncover something.
I have to heard these rumers and asked my cousin Doug Chidester about it and would not ever give me an answer. I rode the bus with you guys and always thought highly of Harry and you . Mark I wish I had the answer but I don’t.
anyone remember the name of her boyfriend about that time they worked together at gas station on Ingersol
Mona Cox in mid 60s at 15th and Woodland across from Hoyt Sherman Place. Believed to have been killed with a Shingle Knife.
The was a murder in 1961 or 1962 on 29th near school st, I believe it was David Stump was accused of killing Richard Daily.
These were my brothers I want answers!
from your previous comments you believe you knew who it might be who did it. start there with answers, I wish you the best. I am so sorry for your loss.
I believe you have some of the answers! We all need closure! Someone should pay for taking your brother’s away from all of us. They were so little and so loved.
that address you put on there is community health center i have know clue if this is where this is supposed to be
Thanks, Brody, for catching this. It should have been 100 (not 1000) N. 16th St. I’ve updated the address to reflect the changes. (The correct address was on Douglas Shondel’s case summary page here.) All best to you!
My name is Jerry Hamstra.She was my niece and will always miss her.
Wow, most murders of newborns just let them die naturally or from exposure. Beating the newborn in the head to kill the poor little thing makes this an especially gruesome case. Too bad, whoever did this is more than likely dead or will be, very soon.Too bad, that DNA was not available then. It would be nice if they could find the parent who would be extremely old but alive who thinks they have gotten away with this crime only to end up sitting in a cell as an aged killer. And a lot of people close to death who are believers start to become nervous before they die because they are afraid they are going to go to hell.
Sounds like you have remorse…….. turn yourself in, or find a very sharp knife and plunge it into your throat…
The state (and the police) gave you incorrect information about Jesse Giovanni Nimaja Pol. His name isn’t “Nimajapol” it is “Nimaja Pol.” Also, there are some internet postings from someone named “Adexe Nauzet Giovanni Nimaja Pol” from Denison, Iowa. Was his real name Jesse?
What about the chief? He said things that were contradicted. Maybe to throw off the trail…
2-8-18
I was a 7 year old daughter of my Mother who was secretary to the Ames Canning Company in 1948 when Henry Chavis was gunned down. I spent hours playing outside of the office. My best friend was Sherry Rhenbloom Semanka. Her Mother, Doris, and my Mother were on the Ames Bowling Team. Sherry and I and our Mothers took a 6 week trip to California at that time. It was also the year my Mother divorced my Dad. Mom & I moved to the 1st home she owned in Webster CIty, IA. At 76 years old in Santa Barbara, CA… I still have many questions.
She changed my last name to Hemmen, and remarried Maurice Hemmen. Much more I can’t say…
Linda, thank you for helping remind all of the family and friends of deceased Iowa Cold Cases, who have not had their deaths investigated or cases solved, and those that have been solved, after more information was gathered from information organized on our family’s case files, that Jody has many expenses that are not covered as most of us she works to help us, while existing on a limited income like we do. If Linda had not reminded me I might not have thought to pass on a small gift to Jody for the VPS Server Fees. Veronica Lack (Still hoping to find an Attorney to Represent my Iowa Supreme Court Appeal 17-1933 of the Halloween 2017 dismissal of Civil Rights case CVCV046761 in the Polk County Courthouse.)
Kimberly sue Doss came up missing when she was 14 not 16. She came up missing in March 20th 1980 not1982. I kknow some knows information on her . If you do you do come forward not have to give you man just a phone # will do please help it has been 38 years please please help
Do you know of walker country Jane die? Cold she be your sister?
Schelly, though Kim’s case has been removed from the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s (IDPS) Missing Person Information Clearinghouse (MPIC), Kim is still listed on NamUs.gov as having gone missing at age 16, with the date of last contact on Sept. 1, 1982.
https://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/2919/details
NamUs gets this information directly from the investigating agency. When a case is removed from Iowa’s MPIC, they do not notify us as to why the individual has been removed. Yet Kim’s case remains on both NamUs and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
I cannot explain why she was removed from the State database yet kept on two national databases. Also, the lead detectives are rotated over time, and Det. Jordan Sander of the Davenport PD is currently handling her case file. His contact information is listed as (563) 328-6749.
Just wondering …
Jane Doe
Unidentified Body
Jane Doe
Estimated Age: 19-25
Race: White / Caucasian
Height: Cannot Estimate
Weight: Cannot Estimate
Des Moines River Area SE
Des Moines, IA
Investigating Agencies: Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Des Moines Police Department
NCMEC Case Number: 10-77-1490
Des Moines PD Case Number: 1980-20704
NamUs Case Number: 10846
Body Found: May 26, 1980
Estimated Year of Death: 1980
details on disappearance? ( Waterloo, Iowa. )
Dies she have a uncle lived in Kansas city?
I posted that to honor Austin, Cora’s child left behind who is referenced in the beginning of the article.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjakKW21ZbZAhUFtlkKHQ-rDrcQFggtMAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fiowacoldcases.org%2Fnews%2F&usg=AOvVaw2mVCuWY5AnT5rctHcm6_Hn
My condolences to the family and I hope that this case finally receives justice very soon. I work for the local paper and am interested in finding out more information as well as other perspectives (on or off the record) on this particular case to help keep it in the spotlight. Please contact me at sragen@oskyherald. Thank you.
Shelly, Thanks so much for your interest in this case, I’ve passed your email address on to my son in-law Josh ( Denease’s son ) he has a lot of information for you. ~~~ Lorrie ~~~
Thank you Lorrie. I greatly appreciate your help!
Hi Lorrie,
I am having difficulty getting very many people to talk even off the record. Would you be willing to talk with me about the case, even if it’s your perspective. It would be super helpful. Also anyone else that might talk with me, like I mentioned before, on or off the record. Thanks so much! My email is sragen@oskyherald.com
Shelly, All I know is what I told told Jody in this article on Iowa Cold Cases, sorry I don’t have anymore information, I would really like to know who this ” beever cleever ” is that commented on the towards the top.
~~~ Lorrie ~~~
Thank you Lorrie. I don’t know who that would be….I am interested in learning more about Denease as a person too, if anyone can help, I would appreciate it. sragen@oskyherald.com. Thank you.
M’Thinks Bill Carter protested too much boo hooing over Shirley’s death. Neighbor said he was extremely controlling over even smallest things. While son Jason was said to have a good relationship with his mother, and besides which, how could he inherit farm if only his mother and not father was dead.
Regarding your last question, the theory is that his parents were very conservative and would disinherit Jason upon learning of his infidelity; a fact that Shirley recently discovered but had not divulged yet to Bill. Jason’s inheritance would have been secure if he successfully hid his involvement in his mother’s murder so the theory goes.
He threw it all away and has paid a big price. He will pay a much bigger price in the after life I strongly suspect.
And I’m sure every last one of those people within the Wall of Silence go to church every Sunday.
No wonder Jesus couldn’t stand The Pharisees. I cannot abide hypocrisy myself.
I will never understand anyone who could look away from a child murder when they have information that could lead to the killer.
My prayers are with the family, and I hope some day that the killer will be brought to justice.
Too many questions, not enough proof.
J.F. North, What are your questions and what proof are you looking for? Des Moines P.D. can provide you with both. Thank you for visiting Mother’s cold case site.
Dear Jody, Thank you for your care and concern for my Mother. Since the death of Mother’s devoted Sister I cannot imagine anyone knowing how to proceed further. You have provided me with more closure than anyone in our family would give to me and I am in your debt.
Hi Janette, Kathy & Lanny,
This is Jane McMenamin – Tigges, I grew up with all of you, I never knew any of this growing up so close. My Heart is Heavy after reading all this, I’m Very Proud of the Great Kids you were & the lives you Had and now the Adults that you Are!
May you know much Love and Peace,
God Bless you 3 and your families.
Blessings to you,
Love,
Jane
Jane McMenamin, I remember you vividly as an adorable blond upperclassman. I also remember you had a large feed sign that said “KENT”. Thanks for stopping by Mothers’ cold case site. No one knew what happened to Mother in Dexter-it was a closely guarded secret even in our own Family. I myself knew nothing until attending prom as a freshman with a junior boy who casually asked me on the way to Redfield if it was true “my Mother was buried in a basement somewhere.” I had an interesting chat with my Gram later that evening. Thank you for your kind blessings. Kathy is the outgoing famous one- Lanny and I have always kept under the radar. I do remember that Kent was Lanny’s Friend and Vickie T. was Kathy’s. Janette.
Private Investigator Kim Montgomery Agency five years no new reports about this young man . But I am not going to stop
He looks so much like my nephew that it’s spooky.
What i want to know is why the hell weren’t his shoes tested for fingerprints???
From what I have gathered from articles is that they do not know if they are his shoes. It’s possible they could be someone else’s shoes and if you look at the finger prints it’s possible that persons finger prints aren’t even in the system. I grew up in Clinton Iowa. I was a child when this happened. Growing up there were 4 places I thought were creepy places also places where someone could find a dead body. 1.The park in Fulton (the forest area) 2. Forest area around the bike path. 3. The thick forest area by the old Lyons Middle school (up the hill from Miller ridge) 4. Under the South bridge. I really hope they find him alive.
Des Monies police dept should not have closed Johnita Clemons case for the sake of her children. The killer Maryann Gatewoid Gatewood there in des Moines on the run from Oklahoma judicial for human trafficking. Please community help close this case the house she was murdered in has been torn down. Is the police was smart Deron Humes Maryann Gatewooda boyfriend at the time knows all the details currently inmate iowa dept of corrections. Please lets continue to fight for justice.
I really need people in the sea Moines community that in Dec 24th 2013. Johnita Clemons was killed by her niece Maryann Gatewoid Drs Moines have the murdering right at hand . This should have never been a cold case. We the family will see justice prevail. Prayers up and blessings come down. In all are ways acknowledge him and he shall direct my path. Amen
A lecturer at wartburg college
Is he still there? Do you have a photo?
who want’s to go their
Meeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!! AND the Lizzie Borden bread n breakfast!!!
Would like to add my Grandpa to the list. Dwane Roy Dreher… Missing from Mason City, Iowa… Nov.8th, 1955
I just saw this case on the ID channel and could not believe that the ‘piece of crap’ got out of prison so soon. I hope he has nightmares for the rest of his miserable life.
Its unbelievable this monster is out of prison. I feel horrible for the family of Mary Jayne. I know this is a double whammy as they waited so long for justice and the justice was so short . I’m praying for them to find some kind of peace. Our justice system stinks!
My dad worked/friend with Gerald’ s brother Bob at the cement plant in mason city for over 20 years….. shortly before my dad died he told me Bob had physical evidence on who had commited the murder and tried to relay it to the pigs, and they basically told him to forget about it…… mason city/Cerro Gordo police officers are straight up lazy and fucking worthless
Both the prosecution and defense were to recommend a 10-year sentence, but there was no requirement that the judge actually had to issue a 10-year sentence; he could have sentenced him to 25 years, for example. Shame on the judge for not protecting the rest of us from someone whose criminally-versitile behavior demonstrates that he is a psychopath.
It’s 2018 did he get out of prison
I too am sorry for your loss of Mary Jayne, River Tribe, This very light sentence for this worthless, substandard, waste of air is disturbing.
As it turns out, this case happened to be profiled on the ID Discovery network “Murder for Menu” series today (1/13/18). I took particular note to the segment and the case as my wife is from Ottumwa.
Again, sorry for my loss. She didn’t deserve this.
Tim O’Brien was murdered in Mason City Oct 2, 1893 by a tramp.
who’s Tim O’Brien? 1893?
I miss you aunt missy please come home… praying for you. Someone plz say somethingl
After reading the above summary for this case, which has now been unsolved for over two decades, I was struck by the fact that no one had ever commented on it. I did some research on this woman’s case and found some things that might be of interest to individuals who stop by this page.
To begin, I found a couple of typographical errors in the “about Dung Kim Truong” section of the summary write-up. Dung Kim Truong was actually female, and she was born in Saigon, Vietnam, as reported in the SSDI. While “California” does appear in her record in the index, as far as I can tell, that was actually her state of residence at the time she was issued a social security number. There is a note in her record stating that in 1989, her name was recorded as “Dung Kim Truong” in a social security filing of some sort which is not specified in the index. It is possible that this unspecified filing was her original social security application, and that 1989 was about the time she immigrated to the United States. If so, her port of entry in the United States would likely have also been somewhere in the state of California. However, it is equally possible that it was just some other routine filing, and that she had immigrated at some point prior to that year. At the time of her death in 1997, Truong was a classified as a legal alien with the authorization to work in the United States.
Using information from newspaper articles published at the time her remains were discovered and then when they were subsequently identified, I was able to find some details about Truong’s case that clarify some of the details about how everything unfolded.
The articles state that at the time Truong went missing, she had been living in Omaha, Nebraska. The wording seems to imply that, more specifically, she was living with her boyfriend there. At some point on September 22, 1997, Truong went to the recently-opened Ameristar riverboat casino, which was technically considered as having been located in Council Bluffs, Iowa as that was the location of the on-shore portion of the Ameristar property (e.g., the hotel). For those not familiar with the area, Council Bluffs is located on the other side of the Missouri River from Omaha, and is often considered a suburb of that city. Thus, to board the riverboat, she would have had to have first travelled across the bridge over the Missouri River into Council Bluffs. The articles do not provide any insight into why she had gone to the casino – whether she gambled often, whether she went because of the novelty of this new attraction, or perhaps for a completely different reason (e.g., perhaps she was employed there).
The articles also do not clarify how she got to the casino or for how long she was there. However she got there though, she ended up accepting a ride home from an Asian male who to the best of my knowledge was never successfully identified. She called her boyfriend, who was evidently at home in Omaha at the time, from a phone at the casino, to let him know that the man was giving her a ride. Then, she passed the phone to the man so her boyfriend could provide him with driving directions to their residence (remembering of course that smart phones with GPS that tell you when and where to turn were unheard of in those days). After they got off the phone, casino security cameras captured Truong and the man exiting the riverboat at approximately 6:30 PM. After she failed to arrive at the residence that evening, Truong was reported missing, presumably by her boyfriend.
Later that year, in the evening of Thanksgiving Day, a hunter discovered human remains on public land near Washta, Iowa, over 100 miles from the casino where Truong was last seen. At the time of the discovery, authorities stated that remains were that of a woman over the age of 30 who had been deceased for approximately four months, and that they hoped to identify her through dental records.
By December 02, the remains were identified as that of Dung Kim Truong, and newspapers across Iowa detailed the story provided above. The cause of death was undetermined at that point, and the articles closed by stating that the unidentified Asian male that Truong was last seen with was being sought by investigators, though he was not considered a suspect in the case at the time. They expressed that he may have important information about the case. At the end of an article published by the Des Moines Register, it was reported that investigators with the Iowa DCI believed that the man may have been from the Sioux City Area. Although I have no idea for certain why they believed this, a few reasons might include that not only was Sioux City the closest major city to the area where the remains were discovered, it is also located directly north of Council Bluffs on I-29, and statistically-speaking, it has a higher non-white population than many of the surrounding communities in the area.
Unfortunately, I was not able to locate any further information on Dung Kim Truong or her case, despite an exhaustive search of all electronic resources available to me. I was unable to locate any information regarding topics such as her cause of death, her place of burial, an obituary, her family, her boyfriend mentioned in the newspaper articles, her occupation, her personality, her interests, or her life goals. I personally think that part of the reason for the lack of any substantive information might be that she was a recent immigrant who had lived in the United States for less than 10 years at the time of her death. She was unmarried, probably had no children, spoke English as a second language, and may not have had any family in the country. It’s not clear how long she had been living in Omaha, and it is possible she knew very few people there. Sadly, if those conjectures are factual, they might partially explain why her case has gone unsolved: in the case of a woman with few ties to the community who was the victim of a crime committed by a stranger, it’s possible that there wasn’t much information to go on.
In any case, I hope that this information helps anyone who might want to know more about Dung Kim Truong, and that someday, justice will be served on her behalf.
Whoever “nobody” is, or anyone who knows or saw anything, please go to the Clinton Iowa police department or call them here: 563-243-1457
Amanda P. I read your thread on reddit thank you for making that thread and I hope Ben and the other missing men and their families find out what happened.
Didn’t the police find evidence that the slashed screen on front door was cut from the inside ?
That was the theory in 1969 but advances in forensics has shown that a dull blade would produce the same effect.
A dull blade being used from the outside on a metal screen could leave the same effect.
I have recently shared about this case on reddit on the Unresolved Mysteries page to hopefully bring some more attention to his case. My family and I were talking about him this morning. Continue to pray for him and his family and hope one day there will be answers.
Apparently there is a rumor that people have speculated they know who did this. I heard this from someone who knows the family and grew up around them. I asked if that person was alive and he said very much so. He would not tell me a name.
I agree. I think I know who did it. Not sure but I’d put significant money on it..
This does all seem way too odd to be a random act and I have been reading every article I can get my hands on about this. Would either of you be interested in meeting up and speaking about this rumor?
I’d be open to that. Email me at Beaverdalehawk@gmail.com.
I just sent you an email.
Oskaloosa and not feeling any guilt I have heard
what my boyfriend went through during that time ; I’m sure is nothing compared to why her family went through,.They didn’t convict my boyfriend for a reason. Please dont be so quick to judge…..
Who is your boyfriend? What case are you talking about?
Mary Ann Green and why?
I was referring to your comment” what my boyfriend went through during that time.” I just was not sure what case it was about and if you met he was involved in some way with the case. It is a very sad situation.
Her boyfriend was one of the defendants. I don’t know which one. I actually lived with Yant in 1998 and didn’t know anything about this. I stumbled upon the news article years ago when reading about a different case. I was shocked when I first saw his name.
I notice there is an “about” section for Bill but not one for Kay. What more can we know about her? It states they were widows when they met but that is all that is given.
I have heard throught the grapevine that the policehave been informed of who done it, gave the person who informed them alie detector test(which was passed), yet the police are doing nothing about it. Throughanother story its rumered that one of the people being accused has people in “authority” thatdoes her”bidding”. Meaning they let her do ANYTHING she wants. Furthermore, they arrest anyo e she tells them too. Shes got the freedom to kill someone or have someone thrown in jail. Which ever she feelslike doing.
You are right about it…I talked to them too…I had 411 about it …and detectives looked like if they did not care a bit…is there a number where a family member can be contacted…
I am Kays grandaughter contact me on fb my name is Brandi Weber my profile pic is gram and william.
The Deputy Sheriff (later Sheriff) Bert Elledge, who worked the case, believed he knew did it, but could not prove it.
Later the suspect committed a similar crime using the same method of assault on another individual as memory serves, in Jones County. Deputy Jim Benter of Jones County worked that particular case. The victim survived, and an individual was charged,
and did prison time on the Jones County case.
Any word on how this
case is progressing ?
At one point in the past I was very familiar with Ivan Ivusic. The big issue here is that people are afraid of The consequences of coming forward with information about what they know because they are scared of Ivan.
He never confessed to me, but I have no doubt he would have been involved in this. I know this person sold weed, coke, and steroids as well as Patrick Reilly and it wouldn’t surprise me if this had to something to do with it. Ever since I remember him, he’s been extremely violent and embraces it. I vividly remember one time in Cedar Rapids IA when he beat someone’s face in whose name was Dallas. I personally witnessed this.
Look at his arrest record.
Do you think the recent fire could be related to the cold case.
No … this seems like a tragic situation that had zero to do with this cold case. It was bitterly cold and according to information in the provided link, the house was full of clutter, which impeded escape and helped the fire spread more quickly. Very sad end to their lives.
Rick and Brian, there are far more extenuating circumstances than just a house full of clutter. It wasn’t the clutter that impeded their escape, but rather the high deadbolt locks on all the doors. The State Fire Marshal Division ruled the cause of the fire as “Undetermined.” Arson wasn’t officially ruled out, and though they could not determine the fire’s point of origin, they do know it started in the living room.
I’ve thoroughly read the final reports from the multiple investigating agencies, and the number of inconsistencies reflects the number of contradictory statements provided to investigators the night of the fire and in the following days/weeks.
Medical examiners begin with information (a victim history) provided to them by law enforcement, who already may have been misled by one or more family members or others who have or had a good reason (motive) for wanting to mislead. The autopsy reports, as expected, do accurately reflect the “causes” of death (i.e. they were injuries consistent with those one might sustain in a house fire), but the “manner” of death is highly subjective when it comes to fires. Normally, if the cause of a fire is ruled undetermined, the “manner” of any death(s) would follow suit as undetermined. (Obviously, this is barring cases where individuals have been shot or stabbed or bludgeoned to death and fire(s) then set in attempts to try to cover up the crime.) Otherwise, if arson can’t officially be ruled out, neither can the possibility of homicide when it comes to the manner of death(s).
I’m not implying these deaths have anything to do with Kim’s or Craig’s unsolved cases — only saying there remains far more questions than answers in all six deaths.
Hi Janette this is Rex. When I saw your Mom’ photo on the news I thought for a moment it was you as you both looked so much alike. She was so pretty. I feel disturbed over this quite often now.
Best wishes to you and your families.
Dear Rex, thank you for stopping by Mother’s Cold case site. I am grateful for the chance to ask you to forgive me. I was wrong.
You were forgiven many years ago Dear.
You say you were wrong, but not as much as I was.
Am very lucky and grateful to have known you.
I will never forget you.
I pray God has arranged the day you and your people will meet your beautiful Mother.
Her beauty is beyond this world.
From your mouth to the ears of God.
I’m not sure what is going on Janette, but I truly feel a spiritual connection with your Angel Mother.
Rex David, please join Classmates @ Classmates.com, and I will meet you there, My Mother’s Cold Case Site is the incorrect forum for past lovers to meet.
I would certainly look at Patricia and her known relatives or if she had brothers. The taking of half the cash leads one to believe it was a personal murder while trying to take money to make it appear as though it was a robbery attempt. I’m glad her son was adopted and hopefully living a full and rich life.
Thank you Kate, I’m Michael Rogers, I am Pat’s son, and yes, alive and well thank you, although I will tell you, I met Pat and her family in 1996, they were rude, never accepted me, and to this day, have nothing to do with me, yet, some family members sing in the church choir and attend Mass weekly, go figure?
Michael, Patricia’s family’s attitude toward you should tell you something. You did nothing wrong, but you are the end result of your father’s ‘mistake’ that they resented him for. I still think the males in that family are the suspects in your father’s murder. A gas station robber NEVER takes “some” of the money, they take it all. Think about it. PLEASE.
oh yes,I so agree, thanks you so much for writing to me,
Your cousin Patrick Heideman son of Joanne Heideman is my son in law from Carol Stream IL
Thank you so much
PATRICIA KELLEY SKILLINGS, WIFE OF RICH SKILLINGS, EVANSDALE, IOWA. 319-234-0710, OR THIS NOW I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED COULD BE THEIR SON’S NUMBER NOW, MY HOPE WOULD BE THAT ENOUGH FOLKS CALL AND PRESSURE THESE INDIVIDUALS TO WORK WITH THE WATERLOO POLICE DEPARTMENT! THANK YOU, MICHAEL DAVID ROGERS, ADOPTED SON OF PATRICIA KELLEY SKILLINGS, I CAN BE REACHED@ 469-434-7419
AS OF TODAY, I HAD TALKED AGAIN TO THE WATERLOO POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ASKED THAT A DETECTIVE, GERGIN GO AND INTERVIEW RICH AND PATRICIA SKILLINGS, TO THIS DAY HAVE HEARD NOTHING
Glad you did talk to police. I agree my first thought was scorned girlfriend or some connection.
That was my fist thought too!
They didn’t want the stores money.
They left it!
They only wanted his money!
She was mad because she was pregnant & he was honest with her & told her he wasn’t in love with her.
She hated him for it & took his life over it a week to the day he was supposed to be getting married!
It’s so obviously them!
Tom was a good friend to me. I have always held that Dawn was the one who did this, or at least helped to orchestrate it. Her story has just never quite washed…Perhaps one day she will get her comeuppance…
It is unbelievable that this young child’s psychopath’s mother has not been held accountable. Appears to be total incompetence by law enforcement.
Fortunately Ricky is now in heaven while his whack job mother will burn in hell for eternity.
The Gazette Clip before this article says that Charles pursued the two men that supposedly murdered Bryan Pence, a cousin to my mom, but in the informational paragraphs after it it says that Charles did not pursue the suspects. Typo or a lie?
A family without their wife/mother, and no trace of her since. Sure makes me wonder if she slipped & fell down an embankment into the river, or…….? This family needs closure. IBased on details given here, I doubt any foul play. An unfortunate accident perhaps? Too bad her body was never recovered.
Willy, this is Tracy’s source:
https://truecrimedaily.com/2015/10/19/unsolved-iowa-realtor-gunned-down-in-open-house/
If she was shot just entering the house, the only chance that the murder was someone she knew would be that he could know in advance that she was going to that house that day, and alone. So the really important question is who could have that information. If nobody, then Ashley was not the target.
She wasn’t shot just entering the house. Plus, a coworker would possibly know she was going to be there.. and I believe the culprit was a coworker….
I would agree with this theory. This case should not be that hard.to solve.
Could this be another victim of Jesperson? I believe the timing is right and he bound other victims with duct tape. I believe his full name is Keith Hunter Jesperson and he is currently in the Utah prison system serving multiple life sentences.
Can I ask if they believe she disappeared in Boone and where exactly is the house. I grew up in Boone and graduated in 1982.
1221 7th Street is the address. Still there and occupied.
I am just learning of this case as far as it being Steve Leisure. It is time that people get on Amy Beavers office and press her and the Burlington Police to push for Justice for Steve. I did not realize it was Steve until I talked to an old friend of his. There are rumors of who was involved and these people are a Criminal Element of Burlington and should be behind bars on suspicion along. The only way Justice will be served in this case is if the people who \knew and loved Steve push the Burlington PD and Des Moines County Prosecutors office to do their jobs. If I am learning of the names of those involved in late 2017 then why isn’t this case solved. I know the name of one of the people rumored to be involved and he has always been involved in shit. They did drain the lake and sent the foot off, but not having people in custody is a travesty of Justice. Autumn Steels case has gotten National Attention and she was killed by accident when her dog attacked the officer. This is a grisly murder of a completely harmless individual. It disgusts me that this case is not solved and that people are not scouring the woods every day around Lake West and Issac Walton and the woods surrounding. They need to use dogs and the machines that can detect human remains under the ground. This town has always been full of murderers, but now it is completely out of hand. The more unsolved murders Burlington has the more money they can get from the Feds.
This case is infuriating to no end.
I would like to say to Bernadette and other loved ones of Keara’s if they happen to read this. Justice will prevail and Karen (very evident based on reading through this page) will be held accountable, on this earth (hopefully) and for sure when she passes.
There is no escaping justice on judgement day.
Veronica Lack is searching for an attorney to represent Iowans Right to know what is causing the Iowa DNR to repeatedly condemn their wells and newer wells they have drilled to try to have safe drinking water. Her just filed Appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court of Iowa needs an attorney the Appellate case number is 17-1933. Please help her find Representation. Call 319-430-3957
This is so interesting and heartbreaking at the same time. I too wondered why her family didn’t insist on a autopsy or a more thorough investigation. Are any of her family still alive?
The thought I had was that this information should be shared with the people connected with Antique Roadshow. Also the same with other businesses that conduct antique auctions. Since there has been a another murder of a couple involved in antiques.
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Man-again-found-guilty-of-killing-missing-fiance-for-second-time-462874563.html
After reading through the comments on this page, I feel that a great disservice has been done to the deceased, Eric William Jones, due to the spread of information here in the comments which is not accurate. If a person came along and read the comments here and took them at face-value, they would be severely misinformed. Therefore I would like to point out certain facts about this case.
First and foremost, according to the Des Moines Police Department and Jody Ewing (who administers this website), this case is classified as an unsolved homicide. This is a fact and not a clerical error. What it means is that, at minimum, homicide could not be ruled out as a cause of death, and so the case is investigated as such in order to pursue justice for the deceased, if necessary.
Second, no evidence exists in the public record that Eric suffered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome as has been suggested here in the comments on this page. That medical condition is extremely rare and affects fewer than two out of every 100,000 people on average. While it is an extremely serious and potentially fatal condition, its symptoms do not match those which have been attributed to Eric.
Third, according to the Des Moines Register article published on May 11, 1993, Eric actually had Prader–Willi Syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with a host of symptoms including developmental disabilities, low IQ, behavioral problems, and physical abnormalities. The symptoms of Prader-Willi Syndrome are far more consistent with those which have been described by others here. For example, children with Prader-Willi Syndrome frequently require a feeding tube as part of their treatment. This condition is far more common than the aforementioned Guillain-Barré Syndrome, occurring at a frequency of up to one out of every 10,000 births.
Fourth, according to Dr. Francis Garrity, the doctor who performed the autopsy on Eric Jones, “there is no medical evidence connecting the disorder to the baby’s death.” Therefore, the results of the autopsy disagree with certain statements which have been made here suggesting that Eric died as a result of a disorder he had. Absolutely no evidence suggests that the infant’s death was the result of his genetic disorder.
Fifth, according to statements given by the Des Moines Police Department to the Des Moines Register newspaper which were published in the same paper in May of 1993, investigators believed that child abuse may have played a role in Eric’s death.
Sixth and finally, according to the Polk County Medical Examiner at the time of Eric’s death, R.C. Wooters, the results of the autopsy showed that the cause of death was an injury to the infant’s head, consistent with, among other possibilities, having been struck.
In this post I have shared only the facts which were duly provided by law enforcement, medical professionals, and journalists at the time of Eric William Jones’ death. None of these statements are based on my feelings or opinions, save for my opening paragraph in which I stated that I felt aggrieved by the spread of inaccurate information here.
I believe these facts represent the other side of the story that has not been shared here. While I empathize with those who lost their loved one, I believe that in the interest of the deceased, all sides of the story should be given due consideration. Although I sincerely hope that some sort of error was made at some point in the investigation, and that Eric died of natural causes rather than as the result of homicide, all people owe it to the deceased to rule out potential foul play before casting judgment.
This is a factual, articulate, well thought out, well written, and thought provoking post that resonates with credibility. One of the better ones I’ve read on this site. Nice work.
This was a long time ago. I was at the hospital when he was born and there when he was buried. His grandmother was a friend of mine. This is what she knew at the time. I knew both parents and they never laid a hand on any of their kids let alone a newborn baby. It’s sad and let Eric rest in peace. Let his family have peace.
Yes Eric had Prader-Willi Syndrome which was the cause of his death. Thank you for bring that up none of these wanna be detectives could figured it out which is why I didn’t mention the name of it. No one in my family did anything to my brother. We were told exactly what you said Prader-Willi Syndrome caused his death. I love my brother that was the worst thing to ever happen to me and I have been blown up by IEDs in Afghanistan. Once again thank you for being the only one not accusing my family when they didn’t know all the facts.
Ask Quick Des Moines county sheriff
This case was investigated by the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office and the Wapello County Medical Examiner, Dr. Bruce Mason. An autopsy was performed and the cause of death was determined to be Hypoxia due Grand Mal Seizure. There is no indication of a “partial decapitation” as stated above. Although a minor point, he had just turned 54, not 55.
He wasn’t even stabbed?
Michael has been arrested for Elizabeth’s death/disappearance. Happen to read it in local Iowa paper. Sparked my interest and that is what brought me to this Iowa cold case story!
May Elizabeth’s Family now get some kind of closure. 🙏💜
does anyone know anything about the murder of Kim Ward 55 from Cedar Rapids?
This is one of the cold cases that infuriates me to no end. A young man who was dealt a tough blow while protecting his sister & family – a truly impressive act of heroism that deserves respect. This is a very solvable case, I pray that someone that knows about this comes forward and gives this family the peace they deserve. Come on now!
Wish the Fuc#%$ Osceola police department would grow some balls, roll the dice, and arrest the worthless shitbags they interviewed that were known to hang out and leach off this guy…. c’mon assholes, do the right thing, better yet, DO YOUR JOB….IGNORING IT WON’T MAKE IT GO AWAY
Exactly, they need to shake things up. Identify the weakest link, most likely to talk and charge that person. Get him/her rattled so they start talking. Nothing is likely to happen at this point unless they push it to make it happen.
Great news
The husband was arrested. Article link above.
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2017/12/01/victim-estranged-husband-charged-murder-henry-county-cold-case/912597001/?from=new-cookie
We have a cold case here in VA BEACH VIRGINA IN 1986 OF ROBERTA WALLS, 22 YRS. also stabbed to death they also did a SNAPSHOT DNA and it looks remarkably like THE MARTINKO SNAPSHOT , something ,coincidence or are these snap shots kind of generic molds? Articles in VIRGINIA PILOT 11/29/17-11/30/17.
Today marks 22yrs that Scott has been gone. I find it unbelievable that in that busy of a district no one seen anything. Someone robbed him of his life, they robbed his mother and family of an amazing person. He always had the most amazing laugh, he would just bust out laughing because he thought of some random thing. His laugh was contagious! I was blessed to call him one of my best friends for many years. We love and miss you.
Uncle John, mom and I still visit your gravesite. We place flowers and say prayers. We wish we could bring you justice. I don’t know where else to turn for answers. But I can tell you we will never forget you. We love you!
And make sure no one copying my address to my house in ottumwa Iowa now-;)
Hey Dylan, this is not a place to make comments about how you wanna help and be a police officer….. help your self by learning proper grammar and also common sense…… your comments are innapropriate and just plan dumb…..jackass
Hey Dennis radar, Leave the kid alone. And before you criticize someone else, you might want to proofread your own comment and take your own advice. “Help yourself by learning proper grammar and also common sense..your comments are inappropriate and just plain dumb.”
Hi and I want to helps you with unsolved murders in 1960 now and be cause I do now and be cause I all way want to be a police officer and detective at ottumwa police department in ottumwa Iowa now-;) and I have Facebook and Instagram now and I am deaf and I am a boy and I am 17 now and I got open heart surgery on my chest three time now-;) and I am in ottumwa Iowa now and my address to my house in ottumwa Iowa is 268 e Rochester road ottumwa Iowa 52501 in ottumwa Iowa now-;)
I’m the unborn son, born 2-19-1959. I’m Michael David Rogers, I was born in Tulsa, Okla. and was adopted and lived my life in Oklahoma and Texas.
your case grabbed my eye for some reason… i still think of you… it is kinda obvious what happened to you… but there is lack of proof… rip
My father was murdered in a hotel at pocahontas Ia in 1977. His name is Warren Douglas Clark. And yet i can find no records of his case file or court records of the trial for the man the was caught for his murder.
Richard, I am so sorry about your father. Here is a link to the perp’s appeal (which the perp lost). https://law.justia.com/cases/iowa/court-of-appeals/1988/86-1844-0.html
The perp is named Kline Goeders
Thank so much for your help. This helps me find some peace of mind. I was 14 yrs old at the time my dad,was murdered. Guess I just needed to know why . If there’s any photos of that man available. Would like to see one.
Hi Richard, I am sorry that I could not find a photo of the perp. You may, however, want to keep up with the Iowa Board of Parole and let them know how you feel. The perp has been seeking clemency.
Also, to the effect that you want to know “why,” the answer is probably that the perp is just another criminally versatile person. Prior to your father being murdered, he had a history of larceny, as is shown by this link: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1239451/
The perp was born in September 1955, and at age 18 he was already making the news for his criminal acts.
Later on, while incarcerated for your father’s murder, the whining perp actually had the audacity to sue when he was denied access to sexually explicit materials; her is a link to the federal appellate decision deciding that he didn’t have that right: https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F2/986/986.F2d.257.91-3755.91-3778.92-1702.html
Most recently your father’s murderer has pursued harassing litigation challenging his sentence: https://www.iowacourts.gov/media/documents/3258_6F32212D5F6F4.pdf
I have photo
Well. Didn’t know he had a daughter. If you would like to send the photo to me. Or maybe chat. This is my personal email . CLA8RC@AOL.COM.
What?
No kidding, wow, hard to follow to say the least…
Best I can tell Myra Williams is expressing her remorse to Richard Clark for the death of his father Warren Douglas Clark at the hands of her father Kline Goeders – a man implicated in the death of Mamie Sime (profile on this web site) as well I might add.
You’ll need to fire up some Crystal Meth or something to attempt to follow anything she’s trying to articulate beyond that – totally unintelligible.
Your comments should be respectful. Have u heard the saying if u cant say anything dont say anything at all. Ppl are trying to get piece of mind with the loss of a loved one. Shame on you. Im gonna pray for you my you find peace within yourself and not judge as there is only one true judge our God in heaven. In jesus name i pray Amen.
Wow,really,some guy from California with no DL just happens to be there sticking his two cents in,and she came from California, winner winner chicken dinner, there’s your killer,they obviously had a really bad police force at that time,my guess is that guy wasn’t even a suspect gezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……
hi carolyn this is gracie and I wanted to let you know that I am always looking for her and hoping that she will come home soon and I have a feeling she will very soon and I am sending prayers to find her
A minor thought here….. did I read that in her apartment they found her partial pack of ciggerett …..As a smoker I don’t leave home alone or with someone with out grabbing my ciggerett s ….
Could she have been killed at home …
That might account for no shoes on …
I have read the cold case files of Maureen Farley, Naomi Wilson, and Paula Oberbroeckling. They all took place in the same area of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I have found some connections between these cases. The landlord renting to Maureen Farley also owned the house where Paula Oberbroeckling was raped and murdered at.
Murder Mystery Reader, thank you for your research. It looks you were using some of us learned in school, the 3R’s, history and geography.
In my research of cold cases, I look at the location on maps. I used to drive and navigate a submarine, so using maps is a regular tool in my research. So, what you hinting at a connection with the landlord in these cases.
In this day and age is easy to go online and find records, and notice a possible connection between incidents, such as location, day of the week, time frame, age of the victims, etc.
It might be just a coincidence, but something to look into. Since, it might provide the needed tidbit, to break these cases, wide open.
I have been researching a cold case of Theresa Fusco, (16), from Lynbrook, New York. It is located on Long Island. Theresa disappeared Nov. 10, 1984, and was found murdered. A Kelly Morrissey, (15), disappeared in June 1984, from the same town. They are identified as friends, however, their is no mention how they were friends. They went to separate high schools.
I was actually trying to get a list of 10 people most likely responsible for Maureen Farley death like Stan Weeber did in his article called “A Preliminary Analysis of the Paula Oberbroeckling Case”. This article came up with a list of 11 people who might be responsible for Paula Oberbroeckling’s death based on geography and their personal relationship to Paula. So geography is definitely being looked at in compiling the list of possible suspects for Maureen Farley’s murder. Some people might think the same person(s) might have killed both Maureen and Paula, so that angle is being looked at. These people think both Maureen’s and Paula’s deaths were due to rapes/murders. Both of their bodies were dumped into ravines extremely close to the Cedar River, in an extremely bad smelly area of Cedar Rapids. Both went missing on a Friday night.
Why do they the Classification as Endangered, Disabled? There has been no mention of her being physically or mentally disabled.
Her family thinks it wasa nervous breakdown due to her husbands death and a miscarriage.
Very sad this man’s widow went to her grave never knowing who killed her husband. 40 years is a long time not knowing. I can only hope whoever did it died themselves a miserable death. I hope Karma got them.
Actually, I should have said above that Matice was “previously accused of molesting a paperboy in Iowa,” rather than “previously known to molest a paperboy in Iowa.”
But he definitely was convicted of child porn in Texas.
Roger Dean Matice, convicted in Texas of child pornography, and previously accused of molesting a paperboy in Iowa, has filed some sort of lawsuit in federal court in Iowa.
https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20170809975
This is despite the federal bureau of prisons saying he is in prison in Texas.
I wonder what this is about…
Of course, I don’t want to accuse Matice of being the perp. I merely point out that he #1 was previously accused of sexually molesting an Iowa paper boy and #2 bears a resemblance to the sketch of the suspect in the Johnny Gosch case.
Roger Dean Matice, convicted in Texas of child pornography, and previously accused of molesting a paperboy in Iowa, has filed some sort of lawsuit in federal court in Iowa.
https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20170809975
This is despite the federal bureau of prisons saying he is in prison in Texas.
I wonder what this is about…
Of course, I don’t want to accuse Matice of being the perp. I merely point out that he #1 was previously accused of sexually molesting an Iowa paper boy and #2 bears a resemblance to the sketch of the suspect in the Johnny Gosch case.
First point to make is Noreen had scathing things to say about the West Des Moines Police Department,not the Des Moines Police Department. Big difference. Second, for the Gosch and Martin cases, Register Circulation Manager at the time of the disappearance of both Gosch and Martin, Frank Sykora, plead guilty to molesting seven newspaper carriers. Third. another Circulation Manager, Wilbur Millhouse, should be considered a suspect in at least the Gosch case. Finally, there were attempted abductions of Register newspapers carriers outside of the Indianola cases. James Pollack was a 15-year old newspaper carrier who stated a man tried to abduct him on a paper route that was located a mere quarter mile from the Gosch home in West Des Moines. This happened in 1986.
Of course, I don’t want to accuse Matice of being the perp. I merely point out that he #1 was previously accused of sexually molesting an Iowa paper boy and #2 bears a resemblance to the sketch of the suspect in the Johnny Gosch case.
Roger Dean Matice, convicted in Texas of child pornography, and previously known to molest a paperboy in Iowa, has filed some sort of lawsuit in federal court in Iowa.
https://www.leagle.com/decision/infdco20170809975
This is despite the federal bureau of prisons saying he is in prison in Texas.
I wonder what this is about…
Again, I am Paul Rayer’s granddaughter, the other deceased murdered victim in this unsolved case. Recently, I spoke again to a good friend of my deceased grandfather, and whether you would believe this or not, he was very close to my grandfather, Paul Rayer, and after he was murdered, this man had dreams of Paul sitting on the end of his bed and telling him that it was a station wagon and it was either light blue or gray, and he had the license plate very vivid in his head, but after going to the police/FBI, he tried to remember it and asked them to hypnotize him to get the license plate number back in his head for evidence to check it out. They were not interested he said. It wouldn’t have hurt at least checking it out! There were no other closer leads back then that I have heard of. Anyway, I just spoke to him again last month regarding my grandfather and we talked of his past memories with him again. He is a very sweet man and loved my grandfather dearly. To this day, he wishes they would have hypnotized him to at least TRY to recover the license plate number…you never know. I have wanted to do something about this mystery since I was a young girl and I remember telling my grandmother, Paul’s wife, you have to contact Unsolved Mysteries, Grandma! We need to find out who did this! I wish too that there was something else I could do to help solve this!
“Mootz told authorities he and Arensdorf planned to share a cab to East Dubuque after her friends departed from the bar.”
This type of thing infuriates me. NEVER leave a friend alone in a bar or club!! In college my friends and I had a rule about this very thing.
““I think she knew the person, because there was no struggle,” Cochran said. “I’m sure she looked up, gave a big smile and probably that was it.””
There’s really no doubt about that. If her murder is ever solved, her family and friends will probably be shocked to find out who it was. I know a man was supposedly spotted but is it possible this is a red herring? It’s amazing how few clues there are in this case.
Back when this happened, a friend and I both believed she was murdered by a jealous friend. She’s successful, beautiful, and looks very happy in her pictures. I can imagine someone close to her being envious of her life.
“The family also told KCCI that Okland sent a text message to a friend less than five minutes before she died; it was not a plea for help.”
Creepy. Her killer is already there, probably just hanging out having a chat while she’s oblivious to the fact she’s about to be murdered. I assume that text offered no clue as to what was going on.
I feel really sorry for her. She was obviously blind sided….a blitz attack but with a gun. She didn’t have a chance.
Her killer was bold. In the afternoon when anyone could’ve been outside or even walked in. Shot her in the head and chest…guaranteeing she doesn’t get out alive.
Any details of the “commotion” heard by the witness ever released?
Ex-boyfriend???
Tracy, curious to know how you know she was shot in the head and chest….. those details weren’t released to the public……. and you really think the police would release information about the commotion that the neighbor had heard? Hmmmmmm
I believe it has been released that she was shot in the head and chest. I’d definitely heard that just after it happened.
I don’t mean for this to sound judgmental as I was no saint in high school/college but here’s my opinion on this case….
She’s juggling too many guys, one which cant even be accounted for. In most situations women can handle this but in others…
Her pregnancy is what set things in motion. The fact she was dating “colored” guys as well did not make the situation easier. She “thought” she was pregnant? NEVER mention pregnancy if you’re with more than one guy until you’re sure that you’re pregnant.
Any time a woman disappears and/or is murdered after an argument with a guy, shouldn’t be too hard to connect the dots.
This was a long time ago. I knew Lonnie quite well. He came over to my place very upset. Said he couldn’t believe they were questioning him as a suspect. Lonnie told me that He would never harm Paula.
Steve Gross
Wayne, I’d really like to discuss this with you more, but in a private conversation, for now. Please email me? susantaylorchehak at gmail.com
I always wished some one could provide a map of the Stillinger place to the Moore house.
Jim Farrell, I have maps…jynnxter – at – Hotmail – dot – com
Mikaela Bond Hill was killed this year in June. There were no arrests. Do you have any updates about her case?
I grew up in Collins, Iowa. Does anyone know the suspects name?
I think the dog killed them
How can a dog use an ax?
If nobody here is interested in helping me or solving this i’ll move on to a different website that is more productive and serious. Did like this would be so one sided and unresponsive…how depressing !
It’s not the role of this website or of its dedicated, tireless, and unpaid webmaster to try to solve crimes. This website provides information. Law enforcement solves crimes.
Thank you, Jody, for all that you do, and for your unflagging efforts on behalf of victims’ families for the past many years. You’re the best!
People who use and appreciate this site should donate funds to help keep it going.
I am very interested in what you’re saying Don. I , too, see what was said and it was totally debunked. I think the man who goes there is definitely a great place to start! Someone has that murder on their hands!
An old newspaper article says:
“IOWA CITY — Karen Ann Christensen, 28, a former media specialist at Coolidge elementary school in Cedar Rapids, has been identified as the second victim of a mysterious blaze which destroyed a pickup truck north of Marina 218. Johnson county authorities Friday confirmed that dental records provided by her dentist provided the positive identification. The other victim, identified Thursday as Larry Gordon Wells, 25, Marathon, was Miss Christensen’s first cousin and lifelong friend, Johnson county Sheriff Gary Hughes said Friday. Wells also was identified through dental records after Iowa bureau of criminal investigation agents traced him through registration records for his truck. In Marathon Positive identification of both victims was made by Dr. Clayton Schalla of the oral surgery department of University hospitals in Iowa City. Miss Christensen, who had been living with her cousin in Marathon for the last year, was a divorcee. Her ex-husband, Duane Seward, lives in Cedar Rapids. Born Aug. 27, 1947, Miss Christensen was employed at Coolidge school from 1969 until May 20, 1974, when she took a leave of absence for personal reasons. She asked to be released from her teaching contract May 9, 1975. Acquaintances in Cedar Rapids termed her “a nice gal and a good teacher. She did a very good job.” Becky Pewsey, a teacher at Coolidge and a close friend, said Miss Christensen hadn’t been working the last year.”
Thank You, the reason I’m asking for the exact location is to confirm a rumor I have been following that flowers have been put on the crime sight still to this day.
I have a Private Investigation background and would like to pursue this lead.
I truly believe the answers to this murder is in the very spot it occurred.
Thank You, Don.
Yes It would be nice to know who did this to my brother!!! We all miss him very much and think about him all the time.
Have they ever tested evidence for DNA?Testing is a lot more accurate today and if the haven’t that’s something the family needs to push for.We miss him so much and would be great if we see a break in the case while we are still living.
Yes it would be nice Angie.Would like to see an arrest made in our lifetime. We miss him and justice needs to be served.
I have been praying ever since this happened to both babies. I remember reading about it in the paper and it just broke my heart. I pray the parents turn themselves in or that the Police find them. My prayers remain with both babies.
It is my belief that Louis Dale Reed was murdered by the parent or relative of yet another child he sexual molested. I was six years old when he sexually abuse me at his junk yard when my mother and her then boyfriend left my sister and I at the junkyard. I was a senior in high school when he was shot dead. His death lifted some of the emotional damage I carried. there isn’t a day that goes by that I cant visualize the acts he forced on my tiny body.
I may or may not win the Pulitzer Prize for reporting, I may not be a lawyer and I may be wrong about many things, but there were good reason for anyone to be concerned about this trial. I had a right and duty to say something:
(see more here) https://youtu.be/s6c9EMwAbwY?t=1m51s
If no one listened or if County Attorney Ben Smith trashes me personally, so be it, but to use his power to punish me and shut me down and ruin my life is unwarranted, offensive and illegal. I may wrong on my broader concerns about a conspiracy with Tracey Richter (then Roberts) ex-husband and Ben Smith, but when Ben Smith went that far to punish not just me but others, it makes me unable to shake that I am right about that as well.
I might not be a genius reporter, but why was I threatened with arrest for interfering with a murder investigation if I set foot in Iowa? Why didn’t County Attorney Ben Smith disclose he was dating his star witnesses daughter?
County Attorney Ben Smith, testifying as a witness for Michael Roberts, stated my article was a lie when I published Michael Roberts failed police polygraph.
I’m not a genius reporter but when I called the tip line about Michael Roberts prior to Tracey ever being arrested, but never had a returned call. He did criminally charge me, and I was facing 25 years in prison unless I retracted my articles. I think that should make others in Iowa, ask why?
https://youtu.be/s6c9EMwAbwY?t=1m51s
I couldn’t even imagine what these parents are going through. My heart goes out to them. No parent should ever have to bury their child.
I wish you would reopen the Edi Torres case, shot the morning of October 1, 2005. You have the wrong person in prison. Justice is not about putting someone in prison, it’s about putting the right person in prison. Edi Torres’ family does not have justice for him. And there is no justice for Danny Sing as long as he remains in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Herb doesn’t know anything. Just one of MANY who now troll the crime sites acting like they’re experts when in reality they don’t know their ass from a hole in the ground.
They watch an episode of Law & Order, CSI and Silence of the Lambs and are now profilers. His type has ruined all these sites. I usually ignore comments sections and of course sites like Reddit are flooded with his type.
I wish for compassion and and the truth as to this loss of life but I don’t wish bad to happen to anyone.
Aren’t we all so proud of ourselves of getting David Flores out of prison, so he could continue his life of crime and victimize more innocents.
Aren’t we all so proud?
Blame jurors not everybody
I don’t remember ever hearing of this slaying, even as I got older. I hope that this will, somehow, be solved for the family. Someone, somewhere, knows what happened.
This kid has been seen in Davenport iowa by KFC and new China restraunt he was spotted there twice by a friend. We looked at his pictures above and confirmed that is him. Has been walking I don’t k is if he ran away or was taken but he claims he 19
My name is Alex of you need more information I can be contacted at
563-459-7356
I have notified his Mom of the latest reply, hopefully this pans out, and I pray, like many, he is OK, he’s aged out, he should contact a family member at least to stop all the worrying, especially his Mom.
Did anything come of this lead? I pray he is found.
Emma, his Mom said she looked into it, and it wasn’t him, something fishy with this, No-one is helping Her with locating him.
My mom Sherrie Brown was helping her to find Freddie but the family told her that they didn’t want her help so mom back off
I’d like to reopen the case and see if I can find some things out or missing clues …I believe he’s gone it’s not fair to them what happened to Freddie if anyone knows what happened call me 813-550-8537 I’m Mr Jaelen Brown
When was this
why did family?. were the girls sexually messed with?. nice looking family. good people.
One would have to understand the religious climate of the day. The Stillinger children did not attend public school, and one map from 1912 places the Stillinger school on their property. The church service the two attended with the Moore’s was Christian…and in those days, Amish, Mormon, Mennonite and other sects separated themselves because of their ‘different views’ regarding proper treatment of girls and women. Lena was the object of the event, and the scene found in the morning, was exactly according to the ”Blood atonement ritual” practiced by the fundamentalist Mormons. The ‘hints’ were all documented in the first few days after the murders took place. You’ve never heard this before because it has been the missing piece of evidence that no one noticed…. and of course the fact that they were all ‘knocked in the head’ and placed in their beds before Lena was forced to witness what had to be done to protect their community of brothers and sisters.
Then a decade later, Elizabeth died unexpectedly:
ELIZABETH “LIZ” HEMMINGER
Cedar Rapids
Elizabeth “Liz”
Hemminger, 52, of Cedar
Rapids, died suddenly
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at
Mercy Medical Center,
Cedar Rapids. A memorial
service will be at a later
date.
Liz was born Jan. 29,
1963, in Cedar Rapids to
Thomas and Carolyn (Null)
Hemminger. She worked at
Goodwill, and liked cats
and birds. She enjoyed
sewing, embroidery and
cooking. She was a
member of Father’s House
Church.
Survivors include her
longtime partner, Shawn
Franklin; father, Thomas
Hemminger; mother,
Carolyn Marquez; sisters,
Terry Marquez of
Kingman, Ariz., and
Michelle Hemminger of
Amana; brother, Matthew
Hemminger of Fairfax; her
stepbrothers and
stepsisters; special cousin,
Dwayne Janey; and many
aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews and friends.
Liz was preceded in
death by her grandparents,
stepfather and uncle.
From the 2005 Cedar Rapids Gazette (again pertaining to Shawn Franklin, son of Alvernia Beets Franklin):
Shawn Franklin. 52, of 530 Bentley Dr., Marion, for assault
causing bodily injury (domestic abuse) at 1:30 p.m. Friday;
accused of assaulting Elizabeth Hemmnger at their residence
1978 (pertaining to Alvernia Franklin’s son Shawn):
Judge refused to throw out riot charges against seven
Seven persons facing aggravated
misdemeanor charges in connection
with a confrontation with Cedar Rapids
police outside a southeast Cedar
Rapids tavern on May 20 have been
thwarted in their attempt to have the
charges dismissed.
Charles Hodges, 25; Roy Williams,
27; Edward L. Williams, 25;
Daniel J. Morgan, 21; Shawn Franklin,
26; Rufus Lea, 33; and John
Pledge, 42, face a rioting charge in
connection with the incident outside
the L & H Lounge.
From the January 21, 1976 Cedar Rapids Gazette, pertaining to Sammie Franklin, the son of Alvernia Beets Franklin (demonstrating more genetic psychopathy in this family, and no doubt yet another possibility in Naomi’s disappearance):
Police nab man wanted in Milwaukee
Sammie Franklin, 29, was arrested at a Cedar Rapids residence Tuesday on a charge Filed by Milwaukee police. Franklin was arrested shortly after 9:30 p.m. on a charge of “injury by conduct regardless of life.” Police reported Franklin listed his address as 1041 Fourth avenue SE, the place of his arrest. Franklin was being held in the county jail pending extradition to Milwaukee.
Two Beets siblings (Alvernia Beets Franklin and Thomas Beets, siblings to Colbert, Wendell, and Co.) were present at the scene of a shooting death in November, 1952. From the December 21, 1952 Cedar Rapids Gazette:
Woman Fatally Shot; Police Call Death Accidental
Mrs. Jack Reed, 22, of 908 Ninth street SE was fatally shot about 8:45 p.m. Saturday. Police termed her death accidental.
Sam Franklin, 28, who lives at the same address, told police that he was an eye-witness. Franklin’s story was this:
Mrs. Reed had been changing her clothes in one room of the second-floor apartment while Franklin was in another room. The woman then walked into the room where Franklin was and said “Sam, look what I got here.”
Displayed Pistol.
She was holding a small automatic pistol in her hand. Police identified it as an Italian 7.65- caliber automatic. Franklin said that he told Mrs. Reed to put the gun away but she continued to hold it. “Let me show you how it works,” Franklin quoted the woman as saying. Then, she started to pull back the slide on the gun and it went off, according to Franklin’s story.
Franklin’s wife backed up her husband’s story. She said that she too saw Mrs. Reed shoot herself by accident. “Don’t play with that thing,” Mrs. Franklin said she told Mrs. Reed just before the gun went off.
Detective Captain John Kuba said, after all witnesses were questioned, that the shooting was apparently accidental.
The clip to the gun was found on the floor of the apartment and Captain Kuba surmised that Mrs. Reed had removed it and thought the gun was not loaded. One cartridge remained in the firing chamber, however. Kuba also noted that the gun’s safety catch was worn so that the gun could be fired even with the safety on.
In another room at the time of the shooting was Thomas Beets, 21, of 84 Eighth street SW, a brother of Mrs. Franklin. He said that he heard the shot but didn’t realize it was a gun firing.
Taken to Hospital.
Then, Beets said, he saw Mrs. Reed walk past the room where he was sitting. She stood at the top of a stairway, he said, and then turned back. Beets said that he noticed then that there was blood on the front of her clothing.
Beets said that he ran over and caught her just as she fell. She was taken to a local hospital by Ambulance service and was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police recovered the fatal bullet on the kitchen floor of the apartment. By the time officers arrived a number of neighbors and friends were in the apartment.
The dead woman’s husband arrived about 20 minutes after his wife was shot. The Reeds and others in the apartment at the time were all Negroes. Witnesses Franklin and Beets were taken to the police department for questioning.
It appears that Corey’s mother has passed before seeing justice in her sons case. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Thanks so much for sharing this, anon. I’m deeply saddened by her death and appreciate all the photos she shared with me for use on Corey’s page. It’s such a tragic thing to leave this earth not knowing what happened to one’s beloved son. My heartfelt condolences go out to her remaining family and friends.
Michellaina or Michelaina Siemer also went missing from Cedar Rapids in 1983, age 37. She was reported missing by a friend on October 5, 1983. The police said at the time that her marriage was “stormy” and that she had a history of walking away. The police also said that for all they knew, she went back to Sweden, where she was from.
This woman vanished and there is no record anywhere of her ever showing up again.
I am so sorry to hear that you lost your father this way. Thank you for sharing.
A friend comments that he looked like a technician at the following company
https://www.outerbankscomputerrepair.com/
Hey mom…its me again. I met the love of my life and we are expecting another baby..I wish you were here so you can meet your grand daughter, she turns 3 in January.. Not a day goes by where you aren’t on my mind. I love and miss you mom and I know you’re watching me from above. Fly high <3
Hard to believe, this devil got away with murder.
When he should have gotten death.
Shocking, simply shocking. What the hell is the matter with Iowa laws.
What happened to Arthur Scott Jr?
i was around the same age as tammy and remember seeing the news stories when she first went missing and it scared me to death as a young man i have since gotten into law enforcement and left it mainly because of what happened in tammy’s case a lack of seriousness about cases cops seem to feel they don’t need to be very thorough in missing investigations because a lot turn up alive and cops feel this is a waist of time she with a boyfriend or had a fight with the family and so special care is not taken and extra steps are no taken in the initial investigation but once the scene is cleared and other people are allowed back in the scene is contaminated and any evidence that wasn’t collected is lost for life i have followed this case and is saddened that this young bright girl who was trying to go to school to get a college education was so salvagerly murdured with overkill and her dad has now passed away not never finding out who murdered his daughter i can’t believe dna has solved this case which tells me that A either none was collected or B the real killer has high up connections and evidence was lost on purpose there should have been a ton of evidence to link some one the guy more than likely touched her car to pretend to want to help, fiber sand hair from his clothing should have transfered to the blanket as he was carrying her to the dump area all log sheets for truckers traveling through that area should have been looked into for missing time unaccounted for or being late on deliveries so being a former cop this reaks of a family member or friend of a high ranking law enforcement official in that area who was able to infirtrate the investigation and lose or alter evidence you would to almost have a PHD in forensics to be able to avoid leaving tons of evidence behind and WERE TALKING 1992 none of the forensics shows were really on tv to educate the public on how evidence left behind in a crime scene can connect someone why wasn’t there pubic hair transfers even if a condom is used, why wasn’t there hair transfer,to the blanket she was carried in SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT HERE,if it was a ordinary trucker your telling me he is that edept in forensics that he didn’t leave no evidence behind i don;t buy it the only other possible thing that could have happen is that when a case becomes real big some cops or forensics take evidence home and keep it as a souvernier to show friends a family later of a big case they were involved in which is bad
I was told that alot of carnival workers were buried in Hugo tx and have alot of unclaimed
I love you bro and wish you was here to meet your bad ass niece??and see all the good things I hear your handsome boys my nephews are doing ❤️❤️?I love you and miss you dearly???
Praying for these cases get resolved. My heart and thoughts to the families and friends.
Still hoping, wishing, praying that these cases will yet be solved, especially Lisa’s – I was a fellow Wartburg student then & from the same hometown. Changed my life and so many others We will never forget……
My cousin Guy Howard Heckle has been missing since February 1973 fron Toddville Iowa, at his 1st boyscout campout. Please profile his case. Ty
Dee was my sister Cindys best friend. Dee would never have left her daughter. Dave was creepy then and is still to this day. For almost 35 years he has gotten away with the murder of Dee. I don’t ever want to give up hope that he will face justice someday. Dee was part of our famile.
She told us the same thing. I wish that we could find her
Long shot, but I can’t help but wonder if Robert Hansen could have “visted” back home for a while. He was supposedly in Anchorage in 1967, but also states his killings there didn’t start until 1971. He was known to tie women to posts in the wilderness. Typically 16-19. I wonder how close of a timeline the FBI could have on him given so little was actually tracked or trackable back them. Even with Schaefer…their dates active are just what they can (for the most part prove/guess) right? Just because he killed in Florida, doesn’t mean he wasn’t inspired by previous unknown activity in Iowa.
Sounds to me like the Des Moines police are afraid to do their job.Move out of the way and let some new blood take over the investigations of unsolved murders.
My thoughts exactly..I am her daughter and it has been a complete nightmare dealing with Dmpd and getting justice for my mother. Keep us in your prayers!
Those women look like they’d beat you to death with their bibles!
I am glad so many Have not forgotten my dear brother. Mom and I were there at the funeral, it was such a shock, I couldn’t believe it happened to my dear brother. I am older now and have medical problems, so I would love seeing it resolved before I go home to be with Jesus!
He was found below the bathroom where he had fallen through the second floor, he was also found with accelerant on him, and it was in the bathroom.
I can only assume that the statement “did not die of smoke inhalation” means that smoke was not found in his lungs. Does anyone else think it possible the child was dead/killed before the fire started?
Jim, he was not deceased first. His cause of death is thermal injures. No smoke in his lungs because his airways were literally burned before the smoke could get there.
Robin,
I tried to contact you via email a few years ago. Jody and Tim as well. I only heard back once. I still am waiting to go back and do my senior project for my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I would be so happy to have your blessing to do so and reach out to a few contacts Jody sent me. If you and/or Rick would be willing to do an interview for my thesis when I go back to school I would so appreciate it. Would you please consider?
Natalia, I responded to you via email tonight, and will check back in with you tomorrow (Thursday). Thanks so much for writing and your willingness to help us work toward justice in Ricky’s case!
Natalia, first off I want to apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I talked to Rick the same day I saw your message and then I spaced off replying and that’s my fault. Again, I apologize.
You have both of our blessings as wells as Reggy’s. We would be happy to do an interview with you and answer any questions you may have. Ricky stated he would like it if you could work it around his work schedule. He generally has most weekends off. If that won’t work for you he said he could always participate over the phone. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you for taking an interest in Ricky’s case.
Thank you so much, I look forward to speaking with you soon! I will reach out via email instead of on here next time.
Also, thank you Jody for taking the time to help me and Robin connect.
What about Kendall Foster
I am a retired Illinois State Trooper and worked in District 21 Ashkum at the time.I was not involved in the investigation, however,I do feel it was a case that should have been solved.Sunday, new week, possible tollway video and toll booth on I-80 and location of her recovered vehicle. These factors alone would lead me to believe the route taken by the offender was I-80 to Rt. 59 south to I-55 in Bloomington to I-44 St. Louis and southwest to location where victim found. A large number of truck stop on the route. I don’t know anything about the specific of the case at the time, however a major aggressive in investigation by FBI, Illinois,and Missouri State Police manpower I think would have solved the case.
Lee is exactly right bob
dito
Fiction makes for great reading material and some of this story is pure bullshit made up by people wanting to add to the story how many decades later?? Your not a fact checker you make your own opinions and listen to hearsay without any responsible reporting, because I would love nothing more than to see a copy of my dad’s non existent suicide letter, and I’m sure his suicide had nothing to do with his mental illness or my parents separation. Funny I was told 3 years ago that my dad went to Kenny’s house but he wasn’t home, now it’s he went to his job? Let’s at least keep it consistent. This really is the lowest that people can stoop to talk about someone who has been dead for so long and to let his children read that he wrote a suicide note because of something that happened 20 years before he died, because not one person in my family has ever seen this alleged note. This is disgusting.
Kim Gill, I am so sorry that, your Dad, was put into this article. It is bad enough, that one family, had to suffers though this. Then to add another family with no prove of a letter! I went to school with your dad. I was back in town shortly, after his death. My Grandmother told me about it and she said Gordon, mother had been worried about him because he had be so depressed and recently been separated from his wife. I too, as many do suffer from mental illness, it is a hard thing to ask for help for, and a hard thing to treat. I hope you learn not to let the fool out there hurt. No one know your Dad like you and yours. He was a good person. And nothing anyone can say can hurt him now. So don’t let it hurt you. God Bless you and your family.
https://www.kcci.com/article/first-degree-murder-trial-for-shanna-golyar-begins/12014389
Justice has been served!
Is there still a reward for info leading to the arrest of big Earl’s killer?
Why do you know something? Contact police and ask
Dsm lady, yes there is. Do you have information?
Fortunately for all involved, Patrick W. Hill Sr shot himself on 08/12/17. May he burn in hell!
I miss my sister. Gone but never forgotten, love you sister.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
This doesn’t really describe WHAT happened to her.
So sad!!
Why do you describe a 5’8″, 130 pound woman as “stout”? She would actually appear rather thin.
Must have been the times Merlehay. I thought the same thing.
I agree.
Hello! I’m a granddaughter of the other deceased man, Paul Rayer, in this case. I would love to speak with you, Cindy Chevalier, regarding this case. I called the phone numbers above to try to get a phone number for you, but the police dept. did not help me very much. I was transferred many times and finally to an area without much ambition to help me get in contact with you. Maybe you can email me if you see this. Or I’d love to talk to you, Mr. Kerns. I’ve also always wanted to help solve the death of my grandfather! I may or may not have a bit of information to share. Tina
Raytel88@att.net
This article has said that 2 boys from Illinois killed her years ago…Now it doesn’t even mention them… people and investigators need to make their own judgements based on facts and not rumors
Yeah my good friend Billy worthen was arrested and wrongfully accused for this. So sad and tragic but wrong of the law enforcement officials to wrongfully accuse and treat a man so poorly..
looking for any further information…
Laura Barlow….how do you know Guy and about his case?? Im his cousin..his mom is my Aunt Nancy…we would love to hear about any informationyouve gathered..please and thank you. Thank you for not letting his memory just fade💖
How far away from the archery club where they? Was anyone from there interviewed? I am a mushroom hunter. For years i walk those hills. Always looking..Thanks.
Thank you Brian….we so appreciate you keeping him in your thoughts when you are in the area! Not sure how far from the archery area the camp was but we will look into it for sure. All of the scouts and scout leader were interviewed…but not sure how far out they reached.
Please let us know if you think of anything else.
Sincerely,
Laura Knowles
Laura…
The scout master and scouts were interviewed in depth. I can promise you without a doubt that there was no foul play. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Hi Jeff! As I have talked to my family extensively and understand that you have spoken to each of them extensively. Please know the next generation of Guys family has surfaced and doing everything and anything we can to try and solve this case. Thank you for your honesty and know we are doing anything and everything we can to solve this case. I have seen how many times you have claimed to know information and I have no doubt that you do. This child has not been found and I make it my life’s mission to solve who kidnapped my second cousin. We would love to speak to you but already know the information that you have given. Fresh eyes is ultimately what this case needs and we won’t sleep until there is justice for guy!
Small world. I am also a cousin. My mom and Howard were brother/sister. I think of Guy very often. And always on this date 😢
Hi Laura – Uncle Howard was one of my absolute favorite people in the world! His sweet nature and contagious laugh will never be forgotten. I just wish there had been some closure for him while he was still living. Aunt Nancy is still alive and doing well. We spent time in the summers with Howard and Nancy and the kids regularly – Guy was about 6 years older than me, but was always kind, sweet and fun. It’s just not right that people have to go their whole life without closure for something so personal and close to the heart. Thanks for replying and reaching out. I hope someday there will be some answers.
Laura Knowles
Wow I watch crime investigator shows all the time and had no idea this much was going on in my own backyard
Dude looks like Ned Flanders
John DeCamp has died: https://journalstar.com/legislature/controversial-former-senator-john-decamp-dies/article_8fb384a2-2f9a-510e-874b-2f4f535b5c04.html
I can’t believe it’s been nearly six years
I remember the day I was told. It was two days after my brothers birthday. It was the night/morning after his party and I have the last card they gave to anybody in our family. I went through middle and high school remembering the pain and thinking through this. It still breaks my heart that somebody would do something this heinous and that it could’ve been because of some stupid auction.
I just want closure. Even if My great-grandma Kay is dead, and we can’t talk to her again, I just want to know what happened. The pain and speculation hurts and it messes people up. It messes families up and it makes mental health work.
I love them so much. I miss them so much.
I will go into my Senior year with pain in my heart that they can’t see me achieve my dreams like they wanted to.
And they they can’t see my brother do that either.
Jo, I’m so sorry your great-grandparents’ case remains unsolved and so many questions have gone unanswered. It’s a terribly heavy burden to bear, especially not knowing what happened to your great-grandma or the “whys” behind these crimes.
Please enter your senior year with confidence and determination to still achieve the goals and dreams you set out to achieve. (And this includes your brother.) These are “your” dreams – your lives – and they matter every much as your great-grandparents’ lives mattered. Don’t give up on seeing justice service in this heinous crime, but don’t let those responsible get away with destroying even more lives by holding you back.
Investigators have never given up on solving this case, and just because they’ve made no arrests doesn’t mean they don’t know who did it and aren’t working to make charges stick once they’re filed. They get only that one chance. Anyone who’s lost a loved one knows it alters our perception of the world in which we live, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still live yours to its fullest potential, just as those now gone would have wished.
My deepest condolences to all your family members.
Can’t believe after all this time that adam Schumacher hasn’t been investigated…… at least given a hard, hard look….. fucking snake works at fed ex I think? Carma is a bitch…… every one is fooled by the church, family guy image….. well, behind the mask……..P*%#& of. S*#”
Adam Schumacher is he from Stuart area?
norwalk
Warren prosecutors suck that’s why this hasnt been solved, if this were to happen in polk county alot more intensive investating would take place. I live less than few miles from the woods murder and this isnt the 1st time foul play happens across county lines it’s sad but an entire family was murdered 32 years down the street my folks live on few miles fro. The woods and an murdered woman body also found by hunters to complete separate case from the woods. I hope they find whoever’s did this but I also hope warren county finds better prosecutors
I sat through most of this trial as a totally unbiased observer. I had never heard about the case before. Do I think she’s guilty? Absolutely. It was obviously a crime of passion. All of the pieces of the puzzle seem to point to Terry Supino as the murderer. But, if I had been a juror, I could not have convicted her. There was no hard evidence that tied her to the crime. No murder weapon. No blood found on clothes or vehicles. All the evidence was circumstantial. And that’s not enough to convict. Fascinating case.
Due to it being a crime of passion, is the main reason why this evil b**** got off scott free. Now, had she not had the murder weapon when she found them together, left only to come back with every intention to kill…is then considered premeditated and she would’ve been found guilty. I don’t know how a person who has pretty much sold her soul to the devil, can sleep at night. Oh wait…yes as a matter of fact I do…to her (as you see in many different pictures) she’s all smiles. #ONECOLDHEARTLESSB****
Please check the Des Moines Register May 14th 1993 for information on Johnetta Jackson. There is an article on someone whom shot himself.
Of course she did it. Who had the motive and time to do it, she did. A naked man confronts them, then orders her to get undressed? Very rarely a person ever escapes like that. She said her husband told her to run, in effect making him the hero so she didn’t die. He tied him tight but didn’t tie her tight, so she escaped. If it quacks like a …….
I agree, the story doesn’t add up.
It amazes me that everyone here is so quick to judge. I also grew up in Dubuque, I always loved this town and it still has a spot in my heart. Yes there are cold cases, which is very unfortunate, but if you compare our list to other cities it is quite short. So in that aspect I believe our police are doing a fairly good job. It does so suck for the loved ones of these cases because they do not get their closure or justice. That doesn’t mean that these will still never be solved. As in any case, you have to trust that our officers and investigators are doing the best they can with the evidence provided. I know in a lot of cases officers may know beyond doubt who did what, but without the evidence to prove it they can’t proceed. I am not in any way saying that the people lost in these cases should be forgotten or the cases no longer worked, but more to the people commenting on here and making such judgments about the police and other people they believe to be guilty, if you think you can do a better job at solving these cases or you have such facts as to who the guilty party is then prove it and pony up on the evidence needed to solve these cases. Otherwise, shut up. This site is more for remembering the ones lost in these cases. So if you can’t do the same thing the police weren’t able to do, respect the families of the lost and offer up prayer and condolences instead of worthless judgments and false accusations.
where is collin brown?
There were arrests made in connection to Collin Brown’s murder, including several people who were charged with first degree murder:
https://103wjod.com/two-more-arrest-in-the-homicide-of-collin-brown-last-april/
Some of the suspects have already taken plea deals on lesser charges in exchange for their testimony against the killer/s. One of the men, Imere Hall, has already been found guilty of first degree murder, while two others still await trial on their first degree murder charges:
https://www.telegraphherald.com/news/breaking/article_c588d121-d5b7-5942-a7f2-bc761527c26a.html
Since there were arrests made in Brown’s case and one person already convicted of first degree murder in his death, his case is considered solved at this point.
I’ve got good reason to believe there’s a lot more connected to Collins case than they have let on. These dumbasses in court is just the tip.
Collin was one of my roommates for more than a few occasions.
People in his immediate vicinity or circle keep changing stories. And believe me the shit that has been admitted since is completely fucked.
Law enforcement knocked off my friend and replaced him with more submissive people when he wanted to get out of that shit.
MOTHERFUCKERS ARE WANDERING OUT AND FREE AND THINKING THAT THEY CANT BE TOUCHED BC THEY ARE SET LOOSE BY THE COPS IN EXCHANGE FOR INFO
AND SOME OF THESE COCKSUCKERS THINk I dont know.
Where is the justice when we get to pay for their rent and for them to be protected for the rest of their lives? When my friend is laying in the fucking ground!
His memory has been constantly disrespected and tarnished since the goddamn funeral and now there’s a bunch of assholes set loose by the Dubuque cops thinking they can do whatever the fuck they want and poison the community, drive the good people down into the ground, and perpetuate all this misery and pain
Panamared- I’m extremely sorry and sad that you lost your friend and truly hope that life is getting better for everyone that knew and loved Collin.
You won’t want to read this because it only adds to the wounds: You should know that Collin was not an innocent individual, albeit, his life should not have ended nor should the robbery have taken place to begin with, but Collin was involved with the drug world(you being his friend should know about this to the “T”) and surrounded himself with many shady people, It is 100% nonsensical for people and his family/friends to continually hide and ignore that fact or try to justify it by other means due to his very unfortunate death.
Anyway, I thought I “knew” the killer/planner(s) of the robbery very well, as my sister had a child with
him, but could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that he would some day commit a homicide, none of us did. You need to know, as you already should, that there’s many sides to this extremely sad case. Noone should have died, but when drugs are involved, and when someone sells those bad batches of drugs(Collin) causing other people to get sick, or in one situation causing overdose that lead to death which couldn’t fully be pinpointed back to a certain person, but everyone knew due to close relations and sales contacts.. Well… You clearly know what happened after that…..
Then there were cover-ups, the media coverage, the hearings, the lies, and many stories that simply didn’t add up to the big picture, and to throw salt on the wound, Collin’s child will be raised without a father and his family and friends are at a complete loss; on top of that, my sister and family are dealing with Tacari’s aftermath as well, not only does she get his bad reputation that she couldn’t control, but now she has to raise a toddler alone because her father was involved in the drug life and committed this disgustingly heinous crime leading to a life behind bars. And…. not just Collin’s case, but 1000s of cases throughout the U.S. have occured in similar fashion due to very similar situations which can and should be avoided by staying away from drugs.
My advice, stay away from drugs and anyone that’s involved with such practices.
Collins case was horseshit and cops replaced my friend knocked him off and replaced him rather with more submissive people. People outside the case have admitted shit and stories keep changing
They think I don’t keep track of what these bastards say when they forget he was my roomate more than a few occasions
Let’s just keep perpetuating the shit thatll eventually drive all of dubtown into the ground. Assholes set loose by the cops thinking they can do whatever the hell they want poisoning the community.
Kharma is very unforgiving v
So, wait. You’re saying that the police killed Collin Brown, in order to “replace” him, and then pinned it on others? Am I getting that right?
How about in the future you refrain from making such ridiculous accusations, especially considering the authorities did an excellent job in closing that case. Crackpot theories and false rumors are a huge reason that a lot of these cases remain unsolved. They only serve to muddy the waters, and take up valuable time and resources to investigate.
They’ve Caught Everyone Involved With Collins Murder….
But What About My Friend Jimmy Richardson Who Was Shot & Killed On Rhomberg ? Where’s His Justice ?
Or Brandon O’Rourke. I graduated with that man.
Bottom line is there is no justice when we get to pay these fuckers’ rent for the rest of their lives
As they sit and smile in court and even at our friends funerals.
Rest in peace Dubuque.
My friends memories have been lost tarnished forgotten thrown away starting at their own goddamn funerals!
What? So some assholes can make more money off of our blood and tears as concern is pushed aside for the “growth” of Dubuque into a fucking tumor
They were just kids and I won’t forget. And kharma hurts real fucking bad
Like how bad it hurts seeing my friends being put to rest into the fucking dirt every time. People don’t learn unless it’s the hard way because guess what
Human beings are the only creatures to claim a good, but we are the only ones who also act like we ain’t got no one to answer to in the end
brandon commited suicide
This is Collin Browns dad. Collin was into drugs and selling, tho he did not deserve to die, he still did wrong. We are fighting a spiritual battle that we can’t win alone. When the men who killed my son were convicted, I forgave them at their sentencing. You see unless we all accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we will all end up in hell. So you think that those who killed Collin are getting away your wrong they still have to pay eternally, unless they accept Jesus and ask for forgiveness. So I am asking you all to repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior.
ShelJo- is that you?
Why would you ask that? He’s R.I.P. and his killers are in prison for life.
If there is anyone that new my mom well trying to get idea of what she was like.
This really is crazy I was born and raised here and I only new about the 3. OK I understand the cops are busy (not) but really these are peoples loves ones. No answers dont have a clue were there at. Get your asses out there and do your jobs you can’t till me there’s no desk cop that would love a cold case. If theses were my loves ones my butt would be down at the police station every single day till I died. To theses family ?
It’s been how many years & the cops still don’t know who Marlons killers are he was a good kid no one need to die at a young age he had is whole life ahead of him ?? Rip Marlons
WPD sucks! I can’t count how many times I’ve called & got the run around! It makes me sick to think that my mother’s death will remain unsolved, because they didn’t take their jobs a lil more seriously.
I pray for all the other Families, that have lost loved ones, to gun violence. I hope that WPD does a better job, in those cases.
I feel the same way, my brother is still a cold case, I called the WPD with leads by doing my own investigation and by the time they looked into them the people couldn’t be found for questioning, well of course not if you wait weeks before attempting to follow up on the lead I give. I put it in God’s hands now because all it does is make me angry and depressed. Good luck and I hope you get some type of closure
Thank you Lisa. I hope the same for u.
I gave it to God, a long time ago.
I live in Storm Lake and I remember when this happened. Who just throws away a baby? And then the poor thing goes through a shredder? Who ARE these people?
I currently live in Osage and appalled but not surprised that there are people in this area who are unjust. I cannot believe…. Actually there are so many parts that I cannot get past. How do people get away with this!!! Wow just wow ?
Whenever an election for County Attorney or Sheriff or Assessor or County Trustees or County Soil and Water Conservation Board Members if you see and smell too many crooks or CAFO’s consider running for the Board as too many building contractors or developers do run for that Soil and Water Conservation Board and get elected just by getting their name on the ballot, no position on CAFO’s given until they get on the Board that issues CAFO Building Permits. Iowans, get involved, Protect our Water. Veronica Lack
Oh my gosh. He had a baby born two weeks after his murder! Horrible. Any idea if the car was a dump site or belonged to the killer? Could the owner of the car have also been a victim? This seems so perplexing.
How can anyone live with themselves after killing this very young dad? Condolences to his mom, friends, and other family.
what happened to the bartender..did he see anything?
Theresa what makes you ask that?
I think it would be great if people stopped attacking the family members for their mistakes and drug use. Did you see yesterday’s Des Moines Register? Lyric’s parents and Elizabeth’s father (Mr. Collins on this page – sorry for your losses, sir) went into detail about their mistakes, how they’ve paid for them, and what they’re doing now to make things better and honor their daughters’/nieces’ memory.
Mr. Collins lost his daughter, his niece, his marriage, his peace of mind and much more. Why dig in deeper?
Lots of people in Iowa are on meth. Most Iowa meth dealers I am aware of are small time losers who will be caught by LE long before they can do serious damage (in the form of murders and stuff, obviously they’re doing damage to addicts and their families).
This was in no way set up as if to “send a message” as dealers and the mafia do. They would have been left in front of their homes, or photos would have been sent of them harmed before they died. Someone wanting money would keep them alive or the perception that they were alive in an effort to collect. Someone wanting money would threaten or harm the adults who actually owe them money (perhaps by threatening the children, yes).
This seems more like one or more pedophiles or a thrill killing. :-(
RIP Lyric and Elizabeth.
Can’t believe you said that !? Really !, don’t dig deeper to find out who did this ??? Wow ?!
Do you have any knowledge of the workings of a drug cartel ? The parents may not know the specific killer but they DO know why thoes beautiful little girls lives we taken !
These drug cartel enforcer are animals but they are also magnificently smart. They know exactly where the focus would be and that is excatly what happened, the “child molester in a white van” theory. These murders were a direct result of the parents “bad habits”.
I say keep digging til you hit China ! Thoes girls deserve it.
FWIW, Dustin Honken and Angela Johnson, both “small time” meth dealers in the Mason City area, kidnapped and killed five people in 1993 order to send a message not to squeal. Three of their victims were an innocent woman and her two young daughters who happened to be dating one of Honken’s former dealers…they were considered collateral damage in Honken’s quest to shut his victims up. The victims were all shot and buried in shallow graves around the Mason City area. So it’s not impossible that a dealer would do something like that to someone’s child in order to ensure silence.
Thank you Kim for looking outside the box.
I lived in Dade county Florida (Miami) for 3 short years back in the 80s where a close relative worked with one of the early drug task force’s in the state. Some of the most disturbing drug related killings was that of drug dealers luring the children of lower level user’s and dealer’s that had stolen product from them or owed money for drugs used.
They would kill the children and lay them face down with their arms folded under their heads as if they were sleeping. Not all mutilated like you would expect from such animals.
They would also target “drop off” spots for their bodies where know abductions had taken place so the public would automatically think it was a child molester/killer.
Now, is it clearer that this is realistic ?
Again Thank you Kim.
Why has google removed the “street view” for 717 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines?
Anon, I looked and Google hasn’t actually removed the “street view” for 717 Franklin Ave. in Des Moines, but rather removed the image of the house itself. (I have no idea why.) I still have a large photo of that apartment building, and when I checked realtor.com and trulia.com, both sites still had images of the house as well.
Do you believe someone who may have lived in this home had something to do with Jo Jo’s death?
Anyone interested in Justice for Iowans and Gary and Adam Lack (who were murdered, Adam just the day after he asked his Mom to get copies of her well tests, that the Iowa DNR agents and Mitchell County authorities were hiding from her) please come to the Polk County Courthouse at 8:30 am on Wednesday, July 19th, 2017, at 500 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA.
Veronica Lack filed a Civil Rights case CVCV046761 in 2010 to try to get copies of the list of contaminants being Illegally Point Source Drained down the huge Sinkholes in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa’s Aquifer Recharge Area after the Iowa DNR had charged her with Blockage of Water and allowed the huge Flood Channel to be dug through her farm, digging away 42 acres of her 90.36 CSR topsoil without her permission and with no reimbursement or use of Eminent Domain Laws — just theft and trespass.
Veronica Lack could give them no access since the legal 404 drainage permit for her farm would not allow her to add even 10 acres more of her own farm’s Drainage to the Designated National Wetland’s Sinkholes. The IDNR had Discriminated against Veronica in not requiring the polluting farmers and their contractors to obey both the Iowa Drainage laws and the Clean Water Acts Anti-Degradation Laws as were strictly enforced on Veronica. Veronica still is trying to get access to the list of contaminants she tried to filter from her new deeper well that was causing the miscellaneous masses and tumors in farm animals and the cancers and asthma, COPD, neurological effects, tremors, skin and eye damage, erosions to throats and intestines.
Her family, extended family, and neighbors and friends in Floyd County and Downstream in the eight counties this Plume of Contaminants is effecting are being exposed to this building and on-going contamination of the Cedar Valley Group Aquifers. If Veronica and the well owners Downstream could get the list of contaminants that are testing positive around their wells/in the aquifer their well draws from, they could maybe filter them out or drill to a yet safe aquifer, if they have that option, to protect their health as 7,000 Cerro Gordo County Residents were given the options to protect their health from high levels of Arsenic.
Big IDNR data files of well test reports, both at the IDNR and at the U. of Iowa’s 3 Hygienic Labs could be downloaded into the 3D GIS Arc Desktop Application used at the beginning of 2016 by the Board of Health, Iowa DNR, and U. of Iowa 3-D GIS Arc Software mapped the well test reports of the contaminant Arsenic in only one Iowa County, Cerro Gordo. Iowans access to the contaminants the Iowa DNR had condemned her first farm well for in 2004 and then after Adam asked her to get the copies of her old and new wells test reports to find out what the IDNR had condemned her wells for as she has wanted to complete the job Adam had requested of her on 7/12/2008. Veronica Lack
It’s very obvious that this horrible tragic event took place because of the heavy drug use and selling of drugs within the families.
This actually happens a lot within the world of illegal drug use and dealing of drugs.
They either received drugs that couldn’t be paid for or they stole drugs from dealer.
It is very common for revenge to be taken out on the loved ones in this fashion.
Some think it was a botched kidnapping/ransom scenario that went wrong ?
Why did the brother vanish so quickly after the girls were declared missing ?
Either way, look deeper into the families connection with the drug world and you WILL find the killer/killer’s.
I think people want to blame the alleged drug use of the families because, they can’t accept the real truth. Here it is, as I see it, and this site PROVES, children get abducted and murdered everywhere. Even in rural Iowa. I think it is easier to blame the families, so we can all feel a bit safer, and better about ourselves when we let our own kids ride bikes or play outside alone.
Five blocks from my home a murdered woman’s body was dumped. I live in a town of 500. My family refused to tell me because they” didn’t want to scare me” … deluded and risky…
Btw, only one set of parents was connected with drugs. Even if they were the meth dealers of the year, did they deserve this? No. Roger, Please don’t feel like I am attacking you directly, I’m just trying to shed light on this blind spot we Iowans seen to have regarding murder, and the reasons it occurs. Even if I am proven wrong by an arrest of a drug cartel member, other children and adults in this state have been spotted, stalked, killed, and dumped. Drew, if you’re out there you and your family are victims too! You deserved better, so did your little ones.
In no way do i feel attacked by you making a comment, that’s why we are members of this site, to bring minds together.
I’m not pushing this off on “Drugs” because it’s the path of least resistance, I’m stating known and proven facts. These were not not run of the mill “Druggies” that you see on tv sitting on a tore up couch in a 8’×25′ mobile home.
They simply got in too deep with professional drug dealers and as i said before, very common practice to have the children kidnapped for ransom or as in this case, murdered.
Believe me, sometimes the general public knows way more than law enforcement agencies will ever know and to me those people are just as guilty as the killers for keeping that information secret.
I’m being a broken record here, but for a good reason…LOOK DEEPER INTO THE CONNECTIONS THE >FAMILIES< HAD IN THE DRUG WORLD…
The killers are there !
Roger, How is it “obvious” that this tragic event took place because of the heavy drug use and selling of drugs within the families? So, you must know exactly who did it and why. Have you told any law enforcement that you know all these details?
I can pass your name and info to them so they can contact you, since you know the facts…
It’s common knowledge in Waterloo who did this. The cops know, just can’t prove it ..
I always thought it was someone working for the DOT. That section of hwy 20 was under construction for months. People on the crew could have seen them alone every day on those paths. Why not see who called in sick the day they disappeared?
I don’t see anything about the car, other then it was a gold in color 1994 Geo Prizm. So was her car also missing, and has it been found or recovered. What is the license plate number.
From the Billings Gazette, November 9, 1973: “DIVORCES GRANTED Karen L. Hanni from Jesse J. Hanni. ” Interesting!
From the Billings Gazette, Wednesday, February 27, 1974: “Jesse J. Hanni. 25. of 125 Broadwater fined $25 for shoplifting.”
From the Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1973: “Four Youths Are Held On Dope Charges.” An early morning call reporting a disturbance at 111 North B St resulted in the arrest of four youths on charges of marijuana possession. The class A misdemeanor
charge in addition to disorderly conduct was made against Ernest W. Isom II, Frieda Bosick (sic), Frazier R. Brown, Jr., and Juanita S. Hay early Tuesday by City Attorney David Lord. Lord also serves as deputy county attorney. A call to city police at 1:20
am by James Sanderholm, owner of the apartment building, was made because of the excessive noise in the basement apartment Upon entering the apartment, police notified the odor of marijuana and Lord was called to the scene. A search warrant was obtained from .Judge David Mills and a search yielded a small quantity of marijuana seeds, hypodermic needles and other narcotics paraphernalia. The four appeared before
Judge Mills Tuesday morning and bond was set at $1000 each. A request by the four for a court appointed attorney was taken under advisement and the court date set for May 24 at 9 am.”
So at least 2 were using hard drugs intravenously, also.
3 days later the paper reported: “Ernest William Isom II, 111 North B, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and was sentenced to six months in the county jail and fined $300 plus $16.70 court costs. He was paroled for one year. Freida Bosick (sic), 111 North B, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and was sentenced to six months in the county jail and fined $300 plus $16.70 court costs She was paroled for one year. Frazier Brown Jr ., 124 N. Fourth St., pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and was sentenced to 6 months in the county jail and fined $300 plus $16.70 court costs. He was paroled for one year. Juanita Sue Ray, 102C South Fifth, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and was sentenced to six months in the county jail and fined $300 plus $16.70 court costs. She was paroled for one year.”
From the Billings Gazette, May 23, 1970: “Army Pfc. Jesse J. Hanni, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eddwin L. Hanni, Route 2, Roberts, has been awarded the Combat Infantryman badge while stationed near An Khe, Vietnam, as a rifleman in the 4th Infantry. He is a 1967 graduate of Roberts High School.”
From the Billings Gazette, September 20, 1970: “Army Spec. 4 Jesse Hanni, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Hanni, Roberts, has been promoted to specialist four near An Khe, Vietnam, as a rifleman with the 4th Infantry. He entered the Army in April, 1869.”
“…Hanni had earlier that year testified in federal court in Denver against a major drug kingpin.” Who was that kingpin?
Thank you, Tina for posting the truth. Leanne did not “disappear” but was granted full and permanent custody. Donald Knight had years worth of chances to have SUPERVISED visitation.
A grandparent chosen over a biological father is almost unheard of and the court file shows all the reasonings of the various judges.
This appears to be Tyler hackett’s facebook profile
After watching the Forensic Files episode on John Joubert, I can’t help but feel there has to be a connection with this missing case. John kidnapped and killed a 13 year old newspaper boy in Bellevue, Nebraska on September 18, 1983. He also killed another boy ,12 years old, in the same area on December 2, 1983. Bellevue and West Des Moines, IA are connected by I-80. A witness in the Johnny Gosch mentioned a car with Nebraska license plates. He killed an 11 year old boy on August 22, 1982 in Portland Maine before he moved to Nebraska. He probably would have traveled through Des Moines on his move from Maine to Nebraska and felt somewhat comfortable with the area and its proximity to I-80. Another interesting connection is that (including Johnny) the dates all fall on a Sunday. The other one is on a Friday (December 2 1983) boy walking to school.
Only thing is that John Joubert never traveled very far with his victims (3 to 4 miles). But if he was involved in the West Des Moines abduction he might have traveled a little longer and probably along I-80. Would be nice to be able to determine where John Joubert was when Johnny Gosch disappeared.
Joubert was ruled out by police in Johnny’s case because he was working at a paint company in Portland, Maine at the time. He didn’t move to Nebraska until July 15th, 1983, which was about ten months after Johnny even disappeared. In my mind, I’ve no doubt Joubert was definitely not responsible for Johnny’s disappearance.
I grew up in the big yellow house his son lived in at the time of the murder… just down River Road. The story I was always told was these guys were looking for the son’s cash stash and when they couldn’t find it or him, they went to the fathers house to demand he go get it. Well, the rest you know.
*Correction, son in law.
Watched the movie, hence, googled the incident. Creepy and unsettling. Made me appreciate the movie, which I thought was a little cheesy, not so bad.
There are murderers who cover the face of the victims they know and murderers who cover all mirrors to ensure they don’t see themselves because in their mind, it’s not them commiting the crime. There was no evidence of sexual assault on the girl but there was evidence of defensive wounds. Could it be possible that she’s the only one who saw the killers face and recognized them and she was left in a sexual pose to shame her so she wouldn’t be believed or even heard in the spirit life so that when the killer died, there would be no judgement from her words?!? Remember that this was 1912 and an unmarried female who wasn’t a virgin would be prosecuted in heaven and on earth. Also think about the fact that in the old testament it is a sin to eat pork because it’s a white meat, the same as humans. If the murderer actually took the large slab of bacon out of the house freezer, maybe they were murdered for the sin of eating pork ?! I believe that anyone capable of commiting a crime like this has to be mentally ill; even psychotic, which means they wouldn’t think the same as someone without mental illness. Therefore, possibly making all reasons for why/how things were done totally impossible to figure out. Just my thoughts !
Very analytical response. Thank you for educating me on the values and consequences of that era
The very first fact that your comment twisted is why many have followed false leads and gossip…that’s a shame. Do you know that in 1912, penetration was the gauge for ‘assault’ of a GIRL, but a married woman could not accuse anyone of rape…no matter what the circumstances or the perpetrator. Children had less… no rights. No voice…they worked without pay, and were subjected to any condition at the will of their ‘father /provider’. Women were considered as valuable as livestock and married for the dowry to enhance the position in the community, and would lose title to their ‘joint’ property when the husband died for any reason.
Ever think it might have been the neighbors son? He was mentally I’ll and she could have came over and covered their faces and the mirrors…she could have been the one to clean up the mess. She was up early washing clothes and why did she call the brother instead of walking over there and knocking on the door? We will never know….
Please, if you know of anyone that could sit and support me, Adam’s Mom, at the Polk County Courthouse on July 19, 2017 or march with signs supporting Clean Safe Drinking Water for Iowans, tell them I could use the support call me at 319-430-3957 to make sure the time, location, and date don’t get changed. Veronica Lack
Yellow Bag, if you are still around, can you take your info to Nancy Grace, or some tv show since the police do not seem interested. I found a link on google from the DMR stating that Wilbur Milhouse was arrested for sexual abuse of 6 teen age boys in 1987. The artical states he was 44, not 25 like you remember, but you were just a kid then and 25 and 44 might have been the same to you. If you search “Wilbur Milhouse sexual abuse” on google, you will find the article. I cannot access it as I dont have a subscription.
I had a lengthy conversation with the detective investigating this case. He promised to follow up on that information, and I trust he will. At this point, I think I have done all I can do. My information about a local pedophile who knew Johnny and talked about why Johnny was kidnapped apparently does not interest some of the international conspiracy theory buffs. So be it, I told what I saw and heard. As for Millhouse, he was not the man in the Ford Fairmont, but I saw Millhouse with that man at a Register function. Millhouse was not a big man, he was really kind of a “sissy” with a childlike personality. I doubt if he could have personally kidnapped a healthy teenager. Millhouse’s younger buddy, however, was tough and had a look of pure evil in his eyes when he demanded that I get into his car. I still remember carrying a big hunting knife in my yellow newspaper bag from that point on, just in case the guy came back for me. For weeks, I would duck between houses any time I saw a Ford Fairmont coming down the street. The Register held frequent circulation drives, contests, and social events for newspaper carriers in the early 80’s. I often saw Millhouse hanging out with a small group of creepy men at those functions. I never knew who they were, I just assumed they were Register employees. The other district managers tended to avoid Millhouse and his buddies. I wonder now if they suspected the guys were pedophiles. I believe Millhouse was employed by the Register from around 1980 to 1983, but not arrested until the fall of 1986. Johnny Gosch was kidnapped in 1982, Eugene Martin in 1984, and Marc Allen in the spring of 1986. After Millhouse was arrested and sent to prison, the kidnappings stopped. Quite a coincidence, isn’t it?
Yellow Bag – Thank you for replying. I think your right – there is not much more you can do. That must have been scarey times for you! It is hard not to believe that somehow Millhouse’s pedophile buddies did not have something to do with Johnny’s disappearance. Sorry I did not reply earlier…I was unable to log in.
What the fuck if you have any information I would say there’s plenty of information right there fucking government nothing gets done because they’re all fucking crooks and murders for them to think they need more information about this case is just simply a cover-up
Joe,
At court on June28th, 2017 only one person, who I did not know, sat in the back as the Attorney General’s attorney David Stewart represented the State of Iowa and the Iowa DNR as the defendants in my Civil Rights charge CVCV046761. My attorney Erik Fisk sat beside me agreeing to most of the assertions of David Stewart, and I was not allowed to speak. I did get a copy of the transcript before I responded as they had wanted me to agree to no warning of the well owners of the contaminants that caused our tumors and cancers and tremors, neurological effects, asthma, skin rashes, throat erosions, damaged intestinal linings, scaring of our eyes, and other health effects. Judge Jeanie K. Vaudt seemed to read through their pretense however and asked if the DNR just maintains a repository and they never put information into it.
The millions in our tax dollars over the years that the IDNR has spent collecting water samples and storing the data with no feasible access to the positive Contaminant well test data, after citizens and private and public well owners have tried to test for what is killing their animals and a request made by a well owner (public or private) and the IDNR only says to test for Nitrates and Bacteria and tells us to Chlorinate when the Bacteria levels are up. There are 600-700 contaminants to test for especially in this Ag state where Iowa’s Source Waters test at the highest levels in the Nation for Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO (Bacteria) Nitrogen fertilizers and Iowa’s DNR does not tell us to test for NITRITES, Ammonia Nitrogen as N or even Cyanobacteria before we Chlorinate.
Please if you know of anyone who would sit quietly in court on July 19, 2017 in the Polk County Courthouse,500 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, Iowa (June’s hearing was in Courtroom 404 by 8:20am to support my suit to try to get Adam’s USDA-NRCS RUSLE3 utilized and first get Iowan’s warned in the Plume from Cedar (W) Township’s illegally built Flood Drainage of about 50,000 acres of Farm fertilizers and herbicides and pesticides down the Sinkholes in the Aquifer Recharge Area of the Designated National Wetland. This contaminates the well water for 1/2 million Iowans Downstream especially along the west side of the Cedar River through Floyd, Butler, Bremer, Black Hawk, Benton, Lynn, and Johnson Counties. Don’t bring any weapons, just stand with me when the Judge enters. We want to know what is killing our animals in high numbers, and what is damaging the health of so many Iowans unless they can afford to drill a much deeper well or have a series of very costly filters, if its possible to treat their water safely. We need to know what contaminants we are drinking to protect our and our loved ones health.
Veronica Lack
Bars association members are as dirty as you get. All lawyers are actors for the govt. Never trust a dirty lawyer ………. We need to put these people behind bars. It’s us we the people that need to go get them an put them behind bars.
This case makes a person sick, manslaughter I don’t think so, this devil needed the death penalty,.. Why was she naked from the waist down. We all know why, and all this dog got was ten years. If she were my daughter, I would be waiting when he got out.
No evidence of murder, sudden infant death syndrome, does not usually have an illness associated with it. That is why it is called sudden infant death syndrome.
There is much about illness and SIDS that we do not know yet. It would be a great travesty of justice to convict these people with no evidence of murder.
This nott headed pathologist or what ever he is, should know better, rare things do happen, just because they are rare does not mean they never happen.
It could very well be, these babies inherited a rare malefunktion of the brain that forgets to tell them to breath.
If there is no evidence of murder, why in the h_ _ _ would any one call it murder.
Marie, no one here is denying that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) exists. In fact, research shows the rates of SIDS varies tenfold in developed countries from one in a thousand to one in ten thousand unexplained deaths of children less than one year of age. Pathologists ARE trained, however, to recognize and identify one of several very specific underlying susceptibility factors in order to rule cause of death as SIDS. (Search SIDS on Wikipedia or, better yet, explore the topic on the Mayo Clinic’s website or the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.)
It takes great courage (and years of experience) for an M.E. to *rule out* SIDS — which is what happened in Tamara Lass’s case — when he could have made things so much easier on himself by attributing her death to SIDS. What I found so unsettling about your comment, however, is your intimation that “these babies inherited” a rare malfunction of the brain “that forgets to tell them to breath.” Did you not see that Tamara’s 6-day-old brother, Shane, was killed by blunt force trauma to the head? That, too, will cause an infant’s brain to forget how to breathe, and Shane’s cause of death wasn’t ruled SIDS, either. These two siblings did not inherit some rare brain malfunction. This is NOT a matter of “personal opinion” (neither mine nor anyone else’s), but is a matter of fact. Look it up under the Freedom of Information Act.
There are countless loving and decent parents out there who do everything right with new babies, and it angers me that they often have to endure an unwarranted stigma when they lose a baby to SIDS. This stigma wouldn’t exist if not for other types of parents who cite his or her infant’s cause of death as SIDS even when the state’s certificate of death and autopsy report reveal the death was NOT related to SIDS in any way.
This family was told at the hospital that their baby died of SIDS. They were never told anything differently. Years later they requsted her medical records and after bloodwork came back the ER doctor changed the cause of death from SIDS to Sepsis.
How could he be claimed, nothing written about him, no hair color, no height, no weight, no race.
No age. Nothing. Pretty hard to ID any one this way.
The story I heard about this murder had nothing to do with the rough crowd, she may or may not of hung around.
I heard the killer cut more than her throat, that the body hair left of her body was that of a white and black mix. That she had received anonymous phone calls, for awhile before she was killed.
It was also possible he was a serial killer, that worked as a fry cook. And often changed jobs traveling between Des Moines and Chicago.
That some believed he was also responsible for a second murder in Des Moines. Who had also received anonymous calls before her murder, in her own home, much the same, the only difference was the weapon used. Might all be just gossip.
She was into going to bars and said to have a few male friends. I would suspect one of these persons first. I am not indicating there was anything bad about her character. It has been stated a man called a neighbor a few days before and asked “Who is that neighbor woman next door”. The man did not tell him. It was also stated mixed race hair found. There was a 25 yr old mixed race man known to hate whites that confessed to the crime. He later said he made it up just to confuse things. A 14 yr old neighbor boy was questioned and by the parents consent gave him a lie detector. He was released. But he had admittedly been in the basement apartment where the linoleum knife originally was. Also he had been caught peeking in her windows. A well dressed man was seen sitting on her couch that evening. It was stated it appeared she was putting in rollers in her hair at the time she was attacked from behind. To me this indicates it was someone she knew. A few decent suspects.
If DNA could still be collected, and ran against criminal data bank, it might be possible to find the father, through him the mother. Any devil that would do this, will commit other crimes.
It takes areal devil to do something like this.
“It’s wrong to automatically assume two cases being connected.”
Absolutely. Zero evidence they are connected. All this government conspiracy nonsense does neither case any favors. If anything, just muddies the waters and guarantees no resolution. However, its “exciting” for some people to talk such theories(about all cases unfortunately).
The more likely scenario going by what the actual witnesses said, he was probably abducted/murdered by someone he knew, likely a neighbor, family friend, or subscriber to the paper along his route.
Simple, logical, and no conspiracy.
While I’m not saying I’m buying the government conspiracy stuff, that’s more likely than that they were abducted by someone they knew. That’s nonsense. Very little doubt in my mind, these were stranger abductions.
So Johnny just happens to get abducted by a stranger on the first day he’s allowed to go alone on his paper route? Eugene just so happens to get abducted by a stranger on the day he doesn’t take his older brother along with him?
Witnesses saw Eugene having a “father-son” conversation literally minutes after leaving home, which means he more than likely knew who it was. He kept talking to the guy while he folded his papers getting ready to go on his route. This also implies familiarity with his abductor.
No…a government conspiracy is not more likely than these boys being abducted and murdered by someone they knew, especially when you take into consideration the fact that most murder victims are killed by someone they know.
How in the hell is a government conspiracy MORE likely? You got any statistics or anything even remotely resembling a fact to back that up? Talk about nonsense…
Have you read about the Franklin CU cover up? There is also Paul Bonachi’s civil suit against Larry King and Paul Won. There was an underground child prostitution ring in Des Moines in the 80’s. There is also a timeline that was put together that showed many many people who were involved with this case that died and they died under very suspicious circumstances. There were a couple of deaths that were ruled suicides but yet had two gun shot wounds to the head??? DeKamps investigation is also a good read. There is so much out there about this. Project Charlie…mind control. I don’t know why it is so hard for people to believe. It happens all over the world but yet no one can believe it could possibly happen here. Victims from the old Boys and Girls Home in Omaha were able to give detailed information about rooms of the White House that were off limits to tourists and also high ranking officials who attended these parties at the White House where the children were brought. I dont know about you. It I certainly would not have known anything about the White House or who any of our government officials were, except maybe the President, when I was a young teen. And we did not have internet back then. Just sayin…sex slavery has been around for a very very long time but people are just now hearing about it.
I just wrote commented on this article first time today. I was reading through the comments and all of yours have really made me feel someone else gets it. I also would not know those details as young teen. One of the reasons why I was always so concerned my 3 year old son told me he goes on an airplane to fly to Florida we lived in Illinois. Then could show me the states on the map. Told me Florida is hot has big water. Never had he learned or experienced any of those detailed situations with me. He told me things that scare me so much that brings me to your solution we need to step in. Open eyes and ears and stop shutting our mouths.
It’s truly sad and disgusting to know that this family has taken part in so many predatory events. They seem to be sexual predators that hide behind bibles and smiles. I know that someone somewhere knows some things have occurred. Until people speak up they will continue creating victims, and that is not okay. They are known for telling accusers that they will go to hell or their words “Get a stroke at the mouth”. This basically means they wish this person would have a stroke in hopes of them being forever silent. This is so twisted. Hiding behind pulpits while committing crimes is indeed cowardly. Your wrath shall come, each of you Beets’ that hurt others in secret.
Another lowlife gang banger dead. Oh well. Good riddance punk.
How come no one is mentioning the girlfriend? She seems shady and probably knows what happened.
https://thetruecrimeadvocate.wordpress.com/2016/06/07/blog-post-title-2/
Family please look at this link. Possible find
Wow! That’s quite stunning!
Sheila 2 of Eileen’s daughters have submitted DNA for this case. Thank you.
Does anyone know if they learned of results? If it even was tested?
I am one of Lillian’s granddaughters. After years of searching and wondering her remaining daughters have their answers. Lillian passed away in New Orleans on 1969.
It will be 20 years this December. The fact that I’m 30 and still do not have justice or even a clue as to what happened to my mom is infuriating. Why isn’t anyone still checking on this. I have called multiple times over the years regarding my mothers case and it’s always someone new stating they need to look into it and then they will call me. Well the last time I was told that was 4 years ago. IM STILL WAITING for that phone call!!! I’m so glad to know that the person responsible for this gets to live a normal life like nothing ever happened. While I get to pick up the pieces without a mom. Getting married last year was so fun without my mom there let me tell you! I’m so disappointed by the way this case has/was handled. If this was your mom I’m sure it would be a different story. I just love that every Mother’s Day, her birthday, or even her “death” date. I can’t do anything but light a candle and cry. We have no resolve, no head stone, and no peace. With that being said; how could we have any of those things when “detectives” state they have to look into it and they will call you back and you wait years for that call. Can’t believe it takes that many years to make a phone call; but hey whenever you guys “gets around to it” let me know. I’m here.
Shanda, I hear you. (This is Carol.) My sister’s cold case (Julie Benning 1975) passed the 40 year mark, then 43, and still no answers, despite my having devoted a great deal of time hunting down names and clues in my sister’s diary–the #1 perp fled to Vegas, and I flat out gave up. I hope you find answers. My family at least had the consolation of the body being found after missing Nov-March. Nobody really “gets over it” but we move on because we have to, while part of us is left behind. And knowing the killer(s) walked free and lived to have grandchildren who adore them: meh!
Some of these agencies will only relook at the case, when there is a tip. Others because of the new forensic tools, are rechecking evidence that they have.
In a recent cold case a new investigator was looking a the files. He looked at the crime scene photos, and noticed a glove in the photos. He checked and found they still had the glove, and had it tested and it led to the offender. All, this time the answers were in the original case file. Which is something mentioned in their review of cold cases.
Investigators in Orange County, arrested a James Neal, (72), for the murder of a young girl walking home from school. She disappeared and was found dead, in July 1973. So their is arrest of the offender came from DNA Genealogy. This is 45 years after the incident took place.
Also, investigators in LA County, also arrested an offender in the disappearance and murder of an 11 year old boy, from Ingleside, California, in 1990. The arrest came from basic investigation, and some forensics. They did not wait for someone to provide them with a tip. However, they believe that someone else was involved in the case.
Sometimes it takes the local prosecutor to push the local’s. In Ohio, the new district attorney in a county decided to relook at everything. They ended up arresting and charging the guy, that they suspected of the crime. The prosecutors back then did not think they had the evidence to go to trial.
I would try and get your mothers case into the local television media, or even to television programs that relook at cold cases. Sometimes media attention brings pressure on the agency involved.
What kind of horrible people exist that can do something like that to a little girl… or anybody period.
The spelling of the tribe is Lac Courte Oreilles, pronounced la-COO-der-ay. They’re a band of the Ojibwe https://www.lcotribe.com) .
I have recently been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer……. I have about 6 months to live… Karen will be dead within the next 6 months…… that’s a promise
Jodi Huisentruit went missing from Mason City, Iowa on June 27, 1995. She was declared legally dead in 2001. Case still unsolved
Hello I’m 27 and I was supppos9ibly born in 1994. I may be this girl.
19897212452 call me please.
oh, another meth head that was killed. How about not dealing in drugs and this type of shit won’t happen? Dumb asses
Oh hey look another dumbass that doesn’t know what he is talking about and hey look at that his name is Chris Stieker. All I am going to say is if you don’t know anything about it or don’t have something nice to say don’t say it. If you do have something to say that is constructive to the cold case then please present your case, but don’t you dare go around and speaking about something you might not know as much as you think you do on.
Hey cock boy, read the article. The guy was dealing in meth and probably helped ruin other people’s lives. I can say whatever I want. Piss off
You are typing illiterately and all of your statements are non-factual assumptions that irritate most who love someone who is or was man just like us. No need for negative inputs pertaining to anything, catch a clue man, there is such thing as karma.
You don’t even know what illiterate means. Stop using words bigger than two syllables because you sound foolish
Everyone knows mat killed him. I pray authorities can prove it and give Jim and his family justice
Dude u have no business talking like that have some respect
Patti Fravel, Steve Walsh and Tommy Lundahl are people of interest in connection with Linda Bentley’s murder.
The baby murder is still a cold case
Police report said robin Magnuson knew what happened on 1/3/1975
She was killed in a motorcycle accident 7 months later in 1976
https://wqad.com/2017/06/19/foot-found-at-burlington-lake-in-2016-belongs-to-missing-man/
Sorry to see Judi’s mother, Norma, passed away on 06-14-2017. I recognized the name and got on IA Cold Case Files to read up on the case. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
I was interested in finding out whatever happened to this Lybarger character, mostly to see if he has killed again. I couldn’t locate him specifically but I did find this obit. Is this possibly him?
He court records show his name was Steven LYNN Lybager. Not the same – but thank you for looking.
Norma lived a long life and has now been reunited with five of her children who preceded her in death.
She will be missed.
Did the police ever look into Chelsey Tinderholts family? The other person in the accident that was hurt. Her family was extremely pissed about the accident. So who knows…. just curious..
Seriously. Of course they were pissed. Chelsey was seriously injured, but accidents happen and she was going to be fine. Don’t blame another victim or their family for whatever has happened to him. Ever occur to anyone that maybe he wanted to disappear before facing the charges he was about to face in court.. also.. just another “thought”.. This was not just some small accident, I saw what this did to Chelsey and what she had to endure. The last thing in anyone’s mind was Ben and doing anything to him. It was about getting Chelsey better. Think before you make such accusations. Chelsey and her family had gone through a lot too, not just Bens family. I pray he is somewhere safe and nothing bad has happened to him. I pray he comes home and Gives his family peace if he is able. But stop insinuating that Chelsey or her family had anything to do with it. And of course her family was questioned. Standard procedure in something like this!
This is gonna sound crazy ..it is!. I was schrolling through faceboik and seen this man missing.. i dont know him or anyone surrounding this ..after i seen his picture .and read about his age and stuff i just felt different and thoughts came to me .. please if someone could verify or dispell any of this .. cause i dont know if any of this is connected .. but this stuff came at me like i was watching a movie on tv.. i dont want to hurt anyone or stir the pot.. im not from clinton and dont know anyone from there . IM NOT A MEDIUM OR PYSCIC..NOTHING LIKE THAT ..just please read and if it means nothing .. then whatever ..if something means something .then great..
1) quarry
2)man
3) woman
4) x girlfriend
5) no drugs
6)9th ave
7)shooting
8) stomache
9)2 door newer vehicle
10) color of car… dont make sence but i got letters that im not sure about ..
O or p and an A then G or an H
Felt like he was forced in a car
Felt like 4 people
And he knew them
And thought they were friends
Robbed
Now this maybe important :
I kept getting a mans inits.. M.Q. strong feeling ..and a ladys init.. G.M
This has never happened to me before and im not trying to cause problems but i couldnt keep this inside ..
Felt like the man ..M.Q is in jail but not clinton could be prison.
I keep feeling like he is found by quarry s.w. of clinton..i dont even k ow clinton and i dont know if there is a quarry in clinton.
Clinton then go west.???? Quarry A or a z
Thats it!
My hope would be that this would help some .. but i know its probably just me connecting my thoughts to this after reading it .. i pray he is ok and found soon..and my thoughts were wrong ..
So you basically had a hallucination? Or was it your Intuition? That’s kind of scary…. what’s your name may I ask? If you wish to remain anonymous I understand. But what you just said Intriuges me a bit.
It was just strong stuff like images and feelings …none probably fit this case . Like I said though I’ve never had this happen before to me and I dont know Clinton or anyone involved here ..I did not know Ben.
And the only Quarry in Clinton is Wendling Quarries Inc.
Anderderson quarry in DeWitt Iowa
Which is about south west of clinton
And 4 months to almost a year you don’t reply 🤔🤔🤔. That’s quite curious.
Why is that..quite curious? I expressed it was a thought almost like a movie on tv .I dont expect anyone to believe it . I guess I myself felt that it might fit in somehow beings it felt so real when the intuition came to me.. a rock quarry wouldn’t be a good place to bury somone..it is all rock and people digging or working there all the time.. but it is how it came to me..I didnt want to upset anyone..I was hoping that something I felt that day would somehow fit in the puzzle.and hoped it would help in finding him.
What a terrible tragedy. To me it seems that maybe someone needs to see their victims face to remind them what they did, perhaps put up posters around the town?
I think there is an editing error. The family name switches to Clark towards the end of the posting.
KP, thanks for catching that. I found two instances where I’d inadvertently typed the name Clark instead of Carter, and have fixed both of them. So glad you brought this to my attention. All best to you.
This is on Iowa Cold Case. No Individual wrote this. The info came from police
My 2 pennies worth, if this case is still “open” and there are obviously 2 known people to have talked to and seen a man that was consistently at the crime scene with first hand knowledge of these 2 cousin possibly “messing around” with one another, my God come on people !, really?!
That’s some pretty private information if you ask me ! Guess it’s just a matter of wanting it solved or just giving up. How sad.
Randall.
Is this site still active? I have a few questions about the case.
TY, Don.
I see this is a “Pick n Choose” to answer type of website !.
Now I know why there are so many unanswered questions on site, what’s up with that ?. I even E-mailed one of the creator’s of this site and not a word back !. Unanswered questions=unsolved crimes.
A fresh set of eyes and minds would do wonders for this site, maybe it’s time to turn it over or shut it down if you have given up !
Don, evidently you’re not aware that ICC is *not* a law enforcement agency website staffed with investigators at our disposal. (I wish.) We work as a liaison between tipsters/families and local, state, and federal officials, but we cannot legally bring in suspects for questioning or arrest them or prosecute them. The vast majority of our readers understand how the whole concerted effort works, and they also understand that, by law, we absolutely CANNOT “put out there on our website” all known information we have about a case because doing so – whether 10 or 25 or 50 years after a crime – would not only compromise what’s still classified as “an open and ongoing criminal investigation,” but would also place a number of other lives at risk.
Let’s not forget your “not a word back!” comment and put it in perspective. On any given day, I personally deal with about 200 cold case inquiries: some via comments on pages like this; some via questions posted to ICC’s FB page; some sent to me by email; and then there are the phone calls and meetings. Let’s say after talking with a victim’s family, I write the lead investigator, but when I check my email the next day, he hasn’t responded. On the very next day, would it be in my best interest to publicly attack him for “picking and choosing” which emails he’d chosen to answer on that single day in between? After all, since I’d wanted to help, shouldn’t that take priority over his already crammed schedule? NO, IT SHOULD NOT.
One last thing. Apart from spending 10 to 14 hours a day collecting details on a case they already know they can’t put into print (but which might advance the case), people do have lives, families, will sometimes need to take a pet to the vet, eat dinner with the kids, exercise, and, if lucky, force themselves to not open one more email so 3-4 hours of sleep might still be possible. It’s 6:05 a.m. here, and no, I am “not” up early.
I have seen several unanswered posts concerning this particular case and trends to other case’s on this site. It is very contradictory to say that you are trying to solve a case, but yet will not give out information to do so ??. I have already tracked down one gentleman that has posted on this site about this case and his information is mind blowing, but yet i noticed the replies to his comments were lackluster at best ! Oh and i have been feeding cattle since 4:45am and lucky to see my wife and 4 children much before 10pm. It all depends on how passionate you are about what you do. I know from past case’s like these that there is ALWAYS a clue at the crime scene…ALWAYS. You have to take into account that this person is probably still alive and positively, 100% knew this young man and woman. He also has family/friends that have held on to this dark secret. This case needs fresh mind’s and eye’s and to hold back information just because of the age of a case is pitiful ! I believe the killer has visited the crime scene and even at his current age still does so and with today’s surveillance technology, he/them can be caught.
Thanks Don.
Is there anyway that you could have the man you spoke to who knows more go to the police with his information?
This case really hits me & I’m praying it gets solved!
Why is this considered a cold case?
Beth Baack Williams
Murder for hire. Don’t you wonder what the jury was thinking to let these scam men off. One of these men know the truth as I am sure a few others
Actually one of these men, is my other half. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and wasn’t convicted for a reason. The letter “N” could be ment a number of things; none of which had any connection to him. I mean no disrespect, and I wasn’t there. Don’t be so quick to judge…..
But the other one??
I wish we knew. Do they have any communication?
Nope, not for at least 15-20 yrs I do believe. He’s been living up here for the last 11-12. Does anyone know where the other guy is?
Oskaloosa
I think Yant is somewhere in the State of Washington. I know his wife has left him in 1991.
KWWL had a story about the tips they’ve received since releasing the images of the suspect in Michelle’s murder:
Mr. Downey was convicted of forgery in 1962 in Texas. I wonder what the story was.
Any pictures of this man
This is amazing! This poor soul has been identified, and family member(s) have FINALLY been notified. :-) After this many years, may there be many hearts happy – no matter if he was known by them, or if seriously disheartened by this man’s terrible death (like myself). :-( God’s sweet angels work in very mysterious ways and forms. Blessings to Mr. Downey’s family and all whose lives he touched.
The other killed his mom in Marion in 2007 and also went to school with Michelle and killed himself in jail shortly after. I’m sure you guys have checked all this out. Just hoping you might have missed something.
yes those initials for the 2 you mention are BH and TK I believe…always good to check,right?
There is at least one student a year behind Michelle that I wondered if he was tested he does not match your picture but is now in prison and was arrested shortly after her death which may have let him slip under the radar. He also went to junior high with her and was arrested for kidnapping and sexual assault. This girl was kidnapped at knife point at a mall in Cedar Rapid,taken to a seclude place and assaulted..Don’t want to say his name on this site though, for his family”s sake in case he is not involved at all.This may be enough info for the detectives to figure out who I am speaking of.
Chuck- yes i know the guy you’re speaking of- he was tested and cleared…thanks!
Just wondering how many students at Kennedy were tested and cleared then and now.
Many have been tested and cleared from JFK-students and employees
https://www.kcci.com/article/authorities-identify-victim-in-1984-cold-case/9967901
Investigation Discovery has a show called “Disappeared”. Has anyone tried to contact them with this or the other cases mentioned here?
Could the killer have been a family member? In the new sketch, the suspect has similar features of Michelle Martinko.
No she had no brothers, no cousins all of her family was accounted for…
A friend of mine did and Ouija board and she said they contacted a girl named Penney Watson. They asked her age too and she said she was 18. They then asked if she was good or evil and the board said neither.then it started making circles which means the spirit is trying to escape. They said bye and headed home ( they were in the middle of nowhere) my friend told me her dream and it creeped me out. She said that she was getting ready for school that she didnt recognize. She walked down the hallway and at the end there was a African american girl. She finished her classes and a black SUV picked her up. She said all she remembers was a bag going over her head. She doesn’t remember who the people were that picked her up. She continued to say that she was still dead, there was a bag over her head and they were undressing her. They then dumped her to the side of the curb of a white house. My friend woke up and she couldn’t breathe. When she told me this my brother had a panic attack and was breathing heavily. My knees felt weak and I had trouble breathing. This was just yesterday
My friend and she also had a friend with her when they did the oujia***
One-time suspect in this case, Brian Zirtzman, passed away this week from cancer:
https://www.thegazette.com/obituaries/brian-zirtzman-20170526-0000062878-01
. . .more thoughts. I remember reading somewhere there was a suspect questioned. This suspect was someone seen with Mr. Dougherty. If memory serves me right, this suspect claimed to have been in Chicago. Madison County Iowa would easily be alongreat the routeam from Sioux City to Chicago. I just wanted to share this information as these sorts of memories are what sometimes solves cold cases.
I grew up in Madison County Iowa on a farm South of Earlham. Back in 1977 or 1978 my mom and I hiked a creek bed that bordered our property. We began the hike from a road that had a bridge over the creek. Deep in the woods in the middle of the creek we found and old rusted car laying on its side. At the time, I didn’t think much of it other than it was really strange that a car was in such a remote location. However . . .after seeing a picture of the 1954 Tudor I feel the car could have been the same type or at least from the same era. I have scanned this creek using google earth but can’t see all areas due to tree cover. Also, so many years have passed, the car I saw in the 70s may not be whole any more. I emailed these thoughts to the Sioux City PD a couple of months ago and never heard back. I’d like to hike this area again but my family no longer owns land on this creek.
What was the name of this creek?
This is like a sister to me. I grew up with this family and i am soo hurt that someone could do this.
Stop trashing my mother, Corena. Shes broken. I love my mom. Stop.
I was about 12 years old at the time this happened and knew all 3 of them. Kind people. Dixie was a absolute sweetheart! Chad was a very nice guy to me and I as just a dumb kid. Jason was nice as well. I believe my sister and him were friends and his nickname was packrat. Very sad that this was never solved! Small town murder where evidence was most likely tainted and removed due to inexperience. Not their fault though, just not a lot of that stuff happening there. With any luck somebody will step forward at some point and give this family some peace!
What about the unknown baby thrown out like garbage in 1974 or 1975. Not even mentioned.
Law enforcement has repeatedly looked at Hoopy as well as his alleged drunken rantings. I was told many times by various law enforcement officials over the years there is a BIG difference between “knowing” and “proving.” Luckily there is no statute of limitations on murder. I hope your mom is found soon, Lindsey. I hope you have found a modicum of peace.
I wonder why some names are not highlighted? Can’t read anything on them.
Kathleen, the names that are highlighted have individual pages on the Iowa Cold Cases website. At the top of the page, it tells readers to simply click on the black and white image for the other names, which takes one to the missing persons page on the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Missing Person Clearinghouse page. These are still cases where we have very little information, so until we gather that info, we link directly to the MPIC site. I apologize for the confusion.
The CRPD held a news conference today regarding a new composite sketch of a possible suspect that they’ve been able to develop from the DNA found in 2006:
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/New-technology-may-help-solve-1979-murder-422628904.html
And an interview with one of Michelle’s friends and Michelle’s sister:
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/I9-Sister-and-friend-of-Michelle-Martinko-speak-to-TV9-about-new-development-422623074.html
sounds pretty simple to me. question the person that hit her. duh
My brother, Greg, would be 66 today. He was a kind soul, probably too kind. He sometimes hitchhiked when he did not have a car. When he got a car he paid forward by picking up hitchhikers. I think he picked up the wrong hitchhiker. I love you, your brother Mike.
My mother, Barbara Dickey, Greg’s youngest sister, spoke of him often when I was growing up. So sad what happened to him. I am truly heartbroken that I never got to meet him. He sounded like the nicest guy. You are truly missed!
Love,
Amy Hart (Dickey), Barb’s oldest daugther
Mike, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Your brother indeed sounded like a very kind soul, and it’s unfortunate that many people prey on that sort of kindness. During the 1970s, my siblings and I traveled to trapshoots all across Iowa and other states with my father, and he would often pick up hitchhikers along the way. Never once do I recall “safety” being mentioned before Dad stopped to pick them up; it just seemed like the right thing to do to help out someone who needed to go somewhere but didn’t have the means to get there.
We never felt endangered and the hitchhikers were always so gracious when Dad dropped them off — sometimes 100 miles down the interstate near the exit to a town — and we always felt our lives had somehow been enriched by hearing the “exciting” stories behind why these men were hitchhiking in the first place. (My dad loved hearing their stories and telling his own, too.) I miss the innocence we all had back then.
Do you have a photo of Greg you could share with us for use on the ICC website? (Any “family” photos are also welcome, and proper attribution will be provided for any submitted photos.) Pictures not only help our readers put a face to a name, but remind them that all our victims had lives that mattered. A photo might also spark a long forgotten memory of seeing the person at a particular location with someone, or even remind someone of “something unusual” he or she saw around that same time period. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Please feel free to email me directly at: jody@iowacoldcases.org
I hope it is acceptable to leave a message here for Zero.
Marion Manley was from my hometown although I did not become acquainted with him until he started working for the Creston PD. I always admired & respected him. So sad to learn of his passing.
They got married when she was 15??
C, yes — according to Shirley’s obituary, she was just a couple of months shy of 16 when she and Bill married. It wasn’t all that uncommon back then, particularly if the parents gave consent. Many of these “young newlyweds” also stayed married for the rest of their natural lives. It’s a wonderful thing seeing couples who’ve been married 50, 60, and sometimes even 70 years.
Thank you for clarifying this, Jody. It’s not surprising “C” focuses on her age at the time of marriage. Billy G Carter was 16, just a class ahead of Shirley.
The uncommon fact is that he worked while finishing high school through half days at the school and the remainder via correspondence to earn his high school diploma and working full time as a butcher and driver to support his young family. He received an ACT score of 29, and turned down college scholarships to be with his young wife.
Shirley and Billy were still happily married after 52 years, successfully farming and raising their family against all odds.
As Jody said, the young marriage was not uncommon at the time, but there are also many failed marriages and unwed mothers. The Carters were the exception to the rule due to love, hard work, and the unique ability to stay real, honest, good people, and perseverance.
‘Happily married’ is an opinion. Unless you’re the husband or wife, the happiness of a marriage is never known. Married people only let you see what they want to divulge. And older couples show even less. Because their thought process about marriage is ’til death do us part’. Because that’s how it was way back when. None of that new fangled divorce or separation talk. Married at 16? A life of working a farm? With your spouse 24/7 for decades? Loss of monetary support? Property? Access to children and grandchildren? Not something older folks ever think is possible. Again ’til death us do part’.
It’s very true that you never know what’s really going on behind closed doors. People did marry in their teens quite a bit. But…researching my family history, I can tell you that even in those “long term marriages,” a lot of side stuff went on. A lot of divorces back in the day too, we just didn’t have the massive media we have now to hear about everything that went on.
Wow, a druggie who sold drugs and ruined other people’s lives. Ft. Dodge police and investigators have other cold cases to solve on human beings who were an asset to society. Greg got caught up with drugs and it cost him his life. That is certainly sad but he was a druggie. He’s bottom priority for Ft. Dodge police.
That was a cold ass and unnecessary comment,I personally doubt that any of the people commenting on here could care less about your useless,self righteous,opinionated opinion,obviously he was very much loved by these people and that speaks volumes about the kind of person he was
What an ignorant comment!! He had a family! Addiction is a disease that can effect anyone. I pray the family has answers!
Addiction is a choice
Patricia Ann veach was my cousin I wish they could solve her murder some how
You need to fix the dates on the first picture because is says he was born 1914 and died in 1890
Pria, yes, the “birth” date is incorrect, but the 1914-1890 caption directly beneath Mr. Nurre’s picture is actually “part of the photo.” We have kept the image intact with the same attribution as originally submitted to the Findagrave website by W. Safford (initials “wns”).
All the referenced articles do provide the correct year of birth, but you’ve made a very good point; most readers probably don’t realize why the caption date doesn’t make sense. I’ve made a separate notation beneath the photo to explain why the 1914 date hasn’t been changed.
It is one of many interesting historical typos from years gone by. :-)
The house that Henry was murdered in is still standing today!
Do you know the address? Would like to drive by it sometime.
Corey,
The current land owner does not want visitors. Sorry..
Ken are you related to him?
Yes..he is my g.g.grandfather
Ken, I assume Joseph was your great grandfather? Was there a son named Stephen as well? The daughter Catherine married John Reiff who was my great grandfather and that would make Henry my g great grandfather as well. This story is published in our Reiff-Nurre family tree book that was written in 1936-1938 . I currently have it being copied and preserved so I can’t get more specific right now. I don’t know if you have done any ancestry online but I may start when I get the book back. Thanks Tom
Yes..and yes. And yes..
Please contact me by email..
Fordskyliner57@gmail.com
I also have been working on the family tree.
Lets share.
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2017/05/10/prosecutors-win-conviction-rare-iowa-no-body-murder-case-tait-otis-purk-cora-ann-okonski/316262001/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
I love how the article says he served in a federal prison in Kansas in April on unrelated drug and gun charges. Those things might not have happened at the same exact time, but if there are drugs involved, some of the worst things you can think of can happen, especially with meth. Nothing good comes from that drug or that lifestyle. I don’t think it’s unrelated. They may have had their problems, but drugs always compound everything. Hopefully they will find her body. It’s doubtful he’ll ever give up the location, but maybe he will to his jailhouse buddies again. I don’t know the guy who he served with story…but I’m glad for her family that he came forward.
I have never stopped hoping Jack’s murder will be resolved. I think of him often and the fun we had as kids. His other half brothers and sister do too. He and I have the same mother and dad and had a great childhood. Sandy Price
I’m looking for a young girl that was kidnapped in Des Moines Iowa over by 8th street and murdered and the body was dumped by adventure land any help finding more info on this plz
Could be me also. I believe I live with my captor acting as my mother call number above in replies
Jeff’s graduation date is incorrect; it should be 1978.
Laurie, thanks so much for providing the correct graduation date. If you can provide me with the name of the third sister and the brothers, I’ll get them added to his page right away. I did not have that additional information. All best, and thank you in advance.
Update name: Debbie Deaver Stephenson
Add brothers: John Deaver & Bob Deaver
Add sister: Angie Deaver
Thanks so much, Laurie. I’ve added the names to Jeff’s case summary. All best, Jody
Why isn’t Jeff’s two brother’s not listed?
And he has three sisters, not two
There were three men in the truck that hit Valerie.One can only hope that one or both of the men that were NOT driving the truck that hit this child wil have a guilty conciense after holding in the truth for all of these years and come forward with the name of the driver so this case can finally be closed.I don’t know how anyone could live with themself with that kind of weight haunting them.
I just came acrossed this. It gave me chills. I pray he really is okay and someday the family will know what happened for sure. I know what it’s like to lose people you care about very much. I lost my mom, dad, grandmas, grandpas, fiance, friends, animals, ect…I think it would be even harder not knowing where, how, who, ect.. I can’t imagine. My love goes out to these people!!
Every lead should be investigated.. Nobody gave u a lead and u wanna ridicule. What if thats the one lead that u needed? Now as the average public i can see why poor ben hasnt been found. U quit trying.
Nathaniel may be the son of William Carnagy and Mary Swem. William was a Revolutionary War veteran.
Shortly after the sketch of the suspect with the dark afro like hair, came out in the gazette, I saw a similar man in a car beside me at a stop light in town. I had to take my husband (at the time) to the Linn Co. jail to serve a couple days for a OWI. It was not till I got to the stop light on Oakland Rd. and 32nd St. NE that I noticed a car had been following me closely. I looked over at the car and saw this man with the dark curly hair and it scared me after seeing the sketch. I was heading back home to Center Point and he followed me the whole way there and on my tail. I was in Center Point and turned off to head home when I decided it wasn’t safe since no one was there so I sped to my parents house a few blocks away and thank God there were 2 cars in the driveway. This guy turned around in a driveway a few houses down and drove back past my parents house very slow. It was a older big 4 door, tan colored car with no license plates. When I calmed down I called the PD dept. but they didn’t ask anything further. Had I stopped at my house, hard telling what this guy would have done because he was so determined.
Yeah I’m Eric Redinbo mother there has been something not right since day one, I think these murders will never be solved and it saddens me so much
I’m sorry but it really looks like, from reading about all this, that both people were killed by the same individual and that the Keokuk police seem to be the one doing the cover up. I never heard of police not “requiring” much less “allowing” a family to identify their loved one. That smells bad. My sister was shot & killed & they allowed me to view & identify her. I live in another state but this is very odd, don’t you think?
They never allowed any of my family members identify my sons ERIC Redinbo body
We lived just to the west of the gas station. Rhonda always held my son for me while I used the phone. Rhonda deserves justice, it’s hard to believe her killer hasn’t been caught yet.
Does anyone know if the murder of Peggy Giddings in 1970, ever got solved? She lived in Millard and her father was a Fire Chief. She was found murdered in the stairway of her front door and her baby sister was unharmed, in another room. Peggy was about 18, had dark nearly black hair and lived in a split entry home. I know someone who dated her and may have some helpful information.
Please contact Omaha police at 402-444-5656 if you have information about Peggy Giddings. I am an editor at the World-Herald if you’d prefer to contact me. My number is 402 444-1082.
I thought this murder was solved. I could only find articles from the Lincoln Journal on this which is strange because it was a crime that happened in Omaha. Here is a link to one article: https://www.thedarksideofamerica.com/hill-richard-ne.html
No, it is not solved. Richard Hill was released and was not the killer.
I called the police about information I had about this crime- they told me they had the killer so didn’t need more information. Very very odd it hasn’t been brought up in the news.
What kind of information do you have?
Are you talking about Peggy Giddings? I guess it hasn’t been solved. I’ve tried to find out about this for years. I know her cousin Chris Powers and tried to ask her about it, but all she told me was that Peggy was her cousin. What do you know about Peggy?
Peggy Giddings’ murder remains unsolved. There was a false confession several years after the crime that led to an involuntary mental hospitalization for the supposed killer. Since Peggy’s murder was in Omaha I’m wondering if there is any website like this for Nebraska?
I remember the night Peggy was killed. I was about 7 we lived around 122nd and Woolworth. It was summer and I was out playing in our front yard. A car came racing up heading east on Woolworth and it was traveling super fast on the residential street. Like 60mph. It was crazy. The next morning we heard about the murder and I always wondered if that car was the killer racing away. Our house wasn’t far from the Giddings house.
I am from Omaha and some relatives met Tom Hill. They found him a very offensive person who leads people to believe he is a priest. He was a catholic priest but was defrocked by the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The St. Louis Paper warns that People about him posing as a priest. He wrote a book “Four Decades in Genesis” by. Fr. Thomas Matt
Since I went to school with his brother, I read. He writes in full detail how She. was murdered.
Mulch of what he says about Peggy is inaccurate.
He said she work with him which maybe try but he said that they had gotten close and talked a lot
He refers to Peggy as his first love. He say she said she was an only child (obviously not true). He said she was blond. (She had dark brown hair). He said they finely had a date with her too. one to the pool at his house to swim but did not show. He was told about the modern that night and was driven to the house. Her parents were at the neighbor and he talked to him and the took him to show him the crime seen. I find that highly unlikely they would let a fifteen year old enter a fresh crime scene. He describes the murder with detail which is odd since he wasn’t there and then goes on to say that the angle Athanasis came to her and talked to Peggy and helped her the horror of the murder and that she continues to be with peggy after…
I would recommend the police reading this book
Tom Hill also meets the man who confessed to her murder and writes as if he were the murder. He said it bothered him hearing about the murder of Peggy but he was a Priest and need to help him. Richard Hill heard Voices and Tom he helped him lesson the voices by teaching the rosary when he heard.
voices.
He felt like he took credit for curing a psychotic
I would recommend the police read the book
“Four Decades in Genesis”
It might give some insight into the murder
Do you know for sure Richard Hill was not the killer? I know someone who used to date her and he looked just like the artist rendering. In fact, my fiancé and I went on a double date with her and that guy in April before she was found dead. If Hill was insane, what evidence did they have other than what he said? Florensic evidence? I suspect Hill was not the killer.
I suspect there is even a possibility that it could have been someone she met in Memorial Park because she used to try to buy drugs there. Back then all the teenagers drove through the park and hung out with the hippies and drug sellers.
The guy she was on a date with that my fiancé knew was named Mike Sadler. He went to Benson High. About the time of the murder he suddenly joined the Air Force.
I am glad to see that 50 years later, people have not forgot about Peggy. I was only 7, a neighbor. She worked for my mom for a short time prior to her death. She lived on Bel Air Drive, not in Millard. My sister and I still talk about her occasionally. I visited her grave and left flowers a couple years ago. She is buried near our dad.
I went to HS with Peggie and graduated with her from Burke in 1970 and I think about her often. I am saddened to know her killer has never been caught.
Wow, I didn’t know she went to Burke. I graduated in 1970. I probably saw her at school before I met her on a double date in April 1970. It has really bugged me all these years about her. The guy she was on the date with looked like the artist rendering, later when I saw it on tv.
When I was growing up in Omaha (in 1970 I was 11yrs. Old) we were neighbors with Richard Hill. He was being raised by his grandparents. The Richard Hill that I remember was def. retarded. I know he did not drive but he was un predictable. He once ran over my little brother with his bicycles in our back yard! Even at my young age and obviously later into my adulthood I had a hard time connecting the dots that he could have had the skills to pull this crime off. His grandparents that raised him never spoke of him after his confession. I certainly could not fathom him on a date. He was really slow and developmentally handicapped. I am shocked to hear that this is a cold case. So what ever happened to Richard Hill?
Thank you for letting me know art or whoever you are. What rob told you… And traci is right… If you cant do it for you do it for. Tom… His kids myself. We arent mad at you nor. Accusing you im sure you understand if it was your family. Going threw. What we did you be same way…i believe this is GODS TIMMING. AND GOD SENT YOU AS THE MESSAGER..TIME TO. TAKE THAT MESSAGE TO WHERE IT NEEDS TO. GO.. I WISH I KNEW WHO YOU ARE … ID GAVE YOU MY NUMBER I DONT KNOW IF WE EVER MET I KEEP RUNNING THRU MY HEAD .. WHO U MIGHT BE.. PLEASE. I BEG YOU TOM YOU SAID WAS GOOD PEOPLE GOOD TO YOU REPAY THAT BACK TO HIM.. He cant stand up. For him self it takes YOU ART IT TAKES ME AND HIS KIDS AND GRANDKIDS ..TO ME YOU WILL BE MY HERO.. TO ME I WOULD OWE YOU ..I. FEEL YOU GOTTA HEART AND MAY BE SCARED BUT. … I WILL STAND BESIDE YOU .. I WISH YOU COULD SEE MY KIDS AND FACE THEM. MY GRANNDKIDS. AND LOOK IN THEIR EYES BECAUSE THRU THEM YOU WILL SEE TOM..YOUR FRIEND …ASKING YOU TO GO TELL.. HELP MY FAMILY….. THINK OF TOM OK ART. THINK ABOUT THE LAST TIME YOU SAW HIM…THE LAST CONVERSATION YOU HAD WITH HIM..32 YEARS AGO AND I REMEMBER. TOM AND MINE… I REMEMBER HOW HE KAID HIS KIDS DOWN AND KISSED THEM. GOODNIGHT .. AND TOLD THEM HE LOVED THEM.. I WISH MY KIDS COULD ATLEAST REMEMBER THAT PART. OF ALL MEMORY THEY COULD HAVE. ..BUT YOU GOT MEMORYS OF TOM LIKE I DO… GIVE THEM THIS MEMORY OF HELPING THEM. PLEASE FIND IN YOUR HEART. THIS LITTLE LEAD YOU HOLD IN YOUR HANDS. CAN FINALLY BRING. CLOSER TO TOMS CHILDREN HELP US. LET TOM REST IN PEACE HE DIDNT. DESERVE THIS .. I KNOW GOD WILL BRING TRUTH AND I PRAY YOU ARE THE TRUTH HE SENT US… THANKS AGAIN
Ok..that’s enough! I don’t trust the law for good reason. I put an alias up for that very same reason. I liked your old man, he was always good people to me. I thought you had a right to know what Rob had said. I will call, But let me do it on my time. I need no more legal troubles!!
Every one loved. TOM….art. As you know if you was his friends. You got the chance to know him where my kuds and grandkids didnt my son may have a few memorys but toms daughter dont. They miss him you know.. We all miss him… Please if tom meant anything to you DO IT FOR HIM OK.. PLEASE DONT HURT MY KIDS AND MAKE THEM WAIT ANY LONGER…OR LONG…WHAT A BLESSING YOU WOULD BRING THEM .. I KNOW TOM LOOKS OVER THEM… I CAN UNDERSTAND .. YOU USING ANOTHER NAME .. AND YOU DONT GOT TO SAY WHO U ARE BUT. WHOEVER YOU ARE I THANK YOU MY KUDS THANK YOU AND MOST OF ALL TOM THANKS YOU…I HAVE PRAYED. FOR THIS DAY TO COME ART…AND I THINK TOM PUT YOU ..THERE FOR A REASON..GOD BROUGHT YOU FOR A REASON..TO BRING JUSTICE. TO US …30 SOME YEARS CARRYING. THIS HURT IN OUR HEARTS. AND NO CLOSER I RATHER DIE WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE KNOWING WE GOT ROB. THEN. DIEING LETTING HIM GO FOR THE LIFE HE TOOK.. TOM DIDNT GET THAT LIFE TO ENJOY HIS FAMILY HOLDING HIS SON AND DAUGHTER SEEING THE BIRTH OF HIS GRANDCHILDREN… WHERE ONE LOOKS JUST LIKE HIM. AND ONE ACTS JYST LIKE HIM.. PLEASE BRING A CLOSER TO THEM TOO AND KNOWING GRANDPA TOM S LIFE. WASNT FOR NOTHING BUT FOR SOMETHING HIS KIDS HIS GRANDKIDS.. AND YOU CAN STAND UP FOR TOM TALK FOR HIM AND SAY FOR YOYRSELF.I DID IT FOR HIM… I DID IT FOR MY FRIEND TOM..HIS CLISER I HOLD IN MY HANDS TIME TO LET IT GO ART…GOD BLESS YOU ART AND THANK YOU. ..IL BE WAITING TO HEAR TOMS CASE IS NOW CLOSED
One more thing art .. You talk to poluce ok. Im sure myself and kids will not let u get in trouble for this ok. I promise you this… Just tell the truth ok..i promise you no trouble
I been waiting on the day for rob tisor to suffer just like he made me suffer over 30 years…from the time i had to say goodbye to my husband til when i read. What you said art. When i read it.. I cryed and said out loud. Tom we got him…i want Rob to suffer like he had tom suffer. Leaving tom out in the field. Laying there. Leaving toms body and taking off. Un til the police took him in. Hours he took our car hpurs. He may have left tom ALONE in that field..il always remember that day when his wife looks at me and charles kaufman and says to us rob did it i know he did it…his own wife…il never forget the day tom left us not because he wanted to because rob made that choice for him..i never forget the day i had to exsplain to a 2 year old and 5 year old daddys not comming home…SO YES I WAITED AND WAITED AND I PROMISED TOM. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ..I WANT THIS. NOT FOR MYSELF BUT FOR TOM.. HIS LIFE IS GOING ON THRU HIS KIDS AND GRANDKIDS. AND IM SHARE IF ANY MEMORY YOU HAVE IS. ONE TOM LEAVES IN YOUR HEART IN MIND.. I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND MY KIDS ARE HOPING. PRAYING. WE GOT DADDYS MURDER THRU YOU… IM SURE THE WAITING IS KILLING THEM INSIDE. YOU THOUGHT THEM HOPE ..ART..HELP THEM REMOVE THE HURTING NOW AND FOR TOM WIPE THESES TEARS FROM HIS CHILDRENS EYES… YOU CAN BE A HERO TO THEM YOU KNOW ..TOMS KIDS ARE GOOD KIDS. YOUD LIKE THEM.. IM SURE ..DONT TAKE TO LONG WE NOT GONA PUSH YOU YOUR RIGHT ITS YOUR TIMMING BUT IM SURE YOU WILL DO IT SOON… I DONT KNOW WHO YOU ARE.. BUT YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME FOR STEPPING UP… JYST LOOK AT YOUR KIDS AND THANK GOD THEY DONT HAVE TO GO THRU WHAT MINE DID OK..MAY GOD BE WITH U WHEN YOU MAKE THAT CALL .. I THANK YOU MY KIDS THANK YOU AND. I WOULD BACK YOU. TO KEEP YOUR REAL NAME OUT OF ANYTHING I WILL MAKE SURE YOUR INFO STAYS. WITH IN THE POLUCE AND OUR FAMILY.. IM SURE MY SON WOULD BE RIGHT WITH YOU IF YOU NEEDED SOMEONE TO GO WITH YOU TO MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE THE POLUCE STATION. IF ITS WHAT YOUR WORRIED ABOUT YOU CANT GO TO JAIL FOR TELLING THETRUTH.. GOD WILL BE WITH YOU AS WELL .. BECAUSE HIS CHILD IS TOM.. AND YOUR HIS BROTHER THRU CHRIST PKEASE REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU MAKE THAT CALL GOD BLESS ART OR WHOEVER YOU ARE IL BE PRAYING FOR U AS WELL
Okay, but I’m confused. You knew Tom and you recently did time with Tisor? So this is a little more personal for you considering you also knew Tom. I can promise you that there is absolutely no judgement towards you for what you have done, why you don’t like the police, or anything. However, this might be the one time they can do something good for a family and that information rest with you. Please help ease the minds and hearts of my husbands family. I understand wanting to do it on your own time. Build up the courage. I can assure you that once you’re done, it will feel good knowing you did the right thing.
I don’t know what the argument was about or that his best friend was Ernie!! I wasn’t living in town when all this went down. I didn’t move back till 04. I decided to look up some of my old party buddies last week….that’s how I found this site
Again, please contact the Van Buren County sheriff department. If you want to help the family, I would rather you contact the authorities so that justice can be served! It’s heartbreaking to know that someone may have information but would rather comment anonymously instead of going to authorities. PLEASE!!!
I don’t talk to Cops….EVER
Then your. Helping rob tisor get away with murder
Art my kuds were 2 and 5years old when rob took their dads lufe.. Think if theses were your kids dont you think they deserve a closer.. Missing their father and grow up with out you… Then they have grandkids that dont even know you. Were your kids have no MEMORY of you…im sure your a father yourself so look your kids in the face and say. You dont deserve it…..could you actually turn the other cheek. Or have A FRIEND HOLD INFORMATION THAT COULD LEAD TO THE MURDER OF YOU…ROB DONT HAVE TO KNOW YOU CAN CALL THE POLICE MY DAUGHTER GAVE YOU THE NUMBER… ROB TOOK ALOT AWAY FROM ME AND MY CHILDREN ..THEIR. FATHER WAS MURDERED YOU KNOW IT I KNOW IT… PLEASE BE THE GRACE OF GOD. FIND THAT SPOT IN YOUR HEART AND GAVE MY CHILDREN THIS BLESSING ON PUTTING ROB WHERE HE BELONGS I KNOW IT WONT BRING THEIR DAD BACK BUT IM SURE IT BRING PEACE TO THEM…PLEASE I BEG YOU IN THE NAME OF GOD HIS SON PLEASE MAKE THAT CALL…IF YOUR ANY MAN AT ALL YOU DO RIGHT THING .. THANK YOU ART FOR ATLEAST READING THIS ITS UP TO YOU. OK BUT I PRAY YOU DO WHAT GOD LEADS YOU TO…MAKE THE CHOICE .. ITS UP TO YOU BUT DONT LET YOUR HANDS BECOME JUST AS DIRTY. AS ROB TISORS
Sherri, do you not realize that this person is most likely a liar? Art Vandelay is an alias. It is a name from the Seinfeld show. This person is most likely taking this tragedy and messing with everyone’s emotions. :(
I hope whoever it is traci ..either steps up who info ..and if he kieing gets what whoever it is. GOD PUNISHES FOR THIS .. I WANT ROB CAUGHT MORE THEN MY KIDS DO ITS ASHAME THIS IDIOT IS PLAYING WITH REAL LIFES… I PRAY TOM GOD. LEADS. THE RIGHT. INFO TO POLICE TOM DESERVES THIS WE DESERVE THIS
Robert The DCI in Osceola will lead you where you need to go! Just so you know my Dad lived in Woodburn Iowa and he built that house along time ago. I have my own oppinion about where my Dad is. I live in Indianola facebook name -betsy mae
Hi Betsy it’s me loyal jr bill was my first cousin you all have been in my prayers
Loyal Thomas it was great to hear from you and your daughter .I cannot tell you what it means to me that someone is thinking about my Dad ! Super Bowl Sunday I thought about him all day ;14 yrs ago i sat with him for the last time we was watching Super bowl together I had a few drink with my ole man Ill never forget that day I love him so much….I am going to look for him but I have to be careful because the last time I looked for him me and my sister she got ran over and then Rhonda and I was sued for $14000.00 by my brother , So I will have to use the legal route but I am going looking if I cant if maybe Cold Case can help … It is time to look for him again, Thanks for lighting the fire in my heart again Betsy Mae
Betsy- What do you mean the last time you went looking for him you were ran over by your brother? Do you mean run over by a car? That doesn’t make any sense. Why would your brother run you over? And then sue you? Why would your brother not want you looking for your dad? Why can’t you look for him together? Can you please elaborate on this situation? Your relationship with these people and their opposition to you looking for him might shed a lot of light on his case. God bless you and your family. I hope you find out where he is.
Since Bill Sr. had a successful business, who was that business left to? My guess is there is a quarrel regarding where his estate and business is left to, perhaps a business partner or family member or former associate of some kind and someone feeling left out or jelous and then vengeful perhaps? Or was his business working on a controversial or politically charged construction contract? I would get polygraphs, look at history of business invoices around the time of disappearance and look at any active and current contracts he had at the time of disappearance. Take K-9 units on various locations and properties owned by interested parties and go from there. I wonder if anyone ever did that in this case? On a side note, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone smiled in family photos?
After the August 2nd post I really am more motivated to get closure on Bills disappearance . Personally my health is not good but hopefully soon things will fall into place and I’ll be able to move forward in my life. But before I move from Iowa I will make a huge attempt to look for clues and information on Bill’s case. .
I am so glad the step father was convicted of this crime. I was one of the 1500 people searching for this little girl for two days. I cried all day when I learned of her discovery and deceased. I was also very angry, and felt powerless. This case lead me to working in the field of security since then in Illinois. I work primarily selling security cameras to residential properties. In hopes to prevent and deter assholes like this guy from thinking about commiting another crime like this. Only if more people would speak up more often to the police we can deter serious crimes like this from happening. Lets all work together to keep our children and familes safe! http://www.homesecurityconsultantllc.com.
Oh and another thing i kept my mouth shut due to toms brother is married to rob tisors sister… So this can cause big problems as well not just for me toms kids and grandkids
I like to say i am toms wife … And. Whoever put stuff on here about me needs to be removed ..you put things on here that wasnt true with out hard facts.. Exspeacily tom having weed in car to me getting with co work 2 months after his death i think before things get printed that you should get hard facts not bye others telling you lies this could. End up in a law suit… I even had you remove where someone said i had my husband killed .. I think you should get facts instead of hear say thank you
Did some time with Rob recently, he confessed to killing his “Best friend”..after an argument. I thought it was just tough talk.
Art, please contact Brad Hudson at the Van Buren County sheriff department! 319-293-3426. It would mean so much to me and my family!!
What was the arguement over .. I know rob was high on dope the nught before and linda said rob killed a cat…and. Saw fear in her face…rob always acted funny when me and kids saw him. Nervous and wouldnt look at us in face. He took my LIFE… I want to confront him so bad i have words i wanta say to him in person
You need to tell the police that.
Rob, please go to the police with this info!
We believe you, so will they!
Please be his voice, he was murdered by his best friend that he trusted & cared for.
Just sick
Hi, my name is Laure. My maiden name was Mitchell. Unfortunately I don’t have any information about the Guy Heckle case. I wish I did though. My family lived in the same neighborhood as the Heckles. We lived on Benton St NE shortly before the disappearance took place. We moved away from the neighborhood in 1968. My younger sister, Lisa, was in kindergarten with Guy. My older brother, Jeff was in the same class as Holly Heckle at Eisenhower Elementry School. Of course my family heard about the disappearence when it happened. I can’t imagine anything this horrible happening to anyone. It’s very haunting whenever a child is a victim. My heart goes out to the Heckle family. I hope this case gets solved and the family gets some closure. The sooner the better. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
We miss you Uncle Bill. I hope one day we can peacefully lay you to rest properly. We miss you and love you ?.
So sad. R.I.P.
Could you guys even get the mothers dna and put it in the system and check to see if johnny is alove and has possibly been put in the system possibly by another name….?!? Probably wouldnt hurt to try. Iv losten to the series and investigators in thos case are so lazy it’s saddening. Its like they think its ok someones child has been miss for so long woth noone helping find him but only the mother. What if it was the cops/investigators child. Guaranteed they wouldnt give up the first day like they have in this case.
The CIA/Deep state kidnapped me and the Department of homeland security is running the cover up for them and threatening to place me in one of there secret prisons if I continue to speak out.
Johnny Gosch is dead. No one, except Johnny’s kidnapper, saw him alive after September 5, 1982. Johnny has never “spoken out” about anything. Please get help for your mental illness.
Your violation of the comment policy only demonstrates your need to do the research required to uave a better understanding of the facts. PLEASE Read my Twitter profile to view the necessary photos of me and my birthmarks. The police don’t have ” Johnny’s” fingerprints because I’m walking around with them.
So, where is this Twitter profile? You linked a private WordPress page no one can access. I recently heard about a mental patient falsely claiming to be Johnny. Do you realize how hurtful that is to Johnny’s family?
There is only one Johnny Gosch profile on twitter that has any tweets. I’m not a sheepherder so you will have to find it on your own.
Sorry dude, but your birthmark 1) does not look like South America, and, 2) is nowhere close to where Johnny’s birthmark was. I know one of Johnny’s close relatives, and I know EXACTLY where the birthmark was. You don’t remember growing up as Johnny Gosch because you are NOT Johnny Gosch. Please choose another delusion.
You are just trying to ad more propaganda to the cover up by casting doubt at me. That is what trolls do. If they cast an overwhelming amount of doubt, all the doubts over shadow the Facts. Noreen has said hundreds of times that it was on johnny’s left chest. All anybody has to do is google Johnny Gosch birthmarks South American This will produce 6200 results of which there must be over 500 that describe Johnny’s birthmark as a large birthmark shaped like South America on his left chest. You need to stop adding more lies to the abduction narrative. You completely ignored the right side birthmark which is 80% the same as would be expected because birthmarks change over time. This is a fact that anybody can easily see in less than 10 minutes. Yellow Bags is just casting doubt in an effort to get the rest of you from doing your own independent research. Do not believe his propaganda. Johnny is not dead ether.
So, you saw on Google that Johnny had a birthmark, and you have a birthmark in a completely different place, so that proves you are Johnny Gosch. The CIA must have used their memory eraser machine on you and surgically moved your birthmark 8 inches. Happens all the time :)
Yellow Bags trolled me on my other post and I will not entertain him any more. He is what people call troll, they work for people that don,t want the truth to be reviled.
Johnny Gosch memories started emerging in me almost 9 years ago. Although I did not know this until about 3 years ago.
This is way bigger than just the abduction.
The truth about what happened to me has been elusive. I was subjected to a lot of mind control programming that involved a lot of hypnotism that was used to manipulate my memories. Memory control is mind control, we are all the sum of our memories. I have had to investigate my recovered memories in order to corroborate them in there truthfulness. The following is about 80% correct most more and some less. with help this can be improved. My memories point to a CIA mind control experiment where TWO children were programmed with similar personalities that did not know each other. Then they had them unknowingly switch places with each other where only the father knew the truth because both were active members of and help run some of the ninth circle child sex rings. Something went wrong and they ended the experiment with a semi fake abduction. OR the two johnny narrative is just part of my transition back to Johnny being my front personality. where he can play a more active role.Only time will till. I am only after the truth and the FBI and the CIA only want to hide me. I have a right to know what they did to me and why. WHY?
oh my god e7138@trbvm.com what a terrible thing to say…clear back in 6th grade?think outside the box and realize what nate was probably going thro at that time in his life.grade school was a long time ago…get over it
Why is there no mention of the murder of Jeanie Christenson in Storm Lake, Iowa, who was found strangled in her apartment.
Linda, I contacted Chief Prosser regarding Jean Marie Christensen, who was found strangled in her Storm Lake apartment Oct. 17, 1971. Jean’s fiancé, Michael Dean Peterson, was indicted and tried for her murder and found guilty. The Iowa Supreme Court reversed the verdict (based on a technicality) in June 1974, but that did not diminish the investigator’s position that Peterson was the perpetrator.
Iowa, like other states, considers a case closed once a suspect is arrested and charged with a crime.
Was he released at that time, or was he retried? Just curious to know if he’s still alive. He must be in his late 70s by now (2023).
Yeh and if he is alive was there ever any DNA preserved that could be looked at today?
I spoke to Toni the morning before she was killed, and NOT ONE cop or investigator has EVER asked me for an interview, ever. Not one.
She told me that she knew that the shooting next door was a murder, and she knew who did it.
I’ll never forget that, ever.
Any new information in this case? I remember this day, my parent’s names are Larry and Barb and when the new first came out, of course I thought it was my parents. Living in a small community, our hearts broke for Barb.
Does anyone know where Eugene’s newspaper back was found on the side of the road, which part of town? Not sure if this was ever made public? Wondering if it ever lead to any clues as to which direction/road he may have been taken after being abducted?
I think it was Southwest 12th Street and Highview Drive, but the article says that the bag was found “outside Des Moines.” So I’m not sure.
A pile of Eugenes newspapers was found on SW 14th and Highview, probable abduction point.. the SW 12th and Highview location was where Eugene was last spotted having a conversation with a man. There’s a helpful map on Reddit with these locations! Hope something useful comes from it
I think the guy who killed jacob wetterling needs to have his whereabouts known on both the johnny gosch and eugene martin cases. Just a thought but he is a pedophile.
I agree Daune, when I hear Danny Heinrichs was stalking paperboys in Paynesville, between 84 and 86 that gave me chills. He kidnapped and sexually assaulted Jared Scheierl in January 1989 in Cold Spring, MN; Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped, assaulted and killed in October 1989. Danny Heinrich was in his 20s but looked much older than his 20s. He also served in the National Guard. Is there any National Guard facilities near Des Moines that he might have had weekend guard duty? I have wondered if they ever checked him out for these missing boys in Iowa.
Fort Des Moines is on SW 9th, which is just a few blocks from where he was last seen and his bag was found a few blocks further away. I don’t know what Ft. DSM was used for at the time of either boys’ disappearance (I was born in ‘85); but in my lifetime it’s been used for weekend guard duty, a substance abuse treatment facility, and a halfway house.
Fort Des Moines was active back then, but on a very small scale, mostly used like a recruiting station with only a few buildings being used.
The person identified as deceased by advancedbackgroundchecks dot com was actually the father of the main suspect
It definitely appears that this is the facebook profile shared by the main suspect and his wife:
advancedbackgroundchecks dot com says that the Lawrence Albert McCoy (the alleged perp) died 1-23-1998. However, that is not always reliable.
So who was the other person who was arrested but then released in Ms. Keane’s murder?
From the Wisconsin State Journal, May 1, 1978 (regarding the main suspect in Ms. Kean’s death):
Man is convicted of murder
LA CROSSE (AP) — A circuit court jury convicted Lawrence McCoy during the weekend of second degree murder in the death of Michael Bentzen.
McCoy had been charged with first degree murder in the May 31, 1977, death of Bentzen, 24. The six-woman, six-man jury received the case Friday night and deliberated all day before returning the verdict Saturday night.
A pathologist said Bentzen had been shot twice, immobilizing a leg and an arm, and died of drowning. The shooting occurred after an incident at a bar in which Bentzen allegedly
made a racial slur.
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered for McCoy and a court appearance was set for May 8
OK, I identified the wrong Lawrence Albert McCoy in the comment above regarding the obituary. The guy in the obit is not the Lawrence Albert McCoy who was the suspect. The real main suspect is still alive, and living in Milwaukee, as far as I can tell from advancedbackgroundchecks dot com.
I may have identified the wrong Lawrence Albert McCoy in the comment above regarding the obituary. I am trying to track down the correct Lawrence Albert McCoy
Who was the next person to see Padgett after he allegedly dropped Erin off? What time was Padgett seen by this person? Under what circumstances? What was Padgett wearing? What was his demeanor? What had Padgett been wearing when Erin got into his truck? Where now is the truck that Padgett was driving at the time of Erin’s disappearance?
So can anyone else find out who the other of the two suspects is?
And here is a link to the prime suspect’s obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/funerals/willwerscheid-saintpaul/obituary.aspx?pid=157543788
Lawrence Albert McCoy
Age 60 Of St. Paul Passed away May 7, 2012 after a brave but brief battle with illness.Larry was born on April 26, 1952 in St Paul, MN. He was a hard working business owner with 35+ years in furniture repair; Larry was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Preceded in death by father, William W. McCoy. He is survived by his wife, Maria McCoy and stepsons, Anton and Nicholas (Christine) Butler; daughter, LaTayo (Darrin) Talton, and her sister Selina McCoy; sons, Larry McCoy Jr. and Julian Hassel; Also survived by his two sisters, Anita Robinson, and Billie McCoy; brother, Charles McCoy; 7 grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, 10AM at the Church of St. Peter Claver, 375 Oxford St. N., St. Paul. Visitation Sunday 3-7PM at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-1006 and at church 1 hour before the Mass. In lieu of flowers, family requests donation to Our Lady of Peace Home, 2076 St. Anthony Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104, the hospice where Larry spent his final peaceful days.
This link discusses a possibly related Wisconsin homicide: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/129767817/
The perp’s name is/was Lawrence Albert McCoy Jr. In 1978, he was age 24 and living in Minneapolis.
In part, the article says:
“In testimony at McCoy’s trial at LaCrosse, Edward Warren, 25, of LaCrosse who was granted immunity from a first-degree murder charge testified for the prosecution that he was with McCoy when McCoy shot Bentzen. He also said he helped McCoy dump Bentzen into the Mississippi River from a bridge near LaCrosse. Dr. Ruth Dalton, a pathologist, testified that Bentzen died from drowning but that his ability to swim to safety was impaired by shotgun wounds and that he could have died from loss of blood since two vital blood vessels were punctured. McCoy admitted firing three shots at Bentzen with a .410 shotgun, but he claimed Warren tossed Bentzen over the bridge rail.”
“Michael Kean, who discovered his wife’s body in the bedroom of their home, had known McCoy as a fellow worker at Union Carbide Corp. here. What piqued renewed interest in McCoy by the Keans and Des Moines police was testimony by Warren, the state’s key witness at LaCrosse, that he had seen a .38-caliber pistol in the trunk of McCoy’s car sometime after the Bentzen shooting. The pistol had nothing to do with Bentzen’s death, but investigators now are trying to find McCoy’s car, which was burned mysteriously in Minneapolis before McCoy’s arrest last June 29 in connection with Bentzen’s slaying. The long-shot hope of investigators is that the remains of the burned car are impounded or sitting in a junkyard somewhere and that the pistol Warren says he saw may still be in the trunk of the car. In Des Moines, Kean said he went to McCoy’s trial at LaCrosse because “I just wanted to see him face to face, but I was told I couldn’t talk to him.” Kean recalled that on the day of his wife’s death someone had called him at work and asked if he (Kean) was going home for lunch. When Kean said he wasn’t, the caller hung up. Mrs. Kean, who had attended summer school classes at Lincoln High until about 12:30 p.m. the day of her death, is believed to have died during the noon hour. McCoy, then living at the Oakridge Apartments at 926 Oakridge Drive, was arrested by Des Moines police shortly after Mrs. Kean’s death. He was held for several days on an intoxication charge, but no charges were filed in connection with the Kean slaying. Mrs. Kean was the daughter of Nadine Wilson of Des Moines and Don Wilson, a West Des Moines attorney who died in March 1973 of injuries received in an auto accident McCoy’s sentencing on the second-degree murder conviction is scheduled for June 14. He could be sentenced to 5 to 25 years in prison. Officials say McCoy could be eligible for parole in 20 months if be is sentenced to a minirrum term and is given credit for 10 months in jail while awaiting trial. when his body was tossed over a bridge railing, witnesses testified. The unsolved Des Moines slaying is that of Geralyn Jean “Gigi” Kean. Kean, a Lincoln High School senior, was found dead at her home at 446 S.E. Hart St. about 2:30 p.m. on July 29, 1975. She had been shot five times in the face, back and side with a .38-caliber handgun. McCoy, an acquaintance of Kean’s husband of eight months, is considered a “top suspect” In the Kean slaying, says Des Moines Police Lt. Ed Harlan. Harlan said Kean had been pistol-whipped and the trigger guard of the weapon had broken off and was found near her body. “We have never been able to find the gun, though generous rewards have been offered,” Harlan said. Harlan said police are looking for a five-shot, blue steel .38-caliber Iver Johnson revolver with serial number 641832, which had been registered to McCoy.”
I still cannot get over Eugene Martin and the two other missing Des Moines boys, Johhny Gosch and Marc Allen. These cases pain me so, so much! I want the families to have closure…I want them to be found! I live in VA, but I feel like I have to go to Des Moines. I don’t know why, I just feel drawn to that place. Maybe I think I’ll find something??? I’m only 19 though, I have no money to go…but God willing ONE DAY! And the fact that Eugene’s parents have died not knowing what happened. That fills me with such sorrow. I feel like I’m too empathetic sometimes. I see the sorrows of others and make them my own, I internalize them and I become overwhelmed. I just hope that one day…ONE DAY we will all have the answers to these questions. I hope that all missing people of all time and their loved ones will have peace and rest and closure. One day. If not in this world, then in the next :,(((
A trip to De Moines would be awesome! I feel so badly his parents had to leave the world without any resolution as well. I think it’s so above and beyond that retired PI JAmes Rowles has his photo in the garage and has attempted to chase down any and every tip presented to him. I would love to have a chat with him, and I hope that he has passed or plans on passing on all his knowledge and theories of the case to someone as passionate as himself in the near future.
As only living aunt of Gene Martin I spent time with his mother, his uncle went on the search finding nothing, I remember a week before Gene disappeared we stopped to visit at his mother’s place. I was in the yard and he came to me and gave me a big hug I asked what that was about he said “just because I love you” I accept that went about the visit . But that’s shows how.. great of a child Gene was . His mother’s side of the family still holds hope of finding.Gene. Beside his siblings. We all miss and love Gene.
Is there any other information about this case? What was he wearing? Have you thought about entering in the info in the doe network?
I have tried calling and nobody will contact me.
Do you still have the same number? May I contact you?
Thanks.
http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/603757/Purk-granted-change-of-venue-in-1st-degree-murder-trial.html?nav=5006
Strange….very strange.
It’s been sixteen years since this innocent child was murdered by his own mother.Isn’t it time that the authorities charge the mother with his murder and prosecute her?This murdering bitch should be behind bars paying for her crime!! I am outraged that justice has not been meted out in this case!!!
You are believing lies written by people who are ignoring the truth.
What is the truth then. Can you tell us what happened that night, why so much evidence points to the fact that a MOTHER killed her son. Mothers is the name for God on the lips and hearts of all children. Do you even wonder what poor Ricky went though, or are you just so damn set on defending a monster
I totally agree!! As a mother I would never just stand outside while my son is inside the house burning! The statements I have seen and heard all point to the mother. I live in the same small town as the father and the fact that they have let this case go cold and not investigated her further makes me ill! Plus, why didn’t she grab both boys?! Shes a strong woman. Its fishy that one boy was burnt alive and the other had no trace of smoke on him. But yet he was on the landing.You would think the police department and detectives would want justice for Ricky and his family!! If the mother is innocent why won’t she do interviews to TRY to clear her name!!
My thoughts are I know who killed these people, I know who took Johnny Gosch and the other paper boy. I know who put the body’s in the barrells in New Hampshire. But nobody really wants to know the truth because I keep trying to tell them. If anyone would like to hear what I have to say my number is 9184243575.
Well how about you contact the police department’s in those areas?
how does someone in NE Oklahoma know about a 30 year old murder in Iowa?
That’s what I was wondering. That number is in Tulsa area.
Police proved Bob Evans was working in New Hampshire at the time of the Gosch kidnapping.
I’m curious. How are you all knowing of these crimes?
Yeah well then let the truth be known.
This is so sad to have on here, a Mother (Crystal) lost thers baby, A BABY DIED, A nother mother lost her son, The Fairfield PD failed to put this case together, the truth is the truth, right now only God knows, Seems like a lot of people still hurt that’s understandable. But if you police don’t know what happened all these years later then how do those that think they know, were you there? Did you see things you didn’t tell police, if not it all people’s opinions, if he was my son I would want answers, if she was my daughter and grandbaby. I would need prays.God bless the Mothers that have lost so much.
We are getting the medical records from Iowa City to post that chrystal had only carried the baby for 4 months. the baby died because of stress. From DJs death. You better get the people who came forward and said chrystal had people punch her in the stomach, Because there is going to be a law suit. And i just left the Fairfield police department and the address you posted where all this stuff was suppose to of happened is non existant. My daughter buried her boyfriend and her son all in one week. Dana Bowermaster told me she pushed him out of her house because he was swinging a whisky bottle around and almost hit her daughter in the head with it. And that he hit the back of his head.Her daughter was crying and said mom please go check on him. Now if a 5 year old thinks somethings wrong. Then theres a good chance there is. 10 days later he died. From trauma to the back of his head. Leave my daughter alone shes been threw enough.
This is not true. I have contacted Fairfield Police Department
I dont think anyone should make 0a statement for another person without facts. Speak for yourself Dont put words in Dana mouth without proof
I know it’s not I know you Dana
Coroners report clearly states he had a broken neck. You cant go about your day for 10 days with a neck broken that badly. This was obviously a cover up and hopefully the state will continue to pursue it until an answer is found. His family deserves that.
Agreed
Who ever wrote all this trash is in serious trouble. The fairfield police said if another person brings this up again they were goung to jail. There are so many lies on here. Chrystal was 4 months pregnant when she lost the baby. She lost it because of the trauma of losing DJ.. then to say she had someone punch her in the stomach repeatedly. Your a bunch of sick individuals. Yeah lets open up the case again. And lets find out the real culprit.
You are seriously absurd. You claim that “The fairfield (sic) police said if another person brings this up again they were goung (sic) to jail.” Apparently you are too stooooopid to have ever heard of the First Amendment. I doubt very much that the Fairfield police said any such thing.
Since you have clearly lied about the Fairfield police, why should anyone believe anything else you have to say?
This case was handled so poorly which doesn’t surprise me in this town but this victim and his family deserve answers and justice for this crime yes I said crime. I truly hope that someone follows through with this.
Why wasn’t anyone ever charged with tampering with evidence.
it seems to me when there’s murders in Fairfield they never get solved because the cops aren’t capable of doing the fingerprints collecting evidence seems like they need to get a new group of people in the police department to do that .
I’m saying this now it doesnt take a ROCKET SCIENTIST to see that he was murdered and clearly HIS GF had something to do with it. Its horrible to think peices of trash like his killers and accomplice are out here living life while his was taken. She probably lost the baby because sbes a meth junkie. I hope and pray they all get what’s coming to them especially since John Walsh is now investigating! I feel justice is coming for a few people.
Who r u?? Just wondering Amayha Grant
Please sign > < To help stop satanic child sacrifice and kidnappings . Please sigh this for the children and our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Just copy and paste the URL
https://m.facebook.com/HelpIDMe/photos/a.726344884060088.1073741868.698376120190298/756850057676237/?type=3&source=54&ref=page_internal
Murder itself is a terrible thing! But I cannot fathom murdering an Elderly person. I believe there is a SPECIAL PLACE IN HELL FOR THEM AND THE KILLERS OF CHILDREN!
THIS MAKES ME SICK AND ANGRY TO NO END! I am unable to to have children and SO MANY TAKE THIS GIFT FOR GRANTED! Especially dumped like Trash! And this was a BIG Baby. 9.3! No one noticed a REALLY PREGNANT WOMAN. THEN NOT. And not putting the pieces together?! I hope this haunts all involved for THE REST OF THEIR LIVES!
I agree!
I hope she hears the cry’s of that baby for the rest of her life!!
What disturbs me about this Case is the seemingly lack of motive. It seems without that there is nowhere to start. My deepest condolences to the Family and Friends of this poor young Woman. But I believe the Greatest Judge is God. And the ones responsible WILL PAY IN THE END MORE THAN ON EARTH!
and what about the dad ..he allowed this to happen to his poor baby and left Bernadette alone with her too omg he needs to be punched in the face also
I remember this so well. This person is so guilty of murdering 2 of her babies. Really !!!!!! And yet this woman gets off Scott free. It’s horrible!! Our legal system SUCKS big time. It’s all about money. If you have money a person can get away with murder. If you don’t have money you’re going to jail even if your innocent. It’s so sad ? that this person got away with murder. There’s no proof that anyone was stocking her or raping her she’s a very sick individual I would say.
OMG she is soooo guilty of 2 murders. That’s our legal system a murder gets get free. Someone innocent get sent to jail. It’s all about money. You got the money to pay for a good attorney. You’re going to get off. It’s a bunch of BS.
16 yrs ago tommarow you became an angel Ricky you are never forgotten and are missed by many my deepest sympathies to the entire family and my prayer is that the truth of what really happened that horrible night would be discovered and all the false allegations would stop………..it was a tragedy a horrible tragedy making allegations and gossiping and trying to be judge and jury isnt going to bring this precious baby back I will NEVER believe Rachel hurt her son NEVER and neither does the legal authorities in union county or they WOULD have prosecuted her or someone.I went to hospital and saw Rachel after this horrible tragedy and the greif and sadness she was experiencing was real …………blessing and peace to everyone on this sad anniversary of this tragedy
Gayanne, I have replied to you before on here but you never replied then so I will offer the same thing again. If you would like to see DHS reports that prove Rachel abused or neglected her children, I will be happy to provide them to you.
I can also assure that many legal authorities do think she did this. Just because she has not been prosecuted doesn’t mean anything. This “horrible tragedy,” as you call it, could have been avoided if Rachel had not done what she did. This is not just gossip; there is evidence that shows what happened. I’m sorry you choose to not want to believe it. Although, I do expect that since you are a friend of Rachel’s.
I don’t know why you are claiming you were at the hospital that night to visit Rachel because I know you weren’t. It was her parents, brother, sister-in-law, Rick, me, my sister, and various authorities. The only person she would let in her room that night was Rick. She wouldn’t even let her own family in. So please don’t come on here and claim something that is completely false.
Finally, let me tell you a bit about her grief and sadness she was experiencing after this. The week between Ricky’s death and his funeral Rachel decided to go shopping in Des Moines. She bought all kinds of new stuff for herself with the donations people gave her. Even got her hair and nails done. While she was doing that, Rick, myself, and Rachel’s mother were planning Ricky’s funeral. Rick, myself and one of Rick’s aunts were also meeting with DHS that week to get them to explain to us how they failed Ricky like they did. Shows where her priorities were.
I visited Rachel the day after at the hospital Rachel at one time was my niece my heart aches for your loss I knew her as a child not a adult I was not there I don’t know what happened but am truly saddened by this loss I to hope u get the answers you deserve I’m sure you your heart longs for answers
sociopaths can fake emotions
I agree someone should be looked at even if they have a disability. There is a Case here in MN where a guy in a Wheelchair killed a Woman in his Car. And evidence was linked DIRECTLY TO HIM. I still can’t wrap my head around that one but it happens. For saying this one guy couldn’t have done it. Well no one could believe the WONDERFUL TED BUNDY could do it either.
Hey Melanie.
Hi there Dave.
they didn’t find her phone either.
I am Denease’s cousin. She lived with us for a bit when she was in Jr. High. We were told that it was her husband that committed this crime. I always assumed that he was in jail. I’m sorry if this hurts anyone’s feelings, in saying that. I’m just surprised.
Hello….You said you were my mom’s cousin….That’s nice to know people that knew her when she was younger…..Well during her child hood….He never went to prison or was even charged for the crime that was committed so many years ago….Jody and some other very nice people have been doing all they can to help get some closure after all these years…
If your moms cousin might I ask which one cause it’d be nice to know. I’ve been to meet the family I’m sure I didn’t meet everyone of you but ya never know so I was just curious.
I agree erin….sounds fishy
I know half of his classmates and I have talked to them , I even went over to the road where the phone pinged off, during the day lots of Semi go through. They last phone call was 12:15 to his mother but she miss the call. So 12:15 to the time he was suppose to go to his Grandfather has not been filled. Only 24 hour stores are Wal Mart in Mason City and Casey’s Central in IowaFalls, Iowa and truck stops. Hope we get answers.
Did they even search the area where the party was? And how far of a search was it ? Was is 50 miles ?
A very similar case just happened here: https://www.in.gov/isp/delphi.htm
As soon as I heard about the two girls from Indiana I instantly thought of Elizabeth and Lyric case. I wonder if there is a connection :(
There is a connection. The same guy did both. And I think I know who it is.
Who?
Yeah…who, Mr. Robert Lindsay who apparently knows who the killer is. Care to mention?
Why are you commenting on this year old comment? Care to mention?
Well if you really want to know, I’m bored at work, this is an interesting comment thread, and I’d like to know who the killer is (as I’m sure the rest of the world does as well).
Now, why are you commenting on my comment a year later. Care to mention?
Dan, do you think the two cases are related?
Hey Daniel, work not so boring anymore?
Hey Daniel, What do you think of Leazenby’s recent statement that YOU’RE
NOT CLEARED in the Delphi murders? Have you called him to ask why?
Looks like somebody posted his dad did it
Dennis Ross Harmon – hah…
Don’t know if he means the Delhi or Evansdale crime.
So sad. Hope they find whoever is responsible :((
I’m sorry for your loss of your family members. It’s too bad it couldn’t have gone to another county or prosecutor in another jurisdiction to get justice for your family and neighbors who have suffered from this evil.
Kim,
I tried, but when the District Judge was Judge Bryan McKinley he even refused to Recuse himself in the Floyd County Court House in the first of 4 hearings, to try to get an investigation into Adam’s being killed, by the group of Tea Party Republicans including Judge Bryan McKinley. I paid for those 4 hearings to be transcribed where McKinley admits they breathalyzed Adam and that he was at the scene before Adam was killed, but lied and said he was only there about 10 minutes, and that he never entered the bean field. One of the court recorders identified Judge McKinley in one of Palas Graham’s 26 pictures taken over an hour after the St. Ansgar crew had arrived and over 8 hours after Adam rolled his truck to avoid hitting the ’04 Chevy Impala. My eyes were affected by the Chloramines and other decontaminants, so her identifying Judge McKinley scared my attorney, and even though he asked Judge McKinley to recuse himself he backed down when McKinley refused.
Veronica Lack
Kim, the transcripts of those 4 hearings the first one was on 11/29/2010 and the last on 5/2/2011 to get Adam’s death investigated. This was after, I had filed my Civil Rights charge against the State of Iowa and the Iowa DNR for their part in Charging me with Blockage of Water in 2004 to allow the group of murdering Tea Party Republicans to build the huge flood channel through my farm, to drain farm fertilizers and pesticides and herbicides like Atrazine into our wells Source Water Downstream. Then the IDNR continued to hide the Ammonia Nitrogen as N levels and Chloramines and Trihalomethanes and advised the polluters to dump extra Bleach into our aquifer in Section 10 upstream of my well. That scared my eyes, which I’ve had laser surgery to repair at Mayo and in West Des Moines. In the last hearing’s transcription there are exhibits including the information (a list of questions still refused to be answered, and copies of the 26 pictures of Judge McKinley and the others before they killed Adam and other information) I was able to collect. Also subpoenas for even Adam’s autopsy report, Poet’s exposure patch, (that Adam is wearing in the Highway Patrolman’s pictures), and the names of Judge Bryan McKinley and other Tea Party Republicans killing Adam in those 26 pictures have still been refused to be answered, even though they were ordered by the Floyd County Court, Mitchell County’s Property and Liability Attorney Rourick, refused to answer those subpoenas saying, Veronica would sue Mitchell County, if he answered the court ordered subpoenas. This blocked any further investigation or justice for Adam or the 1/2 million drinking the on-going pollution Downstream. Veronica Lack
We tried.
Very well written and refreshingly fact based research regarding the Martin/ Gosch connection. I fear as the players in these cases age, the smoking gun lies in someone’s attic or aging mind )= so sad https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/4pi4s0/oc_johnny_gosch_and_eugene_martin_cases_possibly/
We need to get the justice this family deserves God bless and R.I.P to Charles William Binx Netherland
Did jail time in Scott county with Netherlands,he seemed like a good kid.
HA! That’s a funny comment. Reading through all these comments, one would think Charles was a saint and never did anything wrong and then at the end, there’s this comment. This is drug related, no doubt.
Did all those involved with Adam’s death get any kind of prison time?
Kim,
The Tea Party Republican’s in Mitchell County that killed my husband Gary and my son Adam, blackmailed me with the 26 pictures taken by Palas Graham a Iowa Highway Patrolman as they murdered Adam. I was threatened by Mark Walk Mitchell County Attorney that if I didn’t sign off on my 1/3 share of my husband’s 200 acre family farm and my 200 acre farm at 1/2 their value by his threat, “You know, you have five other children!”
No, no prison time, and no justice in Mitchell County or even the Enforcement of our Drainage Laws in Cedar (W) Township by the IDNR. Those Tea Party Republicans did not have to get 404 or 401 Iowa DNR permits for their digging away my farm’s CRP contracted and NRCS Conservation practices, that were compliance measures to my 404 Permit with the Corps of Engineer’s for very limited Legal Drainage. They now have polluted wells in that Township and Downstream in Floyd, Butler, Bremer, Black Hawk, and Benton, Lynn, and Johnson Counties. Waterloo lost the use of one well to the Nitrogen fertilizers.
Iowa City’s University Water System had to issue a warning letter on 2/9/2017 that their water has tested above the MCL’s for Trihalomethanes for over a year and if they could get the Regents to fund a Reverse Osmosis System it would be over 18 months even to get that working. When the U of IA Chlorinates for the CAFO bacteria they create the Trihalomethanes as the levels of Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen or the Ammonia Nitrogen as N reacts with the Chlorine. Kidney, liver and neurological effects and cancers are the result, I advise drinking bottled water if you don’t have very good filters.
No, no justice, blackmail and lies, and Republicans still cover up their on-going contamination of 1/2 million Iowan’s drinking water.
So very sad, she was a beautiful young girl.
Oh trust me, I’ve read everything there is to read about this case.
I just find it sad that an innocent man’s reputation was dragged through the mud because a community’s law enforcement was under pressure to pin this on someone and close the case. And while they wasted all that time, the real person who did it is probably long gone. Just very, very sad.
Sad is that you feel writing about this mans innocence will change any one persons notion that he’s guilty as all the facts show he is. While he probably feels he’s beat the system, God knows everything he’s done. Let him live with that.
I LOVE how this description of this cold case is COMPLETELY one sided against Justin. Reading this made me sick. The creators/author/whatever of this page should be ASHAMED!!!
I know Justin. I’ve known him since I was 5 years old and NO WAY IN HELL would he do anything like this.
While I feel horrible for the family and pray for them it is in no way right or just to right about this cold case in this way.
Disgusting…..
OIF_SGT2004, I can only assume you haven’t read any of the newspaper articles about this case, because, if you did, you’d realize this “case summary” is *not* a one-sided opinion piece, but rather a collective recap of verifiable facts published by reputable newspapers. You’ll find links to those reports under the “Sources” section following the case summary.
Iowa Cold Cases is not in the business of writing opinion pieces, but providing information (based on solid sources) about unsolved crimes in the hopes that someone who knows something might contact the appropriate investigating agency and perhaps help them solve the case.
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
Not sure where to start.. I wasn’t even born until 1986, but this case has become such a tragic intrigue and time consumer of mine. I really started getting into conspiracies and things in about 2004 after graduating high school/ early college years and really learning about how the real world actually works. I stumbled upon this one around that time, and it’s had a death grip on me ever since. Like most commenting on here, I don’t think there are many documents/videos that I haven’t seen. Such a feeling of helplessness takes over. I wish we could make some kind of unofficial timeline, using only verified accounts or something efficient to contribute more. There’s just so many theories and ways this branches out it’s so hard. Than accounts such as Yellow Bags come along! And it’s stuff like this we need to explore ASAP as all of the players in this aren’t getting any younger! Thoughts to all involved and strength for all in the community actively trying to piece this neglect of justice together <3
Yes you would think. He’s in the neighborhood. Why do you think he did it?
Wonder if they went out looking for this brown truck or just did a report.
Somebody has got to know something about this case. This one bugs me the most, as it seems as a drug related murders.
What the fuck do you base this on?
Chill! Although I don’t believe it’s drug related it’s not baseless.
It’s been 18 years and the Keokuk police department has effectively swept these two cases under the rug. As far as the police are concerned these cases are closed. I think that the police chief should assign some NEW officers (who were NOT on the police force at the time of the murders) to reinvestigate these cases. Put some fresh eyes and some new technology to work instead of the old technology of yesteryear. I’m willing to bet that if these two victims were related to the investigaters, we would have seen someone convicted of these of these MURDERS. These two families need closure!!
Keokuk police are a joke. Utterly incompetent and unwilling to do their jobs. I had a tenant shoot up my kitchen in my rental property; I drove to the PD and tried to report this vandalism and they refused to even take the report, let alone send someone out to photograph the vandalism or investigate it.
I totally agree mike it was the worse case of investigation I have ever seen in my life. Both of our family’s need closure 18 yrs has. Been long enough,I am Eric Redinbo mother this breaks my heart every day
Carolyn, I’m so sorry for your loss. Nobody should ever have to bury a child. I know first hand how terrible it is to bury a child. My son Jeremy committed suicide in 2001 and I grieve every day for him. People say to put it behind me, but they don’t know how deep the pain is when you lose a child. You can’t just put it behind you, it doesn’t work that way. It gets easier to hide the pain as the years go by, but that is all you are doing, hiding the pain from others because they don’t understand. Sometimes I wish that this nightmare would end, that i would wake up and find out that it was just a bad dream. It never happens. You just have to be strong and hope & pray that someone, somewhere will find the answers that you need and share them with you. You need closure! If you need to talk, just let me know and I’ll be here for you.
There is also a documentary on Netflix called “Where is Johnny”. Pretty interesting to say the least.
Old newspapers are a good source and NewspaperArchive.com seems to have a great number of them. Here is an article about the release of a man thought connected: https://newspaperarchive.com/murder-clipping-oct-18-1976-192396/
I have always wondered about this case for a long time, 40 years to be exact ! My interest was jogged when I was surfing through the internet about murder cold cases, the 1974 triple murder in Sioux City caught my eye. Reason being, I saw these victims possibly hours before they were ruthlessly killed. I was born and raised in Sioux City and 22 yrs old in 1974. I also grew up in Morningside and knew exactly the location of the crime. Eerily the house was very close to the Nelson Burger Funeral Home on Morningside Ave. near Cecilia Park. That Thanksgiving week-end, I was playing drums for some friends of mine at the Crosstown Tavern, down at the stockyards when the bar was across from Swifts Packing Plant. One of the members of the band who was a very good friend of mine was a boiler maker at Port Neal. He knew the two men well and all three victims including the lady came to hear us play. I don’t remember if it was a Friday or Saturday night, but I do remember meeting all 3 and everyone was having a great time. I obviously could tell the young lady was pregnant, and she was very quiet and sweet. The men were getting a little wild and I think there may have been a little pot smoking going on, but other than that they were nice time. Later after the murder, my friend told me that the 2 men and he were having labor disputes at the Port Neal site, and a strike was brewing. His belief was that the 2 men were killed because of union differences. Shortly after the murders I moved away and never gave it much more thought. It is a little disturbing to know that I was having fun partying with folks that would end up dead from a ruthless killer(s), only days or possibly hours after just meeting them.
I’ve never left something on such a forum but I feel compelled..I’m leaving this comment in February of 2017. I have searched everywhere for a current post anywhere at all on the internet by Noreen. Has anyone else noticed that she seems to have vanished? Even her Facebook hasn’t had anything current posted for YEARS. If I am mistaken please mention where she has been active (I hope I’m wrong), thank you.
I don’t think there is anything more for her to share. She knows what happened. Now she tries to help other parents with missing children.
Noreen is quoted in a KCCI.com interview that aired just five months ago. Here is the link: https://www.kcci.com/article/noreen-gosch-corresponded-with-mn-mother-who-lost-her-son-1/6923170
Very sad…What a beautiful girl with an infectious smile..My thoughts & prayers go out to her family & friends..Hopefully they will.be able to solve her case someday and find the person who did this….RIP Connie…
He was a cutie… He would be the same age as my youngest daughter as she will be 17 this October…This is heartbreaking. .My thoughts & prayers to the family!!
My youngest daughter 17 in october this year as well..Hope she is doing well..
I feel sorry for thomic but I think many people are involved is this case. I reported him to the Roric office lady (Sharon) she say to me. He can come any time because he’s the maintenance. I replied to her but not every day. That’s why I moved out of there and they send me court papers because I bricked the leass because it was too weird for me because I was single and living by my self.That guys used to come every single day to my apartment at 3:30 or 4AM with out nocking just open the door to check my heater and AC but Ed the other maintance guy used to be with him Too at the baseman where They call me and I was scare but I never let them know I was scare of them. And Ed told me so many times that he was connected with some photographer and he want me to be he’s model at that time I was working at shop jo 6 am to 2pm and studying to be a cna at clarkson college and going to la roca de salvasion church so no time for me to do anything else.i still had trauma to live by my self in a place.i don’t feel safety.
You must understand that the father (John Snyder) did kill his own son I know that for a fact
I always had my suspicions that his father might have killed him but You need FACTS….& Evidence that might point to him…without these you have nothing..
Mind your own business about evidence the baby John Was a sweet soul whom was moved by myself to the Quad Cities to get away from his abusing father to his mother at a time when he was just in a infant seat ? I felt he and his mother were safer with me after I witnessed his daddy abusing his mother but not very much longer I figured out that his daddy came all the way to visit mommy and guess what yep she moved back but then left him again and there it is a 20 month old baby “TAKEN” from his owns fathers Apartment supposedly and murdered I did not think that someone could be so sick but he was then and I was at the trial I was subpoenaed unfortunately and I’ll never forget that fathers face. 20 years later in my opinion I know his “father” wasn’t on trial but he should have been
Why didn’t John Jr’s Mom take him with her? Why was he left with his father?…& I don’t need to mind my own business,I was just stating an opinion…& yes I agree with you that maybe they should have put his Dad on trial…because sounds like to me that he might be hiding the truth……
Lori Schorr, after deciphering you comment and failing to pull up your atached facebook page, I googled Lori Schorrv iowa. I guess what I found should let everyone draw their own conclusions about any testimony from your lips., https://www.scottcountyiowa.us/sheriff/temp-inmates.php?sysid=19376665581345
I had not heard of this case until today. I extend to you my deepest sympathy, and while I fully understand your anger, pain, and anguish that justice has not been served, I do feel that the guilty party is being punished – constantly, every day, simply for having to carry the knowledge of the deed within his heart. This knowledge doesn’t go away, and it never will. It’s more than just a guilty conscience; it’s the awareness that this has never been resolved, that the wheels of justice could turn at any moment….and that the eyes of those who know him, know also of his deed, and that since this first happened, they have never been able to look at him (or at themselves) the same way again. God bless you, and God bless Valerie.
THIS IS SOME SERIOUS SHIT, Veronica iam deeply sorry for your family and neighbors that we’re slowly murdered . You keep fighting y’all need a class action lawsuit. Where’s Michael Moore he really needs to hear about this.
Mrs. Lack.. I am truly sorry for your loss and I hope and pray you find justice for your family and the many people you have fought so hard to protect.. I am deeply saddened by this miscarriage of justice and my heart goes out to you..
Thanks, Stacie and Kelli, I’m hoping for support at the October 16th 2017 court date for Civil Rights case CVCV046761 if anyone could assemble and protest the on-going pollution of Iowa’s Source Waters with Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers and herbicides and pesticides. If you can’t be in Des Moines for that make a sign and carry at local protests or parades, etc. as we all in Iowa need safe drinking water and justice for all. Thanks,
Veronica Lack
Ms. Veronica Lack, My parents have been telling me about Adam’s story for years, I didn’t quite understand it up until now. I just read this and It’s sad. I’ve always thought Mark and the rest of the guys were nice until I read this, and now I understand completely what You, Adam and the rest of your family had to go through. Excuse my french but that’s pure Bullshit what they did to your son. They deserve to be prosecuted. Mitchell County officials are steady worrying about the crime that young teens and young adults are doing, but the people we’re suppose to go to for help are the real criminals. Everyone involved in the murder of Adam need to be sentenced to life in prison, this whole thing was totally uncalled for. And it’s pretty shitty of someone to make a joke out of Adam being dead. @ Mark Walk “You know you have five other children” I really hope that You and your family get some real Justice instead of some bullshit apologies. Charges NEED to be PRESSED against all of those officials involved in this. My family and myself will be here to help you out whenever you need it! Take care Veronica & Family.
-Kassidy Eggers
let there be light
I was watching the ID Channel, and a episode came on about a prisoner named Kevin Sweat from OK state prison. A lot of similarities. 2 young girls, white truck. I’m not sure if this is in any way related, but the similarities struck me. His crime was in 2008.
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/anthony-burtch-pleads-to-obstruction-charge-in-1985-cold-case-murder-20170131
Just found the web site and was surprised to see Bills face again. Bill Douglas was like a second father to me and im sure we saved each others life in the past. Nothing but good things to say about this man he definitely was always in survivor mode and could make money making decisions quickly his underground utilities company was a success because of him. At this time I personally will make an attempt to look for anything that could help this situation for the family and ill need no reward. GodBless the family and wish me luck
Robert, thanks so much for your kind words about Bill Douglas. This case is very troubling, made worse by the fact that his body has never been recovered. If you learn of any other details please let authorities know, and keep us posted as well. Thank you again for a wonderful tribute to this man. Jody at ICC
I know that your Dad had a property in NewVirginia and a house that to the best of my memory was never completed. Did that house ever get finished? And was that property looked over for Bill. I have strong thoughts of if that area wasn’t checked it could be a suspicious area to look. I would be willing to check myself since I hunted that area back in the 80s of course with Bills permission and know there’s alot of covered wells and old hermit homemade trailers in the deep part of the property. With your permission and blessing Id like to look.Please advise since ill have to get help from a few friends that hunted it with me. We also use to do overnights near the pond and found there were no fish in the pond. It was a great place to get drunk and bomfire thru the night and stay out of trouble.
Robert, I’m not sure if the house was ever completed or, if it was, who owns the house and/or land now, but I will check with Betsy. If going on your own or with friends, you’d have to get permission from the current property owner. If the owner doesn’t want anyone on the property but investigators (if they haven’t already searched it) feel the lead should be pursued, they could always get a subpoena. You made a lot of valid points and I think it would be great to have someone check into those areas. I’ll let you know what I find out. Thanks so much for your willingness to get involved and help!
Trying to get the right team of guys to go check the area in question. I will get with owner and local law enforcement to not disturb or cause emotional coladeral damage. I loved Bill like a son loves his Dad and hints of little reminders keep popping up so im heading forward with my own investigations. Can’t seem to get the timing right and will of move forward soon. Wish me luck.
Did he have property in Arizona?
Sad, very sad, that this vicious killer was never apprehended, tried and executed for this senseless, barbaric murder of such a beautiful, young, innocent child! It appears to me, someone who would commit such a horrific crime would be likely to do so again, i.e., as if this has not already been the case previously? Could be, that this person is a “pedophile serial killer” and very possibly a psychopath, or sociopath, who could continue on this course until captured at some future date. Even so, he will pay for his crime(s) in the next world but, in the interim, the emotional toll and grief invoked on his victims and others is beyond human measure. So far in my life I have had 13 people that I personally knew, most pretty pretty well, at one time or another (though in various capacities) that were murdered. In one scenario, I almost became a victim, myself, but had the good sense to hit the ground when several shots were rapidly fired at me for no apparent reason. I quickly learned what they sounded like zinging through though the tall grass as I stood holding my Hunter Lantern which was turned on since it was dusk. I later surmised that they had to be firing at my light? But why? And with no regard for the human life holding it? I was only 15 years old at the time! Most of these killers of my friends and associates in my situation were arrested and brought to justice, though some have not and likely may never be…at least in this life….and at this late juncture! Thus, you may easily understand why I have such a strong belief in Capital Punishment for those committing such crimes because they need to be held accountable for their actions…!!!
Dennis, WOW! Sorry to hear what happened to you when you were young. It is amazing the things that can happen around us daily! It pays to be on your game 24/7! LOL I was raised by a U.S.Marine and he taught me well how to survive out there in this big bad world! I was his oldest daughter, and boy oh boy did he tell me the truth about boys, and how to protect myself. He got that in my head very young, so I was ready, when I could only date at age 16 back in the early 1970’s. I also agree with you on the death penalty! I wish that all of our 50 states had the death penalty and were using it daily. When I was in a Catholic grammar school in MA back in the 1960’s a little girl of 8 years of age was murdered by a 13 yrs. old boy from another school up the road. That freaked me out back then. I knew her, She was there one day, then gone the next, in a white coffin, coming down the aisle in the church because of a sexual predator. That is what made me begin to read true life crime stories when I got into my teens. This very sad case about this baby Donna, is beyond words. This animal was from that area, that town, or surrounding towns. He knew that neighborhood, he knew that family and who they had for kids. He likes female babies. This guy knew exactly where this little baby Donna was located. I believe this was not random at all. I think this killer was a sociopath and he is able to keep calm, cool, and collected always. I think after a short period of time (maybe a year or two), he may have then moved away, and he surely kept on raping and killing in another state. These sick twisted perverts cannot stop! He just moved on!
Please do not stop commenting or talking about this case! Lisa’s son is defending his father. Who wouldn’t? His anger is raw and to be expected.
This Cold Case File is written and aimed at a specific person or persons with the information needed for justice to prevail. Keep talking, praying and passing this Cold Case on.
If you are one of those with information, please come forward! Please don’t go to your grave in silence, as Lisa was forced to do.
If Darwin is innocent then he also deserves for this to come to an end.
Trial date on Feb 21 2017 and pre-conference on feb 9 2017
Thanks so much for the update, Linh! I’ve added the dates to the case summary.
http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/593316/Purk-appears-on-1st-degree-murder-indictment.html?nav=5006
I’m sorry. Wrong link.http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/593368/Purk-pleads-innocent-to-1st-degree-murder-charge.html?nav=5006
http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/603564/Purk-murder-trial-date-is-reset-to-May-1.html?nav=5006
Thanks for the update, Linh! Cora’s page has been changed to reflect Tait Purk’s new trial date.
His DOB in the long description was mistyped.
Anony, thanks so much for catching that!
It is sad and sickening that the corruption of big companies and state and federal employees can go unnoticed and unaccounted for when it leads to the death of helpless Americans. When there is so much proof and circumstantial evidence that would put away any ordinary citizens, these corrupt men and women get off Scott free. My prayers go out to the family and everyone in my home state that have no one to protect them. When all is gone and man has no one to rule over may they, that are left, that created their fate be tormented with the deathes they caused before the fall waste to their own scourge.
Mr. Jarvis, the groups of big industrial Ag and Big Koch Brothers Oil Corp Anhydrous Ammonia and Big Chemical Corps create the chemicals and water soluble Nitrogen fertilizers that are increasingly polluting Iowa’s Source Waters and shortening the life spans and causing learning disabilities with the levels of Lead and Arsenic and deadly decontaminants being drawn into our Source Waters by Ammonia Nitrogen as N, while their profits have climbed their pressures denied access to what was contaminating our wells and killing our animals.
Iowa’s water quality is now testing at the highest levels in the Nation for these two Nitrogen fertilizers that are creating the Green Slime on our rivers and streams and growing the Dead Zones in the Gulf.
This was done under the Republican Administration of Iowa’s longest term Governor who refused to enforce Iowa’s 16 Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act on the Corporate Ag farmers and destroyed the lives and farms of some Iowa Small farmers who fought to stay in compliance with Iowa’s Drainage Laws. Adam’s RUSLE3 equation was our hope to enforce those laws and limit the contamination of our Source Waters with Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers and to keep the drinking water of cities Downstream from being polluted with these Nitrogen fertilizers and other farm chemicals.
Towards the end of 2016 Bill Stowe who treats the water for Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, and other towns had to switch Rivers as the Raccoon River was so contaminated with Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen Fertilizers he could not treat that water safely as the Ammonia Nitrogen as N did not combine well with the Chlorine and the deadly decontaminants that form from mixing Chlorine and Ammonia
After the Iowa DNR advises a well owner to Chlorinate for high levels of Bacteria, Trihalomethanes are showing up in more well test reports across Iowa, at results well over its MCL. First comes the slight hand tremor, both on the right and left, then much later, even your head and voice shakes. The Iowa DNR refuses to tell Iowa well owners to test for Trihalomethanes after they have Chlorinated their well’s water or for the very Carcinogenic Cyanotoxins released when Cyanobacteria are Chlorinated. Veronica Lack
Did they have DNA in 1981? . open this case up again ,
couple years before they implemented it into convictions, hopefully there was some evidence collected. but since its so old they have prob forgot about it .
I am a member of Steve Kirchhoff’s family and encourage you to come like a Facebook page, Steven Kirchhoff Missing Person, that we have created about his disappearance. We are obviously interested in ANY rumors or leads about not only Steve but Richard Forsyth too because of the possible relationship in the cases. Thank you
https://www.facebook.com/msg/1123235904390308/?show_interstitial=0&handler=m.me&referer=https%3A%2F%2Fiowacoldcases.org%2F
I wonder: did anyone ever interview/investigate Helen Nitcher herself?
I called the coroner of the day (who was still alive, in his 80’s) a few years back when I first read about the 2YO dying in an old newspaper article. He didn’t remember it.
In Iowa, autopsy and coroners records are not public records. Therefore I could not get the file and see who said what.
Twyla johnson. I would like to see if there is any thing I could do to help solve this long unsolved murder? I would like to talk to you
This case has always haunted my thoughts. I remember exactly when I heard the news of this incident and what I was doing at that time. I have a weekend place in Little Sioux and every Saturday a group of us women would go to Onawa to shop. I so love that town. I often wonder if I passed by the Thelanders in a store while on one of our weekly shopping trips. Such a horrible, senseless thing to happen. Rest in peace Mr. Thelander.
Sher….Yup that’s him, is the resemblence uncanny? Or is it just me?
Wait…He would also take his top teeth out holding them on his tongue to scare you…should I call? It has been approx. 20 or so years since I have seen him..at Times he said his name was Elmer? The resemblance man….wow…
This man resembles I met in 1997 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The resemblance is uncanny. I believe he called himself Melvin? He rode a bike and collected cans he w mentally ill as he always yelled “beep, beep” while riding his bike. He also would look at you and say ” you dropped you pocket” when you looked he would yell ” rubber neck.” Hmmm, I wonder…
I have been reading several articles concerning the Villisca Ax murders. There were actually three things that I was rather puzzled by. The article stated that the doors were locked and had to be opened with a key to gain entrance the day of the murders. What kind of killer locks the doors on the way out of a crime scene? Secondly……the covering of the mirror. This is considered an old Jewish practice of a house in mourning. Thirdly, it was reported that there was a slab of bacon on the floor in one of the rooms. Another Jewish practice is not to eat pork. Could the killer have been Jewish? Could these be interesting ideas over looked?
I am really confused. He was in custody of the State?, and they haven’t taken any steps to locate him…….They were responsible for taking care of him. He was 15 at the time, he would be an adult now, how would he survive? Where would he have gone with no money? This situation has lot’s of red flags……The family needs a PI, an investigative reporter, I am not local, how much tv coverage has this had?
I’d like to know as well. And as Notelling said, maybe someone should make a public announcement, perhaps even on television, to let him know you’re still looking and he has aged out of the program.
Someone knows something, and what have the cops and detectives done lately? On the ID channel they always say you have to keep on being the squeaky wheel or nothing will be done. Something about the story does not add up…..
I’m not buying it, too many red flags for me, (from what I am reading), What about the boy he supposedly ran away with? Has anyone ever heard from him? Kids this age do not just vanish, unless foul play is involved imo, Someone needs to start digging into that facility, and the people who were there at the time this happened.
I had the place under investigation and it took them a month in a half to find nothing…I can’t even get a lawyer to help put a lawyer suit on the Stae of Iowa or the placement so I am still at the same place I was almost 6yrs ago..nothing
From 2003:
“Tony L. Beets, 39, of
Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Cedar
Rapids, charged with
seconcd offense violation of the sex
offender registry law, pleaded guilty
to first-offense violation of the
same statute. He was accused of
moving from his registered address
in the 500 block of Seventh Street
SE in March 2002 without notifying
the Linn County Sheriff’s
Department. Beets was fined $500
and sentenced to 120 days in jail.”
Why couldn’t he just have had the book thrown at him and sentenced to the max?
from 1994:
“A charge of assault causing bodily
injury (domestic abuse) filed against
Tony L. Beets, 30, of 1019 Sixth St. SE,
was dismissed due to unavailability of
the complaining witness. Beets was
accused of assaulting Nolita Gretten
during a Sept. 30, 1993, incident at
2269 C St. SW.”
Yes, I know that Nolita was a victim, but at the same time, her failure to make herself available allowed a psychopath to avoid a conviction for a very serious crime. Yet another woman enabling a psychopathic Beets male to avoid incarceration.
From 1990:
“ASSAULT CHARGE
Tony Beets, 26, 1021 Ninth St. SE,
and Willie McCall, Jr., 31, 1122 23rd
St. SE, both arrested Thursday at 3
p.m. in the 400 block of Second St. NE,
on a warrant for assault while
displaying a deadly weapon; accused
of striking Frank Orr with a baseball
bat and threatening to shoot him May
25 in the 1600 block of B Avenue NE”
Tony, of course, is my prime suspect for Naomi’s murder (he was the one who attempted rape while holding a knife, among many other crimes, plus his father was Naomi’s boyfriend).
One of the brothers of Wendell, Paul and Colbert was Alvin Beets, Sr. As is shown elsewhere on this page, he was convicted of murder in Nevada (but was somehow paroled).
Alvin, Sr., is fortunately now deceased, but he passed on his psychopath genes by having kids, including Alvin Beets, Jr.
Here are snippets of their assaultive conduct, their involvement with violent persons, the criminal lives that they and their associates lead, etc:
1953, involving Alvin, Senior:
“2 More Members Of Breakin Gang Are Apprehended . Cedar Rapids and Davenport police Sunday rounded up two more members of the gang accused of committing a number of breakins in Iowa and Illinois. Detective Inspector Frank Bukacek identified them as Charles Jones, 28, of Mineral Wells, Texas, and Wayne Carter of Davenport. Both men will be turned over to Illinois authorities for a Jan. 9 breakin of a highway tavern between Galesburg and Rockford. Bukacek said the men had worked with two arrested earlier on several Illinois breakins, but apparently had not taken part in the Iowa burglaries. Last Friday police arrested the first two members of the gang. They were Alvin Beets, 24, of Arkansas and LeRoy Watson, 29, of Davenport. They were charged with breaking into a number of Cedar Rapids service stations and one in Center Point. Arraigned in district court Saturday, they pled guilty and were given 10-year terms. Under questioning they triplicated Jones and Carter.”
More from 1953, involving Alvin, Senior:
“Ten-Year Terms On Guilty Pleas. An intensive investigation by Cedar Rapids police and detectives resulted Saturday in penitentiary sentences for two men who admitted Jan. 8 service station breakins at Center Point and Cedar Rapids. LeRoy Walton, 29, of Davenport, and Alvin R. Beets, 24, of Arkansas each pled guilty to breaking and entering charges. Judge Floyd Philbrick gave them each terms up to IO years—Walton at Fort Madison penitentiary and Beets at the Anamosa reformatory. The two men had shared a room in Cedar Rapids. Beets was arrested here Thursday. Walton had gone to Davenport, police learned. He was arrested there Friday and returned to this city. Walton has an extensive criminal record. In 1944 he was sentenced to IO years at Anamosa after admitting three breakins in Cedar Rapids and two in Marion… One detective, referring to the earlier questioning of Beets, commented: “It was the darnedest thing I ever saw; he’d just sit there and laugh at you.”
From 1982 in Cedar Rapids (involves pointing a gun and assault):
Leaf fire heats tempers
An argument between two Cedar Rapids neighbors about a pile of burning leaves culminated in the arrests of five persons Sunday afternoon. According to Cedar Rapids Police reports, Elizabeth Beets, HOO Sixth St. SE, and Eugene W. Morse, 1126 Sixth St. SE, were arguing about a pile of leaves burning in a vacant lot between the two residences. Police went to the scene when it was reported that Beets, 34, had pointed a gun at Morse, 37. After officers arrived, Morse allegedly hit a woman, and officers arrested him for assault. Before police could leave, Alvin Beets, 30, of HOO Sixth St. SE, hit Morse. Another man, Michael Jackson, 29, of 1705 Fifth Ave. SE helped subdue Beets, but then struggled with officers to keep them from arresting Beets.
Jackson was arrested and charged with interference with officials acts, prohibited acts and intoxication. Elizabeth Beets faces two charges of assault, as does Morse. Alvin Beets is charged with assault and interference with official acts. A juvenile at the scene also was arrested for assault.
From 1990 (regarding a murder of Alvin Jr.’s fiance’s gang-banger son):
Both Rolondo’s mother and her fiance, Alvin Beets Jr., were livid that authorities would not provide them with any information about the killing. They first heard Rolondo was dead, they said, around I a m. Sunday. Kids off the street were telling me that Rolondo Ballew was shot and killed, and nobody would tell me what was going on,” his mother said, fighting to control a shaking voice. “ It’s been five days since he died, and I still can’t get anybody to talk to me.” Beets said the couple “just wants to get some information, anything…”
From 1983 (regarding Jacqueline Ballew, the mother of Rolando who was murdered in 1990, being beaten up by Alvin Beets Jr):
“C.R. man charged. A 34-year-old Cedar Rapids man turned himself in to police early Saturday in connection with a Friday evening assault on a woman, police reports said. Alvin R. Beets Jr., 11OO Sixth St. SE, was charged with willful injury after he came to the police station shortly after 3:30 a m., reports said. Authorities charged Beets with repeatedly kicking Jacqueline M. Ballow, 30, of 1128 10th St. SE in the head, causing a broken nose and a cut that required nine stitches. When she asked Beets to leave her residence, reports said, he became upset and knocked her to the floor. Beets was released Saturday from the Linn County to the state Department of Correctional Services following an initial court appearance.”
SO LET’S GET THIS STRAIGHT. Alvin, Jr., kicked his girlfriend in the head multiple times in 1983, and she was still with him in 1990??? Yet another woman enabling a male member of the Beets clan in perpetrating violence. And also, why was he not sent to prison for the max when he did this in 1983. Kicking someone in the head???!!!
Then look at this story about a fire (lots of unusual fires in homes owned or occupied by the Beets clan):
“Fire may have started under bed in house. A fire that gutted the lower level of the Alvin Beets residence, 11OO Sixth St. SE, late Sunday, remains under investigation today by the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. The five members of the Beets family were provided shelter overnight by the Red Cross at a hotel. No injuries were reported. Lt. Larry Spielbauer, investigator of the fire for the Fire Prevention Bureau, said three of Beets’ children, ages 15, 14 and 12, and a 3-year-old grandson, were at home when the fire broke out. Two of the children, 14 and 12, were in a first-floor bedroom watching television. Spielbauer said the fire is believed to have started under a bed in the room. The children told Spielbauer they noticed the flames and called their older sister, who was on the second floor of the house, and told her of the fire.
“The older girl ran down the street to get her parents from an uncle’s house in the 1000 block of Sixth Street SE, Spielbauer said. When firefighters arrived on the scene, flames were shooting out of windows and the children were out of the building. The family was able to move “quite a bit of clothing” from the house, a Red Cross spokesperson said. Fire damaged the bedroom, living room and bathroom on the first floor of the I x/ i-story frame house, as well as a stairwell to the upper floor. Smoke and water damage was noted throughout.
“Police responding to the fire call at 8:59 p.m. Sunday observed flames shooting from every window and doorway on the first floor of the home and also from a north window on the upper level. Spielbauer said firefighters had extinguished the flames and the house was cleared of smoke, for the most part, when he arrived on the scene at 9:30 p.m.”
1986- Alvin Beets, Jr., convicted of 2nd offense drunk driving
1996- at least another drunk driving charge for Alvin, Jr.
2006, at least yet another drunken driving charge for Alvin, Jr.
From 1990 in Cedar Rapids:
“ASSAULT CHARGES
Richard D. Beets, 25, of 4208
Zeman Dr. SE, charged with two
counts of assault causing bodily
injury; accused of striking James
McDonald in the head and kicking
McDonald’s sister, Diane McDonald,
in the stomach Friday night in the IO
block of 16th Avenue SW”
Definitely no shortage of suspects for Naomi’s murder, and all of them are in the Beets clan.
From 12-15-2010 in Cedar Rapids:
“BURGLARY CHARGES
Linn County/Cedar Rapids
Richard D. Beets, 23, of
Central City; for two counts of
third-degree burglary; accused of
entering vehicles to remove property
at two locations in Central
City on April 15”
From 9-1-2011 in Cedar Rapids:
“ASSAULT CHARGES
Linn County/Cedar Rapids
Richard D. Beets. 23, of
Central City; for assault causing
bodily injury: accused of striking
a woman Tuesday.”
From 10-3-1988 in Cedar Rapids:
“Richard D. Beets, 24, of 4298 Zeman Dr.
SE, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault
causing bodily injury. He was accused of
striking Traci Dixon with a chair leg, his
hands and his feet during a June 29 incident
at 710 F Ave. NW. Beets was given a 60-day
suspended sentence and placed on probation.”
Like father, like son. The violence against women passed through the generations of Beets men and their enabling wives and enabling parishoners, and Naomi was one of the many female victims, of one Beets male or another.
From March 29, 1991:
“Probation of Richard D. Beets. 26, of 4298
Zeman Dr. SE. was revoked for violation of
terms of three 60-day suspended sentences received
in June 1990 after conviction of three
counts of assault causing bodily injury. He was
resentenced to 60 days in jail, with credit for 21
days served”
THREE COUNTS OF ASSAULT CAUSING BODILY INJURY!!!
The entire family needs their DNA mapped, and should be required to spend days discussing who did what to whom, while hooked up to polygraph machines. Only then could the depths of depravity in this family be uncovered.
Yet more evidence of familial criminality in the Beets family (one of which must have murdered Naomi). From June 11, 1990:
BURGLARY CHARGE
Richard Beets, 25, at large of
Cedar Rapids, arrested 1:45 a.m.
Sunday, charged with second-degree
burglary and false imprisonment;
accused of forcing his way into the
residence of Traci Dixon, 23, at 710 F
Ave. NW early Sunday; also accused
of physically restraining Dixon and
covering her mouth to prevent her
from responding to police, who were
called there; Beets released Sunday
from Linn Jail on his own recognizance.
More evidence of a violent family. One of the Beets just “happened” to be present during a shooting homicide, and then lied in court, recanting his initial statement. From the Cedar Rapids Gazette in 2008:
Richard Beets, 21, formerly
of Cedar Rapids and now
of Central City, testified the
statement he made to police
the day after the shooting isn’t
the truth.
Beets said he never saw
Bush with a gun the night
Horvath was shot. In his statement
to police, he said Bush
fired gunshots in the air and
Bush told him he hid the gun
after they left the Raintree
Apartments.
Naomi’s ex husband died in 2015. Here is the obit:
Bennie Wilson Cedar Rapids
Bennie Wilson, 65, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha due to end stage liver disease. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Oakhill Jackson Community Church, 1202 10th Ave. SE.
Bennie was born Nov. 15, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Lavernia “Smokey” Johnson and Bennie Wilson.
Survivors include his children, Demetrius Wilson (Bonnie) of Denver, Colo., and Lakeelah Wilson of Cedar Rapids; stepchildren, Heidi Shields of Cedar Rapids and Shimekal Gorseline (Ken) of Los Angeles, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Analyce, Deon and Allysa of Denver, Colo., Kenya and Isaiah of Los Angeles, Calif., and Jaelonte and Jovonta of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Beatrice (Harlen) Mitchell of Cedar Rapids and Chylinda Pritchett of Calumet City, Ill.; one brother, Larry Wilson of Cedar Rapids; and special friend, Lori Johnson.
Bennie served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973, when he was honorably discharged.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lavernia “Smokey” Johnson and Bennie Wilson.
Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Oakhill Jackson Community Church in lieu of flowers.
Posted on Wednesday, 19 August 2015
Read more at https://www.thegazette.com/obituaries/bennie-wilson-20150819-0001076784-01#G7D0iDco7mwi4IOH.99
The obituary for Richard DeForest Beets (the son of Paul Beets and Nedra Phillips Beets Juenger) identifies Jason Juenger as one of Richard’s brothers. Jason shot his wife in the head in 1999 in Cedar Rapids, and then shot and killed himself. Yet another violent individual identified in this violent family.
And the hypocritical Nedra had this (lying by omission) ad in the Cedar Rapids paper following Jason’s death:
“The family of Jason A. Juenger Would like to say thank you for the flowers, food, cards, visits, moral support, memorials and prayers. Also to Pastor Elder Wendell Beets, relatives and special friends who helped the family endure a tragic ordeal. May God bless and keep you all. — Nedra J. Juenger & family”
Once again a family member pretending that the family is normal and pretending that perps are good people. The entire family structure appears to be based upon lies and deception and pretense, where nobody acknowledges just how deep the violence and misogyny run through it.
The entire lot of them should have to take both the MMPI and the Milon Multiaxle Clinical Inventory while hooked up to a polygraph, should have their genomes mapped to see what psychopath genes they carry, and should have to spend hours describing (while hooked up to a polygraph) who abused whom in what way. They all need neuro-psych evals. Only then would there be some honesty and a true grasp of the depths of violence, dishonesty, enabling, and misogyny that are rampant in this family.
Why doesn’t Iowa have a grand jury or John Doe hearing procedure, where all of the still-living family members can be subpoenaed and forced to testify as to what they know?
Regarding the sentencing of Wendell Beets for his sex offense, the Cedar Rapids Gazette wrote: “Despite pleas from Beets’ wife, his attorneys and from Beets himself for probation and counseling, Associate District Judge Michael Newmeister gave Beets the stiffest possible prison sentence…”
Why on earth would Beets’ wife be pleading on his behalf? She’s just an enabler.
Also, as an aside, she either is, or was, a home child care provider. How on God’s green earth did it come about that she was licensed to do so, in light of her husband’s conviction? Doesn’t the left hand talk to the right in government administration?
And can’t there be some sort of grand jury proceeding where people are forced to testify about what they know?
What need did the reverend Beets possibly have for a police-band scanner? Why did he own such a thing?
I AM so SORRY David
I hope desperately that you get the answers you so RIGHTFULLY DESERVE!!
Please email anytime if you would like chat
Lethyhartman@gmail.com
Was Lance killed with his own gun? Was the guy arrested the husband/boyfriend of the girl Lance was dating around the time of his murder?
What a Shame
Go back now. Tell him you got new info. Scare them. If they were on crank back them they most likely are not now. That will make things start to move in a way of someone now wanting to get it off there chest. Reopen the damn thing. Start pushing. His Mother and friends want justice for Kenny. And yes I knew him. Please go back and try again. And again. Make the scared you got them now.
Cindy, you sound like me. After 13 years, why not publish Mikey’s real name? If this were the Unsolved Mysteries show, wouldn’t they be at liberty to post his picture and name in hopes of someone coming forward to say they know where he is now? If police know where he is but can’t pin anything on him, civilians might find ways to scare Mikey into seeking a nice, quiet cell in prison. Knowing that murderers remain free, hidden among us in plain sight, just sets my teeth on edge.
My Iowa Civil Rights Commission Complaint was filed in 2010 after the then director of the Iowa DNR gave a radio address to Iowans saying that his Non-Enforcement of the 16 Iowa Drainage Laws and The Clean Water Act had not affected the health of any Iowans.
He was not counting the Iowans in the Plume from Mitchell County Iowa that has grown and has taken out wells in Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and Black Hawk Counties (in 2015).
The Big Oil Corps that produce Anhydrous Ammonia and Industrial AG CAFO’s Nitrogen fertilizers, produce and profit from the sale and even the application of these two very Water Soluble Nitrogen Fertilizers (like the KOCH Brothers) that Iowans are drinking at ever increasing levels, because our Iowa Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act have not been enforced on some Iowa farmers. Up until 5/13/2009 NRCS enforced those laws on me, an Iowa farmer, in Cedar (W) Township, Mitchell County, IA. Before May of 2009 and since the IDNR and our Governor and legislature has hidden the data we Iowans paid for like the well tests for what was contaminating our wells even when the IDNR condemned our wells. When I was forced off two 200 acre farms in Mitchell and Floyd County in 2008 and 2009 after Adam was murdered. the Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation Board dug away the over $150,000 of unfunded Conservation work I was required to install by NRCS to be in Compliance with my 1995 Corps of Engineer’s Agreement for Drainage. The Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation Board created a Plume into the Upper Cedar Valley Group Aquifer that continues to contaminate Public and Private wells in parts of 4 Downstream Counties.
In those 320 foot wide Flood Channels planned by Bradley Johnson former MCS&WC Chair illegally dug out through my farm and Carl Christiansen’s farm, their are composting piles of animal and bird waste on his and my old home farm, even after we were warned about avian flu and the huge dangers to bird losses for Iowa producers. My worry is to the health dangers of the possible 1/2 million drinking this contaminated water Downstream. Just take your cell phone and look up go to
When our wells were condemned by the IDNR, we Downstream drilled to deeper aquifers, that new water was tested for Nitrates and Coliform and E.coli Bacteria but not the Nitrogen fertilizers, specific herbicides, pesticides, Arsenic, Cadmium Lead, Cyano or Microcystin, and decontaminants that had been killing our animals and damaging our family’s health in the upper aquifer.
Civil Rights Pioneer Franklin McCain occupied a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960. He was refused even a cup of coffee, while being allowed to purchase school supplies. I was denied my well test reports and warning letters that included the contaminants that the IDNR was condemning my well for. So I filed my complaint under “Public Accommodations” as he and two other North Carolina students at A and T University did. My coffee was not even tasting good, as the pollutants increased and because we were denied access to the well test data. My animal loss numbers climbed, multiple tumors in multiple family members concurrently and our dog’s Mast cell tumor was the reason as well as neighbors like Carl Christiansen claiming his tumors were caused by our wells being polluted. We need access to the contaminant data that our tax dollars have paid to be done, by County sanitarians and IDNR agents who collect the water tests and have the Iowa Hygienic Labs process our well tests and now with our newer facilities and data storage we need usable access to the data.
I had installed an Oxidizing whole house filter, a carbon filter, and a professional Reverse Osmosis (4 sets of filters) to try to reduce the contaminants, but my coffee still released a gas while percolating. Iowans need to know the levels of CAFO and especially Anhydrous Ammonia before they Chlorinate for the CAFO bacteria. Decontaminants can kill so we should also test for Trihalomethanes or Chloamines or the decontaminants that the Ammonia Nitrogen as N levels cause when we are told to Chlorinate by the IDNR.
The address of my old 200 acre farm in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County, IA was 1475 – 325th Street, Nora Springs, IA 50458 if you want to view the two areas of composted bird/animal waste use your IPhone GPS.
The Zabel’s were our next door neighbors. I will never forget this.
Today my cousin got a box and thought she had ordered extra stuff when she opened it there was a satanic book and more missing papers and a necklace of Satan in the book there where pictures of him his sister and brother but most shocking a drawn picture of a supernatural force holding and killing him it is most strange the person who sent this knew her address and now we are freaked out
Jo, I strongly suggest you immediately contact Keokuk County Sheriff Casey Hinnah (641-622-2727 or email kcsheriff@keokukcountyia.com) and see if the sheriff’s office or the DCI can extract any fingerprints or touch DNA from the box, the book, or any of the other items and papers. This should be done asap in order to preserve the evidentiary value of anything they might be able to recover. DCI Special Agent in Charge Rick Rahn oversees that region. He may be reached at (563) 284-9506 or rahn@dps.state.ia.us.
Are you commenting on the correct person? Do you still have this box and are you able to forward any information? Unfortunately your info is all too nondescript and smells of a possible scam. Please search me on FB if you have anything concerning my brother.
Charles William binxs Netherland, I will never give up justice for you. I think about you every day. Some people try to stop me but me as your mother will never back down, I will keep fighting for you. I love and miss you to the moon and back!
She was pregnant heading to California for abortion. If they had done DNA of fetus you would have the killer.
The FBI is mentioned as being involved in the case. So I wonder if they have any records, or any other forensic evidence from this case. Unless they referred it to the locals to handle the investigation.
And she went by “liz dayton,” “liz golyar,” and “Shanna Elizabeth Golyar.”
Also, for some reason the perp (or someone else) announced her own death on this website back in 20091: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:z4FD5L9rzRMJ:memorialwebsites.legacy.com/shanna/MemorialSite.aspx+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
The memorial has expired, but from the google cache it at least says:
Surived by daughter Elizabeth Golyar; son Jasen Gagnon. She was a saint to us all. There will be no veiwing or service. She is to be cremated in Michigan…
The “memorial” itself says that she was born June 28, 1975 and died December 9, 2009.
Wow, and here is a weird police report that the perp, Snanna Golyar, made in which she complained in December 2015 that she had been shot in the leg by an unknown female. https://www.ketv.com/article/council-bluffs-police-respond-to-big-lake-park-shooting/7656695
I tried to post this a short while ago but for some reason it didn’t post. A woman was arrested and charged yesterday with Cari’s murder
A woman has been arrested yesterday and charged with her murder. https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-woman-charged-in-death-of-woman-last-seen-in-2012/8531313
The police chief in the documentary “Who took Johnny” doesn’t even seem concerned or willing to do his very best to locate this young missing boy. He states over and over again that there was no evidence that Johnny Gosch had been kidnapped??? Makes me think the Chief was involved in a sex ring with the abductors.
Yup i thought the same thing. And does not believe that all 3 nappings were connected!? C’mon!
If you think Noreen Gosch had contact with Johnny, you are another deluded soul who should keep his or her opinion quiet or risk getting the straitjacket treatment from a mental hospital. There is absolutely no evidence that suggests Johnny ever visited his mother. In fact, he probably dies within hours of the abduction.
If Noreen told you there is a Santa Claus, you would probably agree because you are a simpleton who is incapable of deductive reasoning.
You seem awfully knowing…No one can truly understand the victims pain or the parents…We can only speculate….
IF Noreen Gosch was actually in touch with her son as she has claimed, by waiting two years to share the story of what he told her that night, she has made herself into an accessory to whatever crimes her son admitted to her that he was still being “forced to commit.” She could be charged with withholding information in a federal case. This has not happened. Her seemingly almost pathological need for the limelight is, to say the least, not indicative of a stable, responsible mind. Draw your own conclusions.
Doesn’t sound like anything even CLOSE to a father’s response! I could be wrong, but I, along with so many others will NEVER forget where we were or what we were doing at that exact moment! My heart BREAKS for these families! Prayers 🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️
Losing ones mother is hard enough to accept……but her being murdered……on Christmas Eve is about the rotteness thing that I can imagine! I hope the police solves this case and doesn’t let it go any colder than it already is.Iowa needs to bring back the death penalty.(just my personal opinion).
The police had been to the house 6 times on 2013. One for a medical issue, and five times for domestic disputes. Who was she having problems with. The father of her kids, an ex-boyfriend, or the new boyfriend, that she was engaged to. He is not identified.
Patrick Kerrigan, the info states “Johnita was engaged to be married to her fiancé, Richard Ball, and was excited about planning her big day.”
Jim, thanks for the information. However, the article mentions that police had been to house for 5 domestic disputes. They don’t provide any further details on who was involved in the domestic disputes.
I assume that Mr. Ball, was not involved in these incidents. These disputes could have provoked her being shot. Also, when was the last time they were at the house for a domestic dispute.
I am always looking for answers to questions. It’s in my nature to be nosy.
Dear Uncle John I never new you because my mom was just a little girl when you died. I wish we could find the people who did this to you so everyone could be at ease. She always tells stories about you so that makes us feel close to you. Cindy we don’t know each other but my mom is your mom’s youngest half sister Lori
Love you grandma. See you soon.
There’s got to be some DNA left behind our something…..where’s this macy character live now?
I heard about this horrific crime when it happened and extended my prayers to the family on the facebook page set up for Bill & Kay. Unfortunately, time and the lack of news updates has let this case drop from the public consciousness far too soon. I still think of Kay and what she and Bill must have endured that night, and what the families have withstand for the last 5 1/2 years. I continue to pray that Kay is found and that the family may be reunited.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you…..I love and miss you so much
love you aunt kay and uncle bill, reading this article breaks my heart. :(
11-29-16…Mja Inc Investigations : Just a couple of thoughts–if gangs were involved then the Police should go back a few days after the Murder & see if a gang member was promoted about that time..Murder is one way for a gang member to move up in rank..Also if it is gang related Murder { making your bones } is a way to get into a gang..If I was the Police I would check to see who joined the gang right after the Murder..The best part being if the Murder is gang related there would have been more than one gang member involved…That in return could lead Police where they need to go because its been proven that gangs cant keep their mouth shut–they have to brag….
They need to look into this death one more last time and really find out who killed her
Did you know Greg? He is still missed and loved.
An update, the first new information in 24 years about Aaron’s disappearance.
I have made contact with Randy Pate and he did verify that Aaron did visit him in Arizona several months after leaving Iowa. While it doesn’t answer where he is now, this serves as verification that he was at the Grand Canyon area in ’92/’93. Randy also stated that Aaron left with intentions of meeting a girl in Boulder, CO. He also seemed surprised to hear that Aaron has been missing.
I am going to meet with Randy in person in the coming weeks. Hopefully more insight into Aaron’s case.
Ian, are you meeting with Randy (your father) in person or while he is incarcerated? If it is in person, please be careful just in case your father was involved in Aaron’s disappearance.
Ian, I went to the Doe Network and searched unidentified males in AZ found close to the time your brother disappeared. These are the closest matches I could find:
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/154umaz.html
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/2309umaz.html
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1660umaz.html
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/320umaz.html
May be do same for Colorado
FYI to all: Since family members have not said that they are pursuing this possibility, I decided to investigate the potential that Aaron is deceased. I submitted the first possible match that I mentioned above in 2016 (154UMAZ) to Doe Network. The Doe Network committee decided that the similarities justified forwarding to law enforcement. I received an email today that 154UMAZ was ruled out as Aaron based on dental record comparisons. I consider this to be good news. I’ll pursue this line of investigation further and will update if I receive any more relevant information.
Thank you for sharing this. It astounds me that the Iowa police could not be bothered, in 24 years, to verify this information, or to have their brethren in Arizona swing by Randy Pate’s house and ask him a few questions.
What a sad state of affairs that family members have to do what law enforcement should have done decades ago.
He has a son and he was not mentioned as a survivor that’s fucked up.
How do you get a cold case opened, if one of the murders got off with a jury, one can be trialed, one turned state evidence and served I think 20 years..it is about the 2 brothers that were shot and killed in their home in Oct. of 1982 …Mt. Pleasant Iowa..Linda K. Kinnison one of the brothers was my daughters dad
Any new word on Lee Rolfe missing persons?
Jean, I’m sorry to report there are still no updates in Lee Rolfe’s missing person case.
kim do u know anything about cora’s disappearance
hey kim what information do u know about cora and her disappearance if u do email me
The investigation for this case appears like someone dropped the ball. The report has next to nothing for information. This is heartbreaking. I want to know udf they searched more than just the water for her? Was their a search group of people that looked for her? Could she have been traveling to another family member’s home in a different direction? This case seems like it was not looked into at all. Very, very sad. My mind is going into so many different direvtions. I would be absolutely furious at whomever was in charge of the case. Especially the family. I would have been all over the department wanting to know what their next move was to find my mom. ?
Cora’s case is now being considered a homicide:
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2016/11-10-2016_DCI_TamaCoMissingPersonColdCaseNowConsideredHomicide.html
Thanks so much for sharing this, Kim! It’s an awful footnote to what so many suspected all along. I hope the renewed investigation leads officials to her remains so the family can finally put her to rest. Such a tragic and sad case.
hey kim if you know anything about cora’s disappearance contact me
There’s been an arrest made in Cora’s case:
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2016/12-09-2016_DCI_ManChargedWithMurderInTamaCountyColdCase.html
Kyle, sorry but I don’t know any more about Cora’s case than what’s been made public. I’d noticed on the DPS website that investigators were looking into her case again and I shared the link here on the ICC site. And when I was on the DPS site today, I noticed they’d made an arrest in her case, so I again have shared the link. That’s the extent of my knowledge.
Is there a facial reconstruction? A case was solved here in kentucky from the 60s by cross ref. A bunch of stuff.
Please forgive me but I still think that the person responsible is right there within the circle of friends or people that watched the girls enough to know their routines. This is someone in late 30 or 40 and maybe he has a girlfriend/wife but he feels abused by work, family, the world and need control power and the way to do it is by controlling those that are innocent. I know this person is right there in the community. How else would something like this happen. My prayers are with you.
I still think of you Audrey
Why hasnt the family of the victim in this murder pressed for justice this is so sad no one ever was held accountable?
My Mother was married to Jerry Nitchers brother Larry Nitcher. They had a Daughter born in 1978. Larry wanted to name her Crystal Dawn Nitcher. When Crystal, my Sister was just a baby, we were visiting the Laddonia, MO cemetary and my Mother noticed a tombstone that bore the same name as my Sister. Needless to say she was very upset and demanded to know why he would want to name his child after a dead Niece. Larry Nitcher said that his Brothers children all died suspiciously and they were brought back to Missouri in the trunk of Jerry Nitcher’s car from Iowa to be buried in Laddonia. Larry Nitcher shot and killed himself when I was 11 years old. Earl Nitcher drowned and Jerry Nitcher died from MS. I can say that they all met the end they deserved. They were a violent, perverse group of brothers.
Wow. So the family suspected. The girls were all alone with their mother when each death happened.
My heart and thoughts go out to these victims. I really hope and pray that someone comes forward, and justice gets served. We all are so grateful to have iowacoldcase.org a big part of our lives. Jody, you are one amazing lady, and a very special and wonderful young lady.
Where is Robert Rolfe now? Is it Robert A. Rolfe? Anyway that I could talk to Jim Hildebrand? I’m doing a paper for school on this case?
Last I knew, Robert Rolfe was a magistrate in Decatur County, and a professor at Graceland University. I took a class from him in college. My chin hit the floor when the realization hit me. Don’t know what to think now. The tampered crime scene, refusal of the autopsy are serious issues. This case needs to be re-examined. This poor woman deserves justice and this poor woman and her family deserve justice.
Would like to know if there is anything new on this case?
Just happened upon Cold Cases while searching for homes. My heart goes out to this family and loved ones. Patricia – the confusion she felt and pain, I know because I was abused from 5-9 by an uncle and he told me not to tell anyone or I would get into trouble. I finally told my mother when I was 15 because having sexual abuse encouraged my promiscuity and I became pregnant. She denied he did anything. He was molesting my older sister and another uncle another sister and approached me one night while I slept next to his daughter. Just a very incest infected family I grew up in. I has inured me and at 67 I am in therapy again from affects.
Please, people, watch and protect your children. May the Lord Jesus be with all of you.
why are you suggesting that the Patricia Veach murder has a relationship to your accusations of abuse at the hands of my grandfather? This is dirty hear say as is the story that my grandmother confided in anyone as to any dirty or bloody clothing. I was very close to both grandparents. There were no locks on her bedroom door at 251 astor as you stated. Did you make a police report or did anyone make a police report. You seem awful smug and self righteous even in your reply to me. You made no statement as to my information that since this event happened I have known who killed Patricia and 20 years ago went to the police. There was DNA done that produced enough alleles to eliminate her family members back in the 90s but officers refused to even look at the names I provided and I provided much more than that. There was not enough alleles found to enter into CODIS. The treated me with utter disrespect and would not even look into it. They stated there was no money and they would do nothing more. I finally located the persons of interest still living in Altoona. How do you think that makes me feel. The memory of this person and events traumatised me for life and he sits for 48 years a free man. The mention of no money to fund it was brought up but also the comment, “why do you care, how are you related to this person?” The detective, I will not mention his name at this time, sat down with the now Chief of Police to humiliate me so that I would dropped the issue. They even asked Etta the mother to tell me to let it go. She refused to do that but they did it themselves anyway, using her so called consent. After my own continued search I located the person they would not even try to locate or look at. I am certain new DNA testing could connect him to her murder but they refuse. Then I read your thoughtless comments. If you make any more suggestions that my grandfather was in anyway related to this incident or comments regarding my grandmother confiding in your family , whoever they are, I will be in contact with you. I have read your many comments and you are all over the place in your conjectures. You apparently have too much ideal time. Maybe you could offer to fund the DNA testing needed. You are not sorry for me and you need to get over yourself pitty. We all need therapy!
I believe half of the ones involved have passed and the ones that r left r family members, our mother has passed and u can struggle with ur drugs shame and guilt take it to ur grave if u wish but when time comes I hope u all go to hell and never get too heaven to see our loved ones again….
My heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family for this terrible loss. Your grandfather Melvin was brother to my grandfather Herman Hanson. I remember being told of this awful thing by my mother. Nothing can replace that precious life.
Jody ~ thanks for updating this case.
I looked up both subjects on Iowa Dept Of Corrections website and neither one is incarcerated. How sad. Basically they got off scott free then? Hopefully karma caught up to them.
Yant got into a lot of trouble with drugs in the early 2000’s. You can look it up in the criminal files in Ventura County, California.
could this be connected to the Gregory Otterbeck murders, at least one of which was perpetrated with Randy Rhomberg and Michael Shaffer?
heartbreaking…just heartbreaking that any child would have to endure violence like this. I still pray that justice will be served.
Dearest Bernadette,
I lived in Red Oak right down the street from where you lived. I used to see you and your sweet sister swinging on the swings. I worked at the local grocery store called Hunt’s Super Value. I was a checker and you and your sister would always come in with your step monster. I remember you and your sister because you always held hands. I always would try to get you to smile, but there was always an unspoken fear in your eyes. I clearly remember the day when your sister’s “accident” with her eyes happened. You all came into the grocery store soon after and I remember seeing the salve on your sister’s eyes. The “story” was that it was accidental, but somehow I knew it wasn’t. My gut told me that something terrible had happened. After that, I always would watch more carefully at you two outside when I drove by. It would always break my heart because I would only see you swinging on the swing. The one thing I do remember, and you need to know this, is that I Always felt better after seeing you two in the store because you were always holding her hand as if you were protecting her. For as young as I was at the time, (17) even before some of the incidents, I knew things were wrong, but felt that you two had each other…that thought always comforted me. You were her angel, and I saw that every time I saw you two together. I wish there was something I could do to prove my gut was right, but there isn’t. I just wanted you to know that for a long time, I witnessed the love of an older sister, even at 5 years old. Don’t ever feel that you failed your sister…you were always holding her hand…I will always remember that…may justice be served and you find closure and peace.
Kim
I would like to help out finding these people.
I highly doubt the girls’ murders are related to drugs, or that the murder were perpetrated by drug-traffickers, or a gang of any kind. Even though Dan Morrissey was involved with meth, my guess would be that if the murders were related to drugs, we would absolutely know. For example, a rival meth dealer, or maybe an angry supplier, would leave clues, or a type of message that confirmed his or her involvement in the crime. Murders and crimes like such are committed for punishment, and the person being punished must be made aware of this fact.
While stranger abductions are exceedingly rare, I also doubt that this crime was committed by someone very familiar to the girls. It might be a stranger, or a distant acquaintance, maybe someone the girls had casually seen once, but I doubt it was anyone very close to the girls or their family.
Because the girls were presumably kidnapped in a fairly quiet, isolated area (the lake), I believe they were probably seen either in town, and followed to the abduction site, or someone at the lake happened to see them. This seems to be a chance encounter with an opportunistic predator, or someone who will acknowledge an opportunity that presents them with the chance to abuse a child.
The children were moved from the abduction site and their bodies were dumped in a more remote area 25 miles away, so, like the police said, the abductor most likely lives in and knows the area. Moreover, if committed by someone close to Elizabeth and Lyric, their bodies would most likely have been left at the lake, or they would have been moved to a closer, more public area.
I don’t believe these girls were killed by a juvenile offender or first-time offender, as the perpetrator took two victims at once, which is very risky. An unexperienced or young offender would most likely not take that risk. On the other hand, there might be more than one perpetrator. Most likely a team of two, but sexual predators, especially child sex offenders, tend to commit crimes alone.
My guess is that Elizabeth and Lyric were taken by a stranger who happened to see them riding their bikes, without anyone else around, and decided to kidnap them. He (more than likely a he), then drove to a remote, fairly distant area to dispose of the bodies. My guess is that he never believed the remains would be found.
I was only 7 when Guy disappeared. From the age of 17-23, I worked at Iowa Electric as a janitor. Howard Heckle was one of my absolute favorite people there; I never connected that he was Guy’s father. This absolutely breaks my heart. Howard was such a sweet, funny, caring fellow. I have thought of him often over the years, very sorry to see he passed. He and I were buddies. He called me Sunshine.
A friend of hers says it was a suicide. She told me that Pearl’s home life wasn’t what she wanted and that she, knowing she was not a swimmer, pulled the ropes out of the pool and jumped in.
I hope ALL of these people get found!
Seems pretty obvious to me that the late brother-in-law committed this crime. Motive makes sense, scene staged to “look” like sexual assault but no evidence of. No other suspects and motives (that we’re aware of).
God rest her soul.
The losses to their families, is not just, not having their loved one to pick them up and swing them around in a hug when that family member is low, but all that potential lost that would have helped so many that was lost when they were killed.
Adam was trying to get our federal (USDA-NRCS) and Iowa FSA and IDNR to limit the application of Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers on the 50,000 acres that are now being illegally channeled too and drained down, an Aquifer Recharge Area’s sinkholes in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County, Iowa.
But he was stopped from doing that, now more Downstream, using the Upper Cedar Valley Group Aquifers for their Source Water, have had to sustain the cancers and other health issues caused as the Ammonia from those two very water soluble fertilizers reacting with the Chlorine to treat for the CAFO bacteria.
These Nitrogen fertilizers are even more lethal than the Lead and Arsenic their Ammonia pulls into our Source Waters. But Lead and Arsenic are proven Carcinogens.
Adam Lack and his Dad’s Cold Case files got attention, but as their uncelebrated birthdays pass, people lose interest in our fight for Iowa’s Water Quality. And instead think our state and federal agencies are protecting us from the GREED of Big Oil Corps (that make Anhydrous Ammonia) or Industrial CAFO’s that sell these two Nitrogen fertilizers to some farmers or Corp Industrial Farms who apply it on Wetland areas that are drained by French Drains or Ag Drainage wells or sinkholes or potholes into our Source Waters. (Improper application on what should be restricted areas pollutes)
This is why the well test data is being hidden in Iowa’s Hygienic Labs so the EPA can’t set a MCL for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer (Ammonia Nitrogen as N). Paul Johnson the former best IDNR Director published his report in 2000, and then was later removed as director. Now we are drinking both of those fertilizers almost statewide and our state tests at the highest levels in the Nation.
Thank you Iowa Cold Cases for giving families a place to recognize what the effect of one person being killed so brutally, while he was trapped, allowed wells Downstream to be contaminated through parts of Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and the last year took out one of Waterloo’s wells in Black Hawk County in 2015. The Iowa Attorney General’s assistant says its to POLITICAL to say Iowan’s are drinking Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer. Missed birthday’s for Adam and Gary Lack will create more medical expenses, and lost birthdays for others Downstream.
I don’t think the age on Lisa is how old she would be today, it’s how old she was right?
BCorena I have said all I will say here and you are correct about releasing information as law enforcement an you would also know if once on trial and acquitted there can not be another trial. I have had many conversations with DCI as well and in that court room Dailey. I have know more time to waste on this subject. Just discusstting to see you bad mouthing the very people who started this site for the VICTIMS.
You did not answer any questions. You claim to know so much ,speak up state what you know. My father ,John and Michelle,his wife are the victims and the victims are deceased, but you already know that with your vast or limited experience in law enforcement.
You and law enforcement are a oxymoron, with many attempts to shove a pervasive incompetency that exist in that time onto me. Shame on you.
Furthermore, the local law totally let the murder scene be trashed by letting many people in the house to view the scene…amateur…I think so. They were totally unprepared to manage such a crime scene much less conduct a thorough investigation…and they put the case into court on circumstantial evidence which was not good enough to secure a conviction. Some guys are good cops and deputies but not crime scene investigators…would you agree? In this case their best efforts were not convincing. Additionally if you believe you have other details contact DCI, If you have solid information, post it here for all to see. Your name is a misnomer for sure. You are the one that feels victimized,is that correct? Shame on you.
you’re just dumb
BCorena I have known retired Bud Erwin for years by the way. And also knows the truth. Please save this site for the real victims Dear you are no victim.
I know Bud retired. Of course some say he retired on the job way before his actual retirement ,and I agree with that statement,and there are many that disagree with that statement.I was told of that retirement by active law enforcement long time ago. You as a person with portfolio claims stated you are retired,is that retirement in lieu of and/ or the result of anything or with guidance and direction? Either way it does not matter, and I am not your,then supervisor. The many calls made to prompt ,to inquire ,to see of the progress or non progress that had been made seemed to be a total waste of effort either mine or that of whom I spoke with each time. I can keep responding to You Know It All ,but me calling you or implying an era correct term such as knuckle dragging Neanderthal while making old funny pages comments about your abilities and include the old comparison to pubescent gorilla. I am in opposition of your displayed biases and without defiance to honor and integrity for those that solve crimes of long ago. I send my prayers every night that the actual crims are not your neighbors in that scary and dangerous town. That mental health comment you made about me ,My RESPONSE: are you a result of unique breeding or knowing how SE Iowa Law Enforcement works you might be my cousins dad. Your turn
Let’s do one on one on this case BCorina. I was in the law at that time but now retired. I retired right after this case. But I keep in contact with my former coligues let’s do the math on this case. I often feel how justice was not served
If you have pertinent information to resolve the murder of my Father and Michelle have you come forward in a court of law?
BCorena you ask what do you know about this case? Quiz me I will have all your answers. After all you were living in Des Moises when the murders were committed and I lived in Eddyville at the time and YES did work in aw enforcement then.
you stated:”BCorena you ask what do you know about this case? My response: Only what the media reported about the actions of law enforcement. You Stated:”Quiz me I will have all your answers.My response: Have you heard of land issues in the family? You stated:” After all you were living in Des Moises when the murders were committed and I lived in Eddyville at the time and YES did work in aw enforcement then.” My response” Where the hell were you when my dad and Michelle were getting killed?
On second thought let BCorina continue on this site because the more she talks and rambles the worst she looks. What a joke she is.
Your name is a misnomer for sure. All here think all you do is talk and actually know nothing. If you have solid information, post it here for all to see. Otherwise crawl back into your shell. As you know if you are who you say you are, law enforcement is not allowed to release publicly elements of any crime unless through media public spokesperson. Let me give you the answer to the obvious question,you liked being involved in law enforcement because you got to play with the siren. Furthermore, the local law totally let the murder scene be trashed by letting many people in the house to view the scene…amateur…I think so. They were totally unprepared to manage such a crime scene much less conduct a thorough investigation…and they put the case into court on circumstantial evidence which was not good enough to secure a conviction. Some guys are good cops and deputies but not crime scene investigators…would you agree? In this case their best efforts were not convincing. Additionally if you believe you have other details contact DCI,
BCorena says she can’t imagine caring less about how she disturbs people… doesn’t that sum it all up. Two peas in a pod.
You stated:”BCorena says she can’t imagine caring less about how she disturbs people… doesn’t that sum it all up. ” My response: You are inaccurate. Kim stated”b.corena, I really find your actions and your attitude on here disturbing, not to mention extremely sad”. I responded to her statement. I said You can’t imagine how little I care about your being disturbed. You have show the high IQ of a doughnut hole. It is sad that should law enforcement had to take any guidance or training from you. You stated: “Two peas in a pod. My response: It is a well known fact that the water in Eddyville causes hallucinations.
With her long drawn out statements to repeating everyone’s words on here she must be on crack like her brother John JR an Burton. Keep her off of here
You Stated:”With her long drawn out statements to repeating everyone’s words on here she must be on crack like her brother John JR an Burton.” My response: I take that statement as a personal threat to safety of myself and others. You stated:”Keep her off of here” My response: continue to expound that you want me “…off of here…”
I will keep this short unlike BCorena…….. B. Corena is as nuts as her murdering brother and she should not be allowed back on this site. She has NOT contacted law enforcement on this case because I have and I know EVERYTHING about this case. She keeps saying we’re you there? Do you know? YES B Corena I was there and I know ALL and everything
I spoke with Sheriff Bud numerous times as well as DCI….so you are totally incorrect.
I had a vision of a girl that fits this case.
What kinda of visions? This is her sister
My name is Schelly
A small abandoned brick building close to railroad & the river. I don’t know what it means but when I saw her picture last October that’s what came to me.
Do you think it was in iowa
Yes…like Davenport
Do you have of anything that comes true?
Yes
I think I know the building, it is a block away from the bus station.
How can I get in touch with you? Can you email me? Renaepf@gmail.com
Why wouldn’t they exhume her to collect actual DNA. It could still be vaginal, without an assault or under her nails, in her mouth, touch DNA on her clothes. Any leads are better then no leads.
She could have gotten on a tour bus full of roadies willingly and things went bad after the fact. Maybe someones wife found her out and hurt her…. maybe she wasn’t interested in being a groupie. She cpukd have been lied to and told that she was the in the next music video or something and then didn’t play the game.
Either way once she crossed state lines that is a federal crime. she was a minor, and got homesick. But I feel.strongly that her physical body still holds the answers.
The band went the opposite direction. From the date that she disappeared to the date that her body was discovered, they played shows in Peoria, Illinois, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Baltimore, and New York City on 8 October. So, obviously, a “bus full of roadies” had nothing to do with it.
Wow… going through trauma affects different people in different ways, but… just wow.
b.corena, I really find your actions and your attitude on here disturbing, not to mention extremely sad. You pick apart the comments on here and belittle the posters and for what reason? You don’t reveal anything vital to the case that would solve it, you just seem to spin your wheels with weak rhetoric and egregious assumptions about people you don’t even know. I also find it very revealing of you that you are intent on attacking the very people who are interested in getting this case resolved. I know Jody and she is absolutely, positively the VERY best person you could ever have working on getting these cases brought to the public eye. Each case profile presents ONLY the facts she has been given by either the investigating law enforcement agency or by the family/friends of the victim. She does not engage in bias or spin-doctoring (like you’re doing). In fact, if you actually KNEW her instead of making false assumptions about her and engaging in character assassination against her (and this site), you’d find that she’s very warm and caring and her ONLY interest is to help the victims’ families and friends find justice for their loved ones. She knows the anger and the sorrow and the helplessness that families feel in cases like this because her own stepfather was tragically murdered…read Earl Thelander’s profile here:
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/earl-thelander/
And read her recent blog post about her father’s death in a car accident here: https://iowacoldcases.org/2016/09/empty-shotgun-shells-floating-downriver/
Jody connects deeply to the victims’ loved ones because she has been there herself and knows exactly what they’re going through. She works her butt off to keep the attention focused on these cases (including that of your father and stepmother) because she doesn’t want them to be forgotten. She puts heart and soul into this site because she, like the rest of us, would like to see justice served in these cases.
A final thought: Continuing to attack and belittle Jody, this site, and the other users on here only reflects badly on YOU. Maybe you don’t care how you come off, but I agree with Jody, I hope someday you will be able to find compassion and understanding, for it will truly make you a better human being. Oh, and go ahead and pick apart my comments but I’m done here. I refuse to waste my time on someone who is acting like a schoolyard bully.
You can’t imagine how little I care about your being disturbed. You Stated:”b.corena, I really find your actions and your attitude on here disturbing, not to mention extremely sad. My Response: See previous response. You Stated:” You pick apart the comments on here and belittle the posters and for what reason?” My Response: I have seen your contributions,and statements and believe those statements are revealing much about yourself , that you hold a extremely low opinion of me all of which is of no interest to me,Can you name two people that are? You stated:” You don’t reveal anything vital to the case that would solve it, you just seem to spin your wheels with weak rhetoric and egregious assumptions about people you don’t even know.” My Response: I have have not attacked anyone,I am attacking the apparent biases against my brother. You stated:” I also find it very revealing of you that you are intent on attacking the very people who are interested in getting this case resolved.” My Response: In Wappello county there are Sheriffs and deputies,but not much law enforcement. You stated:” I know Jody and she is absolutely, positively the VERY best person you could ever have working on getting these cases brought to the public eye. My response: That is a nice personal abstract you posted about someone. I asked some questions. You Stated: Each case profile presents ONLY the facts she has been given by either the investigating law enforcement agency or by the family/friends of the victim. My response: What am I chopped liver? I believe correct me if I am wrong , what is posted are news articles. Public record. Has a court been petitioned for records to be released by law enforcement? You stated:” She does not engage in bias or spin-doctoring (like you’re doing).” My response: Iowa cold cases stated,” He was acquitted because he had criminal defense attorney Alfredo Parrish. It’s called “good lawyering.”’ Jody stated,” Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” is probably one of the best documentaries I’ve seen that portrays the lengths some dedicated lawyers go to in order to prove a client’s innocence. ” When I read this I think nothing worse than reading with a feeble mind. You stated:” In fact, if you actually KNEW her instead of making false assumptions about her and engaging in character assassination against her (and this site), you’d find that she’s very warm and caring and her ONLY interest is to help the victims’ families and friends find justice for their loved ones. My Response: How is she helping by saying they missed their chance to get the guilty guy? You stated:” She knows the anger and the sorrow and the helplessness that families feel in cases like this because her own stepfather was tragically murdered…read Earl Thelander’s profile here” My response: That is probably very true. That is tragic. You stated: “Jody connects deeply to the victims’ loved ones because she has been there herself and knows exactly what they’re going through. She works her butt off to keep the attention focused on these cases (including that of your father and stepmother) because she doesn’t want them to be forgotten. She puts heart and soul into this site because she, like the rest of us, would like to see justice served in these cases.
A final thought: Continuing to attack and belittle Jody, this site, and the other users on here only reflects badly on YOU. Maybe you don’t care how you come off, but I agree with Jody, I hope someday you will be able to find compassion and understanding, for it will truly make you a better human being. Oh, and go ahead and pick apart my comments but I’m done here. I refuse to waste my time on someone who is acting like a schoolyard bully. My Response: It is a nice day you go out and enjoy it.
She allows people to post their assumptions about my brothers guilt,that does not do my family any good at all. When you can name two people that have contributed anything on this site relevant to solving a crime, please call the proper authorities. Thank you.
Hey Anon, you left gaps in your statement,cupcake. What are your qualifications to assess adverse affects due to trauma?
My 2 daughters ,,son gr.sons and brother just moved up to mt.pleasant within this year and thier health and other matters haven’t been so great kinda concerned.
A commenter (who claims to have been a paperboy for the Register at the same time as Johnny Gosch) recently posted on Johnny’s page about a pedophile named Wilbur Millhouse that worked for the Register. I looked up this man and he is indeed listed on Iowa’s sex offender website.
Heather, you are absolutely correct. I thought I knew most details about the Johnny Gosch/Eugene Martin cases until I watched the recently released “Who Took Johnny” documentary on Netflix. Every little detail fell like a puzzle piece on a table that eventually depicted an image none of us ever thought about back in ’82 or ’84.
Consider these scenes from the documentary: Ken Wooden, an expert on pedophilia, contacts Noreen Gosch while he’s in residence at ISU. Noreen admits to never having heard the word “pedophile” before.
Ron Sampson, President of the Help Find Johnny Gosch Foundation (1982-1993) discusses Wooden’s thoughts with the Des Moines Register publisher.
“The one thing that really sticks out in my mind, here’s this Harvard educated publisher of the Des Moines Register sitting there and he said “What’s this word pedophile you keep bringing up? Is that the right word?”
That’s the case right there, Sampson said. The fact that someone so educated didn’t “know what the meaning of that word is … that is the undercurrent of this entire scenario.”
Earlier this month I attended the annual Iowa Association of Private Investigator’s conference in Des Moines, and the speaker from the Dept. of Homeland Security strongly emphasized how this kind of “child trafficking” is everywhere now — in big cities, in small towns, and as close as our own back yards. What happened with Johnny and Eugene (and many other young boys) is not a myth or conspiracy theory fabricated by “liberals.”
I remember this scenario presented: how does a regular, everyday Joe Pedophile get access to young children? He snatches them from along the streets. But what about high ranking political figures? Can they do that? There’s no need. The boys (and sometimes girls) are actually flown to D.C. for them.
There are so many sex trafficking rings that the Dept. of Homeland Security is having trouble keeping up with them; for every one they shut down, others pop up elsewhere.
It’s time we as citizens open our window blinds — and our minds — to some uncomfortable truths no one ever wants to admit exists.
Thanks Jody. I know people did not believe or want to believe that these horrific evil acts could happen by the hands of people whom we are suppose to trust. I think today it is still inconceivable for most to believe anyone in our government could have anything to do with anything of this nature. But now with child trafficking in the news daily, I think people are more aware that this is a truth, this is real. What can citizens do to help? I think about all of the missing children and young adults daily and I want to do something, I want to find them. I myself have a 25 yr old son who is drug addicted, mentally ill and homeless because someone hurt him when he was young and he would never talk about it or tell who hurt him. He sent me a text message three years ago that didn’t make any sense and that was the first I knew that he was mentally ill but I have to wonder about some of the things he said. He stated that he believed that I had sold his existence to organizations and that the reason he is still living was so that I could receive a grief check. He was going to go to the MP’s like he should have a long time ago. He keeps learning more and more about Mid-America.
I am not sure what he meant by MP’s but I am guessing he meant military police. Makes me wonder if my son has met people or been involved involuntarily with people who know things.
I hate that it is assumed that a teenager is a runaway or that a young adult goes missing because they are on drugs and don’t want to be found.
I don’t understand the evil among us.
Hi Jody,
It’s been a while since I was on this page, but I was re-reading the comments tonight, and you are so right when you say “It’s time we as citizens open our window blinds — and our minds — to some uncomfortable truths no one ever wants to admit exists.” Epstein died. His buddy just died. Prince Andrew just settled. The rich and powerful are involved. Maybe not involved in the abductions of these three Des Moines boys, but they are involved in trafficking of minors at the highest levels.
Also, look at the history of the Church. It has been a child-molesting criminal enterprise from Day 1. And at one point in time it was the most powerful organization in the world.
The commentator you mention (Yellow Bag) posted the Wilber Milhouse connection for the first time on September 5, 2018 on Johhny’s page. How did you know about Wilbur Milhouse in 2016?
A special kind of respect must go out to this Vietnam War Veteran. God Bless his Soul, and may his family find peace, and may justice one day be granted for this Great American Hero. The coward responsible for his death pale in comparison to Gerald Best.. Mason City, Iowa, what a black hole of a town. Twin Peaks pales in comparison. Corruption at every turn. Jodi H. never got the chance to uncover it. Does Chicago still hold a footprint? Run as far away from Mason City as possible. That is all.
Cody, I share your notion that a special kind of respect must be paid to this decorated Vietnam War veteran. These military men did as they were told, and then were shunned when they returned because they’d dared to follow orders in a war they never created or imagined. Your opinion about law enforcement holds water, but the water glass isn’t in the Mason City Police Dept. There are multiple unsolved murders along the Mason City corridor (at least a dozen of them allegedly connected — all the vics are on our site), and I’ve visited (in person) with three “retired” officers from the “real” offending PD, all of whom confirmed who was involved in what case and when. I have corroborating statements from others who knew (but weren’t law enforcement officials) and everything always comes back to the exact half-dozen names.
The stories are deeply disturbing. They raise the hair on one’s neck. And yet respected (retired) officials within that PD (NOT Mason City), finished several of my sentences before I even finished asking a question. To me, it’s the worst case of police corruption in Iowa, with many of the offenders/killers still hiding in plain sight. Think about what “community leaders” you most trust, and then think again. “Everybody’s best friend.”
And as charming and cunning as Ted Bundy.
I just stumbled onto this site and when I came to Mason City and clicked on it I was like Holy Cow look at all the homicides in this little town! Something isn’t right in Mason City!
is that what you were like?
I’d be more inclined to believe that her husband walked in on his wife and her lover and caught them in the act,The wife is/was afraid for her life and made up this cockamamie story.I’ll give her the benefit of doubt and say she was present when the husband was killed and was frightened half to death.I think that her lover said something to the effect of “if you tell on me,I’ll kill you,too”.After seeing her husband murdered,she no doubt believed the lover/murderer!!! Just a different viewpoint.
Mike, your theory is pretty much along the lines of other hypotheses developed in the case. And then, of course, Dawn has never been ruled out as a suspect in Tom’s death. (Yes, I checked with local LE.) Tom’s murder is one of those very tragic deaths where he did nothing wrong but was [allegedly] in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thanks for sharing this.
I m Tom Mathers cousin. My immediate family still believes that Dawn did indeed have something to do with Tom’s murder. There was this happy friendly guy at visitation wearing a cowboy hat. His description is totally opposite of Dawn’s description of intruder. Did anyone check him out? Did Dawn take a lie detector test?
this was my mom….
Hopefully someone will have the courage to speak up about this murder so this family will get justice, do any of you boys have a picture of your mom you could send to Iowa Cold Cases ? RIP Denease.
Yea Jake it’s mom…. Lorrie Murphy and a woman named Jody at Iowa cold cases wants justice as much as we always have…
Josh, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have a long overdue phone call to return to Sheriff Paul DeGeest, which I will make tomorrow (Wednesday). I hope to provide some updated information after that.
I echo Lorrie’s thoughts about hoping for a photo to put here on your mom’s page.
I see I once had a longer case summary here but removed part of it (had to do with the coroner, the washing of body, and your mom’s clothes), because I needed more specific details in the case. I’d missed a call from DeGeest to discuss those things, and with the sheer number of emails and calls each day I just didn’t get him called back. I will now. He is a good man and will be very helpful in the case.
I’m sorry you and your brothers lost your mom at such an early age. It’s coming up on the 30th anniversary of her death and you all deserve answers. I’ll do my very best to find out what really happened with this case.
Best to all of you, Jody at ICC
Joby….Thank you for all the help. We hope one day all this will be solved so my brother’s and I can have the answers and closure. Degeest has helped me as much as he can even to the extent of letting me see the file. Except crime scene photos which is understandable. He was the original officer in my mom’s case he knows more then anyone. As far as the corner….it was the mortician at the funeral home that had so many errors… He removed her from the crime scene and was to transport her to the state corners office for exam.
Before he transported her he took her to his funeral home and cleaned her, destroyed her clothes, and embalmed her before transporting her… Degeest wanted to bring him up on charges but was not allowed to do so..
My brother’s wife told me she has a CD with photos of our mom and she said I can take it and choose from the photos to send you one. I will do so as soon as possible. Once again thank you for all your effort in helping us get our closure of such a tragic loss.
I know how Jason is still so tormented by this and I hope they will find out what happened to their mother, these boys need to know!
Sadly If Were Goin Back To 1900-2001 Those Missing People Are No Longer With Us Anymore. Some Has Murdered Them :/ May God Rest Your Souls
One thing about it,murder has no statute of limitatations,meaning that if they ever get enough evidence to charge the wife with murder they can.
I know Bernie and would not put it past him
Bernie Bahmer was incarcerated during this time. Prayers to Linda’s family.
Bernie was not able to do that, please understand that you also do not know him (I should know considering I’m very close to him), so please don’t defame another person based off of infactual rumors created by others and instead focus on Linda and her family- my hope and prayers to her and her family.
It should be added that the time that Richard Forsyth was claimed to have carried something wrapped up in a rug, was the very day after Kirchhoff’s disappearance, and Forsyth’s face was also bruised and bloodied.
It should also be mentioned that before Kirchhoff disappeared, a resident who lived at the place at Maxwell Street where Kirchhoff might potentially have disappeared, described hearing bumping noises and a man’s voice who said; “Oh God, don’t do this to me!”.
Furher considering that Kirchhoff was believed to have carried up to 8 000 dollars on him when he disappeared, it makes Forsyth look even more suspicious given that he after Kirchhoff’s disappearance suddenly had lots of money and bought a new 200 dollar car the very next day, paying for it with 100 dollar bills.
Information from here:
Evil people. Poor, poor Steven.:( And he had a small child and was supposed to marry his girlfriend and mother of that child, too.:(
I’ve never read nor heard of anything so unbelievably EVIL in my life. I thought I was hallucinating while reading this. As a father, and as a human being, tears are shed for this young boys soul..
This screams of an open and shut case! I mean what more do they need? I only wish I could be of some kind of help. Prayers go out to the family.
Respectfully- Cody
Jan, my sister-went missing and was later found-having been killed- in the spring of 1965. If anyone has any stories to share of her, please post. I never met her and would like to learn more about her. I know she was a caring, loving daughter of my parents.
Is Lybarger still alive? If so where and what else is on his rap sheet. Motive? Any other details that can be shared?
Did anyone call the number the man (Greg) left?
I’m from the other side of the state. are there bodies of water near where he disappeared or was possibly sited? This breaks my heart
I am unsure where the thought that Sherri married his coworker came from, but they were never married, unless you consider common law.
Jim didn’t live with me til trevor was 3
Shared in Stacyville Iowa..Im sure someone knows something…maybe too scared to come forward with the information..Hopefully they will find Ethan and this case can have a happy ending and the family can have some closure..Thoughts & Prayers To The Family…
Charles was a loving and kind person. He didn’t deserve what happened and his family needs justice. Charles is my daughters uncle. He would watch her when I had to work or when I went to school. When those two were together it was like magic. The way they would look at each other was like nothing could keep them apart. When he was with her he was always happy and joyful and at life. When Charles was around us he never seemed to be down or anything. Charles would never kill himself. He would t leave his mom like that.
When you have a person tell another person that they remember stuff from that night and that there is more to the story. Plus another person telling someone that when a certain person wants to tell the whole story then they will. This family needs their justice and they need it now. Charles was a loving caring uncle and they way those two were together and they way they looked and seemed he would never do that.
Newspaper reports say the husband was stuck in the head by one of the “robbers”. If you are going to strike someone in the head with a gun, I think it’s safe to assume that you are trying to knock them out. And guns are hard (citation needed). I would think if someone struck you with a gun (with the intent of knocking you out) there would be evidence of blunt force trauma; a gash, and at the VERY least a large lump and bruising. There was no mention if the husband had any evidence of BFT to the head, or signs of a concussion.
Can you please update this information? please.
Hey mom…It’s me. I wanted to let you know your grand daughter is turning 2. It’s crazy how time flies. I wish you could be here to see, you would love her. She’s a little ball of energy haha.. Anyway, you are always on my mind. I love you mom you’ll forever be in my heart.
Forever and always,
Your Daughter and Grand daughter <3
This election is so important as the Big Ag Corps, Farm Bureau, the Corn and Soybean Corps and Ag Chemical Corps have funded the fight against Bill Stowe’s suit to Protect our Iowa Source Waters from the Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers that caused the green slime’s Cyanobacteria, he found in Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale’s Raccoon River Source Water and had to switch to the Des Moines River last month, (even though the Des Moines River is higher in Nitrate levels) to try to protect us.
Governor Branstad and Senator Grassley are not allowing access to Iowans or our Board of Health or the EPA to the Hygienic Labs big Data Bases of Contaminant well test data. That is why I filed the Iowa Civil Rights Charge number
The EPA can’t even set a MCL for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer or other newer herbicides and pesticides without access to Iowans well test data especially of all the contaminants.
County Boards of Health can’t warn citizens to test for the contaminants that are known to be in our Source Waters, because the Attorney General’s Office agreed at the end of my June 2015 Deposition, (Branstad and Grassley) and other legislators are hiding the access to well test data of contaminants in our water and not warning Iowan’s, and then the Asst. Attorney General stated it’s to POLITICAL to say Iowans are drinking ANHYDROUS AMMONIA NITROGEN fertilizer as that particular fertilizer is only used to grow Corn, not lawns. So Cities are not at fault for it growing, with the CAFO Nitrogen fertilizer the Green Slime on our Source Waters.
Please vote out all Republicans who have denied us access to well test data, and continue to do so, President Obama has written the Chief of NRCS in DC, to have both of those Nitrogen fertilizers covered in my son Adam Lack’s 2008 Newer RUSLE III equation to evaluate farms before that farm is given a IDNR permit for application of those two highly water soluble Nitrogen fertilizers. Democrats have been the Party that has better protected our Natural Resources, but Iowa Republicans took away the IDNR’s enforcement funds, and encourage Point Source Polluters (French Drains, illegal AG Drainage wells, and Channels to outlet down sinkholes, or into Aquifer Recharge Areas.)
Vote for other than any Republican candidate in Iowa, since we are all needing less Green Slime and safe Source Water for our drinking water. I’m voting for almost straight ticket Democrat (except for one Local Tea Partier) that didn’t get vetted properly. Get as much info as you can, but don’t accept Propaganda/Trump-isms.
Alice hello I’d really like to speak with you please contact me
Alice hello I’d really like to speak with you please contact me
they stopped looking they don’t care Gone but not forgotten love you cuz R.I.P. Shrek
Jody, this is so heartbreaking (but so beautifully written) to read, I was in tears by the end of it. I am so sorry to hear that you lost your father this way. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Jack for posting that!
I just did some googling and found this link:
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/128363684/
“RENT PAY PLAN DRAWS A FINE
“A Des Moines real estate agent was fined $300 and placed on six months probation in U.S. District Court Friday for charging tenants a premium for living in subsidized housing. Gregory Nepstad, 29, owner of Forest Realty, 1370 Twenty-third St., pleaded guilty before Magistrate Ronald Longstaff to two charges of attempting to receive unauthorized rent payments. U.S. District Attorney Roxanne Conlin said Nepstad was charged with attempting at two places to collect $20 per month more in rent than is permitted under federal regulations for subsidized housing. The Federal Rent Assistance Program subsidizes rent payments for low-income tenants in privately owned rental units. Conlin said Nepstad had attempted to collect premiums from tenants in buildings at 2519 and 2525 Clarkson St. whose monthly rent is $170. As part of a plea-bargaining agreement, Nepstad agreed to cooperate with her in attempts to eliminate similar fraud in other Des Moines housing projects, Conlin said. “This has been a real unfortunate incident, a nightmare for me,” said Nepstad in an interview Friday. “We did something I thought was a widespread practice without any idea it was against the law.” Nepstad said the situation arises because U.S. Housing and Urban Development guidelines set rent subsidies too low for the Des Moines housing market. “I believe it’s going on all over town. We wouldn’t have done it if we didn’t think it was a widespread practice,” be said. One year ago, Donald G. Bettls of Albia was fined $500 and placed on one year’s probation by Longstaff on similar charges.”
Makes one wonder about the state of his rental property.
There may be some sort of mistake here, either in the information posted here or in the source it came from. It seems to imply that a “Greg Nepstad” was killed in a fire at an apartment building owned by a “Greg L Nepstad” on 09/27/75. By all accounts I can find, there is only one Greg Nepstad, and he didn’t die in said fire. I was able to locate three separate articles in the Des Moines Register, dated 09/28/75, 09/29/75, and 10/08/75, which all say that “one woman and three children” died in the fire, and multiple others which say “four people” died in the fire.
The names of those four individuals were named above by Andrea. Sharion Owens and her infant son Christopher, as well as brother and sister Barbara and Shawn Gill, were killed that day. The Gill children did not live at the apartment; they were staying there with a baby sitter while their parents were out of town in New York. Several other individuals sustained moderate to severe injuries while escaping the fire. Each of those individuals names were provided as well. None, however, were Greg Nepstad. The apartment had been the site of two small fires in the days leading up to the fire, but both had been put out by residents and the fire department was never called. The fire that killed the four individuals mentioned above was actually the third apparent attempt to burn down the building. Police speculated that the fire was probably arson due to burn patterns at the scene and the lack of apparent natural causes; however, as far as I could tell it was never officially ruled as an arson.
A poignant aside to this story is that only five days later, Des Moines kicked off Fire Prevention Week three days early (it officially began on the 5th of October) with a large parade. A number of stories and advertisements were run in local media that week regarding fire safety and the use of smoke detectors.
In any case, it is perhaps useful to put this story in context in order to possibly shed light on the lack of specifics for the case. In late 1975, Des Moines, and particularly the “near-north” sector of the city, was experiencing a severely high number of fires, some of which were from leaf fires, some from electrical problems, but a huge number of which were suspected to be the work of arsonists. Arson was so common at that point that on some days there would be several incidents just between dusk and dawn. It got so bad that the fire department prepared a special budget in order to fund crews for a pair of fire engines that actively patrolled the city between 10 PM and 6 AM for arson fires yet to be reported to the department. Within a couple of weeks of the fire referenced in this post, hundreds of thousands of dollars in fire damage to homes, apartments, businesses, and even a bridge were being investigated by the fire marshal. A number of individuals, primarily boys under the age of 18, were arrested in completely separate arson incidents over the month that followed. Unfortunately, the resources simply weren’t available to solve all of the cases. As far as I can tell, this case was one of those. One individual was detained as a suspect (via a separate traffic warrant), but evidently was never formally charged with starting the fire.
I of course could be wrong about this, but from all of my research, there was only one Greg Nepstad. He owned the apartment but did not live there. He did not die in the fire. At minimum, the “Gregory L Nepstad” who owned the apartment is certainly still living.
I suspect something was lost in translation or transcription somewhere; if anything, this case appears to refer to four individuals not named “Greg Nepstad” who were killed in a fire, the cause of which as far as I can tell was never confirmed, arson or otherwise.
– Jack Jackson
I am sure this is the same as the Gregory L. Nepstad who owned the building, and he is my father and he’s alive. There are no other Greg Nepstads in our family tree and there never have been.
Hey Sarah. I’ve been watching this one for a long time, and just wanted to say thank you for popping in to set the record straight.
You know what? If you have some time, would you please consider sending an e-mail to Jody Ewing, the administrator of this website, to share what you know? This is now an over 45 year-old cold case, and it would be great to see some resolution. I’m sure she would really appreciate it!
Thanks Again,
Jack Jackson
This is a tragedy. The mother must feel awful still to this day for losing both her children at such a young age did the government issue her any pay out for her pain and suffering losing my two babies I could only imagine.
The “person” or “persons” responsible need to be hunted much more aggressively. We lost a good one that day.
The surviving twin (Reggy) needs to hit the mother with a civil wrongful death lawsuit before the civil statute of limitations expires. Although there is no criminal statute of limitations for murder, there is a civil statute of limitations for a wrongful death action. Since Reggy was a minor at the time of his brother’s death, the SOL will “toll” until his majority. Make the woman answer questions under oath at a deposition.
Coming from a reliable source, the Polk County Sheriff at the time believed that Johnny ran away to Texas like his older brother. So as he said he reported it but the police never got in contact with him.
Anne E: You have no idea of what your talking about because this case has been followed by private detectives for years.
Your option is just that yours.
According to Paul Bonacci’s letters , Michael Emillio would be the suspect in the drawing. I have read the letters to Paul from a fellow captive who also managed to escape. Michael Emillio is mentioned in
these letters. He is also said to have died of AIDS in a hospital. There is a certain amount of code in the letters that the boys used among themselves. They seem to refer to their captors as porks. They also refer to a group known as REM6. Just a theory here. Take Micheal Emillio’s initials and reverse them. Add an R in front and add a 6 to the end. Perhaps the 6 meaning 6 people involved in the group. I have no clue as to the R.
Perhaps the R is for a last name, like Rivera or Ramirez.
This is important to recognize the occult uses MK Ultra programming of their victims and code is how they erase their memory….At least temporarily. I don’t think any of this really destroys the mind premanently, but this is why they keep tabs on their victims. If anyone is good at breaking codes, it would be someone that was involved with Camelot for the occult. There has been many victims that have come forward about being in familes of occults and don’t actually remember a lot of details related to their childhood tells me that they were abducted like Johnny. Often, these children are placed in foster care homes where satanism is being pratices and the chain of events unfold for the abuse. Johnny was hand picked by someone for specific reasons….The newspaper and police must of been involved to the corruption and that is why it is a cove-up.
You legitimately sound like a crazy quack…
Once again, it’s so clearly the husband
It’s so obvious the husband did it
Noreen Gosch is a strong brave woman who wants to help make things right for other victims. She has had contact with her son Johnny. Go to wwwJohnnyGosch.com and view her whole story. She has uncovered a lot of hidden criminal activity and she continues to fight for the truth to come out. Google her interview with LA former FBI agent Gunderson and in it she tells a huge unfolding story of untold news to the Des Moines public about this case. Its mind boggling, but she is far from being loopy.
IF Noreen Gosch was actually in touch with her son as she has claimed, by waiting two years to share the story of what he told her that night, she has made herself into an accessory to whatever crimes her son admitted to her that he was still being “forced to commit.” She could be charged with withholding information is a federal case. This has not happened. Her seemingly almost pathological need for the limelight is, to say the least, ot indicative of a stable, responsible mind. Draw your own conclusions.
A quick correction and a little more information about what I saw and heard in the early 80’s. Thinking back (34 years ago was a long time), when the man in the Ford Fairmont tried to get me into his car, it must have been before, not after, Johnny was kidnapped. It was snowing that morning, so I am guessing it was February or March of 1982. The man stopped me and asked directions. He then suggested I get in his car since it was cold and snowing outside. I started to feel uncomfortable as he insisted I get into his car. I finally asked, “Where do you want directions to?” He answered, “Ankeny.” As I started to give directions, the man stopped me, and said, “I really don’t need directions, I just want to mess around with you.” Back in the 80’s, “mess around” meant have sex. I said “No” and started running away. I looked to see if I could get the license number on the Fairmont, but the plate was completely covered with snow. That September, when I heard Johnny was kidnapped and the police were looking for a man in a Ford Fairmont, I suspected it was the same person. I called the West Des Moines Police, and they told me an officer would come to my house to speak with me. No one ever showed up. I could have identified the man by photo or provided a good description to a sketch artist. Anyway, my family had moved around that time, and Wilbur Millhouse became my new district manager for the Register. Millhouse had just transferred from West Des Moines to the east side of Des Moines. He admitted he knew Johnny and he talked about him a lot. I thought Millhouse was a cool guy because he bought us paperboys beer and gave us money. One day, the Register had a party for its carriers at the old Skate East. It was there that I saw Millhouse with the guy who tried to get me into his car. I later discovered Millhouse was a pedophile (I will post more on that when I have time). Shortly after Johnny turned up missing, Millhouse said some strange things to me that convinced me he knew who took Johnny and why. I see on the internet that Millhouse was convicted in 1987 of sexually abusing boys. With the police not seeming too interested, and the Register probably wanting to hide the fact that a pedophile ring existed within its employ in the 1980’s, it’s no wonder this case has never been solved.
Yellow Bag, is this the guy? Imagine him with black or almost black hair and 35 years younger.
Or if you can access this page, have a look at the same guy when he was age 15. Is this your guy?
The guy who tried to get me into his car was around 25 years old in 1982. That would only make him 60 or so now, quite a bit younger than the man in your link. I am sure it is not the same guy.
Yellowbag: I listened to your interview today on Fadedout. It was a very good interview shedding light on things. Thanks.
Makes complete sense to me. James Guckert worked for the Des Moines Register at the time of Johnny’s disappearance, this happens to be one of the aliases used by Jeff Gannon (whom some believe is actually Johnny). This is the first time I have heard about Wilbur Millhouse, I need to do some more research. It all fits though. Thank you for your post.
All of this makes so much sense..Why have you waited so long to post this information? Have you contacted Johnny’s Mom? Wilbur Milhouse is now 73 yrs old and lives in Overland Park,KS..he was arrested in IA in 05 for not registering as a sex offender..but the charges were dropped.. I hope someone who has authority is reading your posts.
Interesting enough you can find Wilbur being quoted in the Des Moines register on another Iowa cold case of David Morris. Wilbur said David was a good man, all the kids liked him and David use to give him candy when he was little.
I really don’t know how to answer your question about why I waited. I didn’t want to think about it after it happened. I was afraid of Millhouse and his buddies back then. The police didn’t seem to want to listen when I tried to talk to them. I figured, how can the police not know about Millhouse, especially if he was convicted of sexually abusing boys in the 80’s? They must have known Millhouse worked for the Des Moines Register the same time Johnny came up missing. I left Iowa after high school and blocked the whole thing out of my mind. I recently saw news articles about the anniversary of this crime, and I guess it finally dawned on me that I might have some information worth sharing.
OK..if you are telling the truth why haven’t you gone to the Police or the FBI?? There is no excuse to have not told law enforcement ..you have nothing to be afraid of now and you are not a child..there way to many people that get on sites like this one with incredible stories that are completely made up.. I hope you are not one of those people. If you don’t live in IA..you can call any FBI agency…
You are right about “no excuse.” I have asked Jody to forward my information to the appropriate authorities. I guess the worst thing that could happen is finding out Millhouse was just a perv who made up what he said about Johnny to further scare me into silence.
I just found this on the internet: the November 18, 1986 Des Moines Register reported that Millhouse was arrested for sexual abuse and given a $72,000 bond. When the police searched Millhouse’s home, they found photos and addresses of 2200 boys. I am sure my name was in there somewhere. I discovered Millhouse was a pedophile when he started calling me daily trying to talk me into coming to his house. He said he had wealthy friends who would give me $100 for just dropping my pants and letting them look. One day in 1983, when Millhouse dropped me off at my house after buying me beer at a gas station, there were three teens across the street who knew Millhouse. He chatted with them a bit and drove off. After Millhouse was gone, they came to warn me about Millhouse. The boys lived in West Des Moines and had delivered newspapers there. They warned me that Millhouse was a pedophile. I am surprised to hear that Millhouse is still alive. He had a heart attack in 1983, the same time I realized he was a pedophile and quit delivering newspapers. I still thank God that I escaped the guy in the Fairmont and never got molested by Millhouse. Twice, I saw Millhouse become visibly angry when talking about Johnny Gosch. Both times, Millhouse said Johnny was kidnapped because he “couldn’t keep his mouth shut.” I don’t know if Millhouse was personally involved, but I have always been convinced that Millhouse at least knows who took Johnny and why. If any investigators want to talk with me, I will keep my eye on this forum. If Millhouse is still alive, I hope someone will travel to Kansas to ask him what happened to Johnny.
If Wilbur Milhouse currently lives in Kansas, he did not register as a sex offender. I cant find him on the kbi website.
He was a little boy when this all happened and years went by…This is really important for someone to look into Wilbur Millhouse. I noticed that you put double ‘ll’s. Also, Paul Bonacci was with this man who kidnapped Johnny. why isn’t someone really asking him this man’s name?
I just did a White Pages search and it said he is 75 now and lives in Des Moines, IA and “used to live in Overland Park, KS”.
Millhouse died in 2015. He’s buried in Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Im not debunking you but find it strange you cannot remember if your incident occured before or after Johnny’s abduction.
Yellow bag, have you been in contact with anybody? Noreen?
I left a voice message and sent an email to Noreen but heard nothing back. I shared my information with law enforcement, so I think I’ve done all I can do.
There is no doubt in my mind that Marcia did it. I can’t even begin to comprehend why they haven’t put two and two together.
Thank you for sharing this.
Oh, Jody, I understand. Nothing can assuage but justice and sometimes Justice is denied. Write on- you have become the Madonna of our grief. As Penny McDonnell says, “We love you!”
Why did he kill alta braum? What did she do wrong? Pretty girl patsygirl61@gmail.com
I think someone needs to ask the man in Minnesota involved in recent recovery of missing child from 27 years ago, Minnesota is close to Des Moines if this child was in Minnesota and Des Moines I would be at prison or finding someone to ask this man some questions
Thought the exact same thing. The police should b talking to and looking in to Danny Heinrich’s whereabouts at the time of these abductions. He led police to the remains of Jacob Wetterling in Minnesota.
Here I am with thoughts of him on my mind as usual thinking about the questions my kids is always a test who and why I never have been able to give an answer deep down inside I know somebody out of all those people it was a bit and know exactly who did it but her being big chickens to say anything I’m just asking them to sit back and think if they were in my shoes or if they were my kids how do you think their wife or spouse would explain this to them when they got older my son said he said face-to-face with the fool in prison but nothing was ever brought about but some day God’s way he will get what he’s got coming to him I just wish somebody I don’t care if it was anonymous would call and give them more of an idea of who why for my children’s sake they deserve to know the truth and so do the rest of us it’s very selfish to keep it to yourself as if it doesn’t hurt or bother anybody it’s been all these years and I still think about it everyday you not only took him away from his family his kids but me…. I miss my heart and soul I love you and think about you everyday
What??
I’m so sorry Jody Ewing, my heart breaks for you. You have help so many, and we love you! I think about you and Lori and your family. I’m so sorry hun.
First Jody I want to say how sorry Iam that you had to lose your Dad like this and that you have to live with it. It’s different for me , but I still know how it feels. I live with the loss of Rose and the way she was murdered everyday, it’s been 36 years the 12th of this month. And it’s still with me everyday. I want to thank you for what you have chosen to do with your life. You help me and so many others. You are so understanding and now I know why. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Jody and her family, also lost her step-Dad, on another labor day weekend, to a fire caused by copper thieves, who still have not been apprehended. She has helped me by getting my husband and our son’s cases posted on Iowa Cold Cases, but she is still waiting for Justice, as all of the Iowa families, who haven’t gotten Justice.
I am so sorry that you have had to live with this for so long. I wish I could say it gets easier with time but that would be a lie. I just want you to know that the path you have chosen helps me and many others. I thank you for that. You are in my prayers.
Oh, so sorry, for your family, and your Dad.
I was a newspaper carrier the same time Johnny was kidnapped. Just a short time after Johnny turned up missing, a young, dark haired man with a mustache tried to get me into his car. I was able to run away. The man was wearing an orange, paramedic type jacket and driving a white Ford Fairmont (the same car involved in Johnny’s disappearance). I called the West Des Moines police back then, but no one ever came to speak with me. Maybe a year later, I saw the same dark haired man with Wilbur Millhouse, a pedophile who worked as a newspaper carrier manager for the Des Moines Register. Millhouse was a manager in West Des Moines, but transferred to the east side shortly before Johnny turned up missing. On a couple occasions, I heard Millhouse say that “Nothing would have happened to Johnny if he would have just kept his mouth shut.” Millhouse practically bragged that he and his pedophile buddies were responsible for Johnny’s disappearance. I got the impression back in the 80’s, though, that no one really wanted to solve this case.
Having lived in Sioux City since 1949, I became a neighbor or Mrs. Fjeldos in 1962. In visiting with her about Donna Sue’s abduction/murder, she told me that the intruder they saw kept his back to them, but seemed to be holding something in front of him. She mentioned that he was cleanly dressed like a “professional man”. The horrific details of Donna’s injuries have never left my memory.
My neighbor got the dates confused. The Laubenthal and Henkins murders were in 1976 not 1957 like they thought. The cold case is still listed in 1976. .
Why is the double homicide in Palo Alto County in 1957 not listed with the victims Debbie Rose Laubenthal
Raymond Morris Henkins?
To my knowledge it has never been solved and is still a cold case. .
No he never said a whole lot really, kinda just muttering to himself at times. I’m not trying to make this sound like more than it is to give someone false hope, but it was a very strange comment to make & it really didn’t make sence to me until i found out many years later that the two victims were related.
I’m so glad people actually read these posts, maybe there still is a chance to solve this.
Thanks Roger.
The guy was probably just repeating things he’d heard. No way to know. He’s obviously long gone.
There are many strange things about this case; crazy things were happening in central Iowa that summer and fall.
It’s exceedingly unlikely that this case will ever be resolved, because according to the authorities, all the physical evidence – including all crime scene and autopsy photos – has been lost. The text of Karen’s autopsy report was less than a page long, omitting relevant info. The families were given contradictory and inaccurate information. The case is still “open,” so the files are still secret. Frustrating.
Karen and Larry were great people. And it’s Labor Day again for the 40th time.
Thank you for your post.
And always tons of thanks to Jody Ewing, our tireless advocate.
Is it true that a neighbor of one of the victims was once or still is a suspect ?
No clue, although I seriously doubt it. The family gets told next to nothing by the authorities, and/or things that turn out to be false. The person they evidently originally thought did it was a preposterous suspect.
Do I sound just a bit bitter? How do you ‘misplace’ all the physical evidence from a grizzly double homicide? How do you lose all the crime scene and autopsy photos? How do you not bother to X-ray a body when you can’t visually ascertain what caused a death? How does an autopsy report not bother include to a single explanatory detail about missing limbs? My father was lied to about details. How do you justify that?
I’m way past any presumption that this will ever be resolved, but I also know that ‘closure’ is a myth, because knowing what happened doesn’t bring people back. These were two young people who were adored by their families.They have been sorely missed for forty-one years.
(If this post is deemed inappropriate in any way, ICC, please don’t hesitate to delete it.)
Wow, i never knew all that ! Sounds personal to you, were they related somehow ?
A Prairie Tribute …
… to Frank, a farmer,
who for seventy summers
nurtured bushels of seed
into fields full of grain,
and who gathered and sheaved
the sweet, fragrant hay
on an Iowa virgin prairie.
… to Lois, a farmwife,
whose bountiful gardens
nourished and sated
our bellies and senses,
and whose pioneer rootstock
plowed deep in the sod
of the Iowa tallgrass prairie.
… to Karen, a farm girl,
who savored the blossoms
that bend in sweet breezes
along rural roads,
and who died at the dawn
of her twenty-eighth year
amid towering grasses
and wild August blooms
in a secluded Iowa prairie.
– Carole Christensen
Ummm, is it just me, but why is it when a possible lead comes to light it’s debunked before it’s given credibility? Rogers encounter sounds pretty legit to me !?
Just saying ?
Hello, where did you hear that the evidence was misplaced? Was this reported in the news? Was this something the investigators told you first hand? If so, can you tell me who it was that told you this?
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Russ Tell, (and his County Sanitarians with the IDNR, quoted in D. Ellers Des Moines Register Sunday 8/28/2016 article), repeatedly since 1993, has only told well owners to test for Nitrates and Bacteria. Until this year now he suggests we should have been testing for Arsenic. Which most well owners in Iowa have repeatedly done the suggested Nitrates and Bacteria tests, maybe not yearly as I had.
December 2009 IDNR notices sent out to the well owners Downstream in Floyd County from Mitchell County’s Pollution Plume, claimed in Jeff Sherman’s warning letter, the well owners Nitrates tests had been testing high for Nitrates (in the 40’s), but a six month old infant could safely drink that water. They did not warn those well owners to test for Anhydrous Ammonia or Arsenic or the Cadmium, Lead, or high levels of Atrazine, and they had been telling them to install Chlorinators for the bacteria. The increasing levels of Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers can draw Arsenic from some geological bedrock formations and the corrosive ammonias also draw Lead into our drinking water from pipes or distribution lines.
Russ Tell has agreed that the Nitrogen fertilizers are a growing issue but has refused to warn well owners to test for Ammonia Nitrogen as N before a well owner installs a Chlorinator or is told to shock their well for Bacteria. Because the IDNR and State of Iowa are hiding access to the Hygienic Labs well test data on the contaminants, we Iowans, that have paid to have tests done other than Nitrates and Bacteria, we want the well owners Downstream to be warned sooner than we were, so Iowans Downstream won’t have to suffer some of our same health effects.
Sandy Davis complained to the Cerro Gordo County Board of Health in 2004. It wasn’t until this year that our whole state was warned to test for Arsenic. Did that warning get all well owners to do the free testing, no as the article, Danger Lurks in Iowa Wells did not stressed as a Statewide concern. Or did not get read and did not list any of the other contaminants that are proven Carcinogens that are contaminating even some wells in Cerro Gordo County.
I, Adam’s Mom, had complained to the Mitchell County Board of Health in 2004. In that meeting the Mitchell County Sanitarian handed a well test report from a Hygienic Lab on my well. Dr. Ross the then Mitchell County Board of Health Director, refused to print a warning letter saying, “It would Scare the People”.
Still to this day the IDNR hides the levels in this Plume that was tracked back to Rock Creek or Meroa in 1998 after a fish kill in the Mississippi. But meanwhile we in the growing Plume were not told to test for the Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer (Ammonia Nitrogen as N), Atrazine, Cadmium, Lead, but we were told to install Chlorinators for the increasing levels of CAFO Bacteria. Unfortunately for us that followed the IDNR direction as they hide our well tests from me at least, we, and well owners Upstream that installed Chlorinators or those that shock Chlorinated with Bleach, caused Trihalomethanes to burn our skin inside and out.
The new Cerro Gordo County 3D GIS IDNR mapping of our aquifers, should allow access to Iowan’s of all the contaminants, as they are already hiding data in the Hygienic Labs on what contaminants are in each aquifer and each county or even which Township that Cadmium Lead is a contaminant. Russ Tell should not just say test for Nitrates and Bacteria especially in the Plume from Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County that has taken out some wells Downstream through 4 counties, and now 20 years late the IDNR tells Sandy Davis and Iowans you need to also test for only one other of the over 600+ contaminants, but still not the Anhydrous Ammonia that draws Arsenic and Lead into our Source Waters. Data has been hidden except we can access published 1990’s data from Paul Johnson a former IDNR Director and more recently published well test contaminant data of Robert Libra, once published it can’t be deleted, even if it’s not accessible to Iowans on the IDNR web site. This contaminant data needs to be accessible and included in 3D GIS IDNR for every county and every contaminant not just the ones with MCL levels set by the EPA.
One of my friends told me a gruesome story on what she heard. She had heard that her boyfriend threw her into a wood chipper and fed her to some pigs
I hate rumors, I just wish her family could find out the truth and put her to rest. God bless the Lenz family and friends.
Regarding the wood chipper and pigs theory I feel someone has watched too many criminal minds or CSI.
Thank you Gail. :) We still have hope. I’ve heard many gruesome rumors but have learned to shake them off. :)
Yes unless someone knows & can prove it, Speculation is insensitive & cruel for the family members ready this. Turn over rumors to the police as tips if you think they have any basis in fact & let them find the real truth..And the family will deal with it then.
Your momma was a beautiful woman , Lindsy! So sorry for you and your families loss! I pray that one day you will all find closure and your mom will get justice .. God Bless.. Xx
i was searching this cold case. would like to ask you a few questions about your mother’s disappearance.
i have questions for you lindsy regarding your mother’s disappearance.
If there was no forcible entry in the home and he had several extramarital affairs maybe Eileen is the one that shot and killed her husband and disposed of the gun. Just seems odd…like she is making up the whole story…His wife would have many reasons to kill him but that is just a speculation….
And how convenient that a train goes by regularly. Probably at the same time he was murdered. Would explain why the children didn’t hear anything and as far as everyone else not hearing anything? It’s one of the adults be it his wife or one of the close friends. May have been a few people with a bone to pick with him whom were in the house. Maybe why none of them are talking and covering for each other. I think the story about hearing noise is just a made up story. He also just put money in a money market account. Another motive. Someone was pretty angry. Don’t ever give up hope. They caught my classmate Michelle Martinkos killer after 40 years. No idea should be looked at as far fetched.
Did you read the long almost 3 page article by Donnelle Eller, starting on the Front page of the 8/28/2016 Sunday Des Moines Register? One county, Cerro Gordo, got the use of the IDNR’s new 3D GIS system (which I was promised by the Attorney from the Attorney General’s Office, but I am still being denied for Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and Black Hawk Counties) with access to well test data for only one contaminant Arsenic well test data (from our Hygienic Labs big data files) and 7000 people had to be warned about their drinking water. Where is the data for the Cadmium and Lead that the EPA tracked in about 1998 to Meroa or Rock Creek, from the Mississippi fish kill Downstream?
Iowans Downstream from Cedar (W) Township only could learn about the Cadmium Lead, bad well tests from me, so the IDNR’s Mason City employees labeled me a grieving wife and mother and a crazy environmentalist, after Gary and Adam were murdered, to discredit my warnings, and the letters they sent out stated wells Downstream had tested high before in Nitrates, so the wells could be tested again, but a six month old infants could drink bottles with 45 ppml of high Nitrate contaminanted water, and they were only sending out the letters because of one woman’s concern about her neighbors work around a sinkhole. (So the IDNR was saying spend money on tests you have already done that showed high Nitrate levels, but a six month old infant can safely drink it, so people went on drinking highly contaminated water. But their Water may contain a list of contaminants, and they were not told to test for some and are still not being told to test for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer and Cadmium Lead and Trihalomethanes and etc. that are contaminating wells around them that use the same aquifer or Source Water.
And oh yes, the 80 times the MCL for Atrazine, that was one of the expensive tests I did in 2004 before I drilled a new well at my own expense. But Russ Tell gave me a copy of, Paul Johnson, former IDNR director’s published research, in 2008. That 2000 report on contaminant well test data in Floyd County, where I grew up, gave me clues on what I should be testing my well’s water for now. Ammonia Nitrogen as N was first on his list of contaminants.
At my Deposition for my Civil Rights Case in the middle of June 2015, after my testimony, I was promised, that within 45 days, (by the Attorney General’s Office), that the IDNR would set up a Web site, so Iowans could have access to the list of contaminants that were testing positive in wells or Source Water surrounding their wells. So they would know what to test for, out of the over 600+ contaminants. However it is over a year now and only one County has gotten access to one set of contaminant Arsenic data in Cerro Gordo County on the IDNR’s new 3D GIS web site, with Arsenic Data supplied by the Hygienic Labs.
As a result 7000 people were notified, like Sandy Davis who had complained to the Cerro Gordo Board of Health in 2004. I had complained to the Mitchell County Board of Health in 2004 (Dr. Ross was the director then) and I had been refused well test reports or even the names of contaminants, I was trying to warn people to test our water for. In that 2004 meeting by Dr. Ross stated that he could not warn Iowans to test for the high Cadmium Lead in my well’s water as, it would SCARE the PEOPLE. After being discouraged about testing for the high Lead, Cadmium, Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers, Atrazine, Arsenic, even after the IDNR condemned my well and over 10 wells in Cedar (W) Township the IDNR employees refused to inform us of what the contaminants were when they condemned my well. I spent thousands on guesses from a huge list of contaminants. Then I drilled a well to a deeper aquifer, but the IDNR refused to tell me that that new deeper aquifer was also polluted. I had it tested by Shawvers for Nitrates and Bacteria and by the IDNR and by my own testing done at the Hygienic Lab but they did not tell us what else I should have been testing my new Source Water for. So again I was drinking contaminated water in the effort to hide the On-Going pollution Plume from Mitchell County Cedar (W) Townships Aquifer Recharge Area Sinkholes, being used as a drain for about 50,000 acres of farm Nitrogen fertilizer run-off and chemicals (herbicides and pesticides).
I am hoping this will not die and be forgotten. My heart breaks every day and every year from the time that Wayne and Karen kidnapped the girls. I tried and kept falling apart to get people to listen, to do something, to investigate. The day my daughter told me that some people have opened up concerns was overwhelming. I’m very thankful to Sandy for collecting this information and documenting. I am thankful for Jody Ewing and Janet Franson for waking up the media and pushing the issues that are and have been discovered.
Karen’s fire involvements apparently were of issue, even before she came into the Coshow picture. I remember hearing Ken Gerner telling Sandy that his ex wife Karen was involved in something before the kidnapping of my children. I didn’t have the opportunity or maybe that was the least of my concern at the time.
I so want to have all the Authorities to reopen this case as they all should be ashamed for ignoring my kids ongoing suffering. I want them to make my daughter’s murder recognized as what it was and is, aMURDER to the first degree. I want To see Karen get the harshest sentence possible for everything she has done to everyone, harshest punishment for my children!
If exhuming my Keara is what it takes that is what should be done.
Finally, I want my daughter to be taken away from Iowa and put to rest by my family.
My blood just tested at 0.2 ng/mL on 5/27/2016 for Cadmium after 12 years of drinking “safe” water since I drilled a new well at my own expense. But the people Downstream were never warned to test for Cadmium or Lead except in my Letter to the Editor in 2004. Why is the IDNR still hiding the well test data?
Why was it so important to the Mitchell County authorities, that harassed us to go on hiding Brad Johnson’s, the Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation Chair’s threat that he had gotten back at me by dumping a truck load of batteries down the sinkhole (just up stream from my well). Others further Downstream like Ruth Morische and Mrs. Dean Johnson have passed away from their health issues that could have been attributed to Cadmium Lead from those batteries. And more could still be exposed.
Has anyone tried to write letters to the mental health departments / shelters and churches of each state she coukd likely be with two part letters?
The first letter would acknowledge respect for privacy and would be addressed to the social workers. The second would be directly to her and should include a promise of respect of privacy as well. Both would include a plea for confirmation of life.
Each with a separate envelope.
I Love You All, And I’ ll Feel Your Pain In My Heart Forever! Love You All, Always!
Thank you for sharing your story. I believe every word of it. Justice must be done, some way, some how. You will prevail, I truly believe it! Every single person who lives, and breaths, need to be concerned about our environment! As for the naysayers…were you born yesterday? Or just hiding out in some hole? Obviously, those who have left cruel, heartless remarks are out of touch with reality. God help us all. Thank you Veronica
Laura, thank you for reading, the truth in my notes of my husband, Gary, and son Adam’s Cold Case files, it is hopeless, but I’m still hoping and praying yet to get Iowans Downstream notified about the on-going pollution before they have to suffer the health effects my family suffered. Veronica Lack
Justice is hopeless for my family, but some that did this, and are still profiting with higher yields, from draining their farm fertilizers and herbicides and pesticides into our Source Water, may care enough to think of those Downstream, and stop their polluting.
Veronica, I’m sorry but justice is absolutely NOT hopeless for either Adam or Gary. You’ve got a pretty high profile production company and director wanting to tell this story so badly, and if you look at their track record, they’ve made some pretty awesome films (some which nearly all of us has seen). I’ve even hear some refer to it as the Erin Brockovich meets Veronica Lack film. I’m not mentioning the producers/directors here because I don’t want to cause any trouble for them as they’re lining things up, but this is not the time to think justice is hopeless. Adam’s words and dreams and attempts to fight polluters will once again be heard, even if by an actor.
I think the perfect one to play Adam would be Mark Ruffalo. He’s a huge advocate for clean water and is very involved in some of the same work you’re doing. And, he’s just a hellu’va nice and decent man who actually shares a resemblance to Adam. He embraces the same values Adam embraced. And, Mark wouldn’t just play the role, He’d put his whole heart and soul into it because he believes in the kind of work you’re doing. You can almost bet he’d be hauling in teams to document and film just how illegally everything is rigged up there.
Mark has also been active in the Detroit water problem. If this crew could get him on board with this film, what really happened to Adam and Gary would no longer be just words on page about environmental issues many don’t understand. If Julia Roberts could “become” Erin Brockovich in that role, Mark Ruffalo can certainly ensure what happened to Adam is NEVER forgotten. Changes would finally get made.
It’s sad it often takes a film (or an exposé news piece that goes viral nationwide) to bring about change, but there are times that’s exactly what it takes to make the greater population aware of the atrocities taking place while certain elected officials look the other way.
If I had my say, you’d be played by Meryl Streep. Just hang on and wait for the calls from Bill, Michael and Diane, and let them run with the truth. You will definitely be in good hands with them!
I didn’t mention that I feel so bad for you, having to go thru this nightmare. Unbelievable, how strong of a woman you are. Unbelievable also, is that this conspiracy has been allowed to continue! I pray that one day, it all comes to a head, and those responsible will be punished to the full extent of the law, and hopefully serve lengthy sentences being incarcerated. I also see a huge settlement to those who have suffered at their hands. Mitchell county is almost at my back door, so this hits close to home. All citizens really do need to be concerned. Take care
Just revisiting. There is more and I have a name. There are more Glasglow connections popping up. I was surprised to see the recent date on the post.The killer is one of two people. They both fit. You will get nothing locally unless it is forced by a FOIA, Better hurry, the two people who have the answers are dying. If you have connections, please have them get in touch with the Tom Reily Law Firm in Cedar Rapids, Peter Reily, We have most of the answers, its just no one who speak up out of fear of reprisal. See me an email if you have national media contacts and we will give them names. Tom
Terry Leon Johnston needs to be added to the cold case files!!!
He still has not been added to the cold case files. He was murdered by residents of South Clinton in 1997. Please look into this and have him added.
Laurie, this is Carol, filling in for Jody. I have found nothing online about Terry Leon Johnston except for this post. I’m sorry for the omission and sorry the family has not heard from the DCI for a long time. I’m an unpaid volunteer, and Jody has never been paid for her work her nor reimbursed for the cost of the website, and ICC has grown beyond the means of one or two volunteers. The volume of emails, questions, tips, and new cases is daunting. Again, I’m sorry this case seems to be getting no attention, and I’ll do what I can to get it added to ICC. Without more hands on deck and funds to pay the annual fees to have a website, getting new cases filed is growing harder. I don’t have Jody’s tech skills, and Jody has been hit with cancer and more surgeries coming up. I would say ICC is at a crisis point in terms of the case load and the lack of staff to handle the details. (Carol)
I remember speaking with his daughter not long after he was found. The pain on her face should be more than enough reason for police to double down and find his killer/s.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Steven-Reese/100008614277271 This appears to be Steven Reese’s facebook page.
John Jr. and his sister Corena also have a brother, Burton D. Franklin, who has a 1996 conviction for assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
Thank you ! From Willy
Willy you seem to be appreciative of anon, mostly a typical coward hangs under the cloak anonymity,many anon’s make egregious statements.
I heard that John Franklin Sr. was 3ft 2 in and Michelle nine ft six inches.Until you sight a source, it is all hearsay. Were you born in Eddyville? If so, so sorry. And,I understand the town has a lot questionable souls.
My question to you, b.corena, is if you think someone other than your brother committed this crime, then why are you not offering assistance to this site to help find their killers? Why aren’t you contacting the law enforcement agency in charge of the case and telling them what you know? I mean, you seem to want to clear your brother’s name, so why aren’t you taking all the anger and hostility you’ve displayed on this site and turning that into energy to find the real killers of John and Michelle Franklin? Some food for thought for you. Please consider digesting it.
Hey Kim ,You stated:’My question to you, b.corena, is if you think someone other than your brother committed this crime, then why are you not offering assistance to this site to help find their killers? ” My Response: What makes you believe or what source tells you that I have not contacted authorities for years? What you think that this site is aiding and assisting anyone in law enforcement too solve crimes? This site I believe is opened by a word Jockey, a author. Name one crime as a result of this site? Tell me, are the people on this site other than the dregs of society? You Stated:’ Why aren’t you contacting the law enforcement agency in charge of the case and telling them what you know? My Response:” What makes you think that for decades that I have not contacted the authorities? What is your source? You Stated:”I mean, you seem to want to clear your brother’s name, so why aren’t you taking all the anger and hostility you’ve displayed on this site and turning that into energy to find the real killers of John and Michelle Franklin? My Response; My brother has been cleared,that has already been done. Are you offended by the question that I am asking? Do my questions anger you ,causing your displayed hostilities toward me? I am not law enforcement, that is their job. Maybe you are suggesting that I buy them doughnuts ? You stated; Some food for thought for you. Please consider digesting it.” My response: You keep reporting this information, Do you know something the authorities don’t? Do you believe the atty broke laws in getting the verdict? I f so did make as report to any appropriate entity?Do believe he wrote the laws that were implemented in any of the proceedings? This site is purely rhetoric, and not one of my questions have been answered.
Bud Erwin was one of the law enforcement officials, do you have information?Where were you, in January of 1978? I assure you that should I suspect any of your statements egregious or interrogatory I will contact the authorities and speak of my concern of what you expect me to digest.
I would like to know what cases and how many
as a result of this site Iowa Cold Cases have been solved or placed in a active investigative status ,to some known as reopened. I thought this site was to post the unbiased, however the many biased statements are showing. Remember you are dipping into real tragedies real people s lives.
I rarely put any credence in anything said by anyone named anonymous. Come on Anon, step up, your mask is showing.Are you chained to your main frame?Are you a coward sitting in a grotesques town bar lurking in the shadows with your lap top? Did your parent conceive you on a dirt or graveled road near the high school? What do you do for a living Anon? Are your intellectual abilities that of a South Eastern Iowa rough neck? Do you tip cows and out houses?Do you encourage wearing a sweatshirt on a humid 111 degree day while driving through town? Are you covered in Prep. h and ingesting laxatives rather than any food groups? My final question are you seeking estate funds or any monies for any reason from the family members of the deceased?
Is the drawing that the psychic did pretty accurate? I’m not sure where it is now, I’ve looked for it. I think it was on the Justice for Jackie fb page but I can’t find it now.
Yes the drawing is eerily very accurate. I still have it somewhere in a tote and i believe I have it on a flash drive if you want a copy let me know.
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Connie was my daughter’s best friend and like a daughter to me. I loved her and miss her. May God let everyone who loved Connie find some peace with the loss.
A law always says if one is kidnapped and not found earlier than 48 hours most likely their dead. 32 years ago and the nation is still Wondering about Eugene Martin and im still Wondering is it possible that this mastermind somehow would have gotten away with this so easily maybe, we will never get the right answers to this case because if this criminal was 30-40 years old he could be as good as dead by now to where we will never find Eugene. But we will always wonder how it was so easy to get away with a national crime, so much as to feel like he just disappeared off of the face of the earth.
I still have suspicion her remains could have been buried under where they built the new HWY 34. It was under contraction at the time and completed shortly thereafter she went missing.
John Jr. He did it and we all know it . Just the judge helped out Parrish . John Sr . Wasn’t over weight he was tall and medium build . Michelle was over weight but had surgery to lose weight and she was losing weight . but had a sleek nurses uniform on and hard wood floors and that kid was heavy at the time he killed them . He dragged them both into the bedroom . How could you do that to your own dad and stepmom . You should of ran away before you killed them . A lot of the evidence got thrown out . He had blood on his socks and gun burns on his hands . He gave a fake name to the oskaloosa police when he was at the police station. He has to live with it and someday he will burn in hell for what he did ! Willy
Hey Willy, How long have you worked for the archives department in the DA’s office? You stated: “John Jr. He did it and we all know it .” Interesting comment. My Question: I want names . Who are all of you? How and what do all of you know? Why have none of you stepped forward? You stated:” Just the judge helped out Parrish .” My Question: If a judge helped a Public Defender,How would you have the information? You stated:”Michelle was over weight but had surgery to lose weight and she was losing weight .” My question: How long did you know Michelle? And how do you know she was loosing weight? You stated;”but had a sleek nurses uniform on and hard wood floors and that kid was heavy at the time he killed them .” My Question: How do you know what type of nursing uniform Michelle was wearing and the type of flooring and John’s weight and of a surgery and what other information do you have? You stated:”He dragged them both into the bedroom .” My Question: How do you and others know other than newspaper articles? You stated:”How could you do that to your own dad and stepmom .” My Question:” Is Willy a nickname for William? You stated:”You should of ran away before you killed them . ” My Question: Another interesting statement, How long have you worked for the Sheriff’s Department? You stated:”A lot of the evidence got thrown out . My Question” Are you a Juror or audience? You stated:”He had blood on his socks and gun burns on his hands .” My question:Do you work in any area of DCI ,Coroners Office or the newspaper ,are you a health care wrkr? You stated:He gave a fake name to the oskaloosa police when he was at the police station.” My question: How long have you worked for the police department? Are you a journalist? How long have you worked in Juvenile Department with detained youth? You stated:” He has to live with it and someday he will burn in hell for what he did ” My Question: Interesting statement ,Pastoral studies,and are you a Calvinist? I have further questions. As you know the statements are yours,I wonder were you there? You are convinced of his guilt,then you must have first hand knowledge,otherwise it is up to the Judge and Jury. And those folks said not guilty. You should know that with all the media coverage that those involved (police/prosecutors) withhold from the media. My last question were you born a Idiot? You spoke of Michelle in a odd manner. You sighted her health and weight, employment ,how long did you know Michelle? Are You a school friend,A co-worker,a jilted lover? Are you a stalker? By your statements I am guessing you to between the ages of sixty-five and seventy -five.
Michelle first of all defiately doesn’t look big enough to approved for gastric surgery. You have to be a certain BMI to be be approved. Second it was 1978. I don’t think so.
Anthony you are truly missed Iwill never forget how much you loved me there is nothing like it on earth lord please bring these killers to justice
I think that this child’s Father is as guilty as the Step- Mother, perhaps he didn’t directly hurt this child, but it is very difficult for me to comprehend he did not know what was going on in his home. Did he not question how a 3 yr old would have opened a can of Drano by herself? Did he not check on this child when she was in a blanket? Did he not offer to hold her for a while that night or at least look at her? Did he not wonder how a child that was so “sick” the night before was able to start a fire the very next day? Did he not know what the autopsy report stated on how his child died? Did he not put two and two together -that every time something happened to his child, the Step- Mother was there? Did he not ask the witnesses to the fire what happened? And all of the other fires.
I think he knew exactly what his wife was doing to his daughter and looked the other way. The fact that his child was not even listed in his Mother’s obituary, pretty much says it all. To him, his own child never existed.
Playing ignorant is no excuse, He knew.
Jody, I was wondering if you got the word out about this case to the surrounding media like Omaha news stations and local radio stations in Red Oak ( KCSI 712 -623 -2584 ) and Shenandoah ( KMA 712 – 246 – 5270 ) it would motivate authorities to finally solve this case and put the murderer where she belongs, this would be a good day to start it rolling … Keara’s birthday.
Thanks Jody.
Gerard John Schaefer perhaps? He bragged and boasted about murdering women, young blondes in Cedar Rapid’s Iowa in particular, that he was never even charged with much less convicted of. He would obsessively and maticulously document the murders of young women. He hated women.
Just tossing it out there as a possibility.
It’s a possibility, but Shaefer was based primarily in Florida where he worked as a cop. Nothing in his case history so far says that he was ever in Iowa. The two girls from Iowa that he was suspected of killing weren’t killed here in Cedar Rapids, they were killed in Florida where he’d stopped them for hitch-hiking.
Link to the story about the Iowa girls: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1995-12-13-9512130172-story.html
Link to Shaefer’s Murderpedia page: http://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/schaefer-gerard.htm
Thank you for keeping this site up and going. We need to remember and never forget!
Thank you, Billi! You’re absolutely right!
Mother’s or other family and friends hurt forever; that their loved ones, children’s lives, were not even given a proper investigation into their being killed, and don’t receive justice. Children or younger men and women who did not have an independent fortune built up, are of seemingly less value to the state and local authorities. Thank you, for keeping this site up to give us hope that our loved ones will all finally someday receive justice and closure for their family’s memory of them.
The Iowa Courts Online website says that Phillip Bizzell’s full name is Phillip Terry Bizzell, with a DOB of 08/29/1960. Various online records show him as having an address, or having had an address, in the state of Oregon.
Who ever did it, died many years ago. I’m just saying
UPDATE: I contacted Investigator Brice Lippert at the Waterloo PD to see if Diane’s husband was ever ruled out as a suspect, and he said it’s one of those cases where everyone is a suspect for the simple fact it is unsolved. (i.e. No, her husband was not ruled out, but neither were some others.) He said he read through the case a few years ago and that everyone looked at it thoroughly, and that the PD’s 1st shift Inv. Sgt. recently reviewed the case and is looking for anything that can be tested for DNA as things that could not be tested years ago can now be tested.
Thank you for the update hopefully they find some answers and she gets justice
I was told my cousin murder was covered up n 1000.00 $ was paid out to a family member. I miss my cousin so much n if opportunity presents itself i will take my revenger.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Praying for justice!!
I am Lisa’s son Jason. My number is 208-807-0760. My dad Darwin never has had,nor ever will have any reason. Period. Whatsoever. Period. To ever act in any way at all with a firearm towards anyone. I have never even seen him in a fistfight or act with direct violence towards anyone. This posting is a tactic enacted by persons or people who don’t know how to accept the truth. Why is it that some adults act more childish than actual children. Know this always god is an absolute and my dad was devastated by my moms death . Also I am a dick,so if you do choose to call me,and offend me in any way, I will use profanity and you will be offended. You got a problem with that,then that’s your problem,just calling it like I see it
I’m so sorry you had to grow up without your mother. The truth will come out eventually.
How is this a cold case when Darwin admitted to it?
Your dad killed her. It says right in the article. It’s not speculation. He admitted it. WTF! How is this case considered cold?
Exactly. He was trained in safety and it was an accident. B.S.
He need to take a lie detector test
In the period of time there were several suspected prostitutes murdered like her.
I read somewhere that there was a lead. A madam / insane prostitute. She is allegedly the killer of all of them. A black woman. she has managed to remain a suspect for a long time but there is no solid evidence to link the black prostitute to them for sure.
But she is in fact the common denominatorin almost all of the Iowa unsolved prostitute murders.
Please contact the police department with any information.
You read thus where? In police files? If nothing else she could be taken in on running a prostitution ring.
Why don’t they arrest the stepmother .
I think if they exhumed the body, today’s technology would make it possible to further define Keara’s injuries. Not only that, especially after The Supreme Court’s ruling in State of Iowa vs. Hillary Lee Tyler, medical examiners may not testify as to his/her expert opinion regarding the cause and manner of death when the opinion primarily relies on hearsay as opposed to objective scientific medical evidence. This covers far more cases than one can imagine. (Or when autopsy findings clearly suggest/point to homicide but the M.E. rules the MANNER of death a suicide or accidental death because that’s what they were told happened.)
I was a bit upset today when I went to grave site in baby land in red oak and always see my neice who is buried down the row from keara and I always walk down and check on keara wishing they would find justice for her but I don’t want to post on here how her grave looked but it was very disturbing to me
Jody, I agree that with today’s knowledge, that a trained medical examiners, would be able to provide a more scientific cause of death.
However, there is a case in Pennsylvania where a woman was found stabbed to death, by her fiance in 200i orc2009. She had been stabbed about 8 times. Her cause of death was considered a homicide, then it was changed to suicide, because there were no signs of forced entry to her residence.
Now, in 2022 after it was fought by her family, and a review by a,well known retured medical examiner, the case will be investigated as a homicide, almost 14 years later.
I think that a panel of active & retired medical examiners should be brought together to review many of these disputes cases, to refine the cause and manner of death, also to possibly tighten the time frame of death.
In one case on ICC, from 1976, the medical examiner changed the time of death, they originally provided investigators and what he testified to in court. This was based on a phone call the victim made and the food in her stomach.
In a case out of Africa, a forensic pathologist stated that the state of digested food, should not be used as determining the time of death. The medical examiner in the original case, changed the time frame originally provided to investigators, to a 14 hour window.
So, a review using known scientific standards, might hopefully provide a more tighter manner of death. This is something that the State of Iowa should request
OMG , I would have been in 8th grade
Thanks for sharing, Penny and Linda!
Shared also, Hubbard, IA
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What about the Moore family murders. Even thro that happened in 1912. 104 yes ago. Donna sue Davis a beautiful little girl. Had she been alive she would had been 60 yes old. Patriciaannhellums@gmail.com
My heart still aches after more than 20 years, mourning the loss of my sister. I feel like it just happened yesterday, after reading this article. The pain never goes away, and the pain is so great knowing that she died of such a horrendouos death. Whoever has done this to my sister may have gotten by, but they will never get away, because there is a judgment day. It may not happen in this life, but they will have to face God for what they have done. Please, to whomever knows any information regaurding the death of my sister, pleae come forth, so that my family can have closure, justice and peace of mind. Thank You.
RJR sounds like your connected! Keep cracking away you maybe the one who turns this case! Andrea/RJR I will contribute financially also if it will help?
Chad -thanks for the kind offer—we did get a reply form CRPd that they have thought of this before-however, there is no way these geneology companies will take a blind sample from a law enforcement agency and run it against their database—it would be nice if they would…..but still plugging away with leads, etc….
Justice will b served one way or another. I was one of the people protesting every day I could cause I know Charles would never have killed himself. I just want to say, to the person who took my best friend away & a son away from his mother u r being watched & ur day is coming God sees everything & don’t think u got away w anything. One day u will have to face Charles admit what u did b judged by God & have ur sentence handed down. May God show u the same mercy on u as u gave Charles.
I am so glad to see that they are calling it homicide. I knew Charles practically all his life. He was a son to me. I do not believe that he would ever take his own life. I just pray that his parents get justice for their son and mine. I loved you. I will always love and miss you. My boys love you and miss you everyday. You should of had a much longer life to watch your children grow and make more memories with you in them. I miss you and hope I didn’t let you down in life and I hope I’m not letting you down now. Your mother is doing an amazing job searching for the truth and justice for you and the family. I know you are proud of her and so am I. Love and prayers to you Penny
Thank you ,Leanna Broughton, I will keep fighting for justice. Love, Penny
I am so glad to see that the Iowa Cold Case organization is calling this homicide instead of suicide like the Muscatine police department and the Muscatine County attorney automatically dead within hours of my son being murdered. The Muscatine Police called it suicide before they ever left the police department because they did not like my son! Thank you Iowa Cold Case for calling this what it truly is, a homicide!
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
They can’t arrest the hubby unless there is evidence he did it… I’d say he did too but he might say he walked off and left her and someone else did it… no proof to say otherwise
So appreciate the work you do on this program!
Thanks so much, Kathy! That means a lot to me!
Looks like hubby is guilty..so where is he?
IOWAS WORSE CRIMINALS ARE THE EMPOWERED JUDGES POLICE SHERRIFFS COUNTY ATTORNEYS WARDEN THUGS ALOT OF THEM.
He was not a bad individual. How dare you say evil words.
Judy Childress-Jackson
I remember this
Yes, I agree where is the husband???
The husband left Waterloo and went to stay with friends in Davenport following his wife’s murder, and from what I understand, the family stayed in touch with him. Waterloo police didn’t indicate whether he’d been ruled out as a suspect.
He never left Waterloo…he still lives there & me personally, I don’t think he did it.
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Thanks for sharing, Penny!
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Praying for Fredricks safe return.
Yes Where Is The Husband? Is he the one that you are looking for???
Right! Where is he! I’m sure he did it!
So where is the husband??
As a child of the system and a mother of a son with odd and As he my heart is just crying for you right now. All of you.
In my experience my son will absolutely refuse to talk to me simply because I want to talk to him. That’s odd.
I feel like he is afraid of the “program” and maybe if someone was able to comment the details of it he might realize that he has for sure aged out. As an adult child of the system. Most of his information likely comes from whomever he is with and he trusts that person no matter how erroneous thier understanding is. So if someone who actually knows could post just that. Nothing else… that he has or hasn’t aged out of those consequences and will not be placed again, as an adult…. He will be more likely to make contact.
I’m so sorry. The system is not designed for success. It’s designed to process. I don’t blame him for leaving or hiding… it’s all on the state… all of it. They don’t know what they are doing or have a system that works in the slightest. They inject themselves when they shouldn’t. And refuse to help when asked.
Sad
Very Sad
So sad thinking of his family and friends
Thanku
Your page says he was last seen over 50 years ago. Might want to correct that
Thanks so much for catching that, Daniele! I’m thankful we’ve got astute readers!
Just reading about Fred! Praying answers happen and found ! I as a mom couldn’t imagine not knowing …I Will make special pray for Fred and your family daily ! God Bless !
Thank u so much
I can’t imagine someone shooting him for his sober beliefs. ..was atensdoff a civil war vet.?
Are you kidding me? Lol
I can imagine him being murdered for his beliefs. Nobody deserves to be murdered, but his beliefs crossed a line from simply beliefs, to imposing his will. Imagine your profession being outlawed and subject to a brutal slander campaign. This would affect your very livelihood, your ability to provide for your family, wants and even basic needs being met… That’s what prohibitionists did to saloon owners, brewers, etc. Its a sad situation, and I reiterate, nobody deserves this fate. However, more than “bad people do bad things”, “desperate people do bad things” becomes more relevant here, as those whose livelihoods were threatened I’m sure felt desperate.
Sadly, all for the love of money, made at the expense and ruination of innocent lives. Alcohol has been the scourge of society since the beginning of time and has left a trail of destruction. Families have been destroyed because of this addiction.
One of the most fascinating of Iowa’s unsolved cases in my humble opinion.
I think so too, Ray!
Sounds like someone who know the nephew and uncle would be a good one to look at.
I agree with you, Debra!
Such a sad story, it touched my heart.
Today has been exactly 3 years since my brother freddy has disappeared. No clues, no nothing just a bunch of false hope. Please if anyone can help us please do so. It would make this family be at ease if we have any clues they are better then nothing at all. The way I look at it no one at all is doing there job to help us. I have a lot to say but don’t know the right way to say it so please help us bring freddy home. Lots of love and we all miss u little brother even tho ur probly not so little anymore. Please bring some kind of hope to our family.
This woman is still alive ???
https://mobile.twitter.com/PFTrojans/status/657274056249446401
Ida seems to be doing well
Thanks for sharing, Penny!
Thanks for sharing, Penny!
I really hope they find the sick person behind this.
oh my
Mexican drug gang…
First jody ewing keep up the great work! Group we saying maybe a Jon Benet Ramsey case Mom gets mad at a mistake Jaymie makes. Accidentally or intentionally kills her. Then figures she must cover it up! Why did DCI CCU disband? Money!
I thought they were looking at that guy from Northwood IA for this. He is now deceased, but he had a habit of abducting two girls at a time for his perversions. He was still alive when these two girls were taken.
I think they found that he was innocent on this one.
rip little angel my heart aches that the world is so cruel to take you and your cousin
This is very sad and heart breaking. I pray someone comes forward.
PS. Notice the Fourth of July timeframe and how Ames and Des Moines are second cities?
Gigi and Diane both went to Lincoln High School. Diane’s mother didn’t live far from Gigi (within two miles). Both live near the Drake Observatory. One was found shot with a .38 like Karen Streed, and one was found shoeless in the truck of a car, strangled like the Waverly Three.
I bet Gigi’s shoes were also missing.
Diane is my sister
She was the first. The fibers should still be there. But she was his sloppy one. He took her home to Nevada and did it in his home, not his car. He knew the area where he dumped her since he lived in Nevada when he went to school in Ames.
She represented the girl he could never get but pined after, and his pattern on Shelia was the same as the Waverly Three.
He picked her up for a weekend trip home. He took her to the house he was moving out of on his way home, and used her like an object only to take her shoes and dump her on the side of a gravel road he sorta knew.
But Shelia was the first and the one where the most mistakes were made. Check the fibers and prints with modern forensics. . .
How do you know this, Herb?
Are you talking about shelia harrison? If so that was my mother’s sister I don’t know how they have never linked this with my aunt’s death.
Jodi, could you share some details on Sheila Harrison’s death. You reference a salesman from Ames. Yet, according to a posting on Find a Grave, she was riding in a car driven by a young man from Fort Dodge. The vehicle got stuck in a ditch, and she went to get help. This seemed odd, since it’s supposed to be the guy, who goes to get help.
Also, I assume there was an arrest in her murder. The other thing is that many law enforcement agencies were not big on sharing stuff about their cases with other agencies.
This was prior to computers and other forms on information sharing telecommunications resources. Also, there is concerns about who gets the credit. This issue exists among many federal law enforcement agencies. FBI was not exactly appreciated, because they took credit for stuff other agencies did.
Sad
She looked a lot like his high school girlfriend — and so did her shoes. The profile indicates shoes and holidays play upon the suspect’s vices and entice him to kill. So when he saw her walking with her shoes, he probably couldn’t resist.
He may have even admired her from afar when he went home over holidays and some weekends — Waverly isn’t a big town and since they were both from there, he knew her.
He took her pretty far out to conceal the crime and because he felt guilty and knew the family, but he also took her shoes. He most likely took her clothes for show, and burnt them later because it was her shoes he really wanted.
Oddly enough, she was found near Thanksgiving. I wonder if he had a friend in the Butler County road maintenance department and mentioned something about a dead body in a culvert. How would you know the body was in a culvert unless someone told you about it?
The Holiday Killer, AKA The Shoe Bandit, AKA The Quarter Moon Reaper is giving us his trail. . .
Herb Hunter? Interesting alias. You spin a good yarn here. The red herrings have been fried. Captain Ahab is closing in on the White Whale.
You’ve got that right, Carol, and Capt. Ahab has other sets of eyes across the sea, ensuring nobody gets between him and the White Whale.
Herb…
Its obvious to anyone with at least a semi-functioning brain that you have a foot fetish and project this into the cases you “sleuth”, and I use the word sleuth loosely.
These generic profiles that people like you post bring nothing to these cases. They say more about you than they do the actual cases.
She was the first of the Waverly Three. He took her life during summer break while living at home with his parents. But he went to Coe in Cedar Rapids, because remember, Maureen is next over Labor Day weekend.
It’s odd how the Waverly Three seem to ascend in age from junior high, to high school, and then college. All found the same and without shoes, since The Shoe Bandit has a foot fetish.
He bound and straggled them in sexual gratification — that’s what the crime scenes tell us.
He also took their shoes, and in fact at least one of the victims was picking up shoes shortly after Thanksgiving.
But the fibers will be from his parents’ car since he is originally from Waverly.
Ah, so many red herrings. Even the location of her body is incorrect: 3 miles west of Denver and 10 miles southeast of Waverly puts her body in Blackhawk county. There is a mistake there. So many mistakes. Maureen Farley was also missing shoes. Sometimes professional killers plant stage a murder with misleading clues (red herrings) like holidays, missing shoes, phases of the moon, just to throw off suspicion from the real motive.
Does anyone know the correct location of the bridge and creek…?
I lived, at that time, 3 miles west of Denver, about 1/4 mile from where the body was found (where the quarry is now). It is definitely in Bremer County. The Black Hawk County line is 2 miles south of where I lived, a gravel road 1/2 mile south of C-50. The location of the body was 1-1/4 miles north of C-50, so in Bremer.
This is the only victim I am unsure about. It could’ve been someone else in my opinon. But for sure if it is one of the Quarter Moon Reaper’s victims, this was hired done. She worked on Mays Island and probably went to the same diner Maureen Farley worked at. If my theory is right the suspect is a grad student by now, majoring in Astrophysics at Coe and perhaps is working at this diner as well.
But the pattern is the same. Dumped from a car into a ravine. He probably went further because it was a job he made money for, so he did a more professional job of not calling attention to the crime.
The started to tie this one to the one in Ames, but then backed off. Probably because detective work back then was as forensic driven. But the fibers are still there if they still have the evidence in storage. You’ll find the same fibers on Streed, Oberbroecking, and Farley. The same fibers may not be there in Waverly because he is from there and perhaps used his parents’ car. But if he did, the Waverly fibers will also be the same.
Yet the Waverly victims all seem to be pleasure for him, while the Cedar Rapids victims seem to be business. This parallel could lend itself to the fact he feel more at home in Waverly than he does in Cedar Rapids.
She was put under a log alive, to heavy for her to push off of her. She clawed so hard and for so long she wore her fingernails off. Beaten with the plant cattails repeatedly as they returned frequently until she died. They had the tire tracks. Raymond had his tires changed on his City Car as the investigation progressed . . .
Found without her shoes. Dumped from a car along the side of the road. Near a holiday (see report on FBI profile in the archives) and she is the actual third victim. It started in Ames over a student break (holiday for students) and then moved to Cedar Rapids near Easter in 1968. Then shortly after the Fourth of July in 1970, Paula goes missing. Oddly enough, found near the Thanksgiving weekend; was that serendipity, or did the suspect call it in? And odd how see lives in the same neighborhood Karen Streed lives in.
Perhaps we should call him the Holiday Killer, AKA The Shoe Bandit OR The Quarter Moon Reaper.
It seems like she’s this third victim found in a short period of time in Cedar Rapids. All of them found without their shoes. All of them dumped from a car in a ditch. As for the Karen Streed case: She was found without her boots; she was also missing her poncho and her coat — most likely used to wrap her head in after he shot her; but he took her shoes. Why?
We see the same pattern in Waverly, both before and after this one.
Or perhaps it’s all a coincidence that it starts with the girl in Ames found without their shoes, moves to Cedar Rapids and again takes their shoes, then fluctuates between Cedar Rapids, Waverly where he takes all their shoes, and finally at the 218 Marina where he not only burns the crime scene (because he didn’t live or work in the area) but also takes the girls shoes. The shoeless killer we might call him, or the Quarter Moon Bandit since he seems to know his astronomy based on the bodies.
Her brother and I were grade-school classmates at the time. Their father had died just a year or so before. :( That family went through more than anyone should have to endure in a lifetime.
R.i.p grandpa wood
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Thanks for sharing, Penny!
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Shared, and I will keep sharing.
Dude the wife did it…
Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, but it’s extremely disheartening to see a comment like this. There is more to this story than can be published here, but rest assured, Kay was every bit as much a victim as her husband.
You are deplorable
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Thanks for sharing, Cynde!
Gary, Yes, I found this out the very hardest way. My Civil Rights suit is against the State of Iowa and the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources filed in 2010 and after I finally received the Letter of Right to Sue I was given about two years to find an attorney and paid for or was given one hour meetings to try to get an attorney to take my case. I finally was given a lead on a firm in Des Moines large enough that had a heart, and that took on my case.
Did you see what happened in Michigan today? Six Michigan state employees, (and I hope eventually more state employees and Governor Branstad here in Iowa), were charged because of the coverup and subsequent exposure of Flint citizens and their children to Lead and other corrosive chemicals.
The EPA says Iowans drinking water in this Plume from Cedar (W) Township are being exposed to pollutants worse than Flints’. But the Big Corps have gotten the EPA’s funds cut just a few days ago, so if Trump gets in and the big Oil Corps, Big industrial Ag Corps, that make and promote the Anhydrous Ammonia that tests so high in this Plume and the levels of Arsenic and Lead that Anhydrous Ammonia pulls into our drinking water are probably going to get Branstad, Grassley, Ernst, and the cone-hat King to continue to block the EPA access to the Big Databases in the three Hygienic Labs of well test data. Without 20 years of that data the EPA cannot set a MCL for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer or Ammonia Nitrogen as N.
Iowans need to vote all Republicans that have fed off the Big Corps out of Office and are now still hiding the state’s taxpayer Big Databases info from Iowans so that we cannot protect our families from pollutants in our drinking water.
Veronica Lack (I’m also posting on Adam’s old Facebook page)
I can not believe in the Justice System and the rest of the individual’s that let that man get away with it they ain’t know Justice for victims.
People like Letitia Turner are why I despise lawyers.
JUST A HEADS UP YOU PROBALLY CANT TRUST A FLOYD COUNTY ATTORNEY EITHER.THEY ARE ALL IN BED TOGETHER. ATTORNEYS WILL LIE TO PROTECT THE OTHER. IM PRETTY SURE WHY NOTHING IS BEING DONE. IVE SEEN A FEW OF THESE ASSHOLE DO NOTHING ATTORNEYS OUT OF FLOYD COUNTY MITCHELL EVEN MASON CITY NORTH IOWA SMALL TOWN ATTORNEYS HAVE THE GOOD IL BOY NETWORK. GO SHOP AROUND WATERLOO CEDAR RAPIDS AREA.NOTHING FAIR IN COURTS UP HERE. JUDGES ARE VERY CORRUPT APPEALS COURT CORRUPT. I GOT THIS FROM A ATTORNEY SAYS WHOLE DAM IOWA COURTS SYSTEM IS RIGGED. NO ONE HARDLY GETS A FAIR HEARING. ID SUE MITCHELL COUNTY FOR WRONGFUL DEATH IN FEDERAL COURT. MAYBE TRY A CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY. SO MANY DUMB PEOPLE DONG RELIZE WHAT CRIMINAL PEOPLE THEY HAVE ELECTED INTO OFFICE.I TELL THE TRUTH.I JUST HAD A HEART ATTACK I HAVENT ANY REASON TO LIE. WHEN YOU HAVE COUNTY ATTORNEYS AND JUDGES COVERING UP MURDER. THERE IS NO JUSTICE.
Adam was left to die after he was trapped in his truck, when the 911 call by the people harassing us was received in the Osage call center they did not respond until over 7 hours later to allow the Judge and Dr. Haganman and some of the polluters and their contractors to gather and proceed to breathalyze Adam after finding out he was still alive and they proceeded to torture and crush his limbs further and then when he didn’t die after they refused to help him they twisted his neck dislocating his neck at the C-2 and C-3 vertebra. They had to shut him up so Adam’s USDA-NRCS RUSLE III version equation could not limit their on-going pollution. Veronica Lack
So this evil stepmother has been getting away Scott free? How, even after the abuse, drano, known fact that Keara could not have started the fire, all the other fires she had been involved with? What dad doesn’t question some of this, i mean drano, are f’ n serious just imagine the pain….who ever can in Iowa work this, must, the evidence is so clear, I think Karen and possibly Wayne belong in prison. Imagine if you will being treated so unfairly, being beaten, having drano put to you eyes so your changed to nearly completely blind, being locked out with no potty n them holding until no longet can and then being shaken violently until spinal cord injury and unconscious, then carried to a room, covered with flammable thinner n burned….this family n little girl deserve justice…
Mary is my cousin.
Jenny Mary is also my dad’s 2nd Cousin my dad is Randy Davis SR. The son of Dorthey Scovel and Lester Davis. Dorthey my grandma would had been Mary’s Aunt Since your post is from 2016 not sure you even see this.
I wish I could find her sister but haven’t seen her since the funeral.
I wish we could also find her sister as well. This happen before i was born. I have tried seeing if she had a face book but have not had any luck in that.
This is my little brother in a week from today it will be 3 years that he has been missing. We deserve answer and we need everyone’s help to bring him home. Please if anyone knows where he is call me at 6412261295. He is now 18 and has two nephews and a little sister and a niece that will be born in August that he hadn’t met please if u have any information call me.
This is his mom Anna Shields..please anyone has any information please contact me on fb or call 641 980 8529…we sure do miss him a lot so please if anything knows anything contact me any time day or night….this is hurtiny whole family…we need answers…it will be 3 years this Tuesday…thanks
I read this article about 2 weeks ago, signed the petition and have cried and prayed for justice for these girls and their family every night since. I keep coming back to read the comments and gain a little more hope each time that Keara’s case will be re-opened and that disgusting excuse for a human being Karen gets what she deserves here on Earth and in Hell where I am sure she will be upon her death. I am planning on finding Keara’s grave site so that I can pray and lay flowers for her there as well. My heart goes out to you Bernadette, as well as your mother, Diane and all the friends and family who have lived this nightmare for far far too long. God Bless and I will keep praying and telling as many people as I can in Red Oak and the surrounding communities your story.
He was a wonderful, loving man who would have done anything to help someone in need.
Thank you for sharing, Penny!
Thanks for sharing, Penny!
@hikerbikermike: In early articles about the case, police said they weren’t ruling out the possibility that a woman was somehow involved. The number of stab wounds and the location of them definitely indicate the killing was personal in nature.
@Chad Lynch (answering questions by number): #1&2: The police found the money still in Michelle’s wallet, plus she was still wearing all her jewlery, so it wasn’t a robbery gone wrong. According to the articles, she couldn’t find the store where the coat was being held for her and that’s why she asked some classmates at the mall for money to use the payphone to call home. I don’t know if she eventually did find it and chose not to get the coat or what, as there was never any mention of a receipt or coat being found in the car. That angle has always puzzled me because her parents knew she was going to stop at the mall after the banquet to look at the coat and purchase it if she liked it, so why didn’t they just tell her what store it was at?
#3: I honestly can’t remember what all stores were in Westdale at that time. We’d only been out there once about a month after the mall opened in October and being a kid, I only paid attention to the stores that interested me. It’s possible there was a knife store in the mall, but I don’t think the weapon was purchased there by the killer, I think the killer carried the knife with him, either as part of his job or just out of habit (like carrying a pocket or buck knife).
#4: The rear door lock might’ve been broken, I’m not sure on that. Investigators never said if the lock was broken or not, but from the tone of the articles, it seems like they were treating it as a clue in the case.
#5: As far as the DNA goes, since they don’t have a name to go with it, it would be hard to match it to employment records. If the killer has since died, it’d be even harder.
#6: I’m not sure if the car was turned back over to Michelle’s parents after they were done processing it or if it’s still sitting in the CRPD impound garage as evidence. There was an article in the Gazette several years ago about the things they still had stored as evidence, but I don’t remember if the Martinko car was mentioned…I’ll have to see if I can track that article down. They also never said where the killer’s blood was found…it might’ve been in the car or it might’ve been on her coat or clothing. They never even said how they thought it was from a cut hand and not from any other injury the killer might’ve gotten in the struggle.
#7: Yeah, I think the mall security guards or maintenance workers would have some sort of passkeys and access to most areas of the mall.
#8: IIRC, the mall’s main office was by the JC Penney entrance where Michelle’s car was first parked when she went into the mall that night. There probably would’ve been a break room or even a locker room in that area for employees like the maintenance and security staff to store their coats/belongings and change out of their uniforms if they wanted. It was probably accessible through the interior “employees only” hallway by JC Penney. If the person who told me it was blood they’d found in that hallway was right, it makes sense because he would’ve gone to the locker room to change out of his bloodied clothing and treat his injured hand. That’s why I’m a little more apt to think he stashed the car in one of the loading docks near JC Penney or Montgomery Wards because he was at less risk of being spotted walking from the auto center to the mall to clean up, then turn around and walk back to the auto center to clean the car up and wait for the chance to ditch it.
#9: If the murder was the result of either a failed romantic relationship or an unrequited one, the killer might’ve been trying to protect his job, especially if Michelle threatened to go to his superiors over the situation. If he was married, she might’ve threatened to tell his wife. Either way, he had something at stake that made him take the time to clean up after himself. That’s what makes me think her killer was an older guy. A younger guy would’ve probably just panicked and either left the car at the kill spot and fled, or else driven it back to the mall and ditched it there without cleaning up. An older guy would’ve had the presence of mind (once the adrenaline wore off) to realize what a mess he was in and what he stood to lose if he didn’t clean up.
Hello–I have been meaning to get over here and reply to your comments-Kim, Chad Lynch and Hikerbikermike–awesome that you are talking the case and have an interest..I have high hopes this one will get solved. I administer the Facebook page “Michelle Martinko Cold Case 1979”. Please feel free to join! I was 12 and lived a few blocks away from Michelle, and that murder was part of the fabric of my young life in Cedar Rapids. In Fall of 2013 I decided to try and find out more–I hunted down Michelle’s older sister, her only living relative, and have since developed a friendship. I have interviewed many of her friends, boyfriends,teachers and neighbors. I have coffee about once a month or so with the cold case detectives and pass on any tips I get, which do come in fairly often. There are some interesting things in the case going on!
A few things that can be said:
There is no suspect at the moment. They are open to any scenario, any names. The police are constantly taking DNA swabs- about 12 already this year, and crossing names off lists. What this has done is that it has eliminated all the “obvious suspects”-Ex boyfriends, teachers,etc.
The DNA was discovered in 2006–I won’t quote anyone here, but feel I can say that it came from re-testing her clothes. The technology exists to take mingled blood and separate the victim’s blood and DNA from someone
elses. It is MALE DNA. That doesn’t mean a female ouldnt have been involve in some way–but the police are pursuing a male as the killer.
There were no fingerprints, so the assumption has always been he was wearing gloves. I have asked if the scene in the car showed signs of being “cleaned up”- detectives can tell if a scene has been sanitized-with that much blood in the car, it would be obvious to see “wipe marks”, etc.
The keys were in ignition, doors except back drivers side were locked.
No sexual assault-stabs mainly to chest, defensive wounds to hand, some cuts to face, which may have been directed to face or incidental in the skirmish and in fending off the knife. It was a knife with a point–not a tool or ice pick which has been offered other places. The paper reported early on that the weapon was unknown from the autopsy, but the paper never followed up on that. Years later another article did mention it was a knife, and police today confirm that.
The sketch isn’t given much weight these days–it was a composite based off descriptions by 2 women under hypnotism. It could look like him, it could look nothing like him….
The 1972 Buick Electra was never returned to the Martinko family- their insurance reimbursed them for it. It was destroyed a number of years ago by CRPD, as being seen as having no more evidentiary value.
The blood from JC Penney was recovered- it doesn’t match the DNA on hand, and was found to be remnants from an unrelated work incident at the mall.
The Wards mechanic idea was pursued, employees were questioned, nothing has come of that theory..
Michelle was living a life that has many mysteries to it–parts of her life were unknown even to closest friends– and right now I am working a theory that she may have been being extorted/manipulated into doing to some things that were not of her choice.
I am currently about to interview a man that darted her for a few years and while being eliminated as a suspect, I fell he knows many things that will shed light on her life and this case.
i will be updating on facebook when I can– fee free to ask any other questions– if I can, I will answer them according to what I know.
Thanks
Robert Riley
rriley@solutionsco.net
319-721-0580
From my perspective (as someone who uses distant autosomal matching, plus occasionally Y-STR testing, to identify unknown fathers) it is inexcusable that law enforcement has not at least had a 37-marker Y-STR done of the Y chromosome and then uploaded and run the results through Ysearch. Using Y-STR testing and then running the results through YSearch is likely to give a probable surname of the perp, especially if the perp is Caucasian.
This technology has been used for several years by adoptees, the children of sperm donors, foundlings, and Amerasians still stuck in Vietnam to identify their fathers.
In the past year and a half, I have managed to ID the fathers of several Amerasians using whole genome SNP genotyping technology and comparing it with distant matches, finding out where one distant cousin of a match married the distant cousin of another, and eventually being able to ID the father that way (verified, later, with DNA testing of close living relatives). Three months ago I was able to reunite a father with a child he hadn’t seen since 1968 using this technology and investigative method.
I have also managed to ID the fathers of two adoptees using 37-marker Y-STR testing and running the results through Ysearch.
Robert, email me at andreabaker2 at hotmail dot com and I can discuss this with you. If you could convince law enforcement to allow the testing to be done, I would be willing to contribute financially.
I emailed..
“Michelle was living a life that has many mysteries to it–parts of her life were unknown even to closest friends– ”
She was involved with an older married guy, wasn’t she?
We have a winner . . .
Even if she had a dark side and was doing things she shouldn’t have been doing, she didn’t deserve this.
Money is everything and people’s life’s come last. Thus needs to be investigated deeper.
That would have been 11 years ago, not 16.
Thanks for catching that, Sarah! It appears my partners, SIMPLE and MATH, clocked out early that day. :-)
I can’t believe you can get away with a murder & a horrible way to die because you are related to someone. This is unreal in this day & age!!! Why is no one outside protesting & picketing the Uncle’s office & home. If you can protest a Lion being killed where is the outrage over a defenseless little boy’s death. esp. being killed by his crazy mother!!!
Bring Rachel here in Mitchell County where I live…They would have thrown the book @ her here…Not enough evidence my ass……There was plenty of evidence…sounds like she wasnt a very good mother…There is plenty of evidence to convict her. They need to reopen this case and get off their asses!!..No excuses…….Her parental rights to Reggy should also be terminated.and Robin then should be allowed to adopt Reggy..By reading this I know that Reggy loves his mother but just by the comment he made..Why did she kill Ricky? Young children are very observant and inquisitive & pick up on things very quickly…especially in their surroundings…Justice needs to be served not only for Ricky but for their family….My deepest condolences to the family….God Bless You & May Sweet Little Ricky RIP….
kim love your passion! some questions 1 did they recover the $200 she had 2 the receipt for coat her parent must of rec! 3 wasnt there a knife shop there then cuttlery world 4 was the car door left unlocked broken? she figured she would lock what she could and look in the windows before getting in car 5 if they have blood sample dna and employment records and warrants got to think crpd cant miss that? 6 wheres the car now? 7 crpd probably think cut hand because blood if he drove the car on rearview mirror car door handle steering wheel maybe int roof Nose bleed blood there? i guess not impossible 7 westdale mall security people have keys and access to all secure spaces? 8 MW mech kills her drives to the shop closes the door cleans up the car fixes his hand opens the door drives out turns out lights parks car not knowing if someone has seen him or some body is already looking for her there mom dad or security and hopefully not leave any evidence back at the shop 9 What was the reason he goes to that much trouble that much time to clean up? This before dna got started mid to late 80s Just some thoughts.
The saddest part about this is that the ones who did this are probably gone now!
If they did in their sins they are now in hades. They will remain there until the Great White throne judgement before Christ Almighty (Revelation 20:11-15). They will then be cast into the lake of fire for all eternity. Even their idle words they will give an account (Matthew 12:36). This day of murder has not missed the all seeing eye of God.
Only an idiot believe these superstions in 2020….
So true!
They are paying for it now, for all eternity
Amen Keith!
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Thanks for sharing, Penny!
Peacock brother’s. & Wilson brother’s. their the same. check the tagged with at the top
Believe I found a witness today, Have to share with law enforcement first.
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Thanks for sharing, Penny!
I pray everyday that God will bring this wick person to justice; my sister had a heart of gold and a smile that warm any room and heart of others ! Please if anyone know anything!!! Please contact Waterloo cold case investigation dept or me 563-940-4168 Dessie Hines! Lord God we ask for a cold case to become a close case! That the family can start healing; especially the heart and soul of my niece Julie and David and their children. God we trust you for justice to be done this day! Amen??
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.
That poor baby. Ugh. So sad he suffered . I can’t imagine.
Jack Toomey, you are correct in that once police have arrested and charged a suspect with first-degree murder, they can officially clear/close the case. It’s then in the hands of prosecutors/defense attorneys, jury members, and (in bench trials) judges. Still, an acquittal means the suspect can’t be tried again due to Double Jeopardy. If a trial results in a guilty verdict, I don’t include those cases in the anniversary updates. And, I don’t always add these anniversary updates in some acquittals; it depends entirely on the case. I wanted to include John Jr.’s case as a reminder (perhaps warning) to the public that murder trials (as any attorney will tell you) are never about guilt or innocence; they are about winning. (Ask Alfredo Parrish, or O.J. Simpson’s attorneys, or any other criminal defense attorney.) I also wanted to include John Jr.’s anniversary because it exemplifies the “legal but unconscionable deceitfulness and depravity” taking place in courtrooms all over the U.S. every single day.
ICC, great work you do.
Curious, was a motive ever stated for why Michael would’ve done this? I read that they smoked marijuana together so Sr. and Michael knew each other, but still seems random that he would seek out the baby and murder him. Maybe I missed something. And has he been in trouble for any other serious crimes since?
In my opinion and I’ve been thinking about this case since it happened but I think the jury made a huge mistake when shutting Cisneros…I have a gut feeling and it’s been eating at me since his acquittal but to me all signs point to him..He made a comment that he didn’t know what happened to the little boy that drowned in the river..How would he have even known that because law enforcement hadn’t even released that information to the public.
There are many reasons also that he could have seeked out little John Jr & murdered him but I’m not going to reveal that right now..
He got off!!! That’s a shame!!!
The suspect can’t be arrested or tried again due to his Double Jeopardy protection. Why is it being featured as a Cold case?
That’s all generally true but since the case was closed by the arrest of the man who committed the murder why classify this a “cold case” and ask for tips, etc? Wouldn’t it be better to classify the case as “Iowa Historical Crime”?
The general public tends to believe “anything” a man in a suit says in a courtroom. Witnesses are asked to answer non-questions with only a Yes or No answer. (e.g. “Do you still beat your wife?” which only lead to false conclusions and questions like “So were you lying then or are you lying now?” Congress rewrites or enacts new laws every year, and in my personal opinion, potential jurors should be required to pass a very basic logic and reasoning test, along with a short exam proving they understand the true definition of “reasonable doubt.”
Thanks. That will be an afternoon of reading.
Jack Toomey, you are absolutely right. I’m so used to asking for tips at the end that I put it out there without thinking. In fact, rather than Historical Cases, I have a page on ICC for “Solved” crimes, and John Jr. was put on there right after the trial. https://iowacoldcases.org/solved/
Poor Little John, he was my favorite lil boy at Charlie Brown. His dad was a wonderful dad,
Iowa Cold Cases I had ran into John Sr. When he was here around the time of court for Michael, and him and I after all theses years stood with tears in our eyes over lil John!! The pain will never go away for his daddy and all that cared and loved him !
Carla Robinette, thank you for posting this. John Sr. was indeed a wonderful father, and had I been in his shoes, I’d have sued both criminal defense attorneys for slander. To accuse a loving father of murder just to get an acquittal for a client is unconscionable, but they’re paid to use every deceitful trick in the book. I’m not even sure why they make people swear on the Bible because the simple truth is, “Everybody lies.”
If you click on the pics it takes you to all court reports on the case. Not saying I believe this, but its possible.
If you read the case from KIMT reporters on the court proceedings it says that he left his Mom’s house after a fight. An hid in the woods from police by the river. He went to the bathroom, an wiped his hands on a piece of cloth laying in the tall grass. He had cut his hand at his Mom’s an that is how he got his dna on the pj’s
In a report by Kimt, it said he had a cut. Not saying I believe him, I’ve known him since he was a kid… I know how he lies. Just the report I read this morning
Cheri, just wanted to clarify a couple of things for readers. Cisneros only “urinated” in the tall grass, and if he’d grabbed John Jr.’s pajama bottoms to “wipe off his hands,” the blood droplets on the cloth would have been “smeared” as he wiped his hands from the alleged cut he received at his mother’s. The pj bottoms include nothing but blood droplets – nothing “smeared” at all. And, he hadn’t just gotten into a fight with his mother. She had KICKED HIM OUT OF THE HOUSE that night.
That BS our judicial system is so messed up
Hi Jody, again I just want to thank you for your attention and time. Thank you for noting the bathtub incident, I will never take credit for something I don’t recall. I felt that made me look like a little hero but I wasn’t, just a scared kid that grew up wishing I would have done something. I see how smart and I afraid kids are today and wish I would have had announce of their nerve, just then maybe this story wouldn’t be written and many people wouldn’t be hurt but maybe remember me as a complete brat. As perfect as I try to be… I would take that “bad” title any day instead of losing my sister so horrifically.
Jordan, the only differences in the “bathtub” account were about whether you or Keara were put in first. The investigative reports (a lot of it info provided by your Aunt Sandra) make it clear that you were put into the tub first and then left to “handle” your unresponsive little sister. You have every right to feel like a little hero because even at 5 years of age, you knew enough to keep your sister’s head above water. The damage had already been done by then, and there was nothing you could do to save Keara.
The fact that she was unable to speak seems to indicate that the violent shaking also caused traumatic brain injury. (Like shaken baby syndrome.) I do not understand why Karen wasn’t charged with first-degree murder back when this happened. What’s also truly awful is that investigators didn’t even think to interview you or the others at the time.
Luckily, you conveyed all the information to your Aunt Sandra after it happened, and what you said even as a child matched up perfectly with the autopsy report and death certificate. You had the courage to speak up at the time it mattered most (right after the crime) when all the details were still fresh in your mind. You (luckily) survived, and because of that can be a voice for Keara even today. Every victim deserves a voice.
It took me a little longer to rewrite the case summary than I thought, but I’ve double-checked every reference and there are no “opinions” in my writing — only facts that are backed up in documented reports. I hope either Sen. Ernst or Gov. Branstad get things moving on this case. Even without their help, I don’t see how the case can “not” be reopened now that the information has been put out there. I’m so glad Michelle Smith posted her comment about babysitting the two of you; even as a 4-year-old, you already had an innate sense that Keara needed your help. Rest assured, she knew you were there for her.
Jody, I want you to know your efforts are appreciated. Maybe I no longer recall other details that I may have done it told Asa child. As I got older some things seemed so far fetched that I started doubting myself. The only thing I most deffinatly remember is the locking us out, be telling, Karen coming out in rage hurting my sister that she could not sit up in the tub, McDonald’s, the next day on the swing set, Karen bringing Keara to laundry room leaving her in there, and the laundry room exploding, then an elderly woman talking to me. Everything in between is black, no recollection until the day my mother picked me up from the police department.
Bernadette, this is why I applaud you for having given the details about the fire to your aunt when everything was still fresh in your mind. Most of us can rarely remember all details about events that took place when we were five, but, if a 5-year-old child tells an adult about something right after it happens, all the details are still fresh and clear in the 5-year-old’s mind. The adult can then carry the information forward because they know few 5-year-olds will remember “everything.” In your case, confiding to your Aunt Sandra was like having your own personal diary or journal, and she literally became your “keeper of memories.”
It’s only natural for us to sometimes “doubt” whether or not we remember traumatic childhood events correctly, even though we remember the most important details. Your Aunt Sandra wouldn’t have had all the specifics if you hadn’t shared them with her at the time. Your description of what happened actually mirrors what’s said in the autopsy report and on the death certificate.
Your sister’s case is not the first on ICC where an autopsy report/death certificate provides a detailed analysis of fatal injuries but draws an “accidental” death conclusion because the M.E. often wasn’t told the truth about ‘how’ certain injuries were sustained.
It would be like a medical examiner noting that the deceased person suffered “three gunshot wounds to the head at close range,” but then marking the Manner of Death as “accidental.” Yes, that’s TOTALLY ridiculous, but no more so than your sister’s death being marked accidental despite the M.E.’s previous explanation of a 3-year-old child deemed “immobile” from acute spinal cord injuries before the fire, and the same immobile child (who couldn’t walk, move, stand, or speak) allegedly walking into a laundry room and reaching up and pulling down a GALLON container of paint thinner and then prying off the child-proof lid and spilling the contents all over herself in such a clever way that not even the state fire marshal’s office could determine the fire’s point of origin.
Amateur arsonists will often set two or even three separate fires within close proximity to throw off investigators as to point of origin. Serial arsonists (educated quickly by trial and error) soon learn how to create a destructive blaze causing intense devastation while covering a vast amount of space all at the same time. Hence: no identifiable point of origin.
Damn, it’s so heartbreaking thinking about what must have been going through your dad’s head on the way home after he knew he’d surprise you all by having stopped at McDonald’s.
Jody: I appreciate most of your sentiment and sympathy which is clearly present in your comments. Your anger over this tragedy is also very evident. We are definitely on the same sheet of music. This beautiful girl’s death should be cleared by a complete and thorough investigation. I agree. But I also read in your comments all the assertions you make about “this means this” and “that means that” and together this “evidence” proves this conclusion. You sound like a trained, experienced crime scene investigator. Is that the case? Where does this wealth of investigative knowledge come from? It would help me understand how you have formed your obvious conclusions about this incredibly sad case.
My background is that of detective in the Criminalistics Division of the Kansas City, Mo, Police Department and the Jackson County, Mo, Sheriff’s for twenty-five years. I investigated hundreds of murders, suicides, and unknown DOAs during my time with those agencies. My training was through state, regional, and national academies, universities, schools, and seminars. I cannot ever recall when I was able to perform the kind of assessments and pronouncements, you seem to have made, from reading articles in the newspapers and comments on the Internet. Please correct me if I’m wrong. While I, too, may have a number of very strong, personal opinions about this particular case, I also know, having learned this from many years of courtroom testimony, that what I can prove in a court of law and what I simply cannot are two entirely different things.
Thoughts???
Mr. Bowermann, I agree with your comments. However, the medical examiner as far as I know is supposed to determine the cause of death.
I assume you attended a number of autopsies and documented their findings or attached a copy of the report to your case reports.
So, I sort of appears that the M.E., in this case may have depended on information from the police, to support his opinion on the cause of death.
But, then are a number of deaths across this country, that the cause of death is undetermined.
Donnie,
Thank you for taking time to comment on this case (and I’m happy to answer your questions), though admit I’m confused at your assertion that I performed the assessments here based simply on “reading articles in the newspapers and comments on the Internet.” Respectfully, that could not be further from the truth.
At the very top of Keara’s case summary, it clearly states that the following information on her case is based on official reports from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the State Fire Marshal Division/Arson and Explosives Bureau, the State of Iowa Certificate of Death issued for Keara Coshow, official Information Reports filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Information Reports filed with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, along with personal telephone conversations and communications with the highly respected retired homicide detective Janet Franson, who invested a great deal of time on Keara’s case after retiring from the Lakeland (FL) PD. (Her work with the Doe Network, NCMEC and NamUs is all cited in the case summary, which is how she learned about Keara’s case.)
Keara’s late aunt, Sandra Coshow, and Keara’s sister Bernadette were instrumental in working with both Janet and then me insofar as poring through official investigative reports like the Arson and Explosives Bureau’s “Investigation Report — Case # 7907361, dictated Aug. 1, 1979, and prepared by [then-State Fire Marshal Division] Special Agent Roy Marshall.
I have hard copies of every report cited here, which I did not just go “pull off the Internet” or get from reading newspaper articles. (I had to smile, though, at the thought of “Ohhh…If-only-it-were-that-easy.”) Keara’s case here reflects solid research through every official agency who played a role in investigating her death and is based on facts — not opinions.
You asked about my training. I worked as a journalist before founding the Iowa Cold Cases website in 2005, and am an Iowa State University graduate with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree with concentration areas in Communications, Social Science, and Criminal Justice Studies. I’ve attended my share of conferences as well, and from ICC’s outset have worked as a liaison between tipsters, victims’ family members, local, state, and federal law enforcement officials. (And, yes, you are absolutely correct in that there’s a vast difference in knowing who committed a crime and being able to prove it in a court of law.)
Victim’s family members sometimes provide me with autopsy reports when unusual injuries are involved or complicated terms used, and, because I am not a physician or medical examiner but want readers to understand what role these injuries may have played in contributing to a death, I do more of what I’ve been taught to do: research. Do the fatal injuries always match up with the “this is what happened” decedent history needed prior to autopsy? Not always. M.E.’s do their jobs and report their findings, but it gets tricky when they get to Manner of Death. These people work together, after all. “Undetermined” is neutral. “Accidental” is something else entirely. Case over. Cleared. Closed. Suspicions arising later will sometimes face a tightly locked door. Still, these are exceptions. Not the rule. Every case is different. So are the different individuals investigating them.
Jody @ ICC
Shared
Thanks for sharing, Alice!
Yeah…His DNA is there so that proves that he was there…Sounds like the people running the courts are inexpierenced..Running them like a Circus Act…..Such a sad story….Little John Jr didnt deserve this……..hopefully the family will someday find some closure to all of this………
How did Cisneros DNA get there then? Everyone who dealt with this case should under investigation. This is Kangaroo court in the name of a little boy. Wtf
I’m not sure how someone could find this to be funny
S/he may have clicked on the wrong icon, and not realized that clicking it again will undo it.
Sarah Rushton I can empathize. A few days ago my sister posted family reunion photos, and I thought I’d clicked the very happy face like shown above, and instead it posted an “Angry” emoticon. I simply got lucky by clicking it again and then clicking another one.
Anti-Discrimination Laws, Iowa’s 16 Drainage Laws, and Iowa’s Property Rights did not stop the farmers and investors (like Judge McKinley) that own the 50,000 acres being drained illegally down the Sinkholes in the National Designated Wetland’s Aquifer Recharge Area. My Charge against the USDA-NRCS in February of 2007 that Adam helped me file did not even get answered the Remediation was put on Hold and Adam was murdered two weeks later, after I refused to take two million for the damages to my farm by their illegal digging and channeling of Flood Drainage over roads and through homes and farms.
I refused to take that pay off for the new channel they built illegally through my farm without my permission and without their even getting an Environmental Impact Study done first or even a 401 Permit or a 404 Permit that I a woman farmer was required to get and keep in compliance with.
The IDNR and the USDA-NRCS are hiding the on-going pollution and are not warning well owners Downstream of the Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers polluting our drinking water in Iowa. When the levels increase the Anhydrous Ammonia pulls Arsenic and Lead into our drinking water. And when the IDNR tells us to Chlorinate for the CAFO bacteria the Anhydrous Ammonia can develop Trihalomethanes and we private well owners are not being told to test for that deadly contaminant either.
Steve King says he was defending “white men when he claimed they had contributed more to Western Civilization than other “sub-groups” as far as I see, the “white men/Good Old Boys” group I had to fight against and lost family and animals and our pet to were like Steve King.
King fosters hate and discrimination and an ‘us against them” attitude with his support of Non-Enforcement of our Iowa Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act. More Big Oil Corps are owned by rich white men and we are drinking their unlimited chemical (Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer) that their profits have built up in our drinking water. He is correct on more White Men like the Koch Brothers have profited from the polluting of Iowa’s source waters with both Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers, but because of that contribution I developed cancer and other health issues.
Now the last excuse for the IDNR not disclosing drinking-water data to the EPA or the Iowans drinking it is the “DNR says it doesn’t want to harm property values in disclosing drinking water-data”. Monday, July 18th, 2016 after the EPA was concerned about Iowa not informing Iowans about high Lead tests on their drinking water.
What if Baron was drinking lead from his gold faucet’s water, wouldn’t it be important?
It was heart breaking for me to find out too late, that I had given that Arsenic/Lead/Atrazine/Ammonia Nitrogen as N/CAFO Bacteria/Trihalomethane contaminated water to my family because the IDNR had denied me access to my wells tests data.
All about protecting innocent people.
If all of these missing people were some how connected the person responsible would be 62 years old. If you closely look at the year or location in which the person went missing the years aren’t too far apart, some being very close together. That also includes locations though. Most of these locations are only a couple hours apart but are still in a general area. The ones that seem to be more than two hours apart from each other tend to go missing a couple months apart. I think there’s a pattern involved but I also think it was the same person responsible for all of these people. It’s possible except for the case of 1930. Also if most of these cases involved a person being seen in a car, and then never again it’s also quite possible the person is still out there.
I posted the petition on Red Oak’s Facebook page…I am one of the administrator’s of the page…last I looked we needed 17 more signatures….we went from 195 to 17 in just a matter of a couple of days so I am certain we will be able to get the rest need to send the petition on to our senators…I am so sorry for Keara and what her family have been through…seems like someone dropped the ball…hope we can get some closure for this family with this petition.
Please keep us posted..and good luck
We are now over the 500 mark…I think that is all we needed to send the petition on to Sen. Joni Ernst and Gov. Terry Branstad.
Has the petition been sent to Senator Ernst or Governor Branstad?
Thank you for doing this and many thanks for your support.
This is horrible
Beautiful Boy
A lot of arsonist become firefighters because it allows them access to the excitement of fire. Isn’t it more than a little suspicious that the building was used for firefighter training two months prior and it was decided that “if this building burns, everyone is going to die” and then two very strategically placed fires were started?
how did she get by with the drano incident in the first place. this is nuts. where is the justice.
It is really, really a shame that the Statutes Of Limitation in Iowa for Wrongful Death is 2 years.
Bernadette….don’t ever think for a second that you failed your sister. I know you and Keara. I babysat you and Keara when you were 4 and Keara was 2. I saw the abuse and reported it constantly. My husband and I wanted to keep you and Keara and not give you back. We assumed the ‘system’ would take care of you. The times and the system failed you. At my house at nap time you never napped. You would try to quiet Keara so she would sleep. You would hold her hand. You would help get her ready when it was time to leave. I’m sure this was done out of fear. And you were only 4 years old. My heart goes out to you and what you girls endured. I’m so so sorry I didnt or couldn’t have done more. You both are in my heart forever!
Wow thank you Michelle, I would love the opportunity to text/ talk to you. I don’t remember you, but to be honest my mind only has limited memories but the night before and day of are vivid. A friend is helping me write my book. More information would be great, many have told me that I tried to protect her but unfortunaltly I think it was the other way around because she got the worst of it. My cell is 612-655-5982. Personal email is bcoshow@outlook.com
Thank you for reading my reply. I’ve haven’t even read the whole article yet. I get more and more upset. I thought that when I first saw it on my Facebook that maybe there had been an arrest or something that would be close to closure. I was wrong. You and Keara have never been out of my thoughts and heart. I’m somewhat deaf now and have a hard time talking on the phone but I will certainly contact you and help in any way I can. I know another person who may have imformation. She was friends with an older sister Kelli I think and always suspected something wasn’t right. I’ll get a hold of her. Hang in there. Somehow some way that evil person has to pay!
There is a petition on change.org for this child— not sure when it was created orif it is still active. “Re-open the case of Keara Coshow. 37 year old cold case in Red Oak, Iowa”
When there is a fire of any kind then all the people involved names should go into a database. If any other fires come up, as soon as the person’s name is entered then everything prior would be able to come up as well.. If this can be done for criminals I don’t see why it can’t be done with fires reported as well. It would start putting pieces of the puzzle together. This database can be connected nationwide just as the criminal justice systems database’s are.
Sounds like they already know who did it.
Oh, yeah. They’ve known since the day he died.
Why is this nasty person not in jail for killing this 3 year old she should be on death row if I knew what she was going to go and beat up but
I’m so happy that there are people who are picking up the ball on this. I have gone unheard on this and wondered why so many people “Iowa” could continue to look away at all that happened throughout the years. Karen’s x husband Ken Gerner Stated prior to what happened to Keara there were incidents of fires and questionable death. Bernadette suffered greatly, she is so strong and so devoted to her children and grandson, as well as a fighter for others.
Debra, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am eternally thankful to Det. Janet Franson for alerting me to this case, and hope that something will come of it since the info is now out there for the general public to see. You’re right in that Bernadette is strong (probably more so than she even knows) and it’s reflected in her love for her children and grandson. Is Karen’s ex-husband Ken Gerner still alive? He may be able to provide a wealth of information.
Terrible….only 16 years old. I hope you find out who did this.
I knew Jackie in high school. It was shocking to hear what happened back then. It is always terrible to hear such things, but even worse when you know who it is. I cannot imagine how that must be for the family…especially parents. God be be with you and bless you all.
Blind her ass with Drano burn her and shoot her let her bleed then when she is almost dead shoot her up with adrenaline and do it all over again for several days or weeks!!! This makes me sick!! No child deserves anything in this kind of sick nature!!!
Exactly! Anything else would be too good for the psycho! I’m saddened at how law enforcement really messed this case up. Prayers to keara and her sisters, and mother.
Attn:Bernadette.
My heart goes out yo your sister. Shame on social services for failing do there job. Abuse shud never be taken lightly. Hospital or Dr seeing and knowing abuse is present should be number 1 person to tell a social worker remove child now…
Well, shame on your dad for stayi,g with this female for convience to babysit his kids so he cud work…he had to have known…
Well…
A drunk person brags and a drunk person talks,i think you need to give that horrible woman booze and dump your hate and pretend, be wired, but allow her to think your her best Fd and dump your drinks, you need to be on ur game, you complain bout little children saying they little brats and I promise the words to a drunk person will strike up her interest she will agree and with your lies saying bad children hate brats bla bla she bring drunk will brag, about facts, she will say how great you were, and pain that sister was, you need hold back tears and rage, but trust me, you will get a drunk abuser to brag, you laugh, you tell her good job, you say what she wants to hear to get your confessions, drunk pp do brag, tell what they did, and unconciously say to much, thanks to alcohol I’ve solved lots of secrets…….
If you can’t get her drinking find a woman who will be wired and do it for you… Trust me please she will confess. After you get your confession. Dig up her property, or a area she says she enjoys or always goes to, you will find dead and tortured animals as she enjoys the power of control and likes the fear pp and animals have she feels powerful and a ego built of stone due to never getting caught. Finding her burial grounds you will have all you need to close this case. And a drunk confession to put your sisters death at ease to rest. This woman, this abuser, has been doing it since she was a teen, Somethg happened to her ypung, and she committed a crime very young and got away with it, I since a family member she killed, she got away with it….it started her ego and her power trip of being and feeling unstoppable, she has been killing since a teenager… After her first kill of a person for whatever reason animals followed, talk to her town where she lived as a teen ask who died a family member or her best Fd maybe, someone close to her, and it wasn’t a death of abuse to her I since she was a best for nice choice of words, and she killed out of rage for not getting what’s he wanted, jealousy, teasing, someone raged her she snapped, killed, got away with it, and the cycle began….
So on this said… You need to be wired or someone you Trust even undercover female cop, and lots of booze go truck up conversation animals you selling a Doberman or rotty, catch her attention, and keep shots coming, add in the conversing kids how they are fucking brats it will catch her but 1st 91st when she is sloppy drunk , don’t bring up sooner, and you tell a lie, say a secret you hurt a child broke a arm or somethg, then let her top your crime with gets its all about her remember … Fuel it with more booze and more lies from you or your helper whom is wired, recording everythg, a cop set up will help wear a wire and this is all you need… I hope you get her….
Interestingly enough she was interviewed about a bunch of animals in her area being shot with bow and arrow. My 1st thought was that it was her doing it.
Could the point of origin be the child itself? The fire marshal couldnt tell but seems to me if the child was burned that bad and the cloths around her was still identified and still smelled like the thinner then maybe she was the point of the fire.
Amber, fire investigators didn’t believe the point of origin was the child. According to reports, the paint thinner had been poured from the corner of the room where the water heater was, all the way across Keara and then almost up to the laundry room’s door. That way, before leaving the room, a match or lighter set to the paint thinner near the door would have automatically flashed across the whole room at once, thus the “explosion” sound that Bernadette heard.
i would like to know who the social worker was?
Are you kidding me with this?! They seriously just let that bitch walk away!! She needs some southern justice. Is the stepmother still alive?
She should be known for what she did !
Kcci someone needs to share this
this site is awesome . i love reading through the different counties, cold cases. i’m in montgomery county and some of these are very interesting keep up the good work!!
Wow! Thanks so much for the wonderful compliment! It is indeed both a passion and a labor of love for me. I never stop looking in the rear-view mirror, always hoping a new set of eyes on the case or an investigator’s new theory or even justice itself might not be far behind.
Your words meant a lot to me. Thank you again!
How could all of this evidence been ignored by so called ” experts ” I wonder what this beautiful little girl would have been like today if ” evil ” hadn’t have taken her precious life, I’ll be sharing this with my Iowa Families Against Violent Death group, this happened 24 miles from where I live now, hopefully someone in my group will be able to help. Prayers sent to all the family members.
Thank you for sharing?
Lorrie, I’m writing a blog post right now about that very thing (how cases like this slip through the experts’ cracks). Thanks so much for sharing this with your Violent Death group!
Any time Jody, I talked to my cousin that’s lived in Red Oak for years, not her or anyone she’s talked to have ever heard of this case, this makes me wonder if it even made it to the newspaper.
It was in the red oak paper July 16th 1979 and August 9th 1979. Very brief but in the paper.
Any way you can get the info. that was in the paper and post it on here ?
Lorrie, I found the two articles and now have them posted on Keara’s page. If you click on them, they will open up and can be viewed on a larger scale. Jordan, thanks so much for providing the helpful dates!
To think Mr Coshow stood by that garbage and still is with her, no man woman or creature comes before my child, I’m paranoid and I’ll kill whoever harm’s my child or any child in my presence for they are dependent on us for protection.
My heart breaks for you Bernadette as your childhood was filled with so much pain and suffering, the helplessness you must’ve felt watching your little sister be murdered. God will have his way in the end. Please don’t let that evil monster take anymore from you.
How sad that the justice system and Social Services failed to protect and get justice for these girls. What a bunch of buffoons! Bernadette, you should carry no guilt–you were a child for God’s sake. I hope you will find peace sometime in your life. May be bad to say, but I hope that woman dies a painful death, as painful as what she put that little girl through.
This case should truly be put upfront in the media,tv,newspapers..this affects all in Iowa
How can someone live with themselves after taking a life!
R.I.P. my friend.
This is the strangest Cold Case I have ever read about. This is something from an episode of 48 Hours, hard to believe true life story!!! WOW!!
If it’s not to late to reopen the case why don’t they talk to the people who saw all the abuse an the facts that led up to the poor baby being left in the laundry room and then it explodes. Not calling the fire department to help her baby. I would try and go in and save her.
Thank you for getting back to me, Jody. That case profoundly affected me also. I was two months shy of my 13th birthday at the time. Reading the full account 70 years later on-line brought the whole thing back! Those of us who believe in God know that justice will eventually be done even though they never caught the perpetrator. Or did they? I can’t image that the family wouldn’t know who did it, since this deranged person knew exactly where that baby was! Maybe someone in the family just quietly “took care of business.” and the police looked the other way. Anyway, please DO keep me posted
Love you, Adam. And I miss you every day.
Myranda Nycole Kazos
she is 77 , I would still kick her ass if I lived by her.. What an unspeakable thing to do, this poor baby..Where is her real mom? And how on God’s green Earth did the father still stay with her? People amaze me, I would literally die without my kids.. I hope she gets a severe beating, she will pay.. Rest easy baby girl, there will be justice for you XXOOX <3
I have no appropriate words. I am outrage and my heart physically hurt reading this. I can only pray that these people realize that God don’t like ugly and they will have to answer someday
If you’re going to trial with circumstantial evidence you need a strong theory of the means (murder weapon) which you can then trace back to the suspect. It’s obvious, from her own admission, Terri Supino was there that night, but I find it hard to believe the medical examiner never determined what the murder weapon was — perhaps even exhuming the bodies to reexamine the wounds. If the prosecution could say X was the murder weapon and Supino had access to X, it would’ve strengthened their case beyond reasonable doubt.
Were there ever any theories on the murder weapon? This is where the case hinged and why it wasn’t determined is beyond me. . .
Please people come forward..and make wrong right. .and her pay.even if she just looses all her friends.dont be afraid. This. Baby did not deserve this.
Someone should look into the number of fires that Karen has been involved in. House fires, car fires, church fires I mean come on!
Car and church? Can you give more information?
I would also love more information about the car fires and church fires. Is this woman a serial arsonist? I can’t stand the thought of all the animals perishing in the Country Critters fire, but based on the “exotic” animals they kept, I’d be willing to bet those wolves and reptiles had insurance policies attached to them. Or, perhaps just the building was insured, and it would have looked too suspicious to “remove all the animals” before setting the fire.
This makes me sick to my stomach.
Our church had a fire in 2/94 extensive damage to the interior of the building and the Coshows were the ones to discover it and the last ones at the building as they did maintanance. This happened in Shenandoah Ia.
Just came across this case and don’t have all the background like the rest of you. That said, here are my immediate impressions. My first thought this was a woman who killed her because of the statement that she was attacked in the face and chest. Face is so very pesonal….jealousy. So is chest / breasts. I just keep thinking “jealousy”, and the jealousy of a female. If a women didn’t actually kill her, did a woman have someone do this? Again, jealousy the motive. Sticking to the jealousy theme, maybe some socially awkward, demented guy made an attempt to get to know her and believes he was rebuffed. He was enraged at being rebuffed and attacked. The personal nature of the attack to the face just keeps taking me back to a female…..
I’m at a loss For words…. My aunts love was great and she is on the other side still pushing this case. I gave up when the attorney blew me off. This is how I have learned to cope… Try to forget it and hope that a God really exists and brings this to light. It is unfair that Karen has gotten to live life and be viewed as a good woman. But it is what it is… She will get wind of this and either a fire or a heart issue will happen. I thank anyone who steps up, speaks the truth and brings this to light. Mostly I thank my aunt for having the nerve and balls to do this for my sister who I failed.
Dear Bernadette, I’m so glad you posted here and please don’t ever, ever blame yourself for what happened to your little sister! You were just a 5-year-old child at the time and no match for an enraged, violent woman. Knowing Keara’s case was passed off as an accidental death (even when the fire marshal’s office couldn’t find a point of origin for the fire and they *had* to know a blind 3-year-old couldn’t open a gallon of paint thinner), would be a traumatic thing to live with, and I can’t imagine the frustration you’ve faced over the years trying to get word out about what really happened.
Your Aunt Sandra was an extremely courageous woman for pursuing justice for Keara decades after the crime. I can’t tell you how saddened I was when doing research and discovering your aunt had just recently passed.
I am also forever grateful to Janet Franson, the retired homicide detective who first alerted me to this unsolved case. I could tell in our phone conversations and in the written documents she sent to me how much this case meant to her. I am going to do my very best to ensure Keara’s life is not forgotten and make every effort to convince the state fire marshal’s division that your sister’s death was anything but an accident. Do you remember the name of the long-time tenant who also witnessed what Karen did? Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see included here on Keara’s page.
By the way, I just finished doing an update to the page, adding in a section called “Postscript” at the end and telling readers about what Karen and your father have been doing for the past several years. I honestly don’t think your father understood the extent of what Karen did to you girls during the day while he was away at work. And, yes, she will quickly discover that this case is now online; during my searches, I came across some other news site that had “picked up the story” (chromesplash.com) and Keara’s case is listed under a number of different categories. The site features many, many crimes, with the top 10 most popular listed in the sidebar. Keara is already included in that Top 10 list.
A Google search using just three words — karen coshow iowa — brings up Keara’s case as the #1 result. There has to be investigators/detectives out there who’d be willing to take on the case and finally provide justice for Keara and all of you. There is no statute of limitations on murder, so despite the fire and Keara’s death both being ruled accidental, Karen could still be charged with first-degree arson and first-degree murder.
I’m just so sorry for the suffering and pain both you and Keara endured at Karen’s hands, and for you having to grow up without your sister. There is still hope.
There is also a Bible message from “Shawshank Redemption” that I often like to quote, only I add my own interpretation: “His judgment cometh, and that right soon … and he who cometh will be bearing handcuffs.”
Thank you Jody, and great thanks to Janet as well. If one day I have the privledge to meet either of you, I could be so greatful. I do not know the elderly lady that was a “long term resident”. I only remember her coming to sit with me when all the commotion was going on. I don’t ever ren remember her prior to that day, I actually thought she was an Angel until my aunt told me she was a resident. I don’t want to sound like whoa as me, but truth is life has been hard, being ignored by those that could help. I’ve had many supporters that wish they could help… When my aunt started all this I gave up, she gave me hope but then we got shut down again so I gave up. That’s how I deal with life, it’s just a big injustice and all I can do is live day to day the best I can, treat people good and look for light in others. I have always seen death as a better option, but my attempts have failed so I choose now to just live as stated above.
I would gladly look into the case but sadly I’m only a criminal justice student. I think this should be investigated and would love any and all information to be provided. I would look into this in my free time which I have alot of and would try to help at all costs.
This is horrifying! These people live within a few short miles of me and to know this now really pisses me off! I think someone needs to investigate another fire in Pottawattamie County as well. The house they were living in with their animals caught fire and I believe some of the animals perished. I suppose this was an ACCIDENT too. Just saying, maybe an arsonist as well as a murderer.
I was just thinking the same. I remember hearing about the Country Critters having a fire. This needs pursued….
Oh my gosh! I had no idea that “Country Critters” also had a fire. Do you know what year this took place, and where they lived at the time? Anyone who’s watched Forensic Files has seen cases where the perp — as long and he/she isn’t caught the first time around — will continue committing crimes in the same manner.
The fire took place in the winter of 08/09, and they lived outside of Macedonia.
I am so sorry you have had to endure this. Have you been able to get a second autopsy opinion from what evidence there is? With new technology maybe another coroner would be able to determine foul play so you could petition the courts to change her manner of death which would reopen the case. I pray you find justice for your sister. Maybe with enough publicity your stepmother will slip up in front of the wrong person.
As you were a child at the time. I can’t imagine there is anything a child could do in this situation. Hopefully this petition gets the attention it deserves so at least your family has answers, if not justice.
That’s horrible. Is the stepmother still around?
Holy cow, get her!!!
Yes, the stepmother still lives with Wayne and they operate some program called “Country Critters” where they attend schools with wolves and reptiles and other creatures they own. Karen has been involved in several “fire” incidents since Keara’s murder, including one that killed many of the country critter animals. They’ve moved around a lot, but I believe they currently live in Red Oak again.
It would be true justice for that monster to “accidentally” have the same thibg happen to her. If only Dexter Morgan was a real person and not a tv show character. RIP to the sweet angel that was tortured so viciously. The father deserves the same as well for not protecting his daughters.
Idiots ask the 3 witnesses
Tammy AckmanI had a wonderful Mother & I just can’t imagine this happening to any child.. I am so sorry for you having to go through this. Where was your father or other family members while this was going on. And I wonder if this poor little girl had sisters & brothers.. Someone surely saw her abuse going on. Someone needs to find this women & kick her ass in the dark!!!
I read somewhere that she had an older sister that was also abused but not to this extent.
Any other witnesses that could be contacted? This little girl really deserves justice. :(
Danee Johnson Zwerk Yes, she did, and I am currently in touch with Bernadette. She was one of the three witnesses but was only 5 years old at the time.
As I read this I trembled. Then I had flashbacks of when my mother poured boiling water on me, 70 percent of my body. And the house fire she started with me in it but I was saved. And how every night she would crank up water heater and then run straight hot water over my feet. Child services failed me but not as bad as this girl. R.I.P. sweety. God’s wrath and justice awaits those responsible.
I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry that happened to you.
Me too – that’s horrendous ?
Thanks for your kind words. So much more happened I just don’t talk about. I was clinically dead but brought back by EMT or drs at least 4 times. I was made to live with my horrible parents for 5 years before child service’s took me away..
I’m so sorry you suffered so horrifically and by those who were suppose to love and protect you. I desperately want to help children being absued and mistreated. I hope you have been able to find peace, joy and love in your life since then. ?
I have. I married and divorced two abusive men but have been blessed with 6 children and 7 grandchildren. My dad made amends before he died 8 years ago. My mother is alive but I have no contact. I just await the day I hear she has died. That will be my final closure.
May I suggest a really great read? It’s called “the emotionally abusive relationship, how to stop being abused and how to stop abusing.” By Beverly (?). You deserve to have good people in your life, whether romantic or otherwise. This book was a game changer for me.
Oh my God, I’m so sorry to hear your short version story. I understand momentarily loosing contro but to do something so plotted out…. Sad. I am glad your here to share your story, I hope eventually you got justice?
Tammy I am so sorry that happened to you. No child deserves a sick monster for a mother. I will pray for you and hope you have found some peace in your life.
I hope she burns in hell
Horrific! My god, they must reopen this!
Burned to death and a 3yo at that. RIP my dear baby. And wtf is anyone doing! Oh I pray for judgement day on this woman. This community let this poor baby down.
it says she carried the child in laundry room at motel moments later it explodes odd an came out with out her odd she is only 3 yrs old
I would think that law enforcement would know if Les was in fact in jail during the time frame of the murder or not…
Les was laying on the couch with a cocaine fueled headache and did not look when someone entered the house and apparently took the baby (per statements given by Les)…. I’m sorry I dont care who you are, you are going to look when someone enters your house especially if are “high” because paranoia of being caught sets in. There is no doubt in my mind he is the one who murdered this baby. Karma will catch up to him and when it does I hope and pray it hurts like hell.
This breaks my heart…. This person( I won’t call her a mother because she doesn’t deserve that) deserves to be held accountable. Too many times children fall victims to trash like this and nothing is ever done until it’s too late. I hope that the family finally will get some closure
Horrible!!!
Anyone with info?!? Sounds to me like they had everything they needed the day it happened. Sickening. Heartbreaking.
So scary for this little girl. So sad…
This makes me so angry!
Dear God in heaven…how could someone live with themselves after doing this or knowing about it and doing nothing? May all of them rot in hell. Each and every one of them.
Yet social services will take kids for Marijuana.
Just saying.
How awful! Sick woman;
Another child victimized by a caregiver and the protective agency that’s suppose to PROTECT HER!!!
That poor baby
This is sick! Poor baby!
Absolutely sickening. Law enforcement is sure dense.
I get that the Step Mom probably won’t ever be brought to justice. But what about making sure that her friends/co-workers and acquaintances know what is lurking in her past. Someone should track them down and make sure they know that people haven’t forgotten what they have done.
I’m Workin on that
Find this monster and prosecute her. Someone say something.
Find her & set her ass on fire! Somebody send me an address…
Stepmom is alive and well from what I have read..
How. Much evidence so they need . God knows the truth and she will have to answer to God one day
This just makes me sick to my stomach. What that poor little child must have gone through. There is a special place in heaven for little angels like Keara. And there is a very special place in hell for people like that animal that killed her!!
Amen
Karma can’t come soon enough for this scumbag. I just hope someone can reopen the case.
What happened to the step mother? Karma, I hope
We can only hope and pray Karma kicked her a$$
Nothing at all, she has lived her life free to see her family, go to church, lie to many with a few times being questioned but then again let alone to live her life.
Bernadette, I am so sorry this happened to you n your sister. I am certain it has affected you all your life. God bless n keep you and HE will judge that woman in the end. I don’t get why your Dad stood by during all the events b4 and after?? I pray for justice n healing for you
Nothing, she lives and breathes freely. I have come to the conclusion, it will take money to re-open this case, and get some type of resolution. Im working on that, but so much tome has passed.
This is so sad!!! How can someone do that to a baby???!!
The State of Iowa, the City of Red Oak, the Fire Marshall, the people who knew about the abuse, as well as the hospital staff all failed this poor little girl! My heart breaks for her and her sister!
Interesting, that the case was never reopened and the witnesses talked to a stepmother charged.. Also a second opinion on death certificate
Is the stepmother not the murderer?
It sounds like she wasn’t charged. The article says witnesses who saw her take the child into the laundry room weren’t inteviewed.
So they know it was her and perhaps need the witnesses. Seems strange all these years later.
I don’t get why they didn’t interview witnesses
This case should have been solved!
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Does Coshows still live in southwest iowa? I’d like to pay old Karen a visit.
If you click on the actual link, the story has more details. It says Karen works at a vet clinic, or did a few years ago. I hope her life has sucked!!!!?
She probably treats the animals the same way
She is 77 years old and still lives in Red Oak. Why has this case not been reopened! If they have witnesses, why not interview them now? Why not be more aggressive in getting justice for this little girl? What a heinous thing to do to the little girl!
Audrey Haverkamp I’ve sent quite a bit of documentation about it to Iowa’s State Fire Marshal Division and am hoping they’re realizing the gravity of this situation. I hadn’t known (when I wrote the case summary) how many other “fires” Karen has been involved in. One led to the death of many of her “Country Critters.”
I can’t be the only person who is wondering if Karen was the person who was shooting cats and dogs with a bow and arrow.
If I had know about it a few years ago i would of solved that crime. RIP Keara
Why not solve it now?
shared. so so sad.
Shared!!!!
Seems there was a lot of proof the step mother did it, but everyone let the child down :( I can’t believe it was never investigated like it should of been.
I don’t have much faith in Social Services. The poor child. I can’t even imagine…..wasn’t there proof the stepmother did this????
You don’t have much faith in Social Services? Take a guess how many cases each worker has in their file? Guess how many hours they work in a week? How many selfless social workers give up time with their own kids to protect others? How many have burned out due to extreme stress, constant criticism and budget cuts that leave them short-staffed? Maybe you should be lacking faith in your elected and appointed officials who control what Social Services can / cannot do.
Social services is not capable of thier title. They most certainly do take and sell babies. They offer no help whatsoever to the welfare of a family because in fact they are prescreening them to see if its going to be a challenge to get the kids adopted so tgey can double dip and get a permancy bonus and a adoption stipend.
Agreed!! Well said!
I’ve worked in the schools. I took home one of my students, a child of drug parents…Social Services begged me to take her….sped…the night before Christmas Eve. I got her potty trained at the age of 13 and off the baby bottle because I had just retired and the school in my home town worked with me. She was put back in her home. The parents have lost 3 rentals, are still on drugs and let the child sit.
They take the kids tht dnt need to be taken but ignore the ones tht really need help . Or place them bck sit the ones tht are hurting the. .. I do not support social services
omg this is so sad
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You make a great friend for the Iowa cold case officers.
I dont understand how no one knows nothing. And with 2 people in the home with him. Start talking people
This is so sad. How can anyone murder a child? No one involved in this case cared enough to prove who the killer was. Unbelievable.
Are there any culverts, manhole covers, or storm drains in the area?
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Just sickening they never were able to find the piece of trash that did this!!
What happened to innocent till proven guilty? Poor family members that had to deal with this. Thank God DNA finally freed them from the hell they were living.
Head that her family had to live under suspicion for so long as well as losing their family member.
Thank god for DNA..let’s hope this bastard is caught through it.
Sad
The name that has came up in the last few years was Barnes. There was three or four brothers. According to the information was one of the Barnes brothers killed Donna Sue Davis. Maybe they could check and see if the last name showed up anywhere.
I’m the daighted of one of those Barnes brothers. I brought information to the sherrif back in the 80s. I gave info that my dad had told me that was not included in the newspaper articles. They were inyeresint. Dad had 3 polygraph test given to him. All 3 came out as inconclusive. He was taking alot of digferdif medications at the time for health reasons. Since there wasn’t enough proven evidence to indite him at the time he was not arrested. .he died. December of 1994. He talked about the case alot but only when he and I were alone and when I was very young. I would say until I was about 12. Yes he was a sex offender. Mostly little children and they were mostly family members one as young as 2 years old. We lived in Chicago when Donna sue davis was kidnapped and killed but dad was visiting his family in sioux City during that week. He took the grayhound bus to Sioux City but used his brother’s car to drive around in while he visited. My uncle who owned the car was stationed away in the navy at that time. The car did fit the description of the one used in the crime. What is really weidw is that back in I believe it was 1962 my parents bought the house where this all happened and we ended up living there. Also during one day when I was 4 which was in 1955 2 men came to our house said they were working for the FBI and questioned my dad. I remember they asked him if he had been in Sioux City during and around July 10th. He said no. Then they asked my mom and her sister who were in the same room if he had been in Sioux City during that time. They both answered no. They also asked me what my name was how old was I and who that man was. I told them my name was Patty. I was almost 5 and that he was my daddy. There was always alot of denial and covering up about dad’s sexual deviation by my mom and dadsd families on both sides. I’m not sure if dad was the one or not for sure. I can only go with my gut feeling and instincts and of course with my childhood experiences. But why would they question him way in Chicago when the crime happened in Sioux City Iowa? Why would he talk about it so often and only to me when nobody else was around? Why in the world would he buy the house and have us live in it ? Sometimes a criminal will return to the scene of the crime. How was he able to tell me things that weren’t public knowledge or at least in the newspaper?
Sorry about all the spelling mistakes in my previous comment. My hands are shaking. This is all very emotional for me just to think that I could be a child of such a monster.
Patricia, you need to contact the police of that town and tell them who you are, and what you believe, and you are willing to take a dna test. They then should compare those results to anything that is left on that poor baby Donna’s clothing from way back in 1955. Just do it, do what is right, do it now! I think your instincts are right on.
Patricia, you really should contact the police of that town and tell them you are willing to do a DNA Test to either rule in or out the Barnes name. Just do it now, do the right thing!
You may want to see if you can provide a DNA sample and see if they can run the DNA of the girls clothes and get a match.
http://www.meritbadge.info/mbn/EventDetails.aspx?ID=753F6032-3819-46F9-9657-5E4E0AD3467A
And Karen also is allowed to work with scouts on their merit badges, according to this link.
Thanks so much, anonymous, for sharing these links. How deeply disturbing knowing this woman just went on living her life as if nothing ever happened. Keara’s sister, Bernadette, is still haunted by this case today. I will be forwarding this case summary to Iowa’s Fire Marshal Division. At least two of the eyewitnesses are still alive.
https://www.nonpareilonline.com/archive/iowans-find-pets-slain-with-arrows/article_a319a6b6-fa6a-556c-bc6d-79ea4fdb44fb.html
Karen evidently cares for animals more than people.
http://www.swiowanewssource.com/atlantic/news/article_dec03796-0241-11e4-98d2-001a4bcf887a.html
And meanwhile the Atlantic Rotary Club has had the wool pulled over its eyes by this couple, and sponsored an event involving the Coshows’ animals and children
Well of course it’s Atlantic like red oak and everyone else. Good people hard to find
my ex stepdad was friends with this guy he was our house every time i go i go past that house i get a lump in my trought but when this happend i was only five i feel very very very bad for holly’s famliey and friends
Very sad prayers to this family
So sad. Poor baby girl.
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Thanks for sharing, Alice!
This is heartbreaking… Prayers for healing and closure
Imagine losing someone you love, and then living out your life being accused of it when you didn’t do it. Somebody has to know something.
Brought her a Lilly today, breaks my heart this story…
Natasha, what an amazing gesture. Thank you for remembering her!
that so sad, anyone who can do that to another sentient being is not human. I seriously hope this gets solved. :'(
prayers for her family and the families of all of the other cold cases.
Because of drinking our contaminated well’s water Gary had been treated at Mayo Clinic after having two Tumors removed from his neck in May of 1998. Others he was unable to have removed on his spine, were treated with chemo and he had gotten that first cancer in remission and there were signs of healing where that cancer had spread to his bones in a CAT scan in November of 2003. But in early 2003, because of a Colonoscopy at Mayo Clinic, after Iowa doctors in Mason City and Charles City had refused him that test earlier, Mayo had to remove over a foot of Gary’s Colon, and set up a concurrent round of Chemo for the second kind of cancer that had spread to his liver. But since 2002 Gary had been having high levels of potassium causing his heart to race, and weaken him until Dr. Peethambaram (his Oncologist) would hospitalize him and supervise his treatment with about a 2oz bottle of Sodium PolySulfonate in Sorbitol Solution. We were refused our well test reports and the list of contaminants that were testing positive in other wells that were being condemned by the IDNR around ours. The normal treatment for hyperkalemia or high potassium levels is drink lots of water to flush the potassium in your blood out through your kidneys. We are still being refused access to the well tests for the contaminants we were drinking then, or which ones the IDNR condemned our well in 2004 and then our new well after we had replaced our 2004 well with was again condemned about 5 years after we paid for the new 2004 well.
Shared….
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I wonder if this case was ever checked for a link to my friends murder. Rose Burkert, Amana, IA, 9/12/80. Holiday Inn Motel on I 80. Murdered with Axe or hatchet like instrument!!!!!
I grew up in Allison, 5 miles from Bristow where this lady was born and is now buried. I had never heard of this cold case until now.
As Audrey Alexander thought…I strongly feel these girls were killed by Ted Bundy. He killed 100+ girls and was wandering all over the United States at the time. He especially targeted college girls and those living near college campuses. Ted Bundy was arrested in 1978 and the murders seemed to end after the last girl was killed.
The most dangerous time for a woman is when she’s pregnant.I think the boyfriend knows what happened to her. Also the last one to see her.
So many yrs gone by – making it harder – hope there’s closure
#49 — https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/29757/PesticideFreeParksJune2016
There is another unsolved murder in that park too…Kenny Joe Johnson…
Should not let your kid’s go fishing with stranger’s, that would not happen.
To your knowledge have the police investigated this site at all in connection with this case?
Which of these parks is the one in question?
Gary told me that he hated to leave me to fight them by myself, so that is probably why he made Adam promise to stay in Iowa and help protect me after Gary was killed. Adam then finished his Brown U degree at the U of Iowa. Adam was very interested in all renewable energy sources, after his research with Professor Hazeltine, and after 9/11 when his friends, Ray and Paul were killed when they went back up to help slower and disabled down the many stairs of the Towers, and then when Demi was killed in Iraq after being left alone to cover, even though he had been shot, for a group of marines to escape, he ran out of ammo and was slaughtered. Adam believed his friends were killed for the interests of Big Oil Corps and Adam wanted to make the US less dependant on fossil fuels and moving into Wind, Solar, Hydroelectric, renewable fuels like Biodiesel, Ethanol, and away from nuclear and dirty coal and fracking for dirtier oil at the expense of our water quality.
Adam was out trying to clear a path through the snowbanks so he and I could get Gary back to Rochester after Linda had overdosed and improperly mixed up Gary’s treatment for Hyperkalemia on the evening of 1/12/2004, Linda did not even have access to the prescription Dr. Peethambaram had written. Linda finally showed up after Betty McGee the Homemaker Aide showed up with some groceries and helped me hook up oxygen for Gary, and Betty or the lady with her had called Linda (so Linda came out when those two called, but not when Gary and I had repeatedly called the Hospice Office or the Charles City Hospital Mercy Hospice number to try to get help. Linda and the other Hospice nurse had been refusing us any help after Linda had mixed up the 4 times dose of Kayexalate on the 12th instead of Gary’s Mayo Clinic doctor’s prescribed Sodium Polysulfonate in Sorbitol solution that set in the Medicap Pharmacy until two days after Gary was dead. I was billed for it later, but it had been taken from the Pharmacy by a Hospice employee without them signing for it.
That properly prescribed prescription that I was billed for in February, would have allowed Gary to lower his potassium level again, even though the IDNR still hides all the different contaminants in our well and it’s aquifer, the fertilizers were part of the reason for Gary’s high potassium levels.
But Linda rushed in and grabbed the glass she had left setting on the nightstand (it still contained six more of the tubes of DBR gel, she had applied 2 tubes earlier on Gary’s neck and chest). She went out to the kitchen and came back in with that same glass without the tubes of clear DBR gel, but was stirring shiny water with two pink sponges on sticks. She started swabbing that liquid into Gary’s throat and I yelled at her to stop as I had been using a damp wash rag to wipe the vomit out of his throat/mouth so he wouldn’t choke. He glared at Linda, but looked back at me and that is when he said, I hate to leave you, to fight them by yourself.
Linda stepped back by the TV, and announced, he’s dying now, do you want me to call Adam in?
I have corresponded with someone that knows Maureen, and knows of a possible suspect, this case will be on my FALL 2016 list to research and study, for my college PHD degree. I will be posting extensive information about the case soon, I did go to visit cedar rapids for the case study a few months ago, such a nice place with nice people! Jennifer J. Bland
It is obvious all 3 teen boys disappearances have got to be linked. Really disappointed in the incompetence of the DSM police dept. Great city to move if you want your teen son to disappear and never be seen again. Noreen Gosch had some scathing things to say about the police. Although I think she is a little loopy I think there is some truth to some of her claims.
She is not loopy! Her son, her baby, her world disappeared, the thought of what her child went through has overcome her and she acted out in the best way she could with all of YOU nuts out there. I would know my son in a heart beat with his moles and birthmarks. I know pretty much every mole, birthmark, white spot all over his body. I think she would know if it was her son or not showing up to her house. I also believe her story with the Franklin story and all the way to the white house. But, I would also look into Jacob’s killer, Danny Heinrich. He is quite eager to be quiet (especially 30 years). Only when it helps him, he finally gives up some info. Same timing, only 4 hour drive, all boys around the same age. He seems like a serial killer to me.
I get so disgusted at the disrespect towards Noreen. Why are you people even here in these threads?? It baffles me how you can say such things about THE ONLY PERSON WHO TRULY CARED ENOUGH FOR JOHNNY TO PUT UP A FIGHT AGAINST THE POWERS THAT BE.
Only two of the cases involved the Des Moines Police Department. The big one (Gosch) was committed in West Des Moines.
She can never R.I.P till they find her killer
The ex husband did it. You just need to run down his timeline — too many holes around the time of her death. . .
It was the ex husbands wife. They hated each other! She had an affair with Scott while him and Donna wee married. She had access to a gun, a key to the trailer, lived a few doors down and don’t go into work that day!! After Tiffanie had to move in with them her stepmom was very mean and abusive to her and she wasn’t allowed to see Donna’s side of the family! Donna was my cousin. These are facts!
Jody may have been warned, but I have not. But unlike her, some of us have evidence, speculation, and the roots of good old fashion detective work . . .
The Mason City PD had too many guns missing, not to mention the fact that there was a gun and drug ring swirling in the area at the time of Billy’s death. There is also the fact that Jodi was perhaps running this story down, as well as running down the meth trade plaguing the area at the time.
Billy was killed by cops and Jodi was killed by cops. Why? Because they had control of the physical evidence that they said led to anonymous killers. Don’t believe me? Look up this case: https://www.14news.com/story/5629270/break-in-19-year-old-murder-case/
The MCPD were just as dirty. When they switched over guns, many of the old ones simply disappeared.
Then they fired that patrol officer for spilling it.
When a detective says looking for Jodi is a “hunt” the criminal profiles at the FBI’s ears perk up. The on camera he “got a call” and did it for an audience. Typical serial killer profile for those who care to look.
When Jodi is running down a story that puts MCPD at the center of speculation in a drugs and guns ring after multiple guns are missing, she ends up “missing.”
So while Jody was warned, Jodi from the grave has nothing to lose. The cops are dirty. One only needs to look at Billy, Jodi, and Gerald to find out. . .
Interesting Herb. Regarding Jodi, I personally think it was JV. But..one thing has always bothered me and that is the white van & laptop. Why would JV keep her laptop? How would he gain access to a vehicle that could not be traced back to him in any way? Seems to me the MCPD would have those resources. Pristine clean crime scene too..
After re-reading Jody E’s response to my comment on Gerald Best’s page, I stand corrected. It’s not the MCPD we are talking about here. There is another PD somewhere in the region that could be responsible. Jody, I hope everything you know can come out in a book or something someday. What I would give to pick your brain!
If she had no shoes there are only two reasons 1) the killer removed them so she wouldn’t run away or 2) she was killed at home.
Where the body was found suggests she was thrown from a moving vehicle.
She was killed by an outlier friend. Where she was found suggests this outlier friend knew the area.
Blunt force trauma suggests he wanted to subdue her quickly, knocking her out.
The missing shoes are trophies. . .IMHO.
IMHO, there was physical evidence of her killer at her domicile, and that is what is going to break this case.
PS — look at the apartments behind the Kum & Go in the pic above. . . I’m thinking this person was on foot and knew the area. He knew Brian and that Brian had access to the safe. I’m not sure what the results were from CRPD working those apartments, but there were reports of someone in store playing a video game near Brian’s time of death. Don’t you think, if that person was a regular, he didn’t converse with Brian regularly?
I still think the vans are a bust. Eyewitnesses are a cacophony of information — usually most of it false. Go back to the beginning. Think about who would rob the place, knew Brian had access to the safe, and when the store was most dead. Playing a video game late at night is a perfect casing opportunity. . .
What about Danny Germain? Muscatine county.
Soon another July 13th will follow the 8th year anniversary of Adam’s July 12th accident, after he chased the two people harassing me, someone called 911, before midnight, but left him trapped and injured but alive. Mitchell County EMS left him for about 7 hours before some of the group (including Judge Bryan McKinley), that were in court in 2007, came and killed Adam after first slowly smashing his legs and arms, before taking his head off at the C-2 and C-3 vertebra. Adam had testified against them for their illegally built flood channel to drain over 3000 acres of farm chemical and fertilizer runoff to illegally drain Wetland down sinkholes in a Designated National Wetland Aquifer Recharge Area.
In October of 2015, the Plume from this Aquifer Recharge Area, contaminated new wells in Mitchell County in Cedar (W) Township, and Downstream in Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and Black Hawk Counties, taking out one of the City of Waterloo’s wells in October of 2015.
Farmers illegally draining their farm chemicals from 50,000 acres of Wetland into the Source Water for 1/2 million Downstream benefit greatly from increased yields and income. But leave Iowans health at risk and the Iowa DNR has still not warned those exposed in this on-going Plume to test their Source Water for Ammonia Nitrogen as N (Anhydrous Ammonia) before they Chlorinate for the CAFO bacteria. The combination caused Trihalomethanes to develop and it kills animals and affects the health of those Downstream from the Point Source Polluters. Plus Anhydrous Ammonia or Ammonia Nitrogen as N pulls Arsenic and Lead into our Source Water, two known Carcinogens, some wells in this Plume were showing up to be contaminated with from 2004.
Farmers and city and townspeople Downstream would have benefited from Adam’s Version III equation of the NRCS-RUSLE II equation as it would have put limits on where those two Nitrogen fertilizers could be applied (especially not on the 50,000 acres drained illegally down sinkholes in that Aquifer Recharge Area). Adam was trying to get the IDNR and USDA-NRCS to limit the increase in contamination of our drinking water by those two very water soluble CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers that only some farmers improperly apply while draining their farms illegally into our drinking water. Instead the group he had testified in court against in July of 2007 brutally murdered him on July 13th the day after he was trapped.
Downstream the Farm Bureau and Big AG Corps and Big Oil and Chemical Corps and the Koch Brothers don’t want Iowans to know we are drinking their products. Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO bacteria that cause the towns and cities and individual well owners to Chlorinate have further health issues from the Trihalomethanes. Downstream well owners (private and public) need to pay for drilling deeper wells and then when those new wells are contaminated with Ammonia Nitrogen as N, Bacteria, high Nitrates like Atrazine, and Arsenic and Lead, we need to again drill to yet deeper aquifers, while the 50,000 acre land owners get richer, except the ones who actually follow our Drainage Laws and have their farmland illegally taken from them by the polluters in Mitchell County.
Adam helped me file a Discrimination on Farm Program Water and Soil Loss Conservation agreements and other Conservation Program benefits in February of 2007. That February 23, 2007 Charge against the USDA-NRCS, was assigned number 08-1022. The polluters were helped by the NRCS in surveys and other work to plan a drainage of 50,000 acres to be able to drain their Wetland. Ray Frana later claimed to have taken a copy of the SW corner of the map up on Jim Hyde’s Office wall for the illegal appropriation of those 42 acres. My farm was illegally downgraded at the Mitchell County Assessors Office of 42 acres of my farm for the building of a huge Flood Channel to build an illegal drain to the Designated National Wetland’s Sinkholes in an Aquifer Recharge Area. No legal action was done to even reimburse or notify me before or after this was done on 4/15/2003. This was the same day I had to charge Dean Kleckner the former head of the Farm Bureau with theft and trespass.
Just before Adam was killed our USDA-NRCS case number 08-1022, was put on hold, when I refused to take $2,000,000 for the damages including the 2008 flood damage their illegal channel caused, without them agreeing to stop the On-going flooding and increased farm chemicals being drained into our aquifers.
Adam worked on developing the USDA-NRCS RUSLE III equation to cover both highly water soluble (Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen) fertilizers and added criteria since the only thing that the older equation was checking for in the RUSLE II was HEL or NHEL soils. So he added (for the farmland a farmer was applying for an IDNR application permit) three other criteria: I. Legal tile and surface water drainage outlets, 2. Buffer application distances from sinkholes,swales, ponds, lakes, farm through waterways, streams and rivers, 3. Minimum soil depth above tile draining land.
I could not sign for accepting payment for the allowing of this Point Source Pollution Plume to continue to pollute more wells Downstream, so others would have to suffer the multiple cancers we had to deal with and my 404 Corps of Engineer’s Agreement for Drainage for that Farm would not allow me to add even 10 more acres of drainage to the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland in that Aquifer Recharge Area.
R.I.p crystal
Corruption. It was a little child and no one wants to help him live in peace? I dont get it i do but society sucks
I was born in 71 my mom is the same age Maureen would have been
What a strange case. With no known enemies and her purse missing it sounds like a robbery. Even though there was nothing to take in her purse.
Thanks for sharing this, Penny! :-)
Yeah, where they found the car is a fairly straight shot north from the MW auto center (Verdian CU on the map you linked). Westdale was laid out kind of screwy, but the car was found in the lot where the standalone Econofoods store was at (now where the US Bank stands). https://iowacoldcases.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1979-12-22-crg-michelle-martinko-map-vehicle-location.png It would actually be closer to the JC Penney store than MW. But the location of the MW auto center would give him a fairly good lookout spot because it sat on the edge of the mall lot and was on a bit of a hillside, plus it had pretty big windows that looked out over the lot, if I remember right. He could’ve hidden the car in there and cleaned his fingerprints from it, then watched for the chance to ditch it in the lot.
It’s pretty common during Christmas and big sales events for stores/malls to ask their employees to park farther away so customers can have those spots. When I worked in a local mall, we parked in the spots designated for our use, which was fairly close to the store. But starting on Black Friday, we were expected to park in the very farthest edges of the mall lot, or park over in the perimeter lot that was across the way from the mall. They had a shuttle bus that would pick us up at our cars and take us to the store. It was a huge pain and I can’t say I ever saw any customers actually using the spots we were forbidden to use during Christmas.
I don’t think the blood drop came from a bloody nose. He cut his hand: “…police wouldn’t say where they found the blood or how they know the killer cut his hand.” That’s quoted direct from Michelle’s profile above. At first the cops did think the attack happened on the lot but later decided it must’ve happened on one of the side roads near the mall. It would’ve been pretty risky for him to kill her on the lot since the mall was still open (late hours for the holidays), plus he probably would’ve left some blood droplets in the area around her car as he got out of it.
In the Dec. 28, 1979 Gazette article (https://iowacoldcases.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1979-12-28-crg-michelle-martinko-new-plea.png), the police say that evidence was recovered in one of the stores in the mall and it was being processed by a private lab, but they didn’t disclose what the evidence was or where it was found. I had heard from a woman who worked at the mall at the time of the murder that it was blood they’d found and it was discovered in an interior hallway near JC Penney that only mall employees had access to. I don’t know if that’s true but I have no reason to believe she was lying about it.
They never said if they found the guy in the sketch or not. It’s possible he had no connection at all to her killing and was just someone who was in the lot the same time she was.
I made a trip to sioux city today. First time I’ve been to the cemetery in a couple years. It doesn’t get any easier. He would of been 22 Friday July 1st.
Ty.
Bruce, I am looking into this a little deeper. Please contact me?
Bruce, thanks so much for sharing this photo, and I know how heartbreaking it must have been to visit the cemetery; a death date and a birth day just too close together. Your photo showed Tony’s gravestone more clearly so I replaced the one on his ICC page with this one. (With proper credit citations.) Also, I saw Dani Mae’s beautiful tribute and also included that on Tony’s page with credit to her. Jody at ICC
Such a sad situation! My heart goes out to you and your family Bruce! I couldn’t imagine knowing who did this and there is absolutely nothing you can do… Years ago simular situation happened in Clinton Iowa. At the time I was ressiding there. Little Joshua Yoder. My son was about 7 or 8 and he too was hit by a man that was leaving a bar. The guy continued on and left my son. Thank God it was not fatal but it very well could’ve been. All things come to light! No mattet how long… It will come to light!
I lost my Mom on 12/30/18 and it still hasn’t.
Dig it up dig it up
That’s sad. We were living in Marion then.
so is there any new info available after this update was posted???
Nope.
(At least nothing of which I’m aware.) Jody at ICC
its 2020 now and was wondering if any new developments have come up at all or if it has hit a stagnant stop?
UPDATE:
In June 2015, Iowa Cold Cases received a tip saying David Peacock hadn’t used his own vehicle the night Arensdorf went missing, but had instead borrowed his sister’s pick-up truck.
The tipster also provided the current aliases used by the brothers, the names of their respective employers, and identified the location where the brothers allegedly buried Arensdorf’s body.
Iowa Cold Cases forwarded the information to Dubuque Police Department investigators.
Yes, Ronda. That is exactly what happened. Jody @ ICC
Have they dug Up the basement of the house the brothers I believe lived in towards Durango or in Durango I am not sure of which house exactly but I had someone tell me a bit of info when a situation came about during a gang initiation, this person was bragging about how they killed a girl shot in the back of the head since she was in the wrong place at the wrong time sitting in a basement of their house it was said her body was burried right there in basemen…
Hopefully all leads and tips are being looked at
Look i am sure if they figure out what hiuse in durango it may not belong to the brothers it even couldve been sold by now but i am more than positive that she is burried in that basement i cant excactly explain how but i know people and i know that when these people bragged about having killed before and it wouldnt b a problem to do it again to b a part of a gang that 15 years later . People dont brag about shit like that unless they thonk its no more talked about. I am too far away to b able to do n e thing about this nor do i know where to go. Crystel was my friend in 8th grade when i met her moving here fron germany. I want her to b able to b put to reat in the appropriate way.. jer family and friends deserve closure.
So was the area reported and the sisters truck ever searched?
Sisters truck?
Yeah one of males sisters truck. Read the article. They got a tip that the male was driving his sisters truck, not his own vehicle at the time she disappeared
Well I wonder what is taking so long. Maybe they don’t believe it’s creditable or something. So sad.
If u think u know the burial site why dont a few of you go and dig … I would
I’m sorry I didn’t see the update… thank you
Lynn Elaine, yes, I informed investigators of the location where the brothers allegedly buried Crystal’s body, and also informed of the names the brothers were using, their respective employers, etc. I know investigations take time, but that was some time ago, and to my knowledge, the “burial location” has not yet been dug up and (also to my knowledge) investigators have not yet seized or searched the sister’s pickup truck.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Penny!
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Thanks for sharing, Penny!
Something I found odd is how much the suspect in this case looks like the suspect in this one: https://iowacoldcases.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1980-6-19-CRG-michelle-martinko-suspect-sketch.jpg . . .perhaps it’s just a coincidence. . .
Also, after reading through the archives, two facts keep coming to mind: 1) Brian was just recently promoted to Assistant Manager (allowing him access to the safe) so it would seem the killer knew this fact before he robbed the place, and 2) Brian probably knew this person and could identify him so the killer didn’t want a witness.
Most likely a regular or someone who lived in the neighborhood who also knew store protocols for who and who does not have access to the safe. The vans my be a bust since deliveries are done at this time (between 3-4 in the morning) and my hunch is the killer came and left on foot. Everyone always looks for a vehicle description, while the smart robber/killer travels by foot. . .
Was anybody in the attorney Harry Hoffman family ever questioned about a hit on mr. Williamson ?
MOB HIT#
PLEASE tell me MORE!!
Gene was my big Brother. I’m 1 of his Twelve Sibling. His only child just Turned 40yrs old.
We need answers. WHO DID THE HIT?
I Pray the ICC REOPEN HIS CASE and for my Mother and Siblings we need JUSTICE 4 GENE❤💔
Thx u Kerry for your concerns. We the family are still searching for clues and still NEED Answers.
I HOPE they REOPEN my brother’s case and RETURN all hi9 PERSONAL property or Compensate My MOTHER WHY she is still living.
JUSTICE 4 GENE WILLIAMSON❤💔
Prayers To The Family…Hope they can get to the bottom of this to what happened to him..Hopefully someone will come forward with information.
With the truck not ever being seen again, it raises the possibility that both are at the bottom of a body of water. Hope not, but it is a possibility.
I pray someone comes forward. I pray for the family.
This is so sad
Do the police not think the 3 boys disappearances are connected?
Yes I continued to research all 3 cases and I agree with you 100%. I think there is more than one person in that town that knows what happened to Harry and they need to speak out. Some perp most likely took advantage of the other two boys paper routes and watched them. Sickening when your a kid just starting your life and you can’t even keep a paper route cause of these sickening bastard. They are all my heart and I pray for answers. ???
paper routes cases were hours from alliance. Absolutely nothing to do with this case. Young Boys from des moines area… 20 something from albia…
That’s cool. I had a flyer route too when I was 13.
Jotee Jo, police are fairly certain Eugene Martin’s and Johnny Gosch’s disappearance are connected, but I don’t think (then again, I only know what I’m told) that Harry’s disappearance is connected. FWIW, a Google map shows the two locations are less than an hour apart. In my personal opinion, I think locals were responsible for Harry’s disappearance, and that pedophiles were responsible for Eugene and Johnny’s disappearances.
Jotee Jo Exactly. When I think of my childhood and my own paper route, I remember looking forward to going to one house in particular because even at 4:30 a.m., the elderly woman already up and playing the piano, and she played it beautifully. Those are the kinds of memories paperboys/girls should have.
It’s amazing how many newspaper articles (especially from small-town newspapers) have been digitized into online archives since ICC began 10+ years ago. I’ve gone back and added PDF files for some of those articles published when Harry first went missing. Jody @ ICC
Never give up hope I had a cousin who went missing my 99 year old aunt waited till he was found before she would pass they found his boots at a landfill in California upon further investigation found out a group of Mexicans murdered him I will share share share
Is it possible the car could be submerged somewhere with him in it?
I was thinking the same thing. Looking at a map of the area there are several ponds around Albia.
I remember when this happened as I worked in Albia at the time. I often wondered about water. I have recently been binge watching a YouTube channel called Adventures With Purpose. I am not tech savvy, but I wonder if someone here can bring this to their attention? They specialize in underwater vehicle recovery, and recently brought up the car and remains of Ethan K. in Hampton, Iowa, bringing some resolution to a tragic case that had remained unsolved for decades. If there is any reason to believe the car is in water, we need to talk with them. They refer to “open source investigations” where we can share ideas, but I am not sure what that means or where to find it. I am asking if anyone here can help hook AWP up with this case if you believe it is a possibility Harry may be in the water somewhere. Thank you. I am so sorry for the loss this family has had to deal with.
the friends know what happened, is my guess
Greg Stephens title says 1977
Jody, thank you so much… I appreciate it and hopefully it helps find the answers.
Mark, I’ve just added more articles and info to Harry’s page, with PDF links to articles published right after Harry first went missing. Jody at ICC
Who made that statement? I’m curious… and I’m sure the DCI will want to know.
Sorry, miss read that. .. but I’m about to make another post with some updated information as soon as I can get it all in order.
Mark, I think it’s going to boil down to you having had the courage to put the names out there that will end up solving Harry’s disappearance. Once names appear, people start talking. I recently added several new details to one case summary (naming names), and one of those mentioned immediately posted on her FB page: “I didn’t say anything — I swear!” (Right there that tells us she ‘knows something’ and is afraid others will think she’s the one who ‘snitched’ and contacted ICC with the info.) Like with Harry’s case, there were plenty of names to go around, and I implicated no one in the summary … simply reported the facts, just as you did. Nothing libelous whatsoever. It *gets people talking* (especially those involved or who know something) and that’s always a good thing.
Mark, you’re right in that the it-wasn’t-me FB post wasn’t about Harry but another cold case. I used it as a comparison because the girl only left the comment after I’d updated “that” person’s page and included names of known individuals who’d spent the evening with the victim.
I don’t find Earl McMurray in your cold cases from 1954. Earl owned the gas station where North High School is located now in Des Moines, IA. He was found in the bathroom of the station and had been stabbed multiple times. Also the station had been robbed. Earl was no relation to me but we called him our uncle. I was 8 yrs. old when this happened. My grandmother lived in a trailer behind the station. When she came home from work she could not find Earl. She called my dad and told him and we went right to the station. When we got there the police were there. I remember watching them take Earl out of the station and putting him in an ambulance. I also remember my dad was taken to the Police Station and questioned for two days. My mother was pregnant at the time and due to the stress she miscarried. I am now 70 yrs of age and still don’t know what happened to this case. A few years ago Earl’s picture was in the Des Moines Register as one of Des Moines unsolved murders. Can you help me as to where this case is now????
Mark Milligan ^^^
Sure on the 1977 grand am. Production stopped in 75 and resumed in 1978
Your welcome.
Greg Stephens, thanks for noticing this. I went through several more articles tonight and found out it was a 1977 GRAND PRIX, not Grand Am.
Greg Stephens, in cold cases, every little detail matters, and this makes a big difference! I did find a similar photo of a maroon ’77 Grand Prix and posted it on Harry’s page. Hopefully some people might remember the car. I personally believe there are several individuals who know what happened that night. Officials need just one of them to “break,” and the rest will fall like dominoes. I’m so glad Mark Milligan had the courage to “name names” in his post; as a rule, newspapers won’t publish names of suspects, but our site is different. We never accuse anyone of anything but only point out the truth of who was doing what with whom when last seen alive, and so on. Young guys like to boast to girlfriends, but (fortunately) the girlfriends soon become ex-girlfriends. Now that Mark has put the names out there, maybe one of them will have the courage to come forward with what she knows.
Grand prix
Im her niece klarissa kay veach we still don’t know who did it #veach
Thanks for sharing, Cynde!
Any time
That was my mom! I was her kid and idk my dad…btw she had 3 kids, me, my brother, and my sister. Not 2.
Tasia, thanks so much for your comment and clarifying the information about your mother’s children. I’ve updated her case summary to reflect that she had two daughters and a son. The information about her having two children would have been reported in local media reports, and I apologize that this wasn’t caught earlier.
I’m also very sorry for your loss. I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like growing up not only without my mother, but knowing she was gone because someone else took her life and had never been held accountable for the crime.
If there’s anything else you’d like to see included on your mom’s page, please feel free to write me directly at jody @ iowacoldcases.org, and I’ll update the page as soon as I get the information. You would be credited with any photos provided.
All my best,
Jody at ICC
Jody…Your welcome. And i grew up with a mother because i was adopted by amazing people who never treated me poorly. They have always answered my questions on the subject and never denied me the truth. So I have a good family. Even though it would have been nice to know her, or even have her apart of my life now, I’m okay. And the only thing I want to know is who was responsible for her death, but it was a long time ago, so it probably won’t be solved. But I thank you for trying at a point in time.
I really miss your mom. She was a really great person. I remember when you were born. Have you ever seen pictures of your dad? Message me on Facebook Savannah Porter I now live in Las Vegas
Tasia please reach out to me. I can tell you so much about your parents. I truly miss your mom and dad.
I can’t believe I didn’t see this before. Please reach out to me. Scared to message the wrong person. tasia.derry@gmail.com
please reach out to me I haven’t been able to find you on Facebook but would love to talk to you ! tasia.derry@gmail.com
Strange, I’m close to Dickinson Co. and 45 miles from Worthington, MN and I don’t remember this …. Worthington, MN has many ethnicities ..
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Thanks for sharing, Alice!
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I will keep sharing, sometimes I’m lost for word’s. But my heart and thoughts are with all of these families.
Thanks for sharing, Penny!
Penny McDonnell Thank you, Penny. Sometimes, there simply isn’t any words, but you still make a difference by letting others know you care. You make an incredible difference here. :-)
Rip tyrone!! Never forgotten
It appears that Lexus Wright may not be missing. Have a look at this link: https://resumes.indeed.com/resume/1198d29cc80cc66a?rsrdr=1
She appears to have a resume online here, which was updated in May 2016 (if this is the same person, from Des Moines, Iowa).
I emailed the mpicinfo@dps.state.ia.us contact info about this two weeks ago, and didn’t hear back. Nothing.
Anonymous, thanks for the info on Lexus Wright. It does appear to be the same person, but until law enforcement officials notify the MPIC and ask that she be removed, I’ll probably keep her listed. There are several others listed here that actually Facebook accounts, but there’s no solid proof that the person posting is the actual owner of the account. (i.e. No selfies, etc.) Hopefully the MPIC will look into this. Thanks for passing along the info!
This case just bothers me. So many cases here in Iowa where law officials put their own agendas before justice. Thank God for the good guys in law enforcement.
I agree, Catherine! We are fortunate in that there are plenty of good guys! :-)
So sad for this man who died hope they find his killers. Everyone needs justice no matter how they chose to live.
My father died of alcohol abuse the work this young man was doing would probley have saved lot of people who suffer with this horrific addiction.
So sad for this man who seemed to enjoy his life just traveling around on trains and leaving day by day just getting by.
I’d like to know if Tisor took the truck and immediately reported the shooting-the wording in this article doesn’t make that clear…How was he able to take Tom’s truck for a long period of time??
Sad that this was never solved. Seems strange that DNA was not taken from her husband until just a few years ago, considering that he had past murder convictions? Sounds like a mistake may have been made if he wasn’t investigated sooner. Who knows, maybe he hired someone to do it?
Agreed upon.
They are not sure if it’s his foot just speculation…they said it can take up to 8 months for DNA results to come back. They are planning to drain the lake that the foot was found in.
Perhaps she’s buried in Little Clear Lake in a barrel, just off Balsam Ave. The lake is something like 20′ deep just east of the outcropping on the causeway. After the initial investigation, the FBI and local authorities widened their search, and since that area had been searched, it would be easier to hide the body so close to home. Has that part of Little Clear Lake ever been dredged or dragged after the initial investigation in 1995? Or has it ever?
Mr. Hunter, the article clearly states her purse and many other items belonging to her were found at the scene of her abduction.
Ms. Peiffer, it says purse, not wallet.
“Are you sure you picked up all of Jodi’s belongings. . .
https://www.findjodi.com/an-open-letter-to-the-person-who-murdered-jodi-huisentruit/
Her wallet with the driver’s license in it was probably in her purse, which was recovered at the scene. Most women who carry a purse have their wallet inside of it.
Yes, I see that it says purse-I only meant, since you stated “if her purse was not found etc,” that perhaps you’d misread something. My apologies.
I always recall hearing people comment that they find it odd when the MCPD officer kept bringing up a cops potential involvement, she suddenly was fired. I also recall that Mercy was pouring new concrete for their addition that same morning she went missing, and people wonder if she was buried under it. Sad… :-(
Blah blah blah blah. John vansice is the person of interest. ….he’s originally from newton, iowa……about 2 year’s ago, while working for FedEx, I delivered a package to one of his relatives. I had a Mason city girls basket ball hat on, and the guy asked me about mason city, I informed him I’m from there. . He said his brother John used to live there but there was to much heat on him, he had to bolt fast and never look back. …….this case even after all these years has stuck with me, and I knew a lot of info which I’ve read and watched on tv. As I was delivering this package, I thought to myself, this is creepy, John is in my mind connected to jodi”s dissapearance, and is related to this guy im talking to. My gut says John had money to pay someone to rid of jodi because, he was obsessed with her, and unsuccessfully tried to win her over with material things, she was never gonna be with him and his short temper had reached a frustrating point. Had to leave Mason city to get away from bad memories, figured if he stuck around, people would look and stare at him and may say, that’s the guy who killed jodi. ….moved to Arizona to get away And never think about it or be reminded of his horrible crime of a woman he was in love with……I called him awhile back, and told him they found jodi, just to hear his reaction ……after about 30 seconds of silence he quietly said, that’s impossible, don’t call here again. …….he changed his number 2 days later
Lol… that sure is a crazy, story. Did you call the police, DCI, FBI??? Or just post it on here!? Hmmm.
It’s my word against vanscise brothers, sad to say, cops probably don’t have time to chase any leads or stories. Pathetic how the state does not help fund any of these cold case”s anymore. …
“FedEx” guy is just a troll who thinks he/she is clever.
Person is not smart enough to change up their writing style though. You’ll see similar posts under different aliases on other cases on this site.
Pretty weak and generic stuff.
Hey JD32, who the hell you calling a troll? Weird how I tell a true incident with someone, and you wanna try to say I’m bullshitting? This is the only time I’ve ever written anything on this site because it happened in my hometown, and I still to this day follow it closely. what’s your story?
Crazy….. goes to show you how the mason city police are unable to process a simple crime scene evidence fact….. the morning of her disappearance, the toilet seat in her apartment was left up….. (she lived alone)…… and urine was accidentally splattered on the tile around the base of the toilet…..
Oh brother, if that is true, the floundering flat feet’s inaptitude let that pratt get away with it; there is enough DNA in a drop of piss to clone an army of of J.V.s.
Single women living alone don’t leave toilet seats up EVER.
That name is in the Waterloo Courier this evening, online.
If her license was found, but her licence was in her wallet, and her wallet was in her purse, and her purse was never found, how did detectives find her license? It seems to me only the person who abducted/killed her would have access to her licence. Early reports had it that Ms. Huisentruit was running down a story about the meth/drug/gun running trade in the area at the time. Perhaps she got involved with a nefarious source and needed to be silenced after she learned too much.
And perhaps that person of interest is right there in the interviews saying “the hunt is on” after learning she was missing. Why was the ‘hunt’ on? Why not the search?
Frank stearns has her license.
I have a few questions:
1) Were Mrs. Schofiled’s shoes ever found? It was reported she went to the AMCO service station the night of her death to purchase cigarettes and remarked she was going to be late for work. I’m assuming she was wearing shoes at the time. So if her shoes were removed then it was for one of two reasons: a) the killer took them so she wouldn’t run away, or 2) she was killed in her home after she returned home and removed them.
2) It was reported she was a free-lance masseuse who kept meticulous records of her clients (DMR article 7/15/75). Was the motive of sexual sadism ever run down, and if so, did the detectives interview all of her clients? Ligature strangulation coupled with her hands and feet being bound suggest she was the victim of sexual sadism–the motive the detective said was hard to find.
3) What time did her shift start at the Foozin’ and Boozin’ Tavern? Since she remarked she was going to be late for work at 9:15 when she bought the cigarettes, one might conclude she was in the midst of other things at the time — assuming her shift started at 9:30pm — and perhaps she bought those cigarettes for a post coital smoke because her and/or her client were out of smokes? Did Mrs. Schofield smoke?
4) Were the towels/terrycloth/twine ever linked to any particular place? Terrycloth towels are often found in bars. Twine is often found in trunks. And in the initial reports in the Des Monies Register, it was reported that (at first) her hands and feet were bound with terrycloth towels (“Seek motive in slaying of D.M. Woman.” Des Moines Register. Saturday, July 12, 1975).
5) Did the unnamed suspect (in the DMR article of 5/23/15) have a history of sexual assault?
Any information you could give would me most helpful in efforts to narrow down the suspect. . .
Thinking of Lee, and the things she taught me and the much-needed confidence she helped me have in my young career.
DeShaun Phillips entered an Alford plea in Judith Weeks’ death:
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/linn-county/man-enters-alford-plea-in-1999-death-outside-cedar-rapids-home-20160623
That’s so sad that we know who did it and nothing is done shame on those people who aren’t about justice no matter what…
Jack, I’ll have to look back through my records – I have so much info on this case but a lot of it has not been included in the case summary for obvious reasons.
So he was never charged?
Vickie Lynn Maxwell, you are correct – Darwin Vander Esch was never charged in his wife’s death. He went on to lead hunting tours in Alaska and Idaho (learning to shoot with high powered rifles from incredible distances) but recently had his license fully revoked for numerous state and federal violations.
Good.
So a grand jury considered the case but the records were lost? Did they indict him or not. There are 23 people to ask. Has anyone bothered to ask any of the grand jurors whether they returned an indictment?
So sad so young and no justice
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Thanks for sharing, Penny!
All they had to do was cross reference the addresses with the recent birth records from local hospitals. Law enforcement investigations override HIPAA.
Very doubtful the child was born in a hospital.
That’s a very good point!
At least it’s an option.
Could the murder have been committed in the wee hours of the morning of the 8th, right after midnight…would fly larva (DNA testing) indicate the true hour of death. Was there something about the child’s left or right cheek area?
This is very upsetting to know that these people have not received justice they are dead and gone but thanks to this being put out hopefully theyll get to rest i peace when the world knows who their killer’s are!!!!I pray for their families( terrible!)
My father sheriff Ed Collins believed Moyer did it, but couldn’t prove it.. I saw the couch was really bloodstained.
David, your father, of course, was correct.
JODY WHO WAS THE OTHER PERSON WORKING ON THE CASE
I was talking about my father, his step son is in prison , was just saying that he was one that new the truth and what was actually there before they change the scene of the murder
Zero, oh my gosh, I am *so* sorry for your loss. I didn’t realize your father had passed away, and especially so recently. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you, and it is indeed a loss not just for all of you, but those who, like you said, knew the truth and saw the real crime scene before the county sheriff and county attorney came in and altered the scene.
To other readers — Zero’s dad was Marion Manley, the (at that time) acting chief of police of Creston and one of the two officials to first arrive and process the crime scene at Elaine’s apartment. (The other individual was then-deputy sheriff Jim Hildebrand, whose comments you’ll find up above.)
Both men went on to have extremely successful careers in law enforcement. Marion joined the Creston Police Department in 1970 and retired as Captain in 1997 after 27 years of service. After his retirement, he went on to work for the Adams County Sheriff’s Department and other organizations.
Hildebrand and Manley spent approximately 70 years (both careers combined) in law enforcement. I’m so saddened knowing Marion Manley died without ever seeing justice served in Elaine’s unsolved murder.
Zero, do you happen to have a photo of your father you’d be willing to share with ICC? In all chronicles of Iowa cold cases, your father will always be remembered as a true hero who tried to do the right thing. Jim knows how difficult it would have been for him, with the two of them being forced to remain silent back then because of their respective superiors and the county attorney.
I’m truly saddened by your father’s passing, and not just because of this cold case; he was one of the “good” ones, and we all know what that means.
Jody
how do I get a photo to you?
I’m sorry for your loss!
Your father was one of the few who tried to do the right thing & I have so much respect for that!
Thank you
Zero, I knew your father as I grew up in Creston and I can honestly say your father was one of the most honest and best friends the city ever had. So sorry for your loss, the world needs a lot more Marion Manley’s today.
Thank you
Jim, are you talking about the two practicing attorneys who’ve offered to work pro bono on this case? I will send you their names via regular email.
Jody
I remember hearing about that on the news. So sad :(
Very sad
Dang! That poor woman!
Tom
Maybe DNA will bring justice to this case one day.
I was trying to come up with a description of Jacob Neibert and came up with brown hair blue eyes approx. 179 lb and 6 ft. Would that be anywhere close?
I don’t know, Sonya. I’ve not yet read anything that gave a full physical description of him.
I so agree with you Alicia Pearson, this is very heart breaking.
Terrible loss
What a tragic story.
How could a person live with themselves knowing they hit this little boy? It’s been so long.
If you belive this as a true statement I’ll show this too bunk I’m his nephue.I used to live next door to your mom as dad’s as a child in the 80’s and early 90s.so I know you know were he lives at my grandmas old house ask him yourself.
Bunk had a good side and a bad side. He was always good to me. I would NOT want to get on his bad side however. I wouldn’t confront him. But, the side I knew would prevail and if he has any knowledge the guilt would be too much. If he does know something he should be a man and help.
is the foot found at lake west possible steve leisure
No that wasn’t his.
Yes it was. They just determined foot found at lake west to be Steve’s.
https://www.thehawkeye.com/b8e7e088-d240-5b2c-b39c-d126cd737071.html
Here is the most recent information:
http://burlingtonhawkeye.ia.newsmemory.com/
Yes, it was Stevie’s foot, absolutely!
No one has a photo of him?
Catherine, I’m still looking and have yet to find one.
I have one of his senior photo, I just don’t know how to share it.
Chanda, you could just email it to me at jody@iowacoldcases.org — and thanks in advance!
P.S. Chanda, you would be credited with having supplied the photo to ICC.
It is my opinion that with my knowledge of this case and my personal love and affection for Charles, that this was murder. I feel that the people that were in the house that night had ulterior motives for what corresponded that night. Talks of bribes for that perfect moment have been circulating and although it is only hearsay, I know myself that the primary renter at this property received a large sum of money only a week before this happened. Magically that night unlike any other night the gun case was accessible to any one in the house where on any other night it was locked with the key hidden. Many people in that house are afraid to come forth but those of us that loved Charles know the truth. Many things don’t add up. Charles was right handed but was shot on the left side of his head, they waited to call 911, who does that for their friend/cousin, just none of it makes any sense. WAITED to call 911 that right there raises suspicion if you didn’t have anything to hide WHY would you wait. Just none of this except the proof we have makes sense. I loved Charles as did many other people and all my heart wants is JUSTICE.
They waited 35 minutes after Charles was shot to call 911.
That’s just crazy it was so that they could fix the place to look like a suicide
Any blood spatter analyst who took time to review all the photos would emerge with two simple questions (actually, more than two, but these two are a given): “This was ruled a suicide?” and “You’re joking, right?”
Investigate the Latin Kings . Id put money on it that they would find answers .
Chris Pierce Moody, the correct # is 1 800 CR Crime (1-800-272-7463). The reporter in the video must have just made an error.
They took these three murderers off the street,but they neglected to charge any of them with murder. Why is that?
Mike, though it does seem strange that none of the three were charged with murder, perhaps this was the only way plea agreements could be reached with all three offenders. And, there’s something else here one *must* take into consideration: had they all been charged with murder, we’d likely have seen three different trials, and criminal defense attorneys are master magicians when it comes to confusing jurors with smoke and mirrors.
Had the three gone to trial, it’s possible — especially if they all pointed the trigger finger at one of the others — that all three may have been acquitted because of jurors’ uncertainty over what “reasonable doubt” really means.
This way, all three are at least going to prison and they’ve taken responsibility for the crime they committed. The family now has answers as to who did what, and each man is being held accountable for his role in a crime of violence causing Tony Canfield’s death.
Murderers should be put behind bars for the rest of their life.That’s my opinion.
Is the # 1 800 CS Crime or CR Crime? Just curious it’s written CR and in the video she says CS?
Good question, Frank. I’m not sure if there’s something like that out there or not. A Google search would probably provide some answers.
Tks….Soo much Penny McDonnell,Reginald was a Father,Son, Big Brother,Grandson,Nephew,Cousin,,Friend…& He was Truly LOVED & Always Will Be…Sorry 4 Your Loss as well as Mother’s We Must Never,Ever Loose HOPE for JUSTICE for Our Babies…Psalms 37 Reminds us Not 2 Fret over EVIL DOERS/ WORKERS of INIQUITY for They Soon Shall Be CUT OFF IN JESUS NAME AMEN!! MIRACLES Still Happen Continue 2 Believe.,…GOD BLESS!! Reginald Bryan’s Mother,..Golda Humphrey:)
Is there a wall for victim’s of police shootings that anyone knows of. I’d really love for one to be set up.
It’s so hard to grasp how a parent can do this!!:(
Happy birthday, Mrs. Lack
Happy Birthday Mrs. Lack, I pray for justice.
I feel so bad. I went to school with Bambi and never knew she had disappeared….or maybe my 50 year old brain has just forgotten it. But I do remember Bambi. She was a quiet person, but she always had a smile each day. We weren’t in the same circle of friends, so maybe that is why my memory fails me on the things that happened. To those that stepped up and helped to identify her…thank you. I hope whomever did this to Bambi is one day brought to justice. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bambi’s family. I can’t even begin to imagine … my God bless and comfort you all.
where you close?
Did you know anything about her, her personality?
She is dancing withe Angels, no more pain. God bless you and RIP.
RIP Valerie, so sorry you had to lose your life to some monster, and to think that person was never punished.
Adam’s NRCS-RUSLE III equation that would have limited the on-going channeling to sinkholes of farm chemical run-off in Mitchell and Worth Counties to a Aquifer Recharge Area in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa that now drains about 50,000 acres of farm chemicals, into our Source Water Downstream is still being ignored. It was easier to kill him and stop our message from getting out as my voice is so damaged, and Ray Frana, NRCS, and Dale Adams and other IDNR personnel labeled me just a crazy, old, environmentalist, grieving wife and then grieving mother who can’t speak clearly. I am an Iowa Farmer who is a woman who has spent over $150,000 trying to stay in Compliance with my legal Corps of Engineer’s Agreement for Drainage and who did follow the Iowa Drainage Laws and that is why I spent the $150,000. But those in the group killing Adam were laughing as they killed him as they knew one woman would not stop them. In fact nothing would be done to stop them from polluting the wells Downstream with Big Oil Corps Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer so they could make so much money.
I’m 35, grew up and lived in Manson for the first 24 years. I don’t remember anyone ever talking about this except for saying a little girl got hit and killed by a truck back in the day. Didn’t even know it was right down the street from my house. I know we don’t rat on people in Manson but didn’t think people took it this far. Kind of disappointing. Guess next time I go home I’ll have to ask people who the suspect was. Get enough booze in the old timers they tend to talk.
Malinda Maria Sharp 104 years and 1 day
Did you know the guy’s name?
This is so wrong an someone somewhere knws wat happen . this twn is to small not to knw .
We do know but its to catch that asshole
Someday Teresa N Bobby Cortez it will happen and my sister will have peace
Y
I know the loss of a loved one due to murder, I know the surviors guilt she feels,im sure she has beat herself up over and over for leaving her baby with someone who she may of trusted and thought she knew. His whole story makes no sense he was alert enough to use the drugs and sell em but when he seen omeone come in he didnt look up? our mom is in my prayers im sorry i came off the way i did i didnt mean anything bad at her I just pray she gets the anwers and baby girl gets justice
I know the mom to this little girl and you can still see the sorrow in her eyes. Such a wonderful person and the family didn’t deserve this. I hope some day this will be solved
Thank you for your kind words
She has never been forgotten and has been a huge lesson to all us parents how important our child is to us
God bless u amber we will never forget u
https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/local-news/three-plead-guilty-in-connection-to-sioux-city-cold-case-where-man-was-shot-on-front-steps/
Miss u amber we will never forget u n someday that bastard will be found n guilty R.I.H little angel I will never forget that horrible night
Bob Krause and Desmond Adams, I hope to see you, and others who fought like my son Adam for our State’s Water Quality, at the State Convention on the 18th, to thank you and ask for help to warn Iowans to have their Source Water tested for the Arsenic (As+3) and Lead that the high levels of Anhydrous Ammonia (Ammonia Nitrogen as N) and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers draw into our drinking water in a Plume from Mitchell County that took out one of the City of Waterloo’s wells in 10/2015. Also since the sinkholes in Mitchell County now have 40 to 50,000 acres of farm run-off channeled to the Aquifer Recharge Area the CAFO Bacteria will rise and when a well is Chlorinated for that bacteria, deadly Trihalomethanes can develop, as Chlorine and the Anhydrous Ammonia or Ammonia Nitrogen as N, don’t just pull the two known carcinogens (Lead and Arsenic) into our water.
Adam’s Mom, Veronica Lack
Iowa Public Television has been showing the documentary about it, which is also available on Netflix. Very good movie, and also names the most likely culprit.
What is the title of that Sarah? Thanks
Villisca: Living With A Mystery. Watch the extras if you get the DVD. http://www.villiscamovie.com/
Is that the same title on Netflix? I don’t have it on mine unless I’m looking up a wrong title. But searching I can’t find anything that has to do with Villisa.
Thanks, Sarah Rushton! I didn’t know it was on Netflix now. :-)
It was back when I watched it. I just looked and you are right – it’s not on their list, at least for Instant Watch. Ask about it at your local library; if they don’t have it, they can order it or get it through interlibrary loan.
How horrible!
Shared
Thanks for sharing, Kandi!
How heartbreaking! How could anyone do such a thing to anyone… More or less an innocent baby?
Mary Ough
I believe they found this guy’s foot in Burlington, Iowa in a lake
Thank you, Devon! I hadn’t yet heard that but found the Hawk Eye article about it. I’m adding it to Steven’s page now. Thanks again! Jody @ ICC
Could someone post a link for this? I’m getting errors when trying to open this link. Thanks!!
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/amber-hayes/
The kids who found her body had to have been terribly traumatized as well. :(
ok i have a question. I cant find anywhere about what happened just that he died at his home as a child or baby. Did someone enter the house? I do though feel sorry for you loss i would like to brain storm anything you have if it will help
What the reports fail to mention. Is my brother had a desise that ended up killing him. The reason the police saying murder. Is because they don’t know about it th police even talked to a expert on it said how Eric died is exactly how infants with the desise die.
David, is the disease you are talking about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)? Police usually base the “manner” of death (accidental, homicide, natural, undetermined) on the medical examiner’s autopsy report. Many M.E.’s (who know exactly what to look for with SIDS) will rule out SIDS as the cause of death and mark the death as undertermined.
In your brother’s case, Des Moines police must have felt the child died under mysterious circumstances because they assigned Eric a case number and still consider his death an unsolved homicide. This (from Wikipedia) is a basic explanation of SIDS:
SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion and should be applied to only those cases in which an infant’s death is sudden and unexpected, and remains unexplained after the performance of an adequate postmortem investigation, including:
an autopsy (by an experienced pediatric pathologist, if possible);
investigation of the death scene and circumstances of the death;
exploration of the medical history of the infant and family.
After investigation, some of these infant deaths are found to be caused by accidental suffocation, hyperthermia or hypothermia, neglect or some other defined cause.[13]
Australia and New Zealand are shifting to the term “sudden unexpected death in infancy” (SUDI) for professional, scientific, and coronial clarity.
The term SUDI is now often used instead of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) because some coroners prefer to use the term ‘undetermined’ for a death previously considered to be SIDS. This change is causing diagnostic shift in the mortality data.[14]
In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently proposed that such deaths be called “sudden unexpected infant deaths” (SUID) and that SIDS is a subset of SUID.[15]
In another short section called AGE, they say:
SIDS has a 4-parameter lognormal age distribution that spares infants shortly after birth — the time of maximal risk for almost all other causes of non-trauma infant death.
By definition, SIDS deaths occur under the age of one year, with the peak incidence occurring when the infant is at 2 to 4 months of age. This is considered a critical period because the infant’s ability to rouse from sleep is not yet mature.[3]
More here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_infant_death_syndrome
I am very sorry for your loss, and I hope that if you look closely at some of these comments, the people were not trying to “attack” your family but rather try to pose possible theories as to why Eric died. Police work always involves theories and while many can be proven, many cannot. Also, I am by no means an expert with SIDS, but from what I do understand, most SIDS cases occur while the child is under the mother’s care. Husbands are often at work or in the field, and the “didn’t wake up from a nap” explanation is quite familiar to most investigators.
When people take time out of busy days to leave a comment here, they normally do so because they care deeply about a death with no known answers. Law enforcement officials consider many different theories in each case, and cases get solved because they follow up on each theory to see if it holds any truth. Every suspicious death investigation begins by looking at/questioning those closest to the victim. (This is how husbands/wives/mothers/fathers/etc. are ruled out as suspects.)
Thank you for taking time to post your concerns here, and again, I am very sorry for your loss.
He did not have SIDS. Just because a baby dies doesn’t me it is automatically SIDS.Their their is more then 1 disease that can kill babies. I am not going to put any of my families medical records on the internet. I love how people comment on things they don’t have any clue about. That is all I’m going to say on this subject.
David, I did not say your brother had SIDS. I “asked” if they considered it a possibility. I’m very much aware that babies die of other diseases besides SIDS. I personally did not choose to classify your brother’s death as a homicide; that is how it is classified with the Des Moines Police Department, which is why your brother’s case is included on this website.
All best,
Jody at ICC
Guillaine-Barre is the disease Eric had.Debbie and Bill were very loving and good parents. This child had to be fed with the tube and they had the paramedics come and help giving CPR on more than one occasion. This child was not murdered.
no, he never said sids he saidPrader – Willi syndrome (pronounced PRAH-der WILL-ee) is a complex, rare genetic disorder that results from an abnormality on the 15th chromosome. Identified in 1956, it occurs in about one in 15,000 live births, in both males and females equally, and in all races.
\
Twila Riessen this one?
lol lol lol
I read it finally this is so sad I hope the people who did this get prosecuted
Dana Canfield…click on Adam lack picture and read this
lol lol lol lol
still think about you from old school days Grace
I did a Halloween tour – VERY interesting!!
Somebody is going straight to hell. I know that much.
So he was high, he was selling drugs, BUT he don’t know who came in the house?? Dosent make sense any of it. How irresponsible of her to leave her baby with an addict. Too many questions and not enough answers that make sense!
She had known him her whole life and had never shown any reason before that that she couldn’t trust him. You don’t think that hasn’t crossed her mind over the years. What mother wouldn’t feel the blame over the loss of your own child. My mother has suffered enough over this. Hind sights always 20/20, everyone would be genius if you had the for sight to see in the future and know if something bad has happened.
I agree. Bad choice and irresponsible to say the least. Leave a baby with a drug user that you choose as a boyfriend. He killed that baby in a cocaine fuled rage. No one Just walked in there.
Spent the night at that house. Pretty crazy.
OMG!!!! I never heard about this. Who, just WHO in the world could do this???? I’m sick!!!!
I STILL DONT SEE ,Y LAST TWO POSTS?
Rest in peace Baby Girl, you are in Gods hands.
Todd Lunsford
Who could do that to a baby!!! How awful
It sounds like there was a lot of evidence against the bf. Forensics now would be able to piece this together. They could match soil samples from where her body was found against particles from the tires. Sad.
How could any one be so sick!
Who the hell could do this?? Drugs make u do messed up stuff!! Prayers that something comes around soon..
Why was there no mention of investigation against the father? I’d bet there’s going to be evidence linking mom to the kids death with her random “first night out since baby born story” on top of she already knew the world of two parent homes and all that comes with it with her oldest daughter, or the dad who maybe didn’t want the burden and may have connections with the two suspects, I doubt that the “roommate” acted alone in all this or why not act sooner when he allegedly watched the kid numerous times before….
Angie Curry Hayes…. Maybe this person could use a little help in knowing about “the father”.
The father is my uncle. And believe me he had nothing to do with this. No the whole story before people start pointing fingers.
Wow calm down I was asking questions about the holes as to why he was mentioned as the father but there was no mention of him past that. There was no judgement meant by my comments X so relax its facebook
Justin N Esme Anderson, I am so sorry that your uncle has to go through this as well. This story is beyond heartbreaking. My sympathies to your family.
After reading this, why would the dad be investigated, sounds like the boyfriend to me!
he was investigated found not guilty
People have always been quick to point fingers when it comes to this case. What people seem to forget is that it’s not just another case to us. To me she is my sister. To Justin Anderson she was his cousin a daughter to his uncle and to my mom. This always comes back around and people make their comments and it is extremely close to home. We are just tired of the comments.
Happy day of birth to a unbelievably strong woman. May all those who have wronged you and your family burn in hell. I just bawled when I read this story about you and the family. Those involved are cowards who will get theirs. God bless you.
Just sick
Happy birthday, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Happy Birthday Mrs. Lack! I read your story and my heart aches for you! God Bless and I hope they put away those who are responsible!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mrs Lack!! You are one strong determined lady and pray you get justice for all the wrong done to you and your family.
Happy Birthday Mrs. Lack.
ZERO; YOUR FATHER WAS A DEDICATED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. I REMEMBER WHEN HE WAS OUT OF THE CITY ON BUSINESS WITH ME AND YOUR HOUSE WAS SHOT UP. WE CAME HOME PRETTY FAST.
MY RECENT DELEATED POST ASKED WHO THE OTHER PERSON WAS THAT WAS WORKING THE CASE. HE HAD A SON IN POLITICS WHO HAD A PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE CASE. HE ALSO HAD PASSED AWAY.I ALSO INVITED THOSE INVOLVED TO CONTACT ME IF THEY WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THE CASE.I ALSO ASKED TO BE KEPT UP ON THE CASE IT WILL EVENTUALLY BE IN THE CARROLL NEWSPAPER.
Happy Birthday Mrs Lack. I read your story years ago. Thank you for FIGHTING ON!
Happy Birthday
Best wishes for a Happy Birthday!!
Happy birthday Mrs Lack, have read ur story u really are a tremendous woman ❤
I just spent what feels like forever reading about her husband and son. Oh how my heart aches.
THANK YOU ZERO I HAVE ALL THREE BOOKS
Happy Birthday! Your story has touched me so deeply. May you and your family have justice soon.
Happy Birthday Mrs. Lack!
I pray that those involved are brought to justice.
Happy birthday, Mrs. Lack, and may God bless you!!!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Lack. From the moment I read the acount of your family’s misfortune, I knew there was a deep, evil corruption behind the deaths. My heart goes out to you, and I constantly pray for justice.
Happy birthday Mrs Lack. May God bless you.
Shared
Penny,
My son, Adam’s equation that he was promoting in 2008 before he was murdered to get the USDA-NRCS and IDNR to use to enforce Iowa’s Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act was to be Version III of the RUSLE II equation that the NRCS does for the IDNR most water soluble Nitrogen fertilizer Application Permits.
I have not been able to get attention to his work and now after the increased point source pollution supported by our Republican state governor and representatives not allowing the enforcement of our Iowa Drainage Laws or the Clean Water Act we are increasingly drinking levels of the Nitrogen fertilizers that pull the known carcinegens Arsenic and Lead into our drinking water.
Do share this message, as I’ve been branded as a grieving wife and mother and worse a crazy environmentalist for even asking that people Downstream in this Plume test their water for the Anhydrous Ammonia (Ammonia Nitrogen as N) before they Chlorinate for the CAFO Bacteria and cause the Trihalomethanes, that buned my skin, eyes, throat, celia out of my colon in the last shower in my Mitchell County IA farm’s home.
I’m taking Adam’s proposed revised NRCS-RUSLE III equation to the Iowa Democratic Convention on June 18th, 2016, I’ve failed him, in getting the last thing, Adam asked me, the 12th of July the day before he was murdered to get access to the IDNR Big Data files of the list of contaminants that were causing the IDNR to condemn our wells repeatedly.
Veronica Lack
MY LAST COMMENT IS GONE
I pray they find something.
My best friend & i used to go fishing in the area of the burnt truck site in the late 70s through the early 90s. There always was a older gentleman there drinking Olympia beer & smoking cigerettes from the tailgate of his old Ford station wagon.
Didn’t ever say a whole lot other than offering us his empty cans ect..He did make one odd comment that now makes me wonder….could it of been the killer ?
He said ” you know there was a couple kids killed in their truck right there?”
We said yeah, he said ” they were messing around with each other & that just isn’t right”.
We would see him off & on in the following years, sometimes in Iowa City in a old blue Chevy pickup. Never seen him again after the late 80s I’d say. Just strange he was always there & always looking at the burn site while drinking, just staring at it.
Thank you for your post. Do you have any additional information about this man? Did he make any further comments?
Please go to the police with this information!
This could be very important!!
Praying that this case gets solved.
This one just hits me hard.
Was he ever seen after her disappearance? I couldn’t find his picture on her page.
This is so sad, where is he now days? Does anyone know? It’s scary to think he was so close to an unsolved murder and only an older picture. I can’t believe the only picture available is from 7th or 8th grade.
Last I heard he was living a little ways off of the bike trail near hy vee on Centerpoint road. In a tent. Wooded area. I dated Curtis’s brother and I think everyone needs to watch out for him. He IS DANGEROUS. I happened to live through my ordeal, miraculously.
Nikki, you should submit a more recent photo of him if you happen to have one.
May we ask what ordeal you went through with him? Did you ever bring it to the authoritie’s attention? If not I would highly recommend it. Pattern of behavior could bring more to light the potential of whether or not he might have committed a crime. Second, someone capable of things like that definitely doesn’t need to be running free.
interesting case.
Anybody got a picture of Curtis Padgett? Strange he was near two unsolved deaths.
Iowa Cold Cases So, he has never been charged with anything?
Brent Busch, I just posted a photo of Curtis on Erin’s page tonight, though it was from his 7th and 8th grade years at school. I’m not saying he’s guilty, only that he was last known person to see Erin alive.
No one has ever been charged in either case
Who is the other unsolved death?!?!?
Nvmnd
Chevonne Clayton The other unsolved death is that of Dennis Lee First, killed May 11, 2007. Padgett was his next-door neighbor and one of last individuals to see Dennis alive. https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/dennis-first/
just an added thought to my earlier posted comment, in reality the action of local law enforcement constitutes at its least an extreme case of obstruction of justice and at its best or more accurately, being accomplices to murder after the fact
If you think the police intentionally and willfully let a murderer go free to break up a meth ring, you are deluded at best. People like you need to keep your hair brained theories to yourselves.
No I will not keep my reply to myself. Only a delusional person would believe that cops are all good guys that commit no criminal offenses. You on the other hand are the problem that helps keep stupidity alive and kicking obviously you don’t care who killed her or you would consider the possibility of what I am saying you would make a horrible detective and by the way staying anonymous is the only way you will post your ridiculous thoughts get out of the box that you live in and smell the rotten worms that are eating the walls of justice do you not recall the Jo Davies incidence when the robberies that were occurring at a phenomenal rate later became attributed to the police that were supposed to be investigating the crimes? Your a fool and I can’t fix stupidity
It is my honest belief that in the case of Crystal Arensdorf, if one looks at all the facts it is very easy to determine that the police here in Dubuque, DO know directly who is responsible for her untimely death.This observation is not made with delusional idea or irrational thought, rather it is made by carefully examining the facts surrounding her disappearance. iIf you will recall, in 2001 the investigation and subsequent conviction of methamphetamine related crime was of the utmost importance to the DLEC. I know enough about this case personally that I can safely tell you that pursing Crystals death strongly impeded several meth mfg. charges. To simplify, the two overlapped each other and since she was dead, the police justified their actions by telling themselves she was dead and nothing could be done anyway. they know EXACTLY what happened. Too bad her poor parents don’t share their sentiments.
I think your right on I believe investigators witnessed Crystal walk into the residence which was under surveillance by DTF and never came back out of alive. Its my understanding she had started using meth and recently become an IV user and overdosed. The people present panicked and instead of taking her to the hospital they let her die and disposed her body. So ultimately yes the police would be responsible because they sat outside the residence. She went in to and never came out of. Do you think Dubuque Police Department is going to take responsibility for her death. No instead they let her family search for her everywhere for years not owning their bullshit, not saying a word and continued to search and try to find her knowing she’d never be found. A number of people involved have died. One person was thrown off an over pass. 2 others died of heart attacks in prison. Another has some what recently died of heart failure. I have already personally spoke with her mother. I hope the family has been able to find some closure. Please pray for her family and have respect for her family when posting.
In 2004 two IDNR geologists wrote me that there was no way to remediate my farm’s well and Paul VanDorpe told me they had known that no one not even animals should have been drinking our well’s water. He said that they had known since 1993 when I had first complained to the IDNR about Brad Johnson’s huge sinkhole taking the roar of manure, farm silage, and field run-off after Johnson/Sponheim/Urbatsch had pressured Bill Groskurs to dig the two ditches to try to drain the low center of Section 10 to the Echo Ave Box Culvert north of Brad and Ivan Johnson’s farmstead. Gary had been killed in January and had suffered as the rest of us Downstream from the list of contaminants that damaged our health and caused cancers and other health effects but the IDNR only told us to test for Nitrates and Bacteria and to Chlorinate when the Bacteria levels were up. In 1999 FEMA had funded a chlorinator for my farm as many of my animals were dying from miscellaneous masses and tumors. But as the IDNR was condemning my well they refused to tell me what chemicals were killing us or what we should test our water for to see if we could buy a better filter.
The IDNR hid the fact that Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers were building up to ever increasing prior unheard of levels and that the Ammonia Nitrogen as N levels were abrasive and drew Arsenic and Lead into our Source Water. Ammonia also reacts with the Chlorine that the IDNR keeps telling us to use when the Bacteria levels are up and can cause deadly Trihalomethanes.
EPA officials claim Iowa’s water is far worse than Flint Michigan’s in this Plume.
So in 2004 I drilled a new well using Shawver’s Well Drillers and registered my new well with the IDNR. In 2006 the IDNR condemned the Eden Presbyterian Church’s well 2 miles away. But again didn’t tell us even within a few miles of that church what the contaminants were. But across the road from that church to the east were piles of dead pigs and we were refused even the answer to the question what aquifer was the church’s well using when the IDNR agents said the church could not have its Ice Cream Social because the IDNR would not allow children to use the bathroom and flush with that water. And again they told us to test for only Nitrates and Bacteria, not whatever was killing our animals and our neighbors Downstream.
So sad prayers to his family. I agree that someone knows something
I agree someone knows something, if nobody speaks on the many crimes here there will never be peace. Prayers for all.
Someone knows something. Help this family gain closure.
I hope somebody comes forward with some info on this case .they need resolution for the family .
Prayer to the family and friends
Love you
This is so sad. I also worked with Peggy on 2 E at IVH for several years.
He was married with two teenagers, a son and a daughter and living in Wisconsin. We are more than sure it had to be him….it was all so strange to bring that question up after all these years to us immediately upon meeting them. He was the right age and when I looked at what he would look like today it was eerie.
Hi Anne, I’m hoping you’ll see this, kind of a shot in the dark here. I’ve posted on here a couple times explaining that I do a podcast called Faded Out, where I’m following Johnny’s case. Could you e-mail me at fadedoutpodcast@gmail.com? I’d like to know more about this encounter you had. You can find Faded Out at http://fadedout.libsyn.com/ or iTunes and Spotify. Thanks!
Sarah
I find it very funny you do a podcast that Johnny Gosch’s father who found his son’s disappearance quite funny on the Netflix doc is defending you on here. How does it feel to be protected by a pedo who went to pedo parties in the 80s. Is it called “Faded Out” because you protect the secret sins of that father? Hmm… Don’t be part of the problem. Be the solution.
From wat I hear…Tony Canfield killer is behind bars…just arrested Robert Beaver in connection with it…well over due
I’m a 56 year old woman and have been following this case for some time. I myself have been sexually abused as a child. I’m sorry no child is safe. I remember my relatives spouses n friends on both sides of the family taking advantage of me at a very, very early adge. (No) one should b trusted or ruled out. Sorry for your loss. I will keep up on this until he, she or they get caught
How on earth did he get to a back bedroom when his wheelchair was outside in the snow?! Good grief. This was a murder.
No one in the bar knew the suspect???? Just asking.
they probably did, but didn’t say anything is my guess..
I’m sure you’re right, Joshua. Too many are scared to get involved, thinking the same thing might happen to them. I couldn’t keep it to myself tho, it would eat away at me.
Someone knows something…Please do the right thing…..
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I remember this incident. Sad.
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Thank You!
Thank you Dear! <3
Thank you my very Dear Friend! ???
Thanks for sharing, Penny! And Pam, I’m obviously thinking of you at this time. :-(
Great friend
What an awesome gentleman and friend he was!! Another cold case I so wish would be solved!!!
Arrest his wife. Everyone knows she did it. :(
This was no accident by any means…I hope the person or persons responsible for Layne’s death have the quilt eat away @ them and I ‘m sure there are others that know what happened but are scared to come forward but it would be best for them to do so…Layne looked like a very outgoing young man & a very special young man to all that knew him & all the lives he touched….Im so sorry for your loss & I hope someday justice will be served on whoever did this to your son …..RIP Layne!!!!
I think his wife did it..Sounds like pure greed to me plus she was pretty antsy on getting that insurance money….Maybe she had him killed? They found clothing that belonged to her…plus someone saw a man & woman talking outside the car? Possibly the guy that killed Tom and the woman was probably Dawn…..& she moved out a state? Why? To leave because she knows she is guilty of the crime……..
That makes me so sad. I knew peggy from the senior citizens center . She was a sweetheart. I was out walking with a group trying to help find her .
Omg. Had no idea that’s how your mom died. Can’t imagine the pain that goes with not having any answers. So senseless!!! So sorry!
Thanks, Kallie
Shared on Iowa Families Against Violent Deaths.
Thanks for sharing, Lorrie!
This is so sad..I hope they find her
I worked with her at the vets home yrs ago ,her son was our best man in our wedding. So said not to know where your mom is or if she’s still alive or not
Wow
Sally Steward
I hope u found out what actually happened your son.so sorry for your loss.they do need too investigate more.
She was an awesome lady and someone knows what happened-may justice be served for her and the family.
Very wonderful woman. I so wish they would catch the monster that did this.
Loved Pat. She was special and you never had a dull moment at school. Still don’t know if they did a DNA find or not but of course it has to be matched. Just don’t understand why so many murders in Sioux City have gone cold. If I sound angry, I am, 18 years later.
So sad
Phillip Carl Stender
418927256
Living in Nevada
Will be in Iowa July 1st-5th
515-681-6968
Casey Roberts (Crawford) GF
641-844-4783
Just saw Phil Stender iin Carlisle at the VFW 11pm. If he is a suspect somebody should find in there.
Phil has been in town for two weeks. Yet, no one has questioned him. Seem strange. I will not be involved anymore, when no one cares obviously he is not a suspect… Thanks for nothing Ben Franklin.
My heart goes out to the family, wish you could bring a civil suit against phil stender.
Thanks for sharing, Penny!
Sad day for all of Sgt Bluff
What a great lady she was. Very sad this case hasn’t been solved.
It was openly talked about and he wasn’t afraid to talk about it. He knew nothing would happen to him. I was in the heart of it all Chad. You have no clue how it was back then.
It wasn’t just about informing. It was also about money switching hands. The pimp was able to operate in full view out of the burlington hotel and was never arrested. I was on the streets then. I know what was going on. You don’t want to believe it but it was an Era of corruption everywhere and burlington was not immune.
Candy man is the pimp I mentioned before. The police knew him well. Shorty’s tap is a bar.
Cory DeZena this is the case i was telling you about in sioux city
That’s some crazy stuff!!That’s my fav road to drive on too
Watch out for the red vehicle lol
???
This is my best friends father and this was horrible that someone.could do.this.to.him he was a very nice man
Please solve this case of my friend.
So very sad for all of your family. Praying it is solved.
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Thanks for sharing, Penny!
Ginger I remember that day so sadly. Doesn’t seem possible it was that long ago but I am sure it is an eternity for you. Prayers to all of you. Please god make your hearts lighter with your memories
I hope this case gets solved. Someone knows something! Miss you my friend.
:(
Sad ending for this Veteran. :(
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Thanks, Alice!
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Thank you, Alice!
U are missed so much cuz we all love u
Miss u tons, hope you are resting peaceful
R.I.P
Yes she is.
Yes it is, very heart breaking.
Such a pretty girl.
So sad…
Rest in Peace
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Thanks for sharing, Penny!
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Thanks Penny!
So sad adorable little guy…
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Thanks, Alice!
Sharing on Twitter
Thank you, Alice!
Maybe he was taken…
Has anyone considered checking any and all bodies of water? The fact the car was also missing makes me wonder.
Usually in water when that happens around here. Some people lose control of their car, or turn the car into a pond in the dark. It often isn’t found until the water is low or they drain it for some reason. So sad.
Not a trace of her or her car? That’s just bizarre.
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This is very sad, and very heart breaking. I hope and pray, that some one comes forward.
His wife Rosie and I were friends for many years. She raised the kids by herself. Would be nice to catch this cold hearted person
Was that little store on a corner?
Was that little store on a corner?
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Thanks, Alice!
What a sad,and strange,story.
I was in Cancun two years ago with my boyfriend. We struck up a conversation with a guy and he asked where we were from and we said Iowa. He said he was from Iowa as a kid and then asked if we remembered the Johnny Gosch story……well of course we did. It was so odd. The next day we saw him and Mike called him Johnny and he got really angry and left which only made it weirder. I checked out what he would look like today and I’m pretty sure it was him, down to the reddish hair!
Seriously? You think it was Johnny?? Are there any other details about the guy and the conversation that you had with him that stand out and you can share with us?
That truly is very creepy. It would be odd to bring up the Gosch case just because you mentioned Iowa. I wonder too, why would he get angry because you called him Johnny? Doesn’t make sense. Any other details besides the life in Wisconsin? This case has always haunted me. Honestly though, I think unfortunately poor Johnny is probably deceased.
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Shame in the law and justice system there! No reason for this case to be unsolved in 2016!
Someone needs to check out Ivan
Yes – Curtis offered to give Erin a ride to her friend’s house and she left her home with him in his pickup. I’m not aware of any proof that they ever even made it to the friend’s house. Curtis told police the friend “wasn’t home” and that Erin got in another car with some other men. No proof this happened, either. Curtis never ruled out in either cold case.
Anybody know the theory??
(((HUGS))) Jody!! <3
In a sad way, we are family now! You and your family are always in my thoughts <3
Yes it would!
Thank you so much, Pam! Means a lot to me!
Pam, I truly do consider all of us family! Wouldn’t it be wonderful for all of us to get together one day and meet each other in person!? That would be awesome!
I didn’t realize that there was that connection!
Nobody is going to say anything about the comment about Ivan telling that person he killed him….
Maybe worth checking out…
Someone needs to check out Ivan
No closer. The killer was either let go or is still out there. Hope all cold cases get solved.
Sad
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I hope and pray someone comes forward. This is so very sad and heart breaking. My prayers are with the family.
Thinking of you
I remember this. Thought it was so sad and wondered why. The criminal must have been so smart.to leave no clues or our police just aren’t like the crimesolvers on TV,
We love you Grandma Lana and think of you always ❤️ ❤️❤️
Is that the same complex Marilyn Sheets was beaten to death twenty some years ago?
I grew up with her. No, it wasn’t. My first apartment was at Landmark South, which was a really great place to live at the time. I’ve heard it’s really gone downhill.
there is a two dead girls in the shellsburg forst behind shellsburg elemeantry named lunar and C do something like aa repot about them
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I lived there 1991-1995. I alway heard about some guy named hoopy Davis buried her in his back yard.
I can’t believe this hasn’t been solved either. So sad.
I remembered!!!!!
It’s hard to forget because there were so many years where Earl’s birthday fell on Mother’s Day. I still can’t believe they haven’t yet made an arrest.
Very big Hugs to you Jody. My heart and thoughts are with you always.
Big hugs Jody.
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa. Thinking about and missing you so very much, always. Wish I could give you one more hug and tell you how much I love you… Always, Always in my heart. <3
This is just unbelieveable !!! no matter who you are you should be convicted.
I agree that they need to look at her boyfriend at the time. If he dropped her off and she told her boyfriend she was going to an old boyfriends house there is noooooo way in h-e-l-l that any boyfriend would be okay with that!!!!! Of course he had something to do with it, isn’t that obvious?! He drops her off at home then a few hours later she is to go to Omaha to see an ex? What probably happened is he left all mad then came back after dwelling on his anger of the thought of his woman spending time with and old boyfriend and forced her out of her house against her will. OR they got into a fight and he took it too far then covered up his tracks by trying to make the police look for another person and also throwing the police off to buy himself time to cover what he did to her. I don’t know the people but I do know people from the area as I was born and raised in the Dow City/Schleswig area. My heart goes out to the family and I hope they get the closure they deserve!!!
I grew up with Barbara and we were neighbors. I remember one of her boyfriends was Richard Gruber and he went to prison when Iowa raided the Woodbine school there. Could that be who she was going to see? I know they were very close do not know what happened to him for sure. Davis I have heard was someone they really need to look into. I hope her daughter gets closure soon. Our prayers are with you.
Amen, justice needs to be served.
Horrible someone got away with murder because they were high profile.
I’m sure the people in the truck have had a miserable life. Drunk, dead and just maybe brain dead. They have to be in 65-70s. Their parents are gone. The same ones that covered it up. Someone knows someone wants to talk.
Were these “high profile” people sued in civil court? That requires much less evidence and it sounds like there is plenty of incriminating information.
This is so sad, and angering at the same time. That poor child lost her life, and she’ll never get to be a mother, or grandmother. Where is her justice?
So very sad. I hate that certain people can get away with murder. How can they live with themselves. And why did they go over to the side of the road and hit her. This isn’t even a cold case if they know who did it. They all ought to have to pay…..everyone that helped hide the crime. Shame on them.
And that they did this to a CHILD. I wonder how many other times they’ve done something like this and not been caught, or had it covered up too.
If everyone knows the name if this person why can it not be mentioned? It’s long passed any hope of prosecution and the man should have to live the shame and stigma of what he (they) did. And the parents and law enforcement are no better for letting them get away with it.
If they put a name out there they had better be able to prove it, and if they could prove it the person would be charged. There is no statute of limitations on murder, and if this person swerved to hit this child that sounds like murder to me.
Yes, them saying there was a statue of limitations is a LIE!
Just another cover up.
Vehicular homicide doesn’t have a statue of limitations.
They need to look closely at who would have had access to the items that were thrown out & internal affairs needs to get involved.
Also who would have known or had connections to that police department at that time.
God will judge all of those who did this as well as those who knew & did nothing!
I guess I’m just confused because suspects names are often thrown around in news articles but none on this one. I’m not from there so knowing the name for myself really doesn’t matter but I bet it does to this little girl’s family. Based on the story it sounds like there might have been more than one family involved unless the guys were brothers. This is one of the most shameful cases of cover up I’ve ever known when surely there are multitudes that know some or all the truth.
They may still be afraid of these people.
They must be some pretty powerful people and that is scary that a few families can grip an entire community.
This case is so sad and makes me so angry.
Sad, would like to see some justice for this little girl.
I remember Vicki very well. We were in the same class and I was at their home a number of times. I have fond memories of Lillian and both girls. This was such a very sad time.
I remember you and your whole family Jane!
Could the blood-stained pop bottle found near the school that day could have been sold by Mr. Case at the Travel Inn? In 1961, ten cents might have been the price of a soda pop from a restaurant. Perhaps business records from the store would confirm if that brand/size of bottle ever was sold there, which might account for the final sale on the tape. If so, perhaps modern forensic technology could recover some useful evidence from the glass bottle that was unavailable previously?
I agree, whoever this was has a family out there who needs closure
You got the name right! Kelly Lynn Jackson. I met him at west high school…hanging around in the lunch hall in 1983. He did not go to our school, but his cousin David hayes did. I was see-ing Kelly for a spell and he tried to kill me after he rapped and beat me. He drove me in Davids car, through the back roads and into riverside park. He parked at the back(end) and beat me and choaked me in the car. He told me he just killed a bitch…and he knew how to get rid of the body. A car pulled into the park, down around where his car was parked. Kelly stopped long enough for me to get out of the car. He did talk me back into the car and we left. This is not the first time that he has tried to kill me. He was staying with his supposid cousin Mondell Plummer and his hooker girl…only down the hill and 3-4 blocks away from west high school. Just saying. Kelly was a son of a bitch…and evil!
Thoughts and prayers to this family.
There are so many stories of women succumbing to the hands of thier abusers during this era. Few made it into a police report. Fewer into a newspaper. I thank the feminist movement of the children of these women for safe houses and shelters nationwide. I certainly hope her mourning survivors are strong enough to name a new shelter after her and bring justice for the future victims with the injustice of her passing.
Absolutely right, Laura Edmondson. Back then, it was practically considered a “private matter” within families. So tragic.
I hope that you get the answers you deserve…Your mother was a wonderful person that was kind and loving…A very special person that will always be remembered
look at this women died in a car accident say size hair color eyes and would explain why that women had her name is FL and and the same scars on her chin found it from October 7 1950 billboards for the carnival news paper in Olklahoma
My heart shares great pain with his family.
Baby Stevey loves and misses u, uncle Steve
This is so sad. I hope you can solve this.
Diana, “Iowa Cold Cases” doesn’t ‘solve’ cases but rather keeps the case information “out there” to remind the general public that charges haven’t yet been filed and it’s not too late for anyone to come forward with any knowledge or information about the crime. Some murders actually defy the phrase “cold case” because police and/or other agencies already have a prime suspect or suspects, and are steadily working toward gathering evidence in order to present an airtight case that results in a conviction. Tony Canfield’s homicide is a perfect example, as was Casey Frederiksen’s 2015 sentencing in 5-year-old Evelyn Miller’s 2005 murder in Floyd, Iowa.
We at ICC will not take credit for solving any crime because it is the police departments, the county attorneys, the FBI, and many more agencies who fully investigative these murders and ultimately charge one of more individuals in the deaths.
We’ll usually include a case here if more than a year has passed without an arrest, even if LE has a primary suspect. A year after a murder, many people are unaware of whether or not anyone was ever charged, and we serve as a gentle reminder that they have not.
I have the utmost respect for law enforcement agencies (local to state to federal) who continue putting in long hours years after the victim’s family members may have given up on seeing justice served. The Sioux City Police Department has one of the highest clearance rates for homicides in the state, and so many of their efforts (like in other cities) go unrecognized or unnoticed, but they never stop working a case until the leads literally hit a dead end. The three arrests and convictions in Tony Canfield’s murder serve as major victories to all law enforcement officials involved in prosecuting this case.
I thought they found the men who did this!? I’m praying so!
It’s close … very close.
Thank you so Much for sharing his story!!! You are our Blessing! You give us victims/family hope when we all seem its gone and we are forgotten. We have these to post and share hoping and praying anyone, just someone, anyone will come forward and tell what happened. Thank you so much for all that you do. You are my biggest blessing and have always been there for me you have no idea how much i apperciate you and your work!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU
She indeed is a blessing
Dana Canfield, thanks so much for your heartfelt words of appreciation!! I’m behind with posts and just saw this today, and it meant even more to me after a phone call earlier today with a particular county attorney (no, not even close to Woodbury) who is knee-deep in a couple of unsolved homicides. “How much do you make?” he jeered. “I read the Des Moines Register article.” (Thank goodness he can read!) But to equate the value of one’s work to how much money one is paid is a slap in the face to anyone who volunteers for anything. His own financial GREED played a huge role in the separate (unsolved) deaths of a good Iowa man and his son. I won’t name names here, but he is the epitome of why attorneys in general get such a bad rap. We run the gamut here, with some civic-minded practicing attorneys actually working “pro bono” on some of these unsolved cases, while one can look the other direction and see a simple-minded power-hungry county attorney gloating over the power he holds to bring about criminal charges in a case or (if financially profitable) look the other way. Your message was a breath of fresh air!! ??⚖?
Lori Mathes reigns in our family as the “Kindness Queen.” She is a blessing to anyone fortunate enough to know her!
Their is always hope, have faith.
What is wrong with people??? I pray someone comes forward. My heart and thoughts are with the family.
Dateline needs to be notified!
I agree with you, however they would say what wonderful Christian People they are!
Dee Urbatsch told me after Gary’s murder, you can’t prove the Gary’s cancers were caused by the water, because Gary was cremated.
She knew I would never have given permission for his being burned before our children could say goodby.
Who called and got Doctor Royer or whoever to call the Champion Funeral Home’s employees to turn from taking Gary to Osage and instead take him to Mason City for Cremation with his not even having been seen by a doctor and pronounced dead.
I kept having thoughts that Gary was just unconscious or still alive when they burned him.
Veronica, what Dee said is only further proof of why local officials committed these heinous (and illegal) acts of having Gary cremated before he could be seen by a doctor and pronounced dead. I would agree with Lois’ “Dateline” suggestion, but the story of what happened to Gary and then to Adam could fill far more hours than Netflix’s recent serial documentary, “Making a Murderer.”
So many people are visiting Adam’s and Gary’s pages (some days it hits 9,000+ visitors for either one of them) that the page won’t always open in my browser — Adam’s in particular. I may have to split the comments up into two separate pages. No other case on ICC even comes close to the number of comments or monthly visits.
While one may think it’s impossible to say anything “good” about any of these unsolved murders, you at least have one *extremely* important thing going for you with Adam’s case: there were just soooo many witnesses who provided different accounts and told so many lies (not to mention all the photographic evidence) and the truth is catching up and now nipping closely at all their heels. It’s only a matter of time. Once one single witness stumbles and falls, the others will come crashing down like dominoes.
In the first hearing to try to get Adam’s Death investigated Judge Bryan McKinley refused to recuse himself and he asked if I had gotten the letter that was sent to me, and I said yes, that is where I learned there were about 40 people just standing around and giving no aide to Adam. And the Mitchell County Property and Liability Attorney Rourick refused to answer the subpoenas for the names of the 40. Veronica
How do 6 ppl get out and not grab an infant?
:(
So sad
I remember this
I am a former Waverly resident. I believe the spelling of the name is Garbes, and I did know those boys. I am thinking they were close to my age. There was also a pharmacist in Waverly who was supposed to be having an affair/affairs and it was speculated he may have done this. He did suggest my friend who was 17 meet him at a secluded place after work. She worked for him. Of course, she did refuse.
It can’t be Bryan and Brett Garbes, who lived on Shell Rock. They were both born in 1962 and 1961 respectively. Ten years when Valerie died. Neither of them could have the strength to commit this crime. Wrong way. Did the pharmacist in question work for Meyer Pharmacy on 10th West Bremer Street? How old was he? This pharmacy is only a few hundred meters from the Sir Lounge, where Julia Ann Benning had worked.
The Garbes boys were in my class and would have been born in the mid to late 40’s. The pharmacist in question worked downtown Waverly at the time. He may have transferred to the store on West Bremer, I had moved by that time. I had friends in high school that worked for him, but none for very long. They said he would get very suggestive to them and wanted to be alone with them. This freaked them out and they did not stay on the job. He was suspect in this case, but due to his community standing, I doubt anyone wanted to pursue it. Small town politics at work.
It cannot be Brett & Bryan Garbes. They are not old enough.
Source: My grandmother, who gave birth to them in the 60’s. They are both my uncles.
Were their parents still living when this tragedy occurred? I wonder what their thoughts were.
The parents probably knew who murdered their son but were afraid to say anything against their other two sons.They knew that anyone who would murder their own brother wouldn’t hesitate to murder his father and mother,too.
This needs to be made into a major motion picture! And do it while the criminals are still alive so they can be ostracized and just maybe brought to justice! Shame to all the people in this area for looking the other way. To any of you that have not helped this family, don’t you dare step one foot into a church. You are no better then a member of the KKK or the Nazi’s during WWII.
The FBI and other investigative agencies should have no problem finding the conspirators and murderers. It would seem they abound in this case.
Andolino, You are so right, the investigation notes by Medicare and the Iowa Inspection and Appeals Office, 25 pages of citations, as well as Nurse Linda’s, signed confession to the Board of Nursing’s investigation, and my notes given to those investigators, give any real outside of Iowa Investigators the list of witnesses and evidence in Gary’s murder. But so far Mitchell County and Iowa hides it all. Veronica Lack
Andolino, the one investigator that seemed to work the hardest on Gary’s case got sent to Iraq just as he seemed to come close. Maybe it was a coincidence but…
Recently I was advised by an FBI agent, to hire another Iowa attorney to file a charge of “Domestic Violent Terrorism” against these White Powerful Proud Boys who are continuing to pollute the source water of 1/2 million Iowans. But I’ve not found an attorney and none will stand up against the Farm Bureau and former Governor’s illegal flood water drain into 8 Iowa counties well water source.
I can’t believe this is unsolved! Should be investigated again using the technology available and resources other than local authorities. I do not believe this was a random act.
I know Steve Dye well, do you think he knows something?
I know Steve Dye very well, do you think he knows something?
This is very heart breaking, someone has to know something, they need to come forward. My heart and thoughts to the family and friends. I pray for all of you. God bless you
I apologize if this double-posts, my browser is kind of having hiccups right now and I’m not sure if the first post went through or not. Anyway, KWWL did a news story tonight about Lisa’s case:
No problem, Kim! I watched the video from the 26th and then saw the other (extended one) online last night, and find it incredibly sad that so much that’s known is not shared by the media; it isn’t a question of media not doing their jobs (they do the very best with what they have), but rather that so much info that’s known (and all the connections, looking sort of like a Rand-McNally road atlas) simply can’t yet be released to the public. Arresting just one person in Lisa’s case could set off a domino effect with the possibility of solving perhaps 10 to 11 cases. So many eastern Iowa unsolved cases trace back to connections with the very same individuals.
At least when the first witness crumbles and gives up other names, the DCI and FBI will have their hands full with many other additional arrests, and the connections/names/towns/colleges/college departments/other states/churches will quickly fall into place as one organized crime unit begins to implode.
Yeah, I definitely think Lisa’s case is connected with Julie Benning’s and Valerie Klossowsky’s cases. It’d be interesting to know if the 4 year gap between Valerie’s case and Julie’s case coincided with the main suspect possibly being overseas in the service. It’s so sad that these cases have gone for so long without being solved and the killer/s has gotten away all this time with murder.
KWWL did a news story tonight about Lisa’s case:
Has Mike Moses been considered for these crimes?
Roni, I cannot imagine how difficult all this has been for you. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Bonnie
Bonnie and Al,
Thank you both for being in court those four days that Adam and I testified in 2007. Gary’s and Adam’s friends and family have been my strength, to try to get Iowans Downstream warned about the contaminants in our wells Downstream after the group with NRCS and IDNR and FSA help dug through my home farm to use it to channel the pollution to the Designated National Wetlands Sinkholes. But I have not gotten that job done and have lost so much. Roni
Adam’s Birthday again and the only birthday present I could think of is to get the IDNR to notify a well owner and surrounding well owners, when they condemn a private or public well of all the contaminants in the condemned well. So we could test for those listed contaminants first, instead of starting out with a list of over 600 possible expensive tests.
When Adam’s Dad was killed in January of 2004 and our well wasn’t condemned until later that fall, we were not told what the contaminants were, so I spent thousands on well tests that showed High Cadmium Lead, High Atrazine, Very High Nitrates, and high Bacteria when the sinkholes were taking farm run-off water.
The test for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer was never mentioned to me but the IDNR had been testing for it as Ammonia Nitrogen as N (Nitrogen). The Hygienic Labs in Coralville and Ankeny and the other IDNR Lab have the Big Databases of well test data and we pay the State of Iowa about $125.00 when drill a new well for a permit.
The 3D GIS System that unearthed the Arsenic in Iowa’s Cerro Gordo County aquifers could be used for all contaminants and all 99 counties so the Public Health Department of Iowa could notify surrounding well owners to test for contaminants that show up in one well. About 7,000 or 15% of Cerro Gordo’s population are effected. Sandy Davis was the first to notify the CG Dept. of Public Health, and I was the first, that I know of, to warn the Mitchell County Dept. of Public Health in a Board of Health Meeting on September 23rd, 2004 of the high cadmium Lead test on my drinking water. Doctor Ross the then Chair said he couldn’t write a warning letter as it would scare the people.
It’s not right that Iowa or DNR big data files of well tests are hidden or deleted after years of people searching for the contaminants that are causing neurological problems and cancers for themselves, their children, parents, and grandparents. Well owners are only being told to test for Nitrates and Bacteria while the most water soluble Nitrogen fertilizers are building up in concentration in our Source Waters.
The EPA needs this data to set MCL’s for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer. The only thing the agents say is, It’s not supposed to be in our water at all, but we need 20 years of data.
Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer draws both Arsenic and Lead into our Source Waters. We should be stopping Point Source Pollution by some farmers who have Built huge flood drains to drain their Wetland down sinkholes in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa as Waterloo lost the use of one well in October of 2015.
Call or email Sophia Walsh, GIS coordinator and environmental health specialist with the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, at swalsh@cghealth.com or (641) 421-9318. Please ask if the Department of Public Health will expand this 3D GIS system to all 99 counties as Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer and Black Hawk Counties also are in immediate need for this new 3D GIS system and a possible alert system to warn well owners using the data collected over 30 years.
NOT SLANDER WHEN ALL SAID IS TRUE. MAYBE TRUTH HURTS. SOME PEOPLE. I’M NOT GONNA LET THEM GET AWAY WITH WHAT THEY HAVE DONE. FEDS ARE WATCHING.SOME OF THESE PLAYERS MIGHT FIND THEMSELVES DOING SOME TIME IN PRISON.REAL SOON.
I would love to find him before he turns 18. Freddy is my cousin. If anyone has any information please get sold of me on facebook or give me a call. I don’t care how far away he is I’d gladly go get him. He turns 18 in exactly a week from today. Aaron Conder. Pm me on facebook for my phone number. Please don’t mess with me on this I’d love to tell his family if he is found.
prayers
there is also a pic connected with the Thomas carnival website to the history that looks a lot like her
found information on a women with the carnival that was killed in a car accident ……if you want to look up information called the billboard carnival it’s a carny news paper
Where did u get the carnival info?
she didnt die in car accident in killeen she came back to mason city and me kathy and amy were born and married chuck jackson
Jacob Brim any relation?
Johnathan Mitchell was just charged in federal court for robbing Cathy Stickley. https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/after-acquittal-in-death-of-cab-driver-johnathan-mitchell-indicted-in-cab-robbery-20160426
Kim, I’m ecstatic beyond words. We just don’t see this kind of thing happen very often. It’s no secret “reasonable doubt” bewilders many jurors, but for the feds to continue their pursuit of justice even after a district court acquittal is just … a true act of heroism!! They went above and beyond the call of duty and deserve tremendous applause for sending a message that Cathy’s life mattered!
Always glad to share any info, Jody! I never know if what happens in my part of the state gets any news coverage in your part of the state, so if something comes up about one of the cases on here, I try to share a link to the article if I can.
And I appreciate that enormously, Kim! Sometimes I’ll get a Google alert, and other times I won’t know about an update unless someone like you sends me the link! I’d rather have 10 people share the same link with me than everyone thinking “somebody else probably already sent it to her.” :-) Thank you for all you do!
He was found incompetent to stand trial, and the case has been “continued” indefinitely. There’s no other suspects, and Cathy received ZERO justice. Years later, her son took his own life as a result of losing his mother and the lack of justice. There’s not a day that goes by where her kids and grandkids don’t talk about her. But we all know the truth — it was Mitchell.
Angie was a Beautiful girl ,she may not lived a perfect life but she Loved her children, an would do anything for anybody, She had a heart of gold! RIP Sweet Angel
She had a HUGE heart.
Please someone come forward. I know her husband and he did not do it. Someone has to have seen something they did not look at way back then
I don’t remember this,, why was the husband ruled out.
because he did not do it and was cleared. he was not home at the time… i am her son and do not appreciate your accusations. find who did it or mind your own business. one thing i have learned over the last 16 years is people are full of accusations and ideas when it isnt their family. make it theirs and then they want privacy and compassion.. think before you speak. do not you think that angle was investigated ?
I think the husband had something to do with it. Maybe a murder for hire. It said that one guy came into a substantial amount of money shortly after the murder. Husband may not have physically done the crime but I’d bet he had something to do with it.
why don’t you take your welfare checks and move on, seems you came out of the deal ok, and Scott Anderson was one of the more crooked sheriffs in Iowa at the time
I remember this. So sad
I remember this so well. I use to live by them
This whole case is very sad. Not only the original incident but the people who read all of this and instantly accept it all as fact. I live in Mitchell and know many of the people and places named here. Of course pollution is a problem and some of the officials are shady (or used to be.) But to say that ems, police, and firefighters from several town’s were involved in an 8 hr murder effort is ridiculous.
After reading the article and many posts, there are a few glaring issues that were not addressed. One, Adam gave chase to the impala for close to 20 miles without brakes? Then the police gave him a breathalyzer while he was pinned in/under his truck? And when that came back positive it was blamed on ethanol plant fumes. Anyone inhaling enough fumes to record a bac is dead, not driving.
Don’t blindly accept everything you read as fact.
Martin,
I didn’t believe Sheriff Younker, that Adam had caused his own death by drinking, as I was with Adam from about 10/10:30am on 7/12/2008 when he got back home from working a long night of several weeks spreading the heat from one firm to another to keep the plant from a burnout. But he wasn’t done, as he got that demand for the Poet Operating Procedures from the Headquarters. He worked at my dining room table even though I asked him to go to the doctor. His asthma inhaler in hand. His face was swollen and he seemed dizzy, he had said they told him to sleep it off, but he was wanting to get the POP’s done, and they called and promoted him but demanded he do another set of POP’s to vent the warped tank so it would be safe for workers to go into it and do repairs on Monday. He kept working and was rechecking his calculations even digging out his old Calculus books and checking on how the humidity affected the venting time and then he emailed those off. But he was a little dizzy even when he came out and helped me plant some bulbs. He told me he was not sure about the piece of equipment that measured the fumes as it had not been calibrated.
We went in and had sandwiches, it was dark, and I was showering and he left a little note that I still carry in my purse. “Went To Plant For A Little While.” And he left his Poet computer running and opened to monitoring plant operations. Which was odd he never left it running before when he left.
Judge McKinley claimed in court in the transcript of the first of 4 hearings that Adam had tested positive for alcohol and insinuated Adam had caused his own death, just like Sheriff Younker told Adam’s ING Insurance Company. I had already been given the Pathologists copy of Adam’s Blood Work by ING and had gotten copies of the horrible x-rays, even though Mitchell County’s Liability attorney Rourick refused to answer the Court Ordered Subpoenas for his Poet Exposure Patch, Adam’s clothes, Adam’s Autopsy Report, that was done by Doctor Haganman, and the breathalyzer report was also refused that was done around 8am, so about 8 hours after the first 911 call report had been recorded in Osage and this first 911 call probably was made by the two men in the about 2004 Tannish/Gold Chevy Impala that Adam chased. But the Osage 911 call was not answered to protect the two that had probably cut his brake lines at Nora Springs where he stopped to check on the broken apartment window that he measured or at the Poet Plant, before he drove back to our home, the other times the brakes were cut he had been going to work or coming home and it was a small cut so until he used the brakes a few times he didn’t lose control until more of the fluid leaked out.
Adam was alive eight hours after that first 911 call, but trapped, as the 26 pictures Pallas Graham the young Highway Patrolman took at the scene and they gave Adam no aide but put on gloves to do the Breathalyzer test after Pallas must have been the one who discovered Adam wasn’t under the truck when he leaned in the back window and took the picture of Adam with his seatbelt on and the deployed airbag, Adam had been protected by the cab of his Dodge truck, except for Adam’s trapped ankles and feet and left arm that was dislocated and out the window with the truck’s weight smashing it for those 8 hours..
I gave a copy of the pictures Pallas took to an accident investigator and he claimed there was no way Adam sustained that type of neck dislocation in the cab of his truck unless his neck was twisted off after the 26 pictures taken by Pallas.
If you look at Adam’s death certificate that has the falsified time of death, and the actual cause of death severe dislocation at C-2 and C-3. Adam does not show that or other injuries that are listed after these pictures on the accident report as noted as clearly visible at the time of his accident that the Highway Patrol had reported to have happened on Saturday night 7/12/2008 before Midnight to the news media. He had not sustained the dislocated neck, the smashed right arm and hand or the badly broken femur, and gushed feet and severe head cuts and the arterial spray was not all over in the pictures yet, like later in the cab of his truck.
Why hasn’t the Highway Patrol shown those 26 pictures they were only given to me as a group of digital files, given to me copied on a CD. Would they be afraid of some people? I know some of the people like Judge McKinley in the pictures standing around when they decided not to give Adam any Aide as they wrote on the Accident Report that they later filed in Des Moines.
I had not known the route or miles Adam drove before he lost control and had to take the ditch to avoid hitting the Impala, so where did you get this information?
It’s a cold case, now. but why can’t someone come up why she died. Or the person who took her way from us.. Barb was a wonderful person… She is missed, buy so many….
You know whoever did this really thinks they are getting by with this crime but reality is, some day you are going to meet your maker and you will pay for for this, Rot in Hell!!! Barb was a beautiful lady.
This is very sad and heart breaking. Someone please come forward.
This is very heart breaking.
Easy to figure hard to prove the brothers who fought with him at the Schooner followed him and threw him over the bridge. The current flows south thus the body stock on the shore of indian Isle no one else had a motive and he sure as hell was not going to swim home. The X girlfriend has to know the truth. Unless someone comes up to tell what happened the case will never be solved.
Not very hard to figure though hard to prove the girl friend’s brothers followed him and threw him over the bridge the current flows south and took the body to Indian Isle where it was found. No one else had a motive.
Shared!
Thanks, Alice!
Wow David I wish you were here your kids are amazing David will be 21 in August while it is been so long Darius will be 19 a freshman in college and a marine who just got promoted to Lance corporal you would be proud of your kids we miss you everyday
I remember a sleepover at her house when we were kids. Her mom taught us to make tissue flowers.
Angie was a beautiful woman with a contagious laugh. Her family needs closure. Lets help spread the word to bring Angie justice. Peace my friend~
It is now 2019. I still do have closure. :-(
Do NOT* have closure.
I still wonder where Ted Bundy was about then (think he was driving across the country)… and also there were a lot of railroaders who had been working down in that very area where her body was found. Sadly they found that purse and seemed to think her body would be no where in the vicinity… Stupid thinking iMHO.
Theodore Bundy was captured in FLORIDA in 1978.
Bundy was put to death in 1989, in Starkes, Florida.
He was NOT roaming the country in 1983.
Thanks Dana, David seems confused frequently.
You seem like a sanctimonious asshat, frequently.
No David, they checked down river, but didn’t think to check upriver which is where the remains were found.
Angela and my mom grew up together . i last remenber we was in the womens facility and i was 17. We was friends there
So sad
I am Ruth’s sister and i am her to tell all of you make him out to be such a angel only his side of the story and what he said heart broke my ass no one ask where he was that day or where he was oh yea he worked for the county she had to take care of them kids she was at Larry’s after there first baby was born we knew where the rest where also I was 13 years old when this happen this should be taken off this site if there was any truth to it him or her would of been aressted
If you would have read the story above you would have seen LeRoy was ruled out as a suspect he was at work, why would Ruth leave four young children alone in the house to go to the neighbors ? ? why were there two children admitted to the hospital under RUTH’S CARE ? ? then one more child admitted to the hospital under RUTH’S CARE ? ? I knew LeRoy for years, he was a soft spoken, sweet gentle man and I believe he had nothing to do with this senseless murder of two innocent children.
Dumbest thing I’ve read on this site in quite awhile. She obviously did it. No question. You defending her is laughable. She was a terrible mother and a terrible person. May she rot in hell.
Wow I have no clue why you would reply so hateful you obviously didn’t know RUTH She was far from evil and victim as well in all this lost her children
This was my brother, and I miss him a lot.. I will probly never have any closure for the rest of my life ..
It is bad it builds up for years …I can’t comment more cause it is negative as hell.. I got to just take one year at a time and now its been 18 years..
John, I’m so sorry for your loss. There is nothing worse than “not knowing.” I, too, hope someone will eventually come forward and tell officials what really happened. Jody at ICC
I hope they find, however did this what evil
I pray for you Korene , and your sister & brothers that you can find closure on the terrible death of your mother. It had been a while since I seen her last, but I sure thought I would see her again. ‘GOD’ seen who did this to her, so one day the person is going to answer for it. Amen!
She was a sweet heart,an boy could she sing like a angel ?,really need justice for her ,Happy Heavenly Birthday,love ❤.ox.
It makes no sense that this young lady would go to her girlfriend’s home, and no one would be their if they had plans. There is no information about whether the family was home at the time she arrived. If they verified that they were home, that would verify Padgett lied about dropping her off, because the girlfriend would be waiting for Erin’s arrival, and could be testified to in court.
A mother knows, I agree Diane Diana Wilson, someone knows and need to speak up!
Angie was such a pretty girl. A very sad ending of her life
If it’s well known what happened then why doesn’t the mother announce it?
That was my thought as well. Even the fb page doesn’t say.
The mother has already spoken with LE officials, but they’ve not yet made any arrests.
If anyone has information or memories to share, please feel free to message me on facebook. I am her second born daughter. Thank you.
I have never forgot about your mom,and from time to time would wonder whatever happened and why they never caught the person. She rented a basement apartment from my neighbor. She would come outside and walk around and smoke her cigarettes and make small talk. She was always pleasant and nice to our family! I hope they find closure for your family,it’s been way to long in coming! My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
I would….. if you would let me.
Mother’s know best and if the community knows there was foul play….someone better speak up!!!!!
What is the man who lived in southwest Iowa who killed people in KC anyone know
Jeff moreland
I think of her every time I drive over the bridge
Julie Anne DaBillo
I just hope someone comes forward, who did this to this young lady should be punished. This breaks my heart for the family and friends.
I so agree with you, Gay Anne Appelhans, my heart and thoughts are with the family, I pray someone comes forward.
Bradlee Damm, the daughter did come forward right after the murder. She told her teachers at school. She told her friends. She told family members and other adults. She told anyone who would listen, even though he’d threatened to kill her and her brother if they ever said anything. Darleen’s family knew all along Lance was responsible, but he had friends at the DMPD at the time and convinced them she’d run off with another man. The night Lance killed his wife and partially cleaned things up, he took the kids (right after midnight) and drove over to Adel to pick up one of his twin sisters so she could come back to Des Moines with him to watch the children during the day. When she arrived, the bloody mop was still sitting in bloody water in the bathroom, and she told him he “needed to do something about that” and he said he would. Even Lance’s own family knew he’d killed Darleen.
what a shame such a beautiful woman and we missed the chance 2 c her heart she will always b n my prayers
I have faith that the truth will come out eventually , may God be with all of family and friends of her! I was young at the time this occurred , but wish her son the best in finding some answers! ?
Jodi Zimmer did you ever tell the cops your encounter with her? Maybe someone in the bar that night had something to do with her death.
I always thought that. I told cold cases about it. They said they would have someone contact me..never did.
Contact Tony Thompson. The black hawk county sherriff
That is just weird that they never contacted you. I don’t know , maybe contact the FBI if you have any memories at all of the night that you saw her. Sometimes a little information goes a long way. This victim and her Family needs closure.
I need closure. So do her children. She was brought up.today….and I am a mess.
I would think that if no one contacted back they would have a different kind of lead on it. Cuz that’s just too wierd.
Jodi Zimmer We can pass along information to different law enforcement officials and ask them to contact the writer, but we have no control over what they do with the information after that point. I now go through a specific contact person at the Waterloo PD and will send your Aug. 11, 2013 message directly to him. (Yes, I keep all emails and correspondence. :-) Jodi, could you PM me with either your email address or phone # so they know how to reach you? Jody at ICC
No matter her problems, no one deserves to die like this. Jodi, that’s kind eerie.
I can’t imagine the “not knowing” for so long.
Shared
Thanks, Alice!
Shared
Thanks, Alice!
I just watched the A&E story about Michelle Martinko. It seems like Jerry Burns could have committed many more similar crimes. Has he been ruled out? There is hope for a resolution even after so many years.
(The murder of Michelle Martinko occurred in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 19, 1979. It was a cold case until 2018, when familial DNA identified her killer, (Jerry Lee Burns) 39 years after the crime.
Martinko, an 18-year-old high school student, was found stabbed to death in her family’s car in the parking lot of a local mall, where she had gone to buy a new coat.)
A&E: Killer Cases: Michelle Martinko Case Solved After 39 YEARS
https://youtu.be/8z-cV0XtZmE
I was thinking the same thing. Did you ever get an answer on this?
I met her at a bar and week before her murder. She was in bad shape. I felt so sorry for her. I offered to give her a ride home. They called her a taxi instead. I’ll never forget my encounter with her and I hope they find who murdered her
I truly think this case could and should be solved it is sad i remember it well she was a beautiful person inside and out I think there are people out there that know things and have never came forward I wish they would so her family would know what happened to her loved one..
I pray someone comes forward, and find answers. My heart and thoughts are with the family and friends.
I would get a court order from higher up to look and if she is there sue the heck out of DMPD how tramatic for this little girl living life not knowing if he going to kill you next!!!! And the family being blew off unable to have proper resting for her!!! DMPD should pay for this if this is the case!
Bradlee Damm, Thank you for stopping by Mother’s site. No one should blame the DMPD for Mother’s murder. The blame rests with Father. Don’t worry about that little girl-she grew up to be a missionary in Africa and Jordan, a wife, a mother of five very accomplished children, and a prominent political leader in her state. Someday, if Mother’s remains are stumbled upon, We will welcome her back and give her a decent burial. Until then, we praise the tenacious work of Jody Ewing. Without her care Mother would be forgotten. Remember friend Bradlee Damm, my husband and son are law enforcement. Lanny’s only son is law enforcement, and one of Kathy’s sons is law enforcement. @ the time of Mother’s murder the DMPD followed correct protocol according to law. Thank you for caring about Mother!
Hello Fitchett Family. This is Teresa Gibson from Redfield. We all went to school together. I remember you all, especially Lanny . We spent time together in study halls. I ran across this case on the web and was so saddened by it . Can not get it out of my mind . My brother Randy was friends with Lanny and my brother Roger was in Kathy’s class. I pray you all are doing well. Please give lour love to all and let them know we are thinking of you . I hope you find the peace you all deserve. Blessings to you all. Teresa
Dear Readers, I must sadly report to you the death of my Mother’s sister Ellen Boyd Dunmire Montoya. December 11, 2017. She tirelessly followed every path she could find to discover where my Mother’s remains were hidden, and was grateful for the help of Jodi and the Des Moines P.D. The protocol of my religion says she is with my Mother now and her questions have been answered. Bless all those here who cared for Mother’s memory.
Thank you for posting this Janette, mamma will forever be missed. She loved her sister so deeply, and could never let this murder be. She loved deeply, and is now in heaven with her beloved Darleen. :)
Wow, this is so sad. I didn’t know her super well. We were partners in science lab. I do seem to remember that she had a really quick wit about her. i no longer lived in Creston when she went missing but remember seeing it all over the news. Hope she is resting in the arms of her heavenly father and that her earthly father is also right there by her side. <3
You have the year wrong or something. Terrible! Feel so bad for anyone going through this
Brandy, thanks so much for the heads up! I had the year correct on Jackie’s page but for some reason had repeated 2011 here instead changing the second date to 2012. Thanks for catching that and for your kind comments.
National media will soon be investigating this case. The key to solving this case is identifying the individual who commited this crime on behalf of an influential person in the community The local authorities know who this is but refuse to do anything.
When did the daughter come forward? If she waited until they both died she should be in trouble..
Could curtis padgetts name be highlighted? A picture of him may help?
Sending peace and healing to Erin’s family on their quest for the truth.
I pray they find the person/persons who did this horrible act of violence to this poor woman…. How sad they are still out running around after all this time!!
I remember her face and can’t believe it’s been 15 years. Hope the police get a break in her case soon.
I grew up knowing Jeff and he was really just a normal guy this whole thing in Kansas City just blew me away at the time she went missing he was a cop in afton 10 miles away
I am Steve’s niece my name is Krista(Manos) Downs my mom Carol Manos if anyone has heard from him. We haven’t heard from him since his half brother Tom Manos passed is there any information?
Krista, this is Chad (Steves son). I had heard my dad had gone missing. I haven’t heard from him in 20yrs. I regret not trying harder to find him. I just saw this post, 2021.. I haven’t heard anything since 2016. If u have any info, or thoughts, or want to catch up and share any good stories u may have, please reach out again on Facebook. Im not really a user, but message me or my wife Tara Babka. I miss him and wish u could have met my family.
Hi Krista, I knew Steve when he lived in New Jersey, he worked for me for a couple of years. He always talked about his two sisters and life back in Iowa. I hope they find him.
Really Denard…So your saying you are PERFECT?? U need to shut your BIG MOUTH & Get Off This Site..Grow up!!!! EVERYONE makes Mistakes….
LuAnn,
In Mitchell County since Adam was charged with assault or resistance to the polluters, because we couldn’t give Cedar (W) Township farmers permission to dig a huge illegal flood channel to a line of Designated and documented Sinkholes to drain their surface water with AG chemicals and highly water soluble CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers down into our aquifers or Source Water, he was jailed twice. When the polluters illegally trespassed with bulldozers and excavators and later Scrapers and did over $500,000.00 in damage, I had to charge Dean Kleckner the former Director of Farm Bureau with Trespass and theft of topsoil. Deputy Hintz took eight months to respond to the second set of excavation and trespass charges in 2005 against the group that got the IDNR to charge me with Blockage of Water in 2004. They dug away 42 acres on my farm to build a 320 foot wide by 6 1/2 foot deep Flood Channel to illegally drain their farms down those Designated National Wetland Sinkholes. Ray Frana USDA-NRCS trespassed on my farm to do the survey for that illegal channel, so both the federal and state agencies were used by the Cedar (W) Township polluters to cause the Plume to now expand in taking out one of Waterloo’s wells in October, 2015.
So if someone in Mitchell County resists or complains about high nitrogen fertilizers being drained directly into our Source Waters they will probably have arrest records like on my murdered son Adam’s records.
But the charges were dismissed by Judge Kloberdanz a good judge, who stated, False charges and False arrest.
Gary Eggers, the charges against you were probably trumped up like the several against Adam, thank you for standing up against the farmer digging a drainage channel to dump farm runoff onto your property. We need to stand up for our Property Rights especially when people Downstream have their Water Quality affected.
Gary and LuAnn,
Greg Schmidt at the NRCS West Union Office refused to tell me why the NRCS had not required the Cedar (W) Township group (who gathered together in Court in the 2007 case taking up 2/3 of the seating) to have to get an Environmental Impact Study done before they dug a 320 foot wide mile long floodway through my Mitchell County farm in my call on 7/11/2008.
The IDNR said I had to file for 401 permits each time I had to do repairs after their new channel damaged my farm and home and the Designated National Wetland. Yet those farmers were never required to get 401 permits as they trespassed and dug away my conservation unfunded repairs right through the Designated National Wetland and I had been made to close the sinkholes opened by their Flood Channels built to flow over roads.
Over $150,000.00 of my personal funds were spent to stay in compliance with my Legal Drainage Outlet from the Corps. The group had testified in the 2007 trial that Gary my deceased husband had given them permission to come back a year and a half after he was deceased to Transition the Flood Channel through my farm. Judge McKinley said, sustained everytime, I said I had not given permission or easement for the group’s Flood Channel, as I had also signed the 1995 Corps of Engineer’s Agreement for Drainage and was the sole owner of that Mitchell County farm since 1/2004. I was threatened by Ray Frana at the Osage NRCS Office that I had to spend another $30,000.00 and complete the repairs for the 2008 ECP’s for those two Floods to limit the on-going damages from the New Illegal Flood Channel. Franna had threatened me, if I didn’t stay in compliance and finish the repairs he would take away my Right to Farm my farm and my renters right to Farm Program Benefits.
Yet after I was forced to finish those NRCS and FSA ECP repairs the Charlie Heiderscheit brought those two after the fact permits for the Illegal channel that the IDNR and NRCS and Corps of Engineer’s had not given permits for, out to my farm, threatening me that he would not sign my Compliance Letters for those two ECP repairs for the two 2008 Floods.
I drove Charlie up the entire length of the grassed 320 foot wide mile long huge channel completely dry in the first week of May 2009. I showed Charlie all the work Adam and I had done before he was murdered by the group that were building these illegal Flood Channels to the Designated National Wetlands huge sinkhole Aquifer Recharge Area. Charlie said I had to sign those after the fact permits or he still would not give me a Letter of Compliance so I could sell and get out.
I reached into the backseat of my Trailblazer and showed the 26 Palas Graham pictures of Adam’s being trapped before the group contractors and farmers and Judge Bryan McKinley smashed Adam and later twisted his neck dislocating Adam’s C-2 and C-3 vertebra. Charlie started crying as he kept looking at the picture with Judge McKinley and Adam trapped in it and said, I didn’t have to sign the after the fact permits and he would get me the Letters of Compliance for the two ECP’s.
Gary and LuAnn,
I had not signed out of another account so my above email should have been signed by me, Veronica Lack
I grew up in La Porte City during that time. The one rumor that NO one would denied? Was that it was ??. With this being said God took very good care of this person. He died a horrible death from Cancer. ?? died many years ago, no loss to La Porte City.
Kat, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s office had reason to believe it was a drifter not a resident of the community that committed the crime. This drifter left town right after the murder but was never charged as there wasn’t enough evidence.
I would like to know why the Sheriff’s office had reason to believe it was a drifter. 2 shots to the face and 6 back of the head seems like some real personal hatred / revenge.
DENARDO the retardo THE RETARDED COP JUST ON HERE BEING A ASSHOLE. IGNOIRE thIS fool cop. See the Kinda Crap These Cops Will Pull??
Yeah Your a Cop. But for the Record never found Guilty Dog charge was,Phoney Cop hurt his own dog closed door on dogs foot himself cause he was and is a Dumb ass just like you. Lol Point was County Attorney keeps Harrassing ME and My Family. His Name is Mr Mark Walk. He Works for Rich PIG Farmers and kisses their rear. He does what ever he is told to do. Greg Beaver sherfiff is the same way. Game players who Abuse their Authority. NAMES SOUND FAMILIAR SAME NAMES INVOLVED IN MURDER. THEY ARE WORRIED I’VE PUT THEIR NAMES OUT THERE FOR ALL TO SEE. THIS STATE IS FULL OF CORRUPTION.LET’S SEE TOLD PIG SHIT HAULER GUY JUDGES HUSBAND TO STOP HAULING SHIT OUTBACK K. GUESS WHAT THEY CAME ARRESTED ME I USED A GUN THEY SAID TO THREATEN GUY. I DON’T HAVE GUNS HERE.REALLY FAKED WARRANT SIGNED BY JUDGE CAUSE I YELLED AT HER HUSBAND SO SHE ORDERS COUNTY ATTORNEYS TO DRAW UP A ARREST WARRANT HELD ME ON A 6,000 CASH BOND. WAS PAIDED. THEN THEY STOLE MONEY
JUDGE WAS CAUGHT TAMPERING WITH JURY. CASE DISMISSED. THESE EMPOWERED IDIOTS JUST DON’T HAVE ANY BRAINS AROUND HERE. MUST BE DRINKING SHITY WATER. MANUFACTURED FAKE EVIDENCE BUT THEY GOT CAUFHT. THEY ALL SHOULD BE IN JAIL. COUNTY ATTORNEYS BOTH OF THEM AND JUDGE DE DRA.Schroeder. district Judge she was a Maggi strategy at the Time. She a,Joke PARALEGAL Not even a Attorney NO one wanted the Job. NOT QUALIFIED TO WIPE ASSES AT THE NURSING HOME. SHE BREAKS THE LAWS. SHE BELONGS IN JAIL. JURY AND WITNESSES TAMPERING. SHE HAS THREATEN ME. IN FRONT OF HINTZ BUT HE WAVED HIS ARMS AROUND TELLING HER NO NO NO.I’M 300 LBS MUSCULAR GUY. I WAS OUTSIDE OF COURT SHE CALLED ME A NAME I SAID BECAUSE YOUR A BITCH. BUT I WAS NOT IN COURT ROOM. SHE OWES ME $6,000 PLUS INTEREST. Attorney Misconduct judges misconduct. There is no justice in Iowa. These butt KISSERS are for hog farmers and POLUTION. Oh and DE DRA. SCHROEDER GAVE SOME PIG FARMER SIGNED PERMITTS TO BUILD MORE HOG LOTS. HE WAS AT A BAR HAVING A FEW AND HAD THEM IN HIS POCKET PULLING THEM OUT AND BRAGGING ABOUT THEM. JUDGE IS IN HIS POCKET HOW HE GOT THEM ALL SIGNED. PIGS SHIT WHERE’S THE SHIT GOING? NO ROOM TO SPREAD THAT MUCH SHIT I CAN TELL YOU. SOONER OR LATER SHITS JUST ON TOP OF SHIT. WHY LAND AND WATERS POLUTEDO NOW. THESE CRIMINALS HAVE HIT ME WITH EVERYTHING BUT I’M STILL HERE. NOW FBI KNOWS ALL. I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WON’T DO ANYTHING. I’M SO GLAD I PAY TAXES SO THE EMPOWERED IDIOTS CAN SCREW ME OVER. THIS HAS BEEN A HATE CRIME ON GOING. BREAKING MY CIVIL RIGHTS. OH SHERRIFF HELD ME 4 DAYS WON’T LET ME CALL A ATTORNEY. PHONES BROKE SHERRIFF CURT YONKERS SAID.FEDS WERE ON HIS REAR I SEE HE LEFT COUNTY OR THE STATE.HEAT WAS ON HIM. NOT SURE. JUST STORYS. I’VE HAD MY HOME BROKEN ED INTO BY SHERRIFFS. DEPUTIES. NO WARRANTS. BROKE DOORS I WAS IN HOSPITAL WITH HEALTH PROBLEMS. HAD HOME BROKEN INTO GREG BEAVER DEPUTY WON’T RESPOND TO CALL TOLD ME TOO BAD. THE HARRASSING AND HARRASSMENT NEVER STOPS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN EMPOWERED PEOPLE LIKE THESE LIE SO MUCH IN COURT FILE MANUFACTURED WARRANTS. GOT CAUGHT. I’M STILL WONDERING WHY JUDGE DIDN’T THROW THEM INTO JAIL. JURY KNEW IT WAS ALL BULLSHIT. JUDGE OVER HEARD MY ATTORNEY WHO CAME BACK FROM BREAK CAUGHT DEDRA.SCHROEDER TELLING WITNESS WHAT HE WAS TO SAY COACHING HIM.YOU SHOULD HAVE HEARD MY ATTORNEY YELLING AT HER. LOL HINTZ WAS THERE TOO. HE SAYS SHOULD MAYBE RUN THEM BOTH IN. YELLING WAS LOUD. JURY HEARD IT ALL.JUDGE DISMISSED WHOLE CASE. SAYS TO COUNTY ATTORNEY I THINK I KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON HERE I’VE HEARD ENOUGH CASE DISMISSED JURY DISMISSED. BUT THEN A DAY LATER $6,000 WENT MISSING WHERE’S MY MONEY? GONE THEY SAID.COURT COSTS. THEY SAID. I SAID THEIVES OF THIS COUNTY MORE LIKE IT. THERE ARE SO MANY MORE STORYS. LIKE I HAVE SAID. THEY CAME
AFTER ME AFTER THEY FOUND OUT I HAD TURNED THEM IN. I ALSO GOT OFFERED $20,000 3 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT THIS FARM TO SELL IT AGAIN. MERTENS DIDN’T KNOW FARM WAS FOR SALE. WANTED PRETTY BAD. NOW HE TILED THROUGH MY LAND RUINED MY BUILDINGS AND BASEMENT OF HOUSE. THANKS TO WATER TABLES BEING CHANGED ILEGALLY. HINTZ CALLED COUNTY ATTORNEY WHEN I HAD CALLED TO REPORT ALL THIS ILEGAL DIGGING ON MY PROPERTY MERTEN DUG UP ALL MY PROPERTY STAKES TOO.I HAD LAND REALLY SURVEIED. HE DUG NEW STAKES UP TOO. CALL COUNTY ATTORNEY SAME STORY NOT ILEGAL TO DIG IN MITCHELL COUNTY IOWA. WHO’S GOT RIGHTS ANYMORE?? RICH FARMERS. MERTENS TRIED TO KILL ME. WASN’T FIRST MY WIFE I’D BE DEAD TOO. HE TURNED AROUND ON ROAD WHEN HE SEEN ME AND TRIED RUNNING ME OVER WITH 4X4 TRACTOR. HE HIT ME BUT I SPUN OFF BUCKET BARELY. I STILL HURTS WHERE HE HIT ME. ONLY IN IOWA. THEN MY WIFE READ MRS LACK POSTS. CAUGHT OUT ATTENTION. NOT HARD TO BELIEVE WHEN I’VE HAD MY WINDOWS COON SPOT LIGHTED LATE AT NIGHT MANY TIMES. I’M FROM MN. I JUST GOT UP PULLED SHADES. DIDNT THINK MUCH ABOUT THAT AT THE TIME. BUT THEN PROBLEMS GOT WORSE SO THE STORY GOES. NEED FEDS TO DO A SWEEP HERE AND START ARRESTING THE EMPOWERED CRIMINALS HERE IN MITCHELL COUNTY IOWA. CLEAN UP ALL OF IOWA. CLEAN WATER SHOULD COME FIRST NOT MURDER! THESE EMPOWERED PEOPLE IN MY OPINION SHOULD BE HUNG FOR TREASONOUS ACTS ON US CITIZENS. DON’T DRINK THE WATER IT WILL DESTROY YOUR HEALTH FOR SURE. CHEMICALS IN WATER DOES CAUSE CANCER. WAKE UP PEOPLE. PUT THE WORD OUT THERE. PLEASE. I SEE WE HAVE A FEW TROUBLE MAKERS ON HERE.
Jody Thanks for your support and thoughtfullness. I definetly will be very humble on any help with pro bono you may find.
Sincerely, Ed
Brent all ur doing is being a smartass to my husband that actually knows alot more than you think plus Im so glad you like to bash my husband who is disabled..If you dont have anything good to say then maybe you need to shut that big mouth of yours and get off this site..Because your comments arent wanted…they are plain stupid and immature!!!!!!!
LuAnn, what are his disabilities? Are you his caretaker? If so, why are you letting someone so low-functioning have unfettered access to a computer hooked up to the internet?
Sometime in the future you could have health issues from drinking contaminated water that affect your typing skills or just being able to breathe or walk steadily or not shake so you have to correct your typing, so don’t criticize people who do have these health issues.
My son, Adam was trying to get access to the IDNR well test data in the three IDNR testing labs that document the Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer levels in our Source Waters in Iowa that were causing issues for Poet in killing off the bio-digesting enzymes before they could break down the switchgrass and corn stover to make ethanol.
This data paid to be collected by Iowa taxpayers has been hidden from the public and even some Renewable Energy Corps to protect the corporations and polluters profiting from its production, sale, use, and illegal drainage of Nitrogen fertilizers into our Source Waters.
Sorry Denardo..But thats none of ur damned businesw..You writing a book.??? My husband is very highly intelligent..So your barking up the wrong tree buddy…You need to get off this site & out of this conversation. Your negativity, & snide remarks are giving me a headache…..!!!!!!!!
DENARD STAY OFF THIS SITE!
Okay Gary. we all can’t be sheep like you. Let me know if you need help with my email.
I’LL LOOK UP YOUR EMAIL BRENT YOUR THE DUMB ASS BULLYING ON INTERNET IS AGAINST THE LAW. I’LL POST YOUR WHOLE NAME ON HERE AS SOON AS WE LOOK UP YOUR EMAIL. THAT WAY WE ALL CAN HAVE A GOOD LAUGH AT YOUR EXPENSE. LOL
I WAS IN HOUSE DEPUTY WITHOUT ANY WARRANTS PULLED A GUN AND SICKED POLICE DOG ON ME. NO REASON. I WAS PUTTING MY CAR KEYS ON A HOOK INSIDE MY ENTRY WAY. YEAH WOW GAME PLAYERS YEAH WOW SHOT A HOLE THRU MY DOOR. NO REASON THEN CHARGED ME FOR NOT LISTENING TO A POLICE DOG. HOW STUPID CAN YOU BE. I WON APPEAL THIS IS DROPPED EXCEPT FOR ME SUING. COUNTY BOARD OFFERS TO PAY FOR THE DOOR DAMAGES. JUST GOES TO SHOW LAWSUIT THAT’S COMING. KEEP GRILLING MORE LAWSUITS ARE STARTING UP. GREAT WAY TO SEE SOME JUSTICE COMING.FBI WOULD START DOING THEIR JOB SOME WOULD BE IN PRISON OR PAYING BIG FINES RIGHT NOW. ANYONEVEN MAKING THREATS TO ME OR MY FAMILY MIGHT BE SUPRISED. WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU THREATEN THE WRONG GUY. SOME OF YOU FARMERS CANT SEEM TO FARM WITHOUT SCREWING YOUR NEIGHBORS MAYBE YOU SHOULD SELL OFF THE FARMS AND RETIRE! WE AND OUR FAMILIES DO HAVE A RIGHT TO LIVE WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT WATER WE DRINK OR SOME IDIOT CHANGING THE WATER TABLES AND FLOODING OUT OUR HOMES AND LANDS. IF YOU GOOGLE MY NAME BACK A COUPLE YEARS YOU WILL FIND I PUT TWO JUDGES OUT OF WORK AND ONE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND A CITY ATTORNEY. PLUS A FEW DISHONEST COPS. IF IOWA HAD BETTER RULES THIS MAFIA WAY OF SCREWING PEOPLE OVER WOULD STOP REAL FAST. I’M THE GOOD GUY.BUT THAT MAY CHANGE. I’D HAVE NO PROBLEMS TAKING A FEW CROOKED ASSHOLES WITH ME WHEN MY TIME COMES.
“I’D HAVE NO PROBLEMS TAKING A FEW CROOKED ASSHOLES WITH ME WHEN MY TIME COMES.”
Hey Gary, get very specific. What exactly are you saying you’d do? VERY specific please.
Yep That’s It Call the Honest People Idiots Reporting a Serious Problem.That’s gonna,Work Really Well as For Some being Stupid Why don’t you just reread what’s being Said. Stop being a Fool making your simpleton Comments.Sounds like your the One that needs some more Schooling. I’m on a smart phone. So typing all this isn’t all that easy. Then We get some Dumb ass Making Stupid Comments about Hey You didn’t dot the I. BIG DEAL! Like I said before FBI probably watching this site. SO MAKE YOUR THREATS LIGHTLY. You can’t stand the Truth GO Away! Please! I write as I Remember. Being I was POSIONED. SOMETIMES HARD TO DO. What I think we Have are some Players here making smart Comments. They Must be alittle Worried.WE sure are getting alot of Action here Lately.
Yes! I’m glad you used all caps! Come on Gary you’re the one who looks like an idiot posting your nonsense assumptions.
YOUR A COMPLETE IDIOT!
Gary,
Didn’t you learn anything when Denard was telling you how dumb you look by using capitalization for everything. You people are delusional to think there’s that many people that could pull something like that off. Quit blaming the farmers. Your forgetting they’re the ones putting food on your table. But I suppose you’re a vegan hippie so go ahead keep blaming the farmers. Oh and I thought you had arranged some visitors for me.
P.s.
Sounds like you had the “2 and a half feet” of hog shit coming to you! If that’s even true.
Think for a moment, assuming you’ve read her manifesto, how wide she is claiming the “conspiracy” is. It’s every neighbor of hers, all of them, all law enforcement from local to state to federal, all employees of the judiciary, all judges, all DNR officials, all conservation and rural political officials, all academic officials, all medical professionals in all of northern Iowa, and virtually anyone and everyone she isn’t related to. It’s beyond absurd and her replies, each time, are a stream of consciousness about well tests and allegations that someone told her they knew they were lying but they knew they would get away with it.
At least make up claims we can begin to believe, please.
Adam was Murdered. I know from Talking get to Someone that was at the Scene.Rescuer.Why the Cover up. I won’t say on here what they did with that chain. Plus only hear sayou from so.eine who was there. But Rest assured they Did something to him that caused his Death. I Really feel Sorry for Mrs Lacks Loss. I DID CALL and Give information to the FBI This whole deal is still Under investigation Much bigger than we all Are. All FBI WOULD SAY IS. They knew and Thanked me for this Information Plus I told them what that Horse Dr in St Ansgar did to me.Like I said My wife started reading this POST. I said right off WTF Same crap been happening to Me. They are All Crazy Around here.I had called and Turned in Eugene Merten he spread About 20,000 gallons of HOG SHIT ON my 3 acres Outback.Had to Move My Wife and Kids to Safety. 90 plus degrees out. Shit was 2 and a half feet high. That’s not farming. Thats pure insanity. No One would help us. We were fairly new Here still. Back when this happen. If Truth be Known how bad It really Is.Here everyone Probably would be in a Panic. Why County Officals Lie about Stacyville Well having to be re dug Deeper New Well At taxpayers Expense? SHOULD BE THE FARMERS PAYING FOR THIS SINCE THEIR THE ONES THAT POSIONED THE WATER SUPPLY! THEY REALLY NEED TO MAKE A EXAMPLE OUT OF SOMEONE. I’M SURE IT’S COMING.I’d like to see the FBI COMES IN SON AND START ARRESTING SOME OF THESE EMPOWERED PLAYERS. MITCHELL COUNTY MAFIA HINTZ CALLED THEM. VERY DANGEROUS PEOPLE. TAKE THEIR POWER AWAY. VOTE THEM A OUT. PERIOD. START WITH SOME FRESH. POLITICIANS WHO WILL LISTEN. NEED SOME LAWS CHANGED MAKE IT EASIER TO DEAL WITH BAD FARMERS WHO OVER POLUTE.
In 2008 before Adam was killed he was getting beaten up and harassed over his urging that the ROSOL II evaluations for a farmer’s Manure Management Plan’s IDNR Permits for Application should cover both very water soluble CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers. He had argued that criteria in those ROSOL II exams (for those two fertilizers) that NRCS still does for the IDNR should be expanded on to include besides NHEL soils, also a minimum soil depth above farm tile, Legal Surface Water and Tile Outlets, and application Buffer Distances from even farm through waterways, streams, sinkholes, swales, ponds, rivers, lakes, and intermittent streams.
Koch Brother’s Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer application equipment is surely the most state of the art, not to knife the fertilizer they produce and sell into our Source Water. They should not be knifing it or CAFO Nitrogen fertilizer in, right through farm through waterways or to close to rivers and streams, either.
Gary,
Maybe Danard will start to understand in ten years from now, when his water bill is over a $1,000/month. If he can afford Clean Safe Drinking water like I was trying to drill deeper for in 2004, after my husband and animals were dead.
DENARDO WHY ARE YOU EVEN posting on here if you have nothing to add to this Problem?
What I have to add is that while most all cases on the Iowa Cold Cases blog are actual cold cases, this one doesn’t even appear to be a mysterious murder, much less a “cold case.” Most of the claims are the totally nonsensical ramblings of an unhinged conspiracy theorist who also appears to be very dishonest in her “recounting” of events and conversations.
It really says a lot that in her supposed passionate rants about the environment and her son, it always comes back to “evil Republicans” this and “amazing Hillary” that. Very few grieving parents who thought their child was actually murdered would be ranting and raving about political parties when there is no relationship between the death and political parties at all.
This woman needs a proper burial.
God help these poor people
ALL THE ILEGAL DIGGING ON MY FARM DRAINAGE DITCHS. AND TILE DUG I CALL SHERRIFF THEY SAID COUNTY ATTORNEYS WONT ARREST. ANYONE
FOR ILEGAL DIGGING. IT’S MR MARK WALK MITCHELL COUNTY ATTORNEY CALLING ALL THE SHOTS. SO PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE VOTE HIM OUT. VOTE OUT THE JUDGES TOO THEY ARE ALL SO CORRUPT. I’M SITTING ON A BIG WATER SHED AND CONTROLING WATER WHERE I LIVE. WOULD BE WHY THEY KEEP TRYING TO FORCE ME OFF MY LAND. I’M HOPING FBI COMES IN AND HAULS THESE CROOKS OFF TO JAIL. BUT THIS POLUTION THING IS STATE WIDE I’M AFRAID. NO ONE DID ANYTHING. NO ONE’S TOO BIG TO FAIL. THERE IS FARMING THEN THERE IS BAD GREEDY FARMERS BELIEVE IT’S OK TO POLUTE AND POSIONED INNOCENT PEOPLE!
We need the IDNR, USDA-NRCS, EPA, and the Corps of Engineers to enforce my 1995 Legal 404 Permit for very limited drainage outlets to the Designated National Wetlands huge sinkholes in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County IA to stop this one plume.
We all (especially Downstream) need the strict enforcement of Iowa’s 16 Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act. As we all need Clean safe drinking water, even our farm animals and our pets.
Hi Gary. Did you know the word you keep attempting to use–over and over, all unsuccessfully–is “empowered?” Also, did you know that writing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS is generally accepted to be a sign of rather low intelligence? So much so that most of us aren’t even reading what you’re typing because it’s just plain too annoying. So speaking of “empowered” individuals, a good question would be how did someone of your education or intelligence level come to apparently own millions of dollars in farm assets, as you appear to be indicating here?
Denard,
So you’re trying to say you are someone like my former Renter, but with an Ivy League education, and at least 5,000 acres of row crop farmland about all paid for and with all the huge John Deere equipment, using Perfection Farming Practices and sub contracting partners or corporations at your beck and call? I don’t think so.
I hope you are using LEGAL surface and tile outlets for all of your farm’s drainage and not the one dumping chemical run-off onto your neighbors like Gary’s small farm/acreage is being damaged by an illegal altering of the rate and manner of flow onto Gary’s acres.
My renter listened to me when I warned him about the limits of Mitchell County Iowa Karsted Limestone Aquifer Recharge area with very limited soil depths on my farm there. He helped me add to the Rock Breaks and other USDA-NRCS Conservation efforts, while people like you assume the richer larger farmers have the right or even would alter drainage illegally without getting permission from a smaller land owner.
You are wrong, very large and small farmers can be the most sustainable and protective of our Soils, Water, Air, and Lives, but first they follow our Drainage Laws.
What an utterly nonsensical reply. For one, I never addressed any farming practices at all. Two, I’m not a farmer, nor do I even live in your area.
Reread your first sentence. Are you able to discern that it is a rambling mess, and not even a complete thought?
Gary, there were some good judges in Mitchell County, like Judge Kloberdanz, but he died of cancer, Bryan McKinley, was a bad one not giving Adam any aid and just standing there while Adam was crushed.
We need to get more good just ones appointed and not vote out any good ones. Several very good judges were not kept on in Iowa and then we have the Republicans stuffing the courts with judges that favor the Big Corps, over the people, even on Water Quality. Support our present President who was elected by the people, not by Corporations, as he is now appointing a Good Just Supreme Court Judge, but as usual the Republican Senators are not doing their jobs.
We need to research and be an informed electorate, as if our Life and the Lives of our Children depend on our Votes, as they do.
Lives Matter, and we Need Justice For All of us Not Corporations.
WHEN WE WERE HAVING DITCH DIG HERE WHILE ME AND WIFE WERE GONE HINTZ Said to Me. Gary there are Powers That be in Mitchell County Don’t Mess with Them I was in THE Service Special Unit. ALL I’LL SAY. They come looking for Trouble. I Turned Them ALL IN to feds.NO one Needs To live like This. If you like HOG PISS and Fertilizer in your Water GO ahead and delete drink it. STACYVILLE HAD TO REPLACE THEIR WATER TOWER.HAD TO DIG A,DEEPER WELL. WHOLE TOWNS BEEN POSIONED. LOT OF PEOPLE DYING FROM CANCER IN TOWN. I KNOW THAT. MY LP GUY HE WAS A VERY NICE GUY. IT’S NOT NORMAL FOR THIS MANY PEOPLE TO DIE OTHER BLOOD CANCER. IN ONE TOWN. DRINK BOTTLED WATER WAY SAFER. OTHER PROBLEM IS BOTH US ATTORNEYS IN IOWA NORTH AND SOUTH ARE COVERING UP ALL THIS POLUTION. LOOK WHAT’S GOING ON IN MICHIGAN. NOT GOOD WHEN OUR GOVERNMENT LIES TO US LOCAL STATE OR FEDERAL. VOTE ALL INCUMBENTS OUT OF OFFICE. BOTH TOP PARTIES HAVE SCREWED US POOR PEOPLE.
Hello, I am doing research on my mother Jackie Douthart. Because I would like to know more. Now that I am older I am realizing that I cannot bring my mom back. I mean realized it before but I was never really old enough to realize I will not be seeing her again for awhile. I miss my mom of course. I used to have this theory she would still be alive and we just got everything wrong which I know that is impossible. But yet I still have hope for something I know wont happen. I have been a different person since I have known I wasn’t going to be able to see my mom anymore I know this wont matter to half of you but thanks for reading. Thanks to all that prayed. <3
I’m sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your future Zoey.
I’m sorry for your loss little one. And also for the lack of answers available to you. You are in my prayers.
It matters to me, Zoey.
I am heartbroken and very sorry you don’t get to see your mother daily.
But never forget, she’ll be watching over you til the day the Lord calls you home.
My condolences to all your family.
Of course it matters. I hope you find the answers you need and obviously deserve. I think things happen for a reason and maybe this very tragic event will guide you down a path in which you can help people in similar situations. And although there is no love like a mom’s, remember, I’m sure there are many people who treasure and love you. Good luck Zoey.
Thanks Gary for your defence, this is the type of harassment I received from Dale Adams and his superior at the Mason City DNR Office since I first complained about Bradley Johnson’s draining his feedlots and field chemicals down the sinkhole north of his home in 1993. They told me to go back to the Mayo Clinic and see a Psychologist, they knew I had just had surgeries and was getting Chemo for my cancer then and they refused to do some well tests and hid the results when they did do some. No I’m not insane, but have had justifiable anger to deal with, since they continue to refuse to warn people Downstream to test for Ammonia Nitrogen as N before they Chlorinate for the CAFO bacteria.
Denard, women who have cleaned up after men, at least know you don’t mix Chlorine and Ammonia and then drink it or breathe the fumes in. But the IDNR still only tells well owners to test for Nitrates and Bacteria and not the 5 Nitrogen fertilizer Spectrum tests (one of those Nitrogen tests is Ammonia Nitrogen as N). We need to know the Anhydrous Ammonia levels are clear before we Chlorinate for CAFO Bacteria or we can cause Trihalomethanes that burn our eyes, skin, throats, lining of our intestines, and the fumes can damage our lungs.
BEING THIS COUNTY HAS DONE ALOT OF THE SAME TO ME OVER HOG MANURE AND ME CALLING FEDS. SHE IS NOT INSANE SHE LOST TWO OF HER FAMILY IN THIS. I’VE HAD SEVERAL ATTEMPTS ON MY LIFE IN THIS COUNTY. IMPOWERED PROTECTING BAD FARMERS WHO POLUTE. I’M IN MIDDLE OF FILING FEDERAL LAWSUIT. THEY HAVE HURT ME AND MY FAMILY. PRETTY GOOD. POSIONED OUR WELL. IT’S A ARTISAN UNDERGROUND STREAM FED.SO GET A YOUR FACTS THERE BUDDY BEFORE YOU START CALLING SOME POOR WOMAN NAMES. MAYBE YOUR ONE OF THOSE IMPOWERED IDIOTS INVOLVED IN THIS. YEAH UNTIL THIS STARTED HAPPENING TO ME. HARD TO BELIEVE SOME OF THIS. BUT BEING I’VE MET ALL THE IMPOWERED PLAYERS FROM THIS COUNTY INVOLVED IN HER STORY. INCLUDING COUNTY ATTORNEY MR MARK WALK. HE VIOLATED THE COURTS ORDERS. DOES WHAT HE WANTS TO DO.FROM WHAT I’VE SEEN.SHERRIFF HARRASSED ME NON STOP TILL BROUGHT GUNS HOME TO PROTECT MYSELF AND FAMILY. I’VE HAD THREE BULLETS FIRED AT ME. PAST 10 YEARS ONE BY SHERRIFF OTHER UNKNOWN ONLY SEEN THE CAR DRIVE AWAY HAPPENED TOO FAST. ANOTHER CAME FROM BEHIND MY FARM FROM THE NORTH. WHAT KINDA LOSERS HARRASS A HANDICAPPED GUY? ASK YOURSELF THAT? UNTIL I WAS POSIONED I WAS DOING OK. NOW ALL DOWN HILL TILL I DIE. I’M STILL DYING INSIDE MY INSIDES ARE FRIED. DRUGS DOCTOR GAVE ME. HE IS THE SAME IN THIS STORY MRS LACK IS TELLING YOU ALL. I. SURE USED SAME ON HER POOR HUSBAND TOO. ONE DRUG WAS LISINOPRAL THEN GAVE ME INDOMETHACIN ASPIRN FOR THE PAIN. I GOT SMART DROVE MYSELF TO AUSTIN,MN. 30 MILES. TO ER DOCTOR THERE SAYS MY GOD MAN YOUR ON THE VERGE OF A HEART ATTACK I WAITING GO HAVE A ENLARGED AORTA REPAIRED TOO. NOW DESTROYED NERVES IN MY LEGS TOO. I WAS IN HELL. STILL I SUFFER. SEVERE DAMAGE BUT I’M STILL HERE AND TELLING MY STORY. BIG MONEY FARMERS WILL KILL YOU. OR TRY TO IN MY CASE. NOW THEY NEED TO WORRY A OUT ME. MERTENS FARMS IS INVOLVED. SOME OF THE SHERIFF DEPUTIES. TOO. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT DID SPOT LIGHTING. I’VE SEEN THEM. I WAS OUTSIDE HUNTING NIGHT CRAWLERS. THEY COULDN’T SEE ME.HAVE A HEDGE ALONG THE ROAD. WAS A MITCHELL COUNTY SHERRIFFS CAR THOUGH. DIDNT SEE THE DRIVER. EVERYTHING YOU SEE HERE IS TRUE. IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE KEEP DRINKING YOUR WATER. OR SEND YOUR WATER OUT TO ANOTHER STATE! I ENCOURAGE IT.YOUR OPTION IS DRINK IOWA WATER GET CANCER AND DIE. SO PROTECT YOUR FAMILIES.DRINK BOTTLED WATER NOT OUT OF YOUR FAUCET.
I’m a totally disinterested 3rd party who likes to read the Iowa Cold Case blog.
Reading her manifesto, one quickly becomes acutely aware that the mother in this case is full-on insane. I’d question just about all of her allegations at this point, including things she claims others “admitted” to her. Very little about this story has any credibility at all.
Denard, 60% of Minnesota wells are contaminated and they are upstream from Iowa. This huge Mississippi River Watershed feeds herbicides, pesticides, and high levels of the most water soluble Nitrogen fertilizers like Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers down to the Gulf and is producing an astounding growth in the Dead Zones.
Shouldn’t we in Iowa being testing our water for all the Nitrogen fertilizers especially the most water soluble ones? We should be as good stewards of our farms, protecting our water that we and our neighbors Downstream drink. You can’t taste them until it’s too late and according to the IDNR Geologists your only recourse is to drill to a deeper aquifer and then 5 years later drill too a yet deeper aquifer after they didn’t mention we should have been testing for the Nitrogen fertilizers.
Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer levels are increasing in the deeper aquifers and Ammonia Nitrogen as N does not die off in the cold and dark of aquifers like the biological fertilizers can. It is an energy source produced mostly by the Big Oil Corps who are funding candidates mostly Republicans as they get legislation passed to increase pollution and allow them control of water rights.
Watch the film, “Troubled Water, A Mississippi River Story” it’s in most libraries, but Farm Bureau banned it from IPTV even though it was made to be shown there by Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota.
Move your Family here, live this cruel reality. I bet you will change your mind. Walk around. Visit. Fish the streams, drink the water and raise livestock and know first hand before your ignorance is written.
Under what circumstances did Crystal Steward go missing?
Check the near by bodies of water…he may have swerved and ended up in the water…trapped unable to get out…this really needs to be done.
How on earth did the police buy the story of him looking like a squirrel? The widow remarries in less than 2 months? His car was taken for a ‘few hours’ and his wallet was stolen? Good grief. This case needs to be reopened.
Wasn’t married til 2004
Wasn’t married til 2004 get your facts straight
If anyone has any more recent info or news on this case, I would like to know. I was a friend of Lisa’s and knew her father. I will never forget this case and continue to hope that the murderer will be brought to justice in my lifetime.
Pardon my ignorance but I thought Johnny Gosch was murdered by a serial killer?
Meredith, his body has never been recovered.
http://dondevamos.canalblog.com/archives/2013/03/11/26624488.html
Veronica,
I am just finishing up research on Adams story for a podcast I Produce. I would love a quote from you on where the situation stands today. Has anything changed in mitchell co.? Are you still active in trying to fix things there? Was Brad Johnson ever made to fix the original issues?
I to am an Iowa farm owner. As a mother of 5 children who I have raised to respect the land and to work hard to take care of our 3 Generation Family farm, I can only imagine the heart break in loosing your son and in such a tragic way.
If you have anything you would like to say I would love to add it to my podcast to help continue to get Adam’s story out.
Sasha,
No nothing has changed the Cedar (W) Township group have drained more farm herbicides and pesticides and CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers down the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland.
According to a State FSA employee over 20 newer sinkholes have opened up in and around Section 10 (where Brad Johnson, Dean Sponheim, and James Ursbatch farm) he claimed Section 10 is now just a sieve and a chemical drain.
I’m still in a suit against the IDNR and the state of Iowa for not enforcing the Clean Water Act and the 16 Iowa Drainage Laws against those polluting Mitchell County farmers. Iowa and the IDNR refuses to warn the well owners Downstream to test their water for Ammonia Nitrogen as N before the IDNR tells them to Chlorinate for the CAFO bacteria. Their water may also contain high levels of Ammonia Nitrogen as N and if they chlorinate the chlorine may not combine well and may produce deadly Trihalomethanes.
This Plume of high nitrogen fertilizers took out one of the City of Waterloo’s wells last October.
Our Attorney General’s Office says they can’t warn people of the Anhydrous Ammonia building up in our Source Waters and the Gulf as it’s too POLITICAL.
Our IDNR continues to hide the three Hygienic Labs huge Data files of water test information. Our Taxes paid for those labs and yet Monsanto gets access but Iowan’s can’t to the data for our care and research. We can’t even find out what tests need to be done. Access to this information is part of my Civil Rights suit for accommodation as I’ve been trying since 1993 to get access to what was killing our animals and damaging my family’s health and slowly killing my neighbors.
5 Nitrogen Spectrum Tests are high on the list (this includes one test, Ammonia Nitrogen as N). It is the test that indicates the levels of Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer in our water.
Did you look at the map of this Plume that RussTell helped me draw after 2008? The Plume has moved through parts of Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and now into Black Hawk Counties and still the IDNR refuses to warn well owners to test for the Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer that Orascom produces after Governor Branstad gave them access to over $500,000,000.00 in state tax funds. And Iowa can’t yet feasibly filter it from our Source Waters. It’s also the cause of the Dead Zones Downstream in the Gulf.
No my Civil Rights Case number CVCV046761 has been hidden not even a note in the paper. The reporters I’ve contacted mainly say the story they wrote could not be printed because of their paper’s attorneys would not allow it. Corporate AG Gag.
Signs are appearing in Iowa, Koch Farms.
Ads on TV for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer Application by Koch for a fee.
Koch and Arab Oil Corps produce and sell this Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer that we are drinking and cannot feasibly filter out to protect our health or that of our animals. It’s one of two very water soluble nitrogen fertilizers used to grow corn.
Our 20 year Governor continues to hide the well test data and give more of our tax dollars to the Oil Corps that are able to increase the levels of Ammonia Nitrogen as N in our Source Waters by his Non-Enforcement of the Clean Water Act and the 16 Iowa Drainage Laws.
Soon the only drinkable water will have to be purchased from Koch Brothers. How costly will that be?
As animals and Iowans are already slowly dying from this pollution, it should be considered Corporate Domestic Terrorism.
I have spent so much time looking into this tragedy, both in respect to your land and the loss of your son and husband. I am incredibly saddened to hear that nothing has been done about what I would call the worst kept environmental secret in our state. I hope that getting the word out on Adam and your Family’s story by featuring him on our podcast can do a little something. Knowledge is power after all…. People can’t fight for change unless they are allowed to hear the truth of what is really happening in the world around them. Main stream media doesn’t always show the entirety of what is happening in our world. Thanks for the Update. Keep up the Good Fight!
Has there ever been a suspect or person of interest in these tragic cases?
Does anyone know if the investigators will check the apartment building staircase? I’ve read that this poor woman may be encased in cement on this property. Rest in peace.
Paisley Flower, The Des Moines Police Department are the only folks that can answer your questions concerning this cold case. Thanks for stopping by.
This is the home where Darleen’s body is allegedly encased in the front concrete steps. (Lance allegedly dug the backside out from the basement, then put her in the area he’d chipped away and then resealed the steps from the back side (also from the basement). It’s 717 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines.
Is there a possibility that le will do something ? Is ground penetrating radar an option?
Paisley, if it was an option with the Pleasant View Drive home, I don’t know why it would be a problem here.
There is a special place in hell for anyone who is responsible for another person’s disappearance. You might think you got away with it for now, but wait until you meet your maker.
Amen
Why was she not ever concerned about finding her husbands killer? Just the money. And why was there no money or anything taken if they were going to be robbed, at night, which is rare and a lethal combination they would have both been dead and pretty much everything valuable taken. I bet she was cheating on him and he walked in on her with someone else and the guys went at it whether she killed him or her significant other she ran to the neighbors because she was scared. It explains why nothing was taken and 2 naked people.
The wife may or may not have done it.
However, in response to your comment that no money was taken, I’ll just point something from my own family’s personal experience. When my own son — walking back to his RV from a Jack-In-The-Box in Seattle– was robbed at gunpoint of his backpack, cell phone, and cash, the robber then panicked, said “f*ck it” and shot my kid through the head (miraculously my kid lived and now 2.5 years later is back in college), and then apparently dropped the money he stole from my son before fleeing the scene of the crime. The detective on the case told me that in my son’s case, the police recovered $30-odd dollars (I think $34 but can’t recall for sure) on the ground where the spent casing and blood spatter was found.
I took my son to school and home after this. I remember every interview with Johnnys mom. And knew a guy that was suppose to be watching the Martin child because his mom was dating his dad at the time. It’ remains in my mind.
I remember some of these, I had a young son that carried papers, but not in that area.
Has anyone else checked the pattern here? I bet there was 3 more similar in other states there after. I also believe there was a pattern, somewhere else prior to Iowa.
Does anyone remember the cop that said he thought that J.G. Was in a wall in the house, there was construction going on when he vanished. I don’t remember the details
Yes I heard that same statement made also that construction work was going on nearby during the J.G dissapearance and it was thought that his body was in a wall in a house, but never heard anymore about it.
Yes, i remember.
This young woman and her family has been in our prayers from the first onset of news she was missing. If anyone can solve this case it will be our great DLEC teams in charge. We have top drawer professional investigators. Sybil Schroeder
Janette, I hope your adult life has been better than your childhood, and that this case can be solved.
Sarah Rushton, Who, among all of us, has had the perfect childhood? We never went hungry, we had the opportunity to be educated and we grew up to be as productive as possible without murdering anyone. I guess I call that “better.” You are honestly so sweet to care! My real concern is for my older siblings, witnesses to their own Mother’s murder, who will not participate further in this investigation.
How sad
Prayers to his family! What a horrible nightmare to endure for 30 years!
So if she named the location, was anything ever investigated about it?
Lynn Elaine, Colleen’s daughter was a little girl when she “Believes” she witnessed Mother’s body entombed in the steps of the apartment building where she lived with her Mother. My father owned and managed these apartments and apparently kept his mistress here. For the Des Moines police department to be expected, again, to follow a blind lead is unreasonable. It costs a great deal of money to mount an investigation this invasive. And what if Mother’s body is not there? Mother is dead. Her grave is immaterial-my family is gratified that her death story has been given life by Jody. Finding her body will not undo her murder. Bless your heart for caring!
This is colleen’s daughter!!! I’ve never witnessed your mother being entombed at the apartment. I would appreciate it if you would not talk about me and this case ever again. .
Vickie Lachberg, It is truely interesting that you have stumbled upon Mother’s cold case. Be assured that I would not contribute anything to this case that is not of record.
Thank you.
Lynn, police excavated the basement of Darleen’s Pleasant View Drive home first b/c they knew she’d been in “that” basement first before possibly being taken to the other location. I’m not sure why they haven’t excavated the second property yet.
Pray they find out what happened to all three boys
Raised in SE Iowa…never forgot these boys…would never let my son have a paper route because of this…I pray for these families to find some kind of closure!
I will share this, I remember the first two boys, didn’t remember this one, wow, 3 boys, at the time, my sister lived in West Des Moines, and I think the Gosh boy delivered their newspaper.
I was living in DSM at the time and I never knew about this one until I saw it posted here. :(
I so agree with you Kelly Underwood-Dzemske. I live in Iowa also, and remember the same thing. It horrific, and the families do need closure.
HOW CAN ANYONE NOT SEE THESE CHILDREN NOT UNLESS THEY’RE HELD CAPTIVE OR SOLD BUT. I’LL SHARE THIS. I WISH THAT I COULD FIND EMILY.
ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS CAME UP MISSING THREE YEARS AGO.THIS IS HER FLYER
May you & the missing find much needed peace…prayers
I lived in Iowa as a child then. This was the first small break of our innocence. This is when they featured the missing on the milk you receive at lunch. Johnny Gosh and Eugene Martin were names that were brought up daily. The ten year old in me thinks this is too horrific to know the answer of. The grown part prays for closure for these families.
Did you ever have contact with the families of Johnny Gosch and Eugene Martin? If so, how were they? I too hope and pray for closure.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. It was a turning point for all of us.
Why is no one being charged???bring home their mother so they may have some closure.
Karri Schurbon-Brown-Thank you for visiting Mother’s site. There is no one to charge- Father is dead.
Karri Schurbon-Browne, Lance Fitchett and his then-girlfriend are now both deceased so can’t be charged.
These 3 cases are so sad, and why have we found nothing all these years. A real puzzle.
Because of a controlled cover up
I too think Charles was murdered please help Penny and her family get justice for Charles and bring the people responsible for his death be brought to justice so Penny and the family and friends can find some confort in this difficult time and Charles will be able to r.i.p so much love to just be taken away from the family please find the truth and bring the guilty to justice prayers going to Penny and the family much love and God bless you with strength and answers
At my 50th high school class reunion I was approached by a classmate who, knowing that I still lived in Iowa City since 1964 and I was asked “Did they ever solve that murder? I replied with a question “What murder?” His response was “That grocery store murder.” Again I responded this time “I have no idea,n why would you ask?” I always thought Kathy did it.” he said, adding “She always needed money.” I told him I would check and returning to Iowa City I spent considerable time at the ICPL using their micro fish and looking up all the newspaper articles I could. Bringing them home my wife said seeing the photo of the composite drawing “That’s XXX! The Kathy mentioned before was his girlfriend at the time. When XXX called me asking me if I had found anything, I told him “You do not want to know.” I do not remember if we had anymore words but since then I had not heard from him again until the tornado hit Iowa City. He called and said “He wanted to know if we were OK. I said “Yes.” and that was the last contact I have had. Being 75 as me he may not even be alive today. I took the photo and clipped out the scarf the drawing showed and put it around his face, a class picture. Subsequently on a Mission to Mexico I told a former Iowa City policeman about this and he told me to turn it over to the Iowa City Police. Periodically over the years I have checked with them to see if they had found out anything. No they have not and I think it is because of inept effort. Kathy his old girlfriend married another man and they moved to California. Where they still may be. She had been the scene of the crime previously as a good friend lived upstairs in an apartment over the grocery store.
So much corruption in the world.
this young man went missing in 1971 en route to Iowa from Nebraska. He is the only man I could find matching the postmortem interval. unfortunately he is a bit taller and younger than the unidentified remains are estimated to be.
I don’t see any link in your comment above but I’m assuming it is this man that you are referencing….The timing and location are similar, but height and age have quite a variance…Those are only estimates so maybe?
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1933dmne.html
This cronk guy passed away 2/26/16. Could explain why his clothes are going to the dump. The man would have been 70 you think a 70 year old could restrain a 19 year old? If he lost his shoe he put up a fight and a 70 year old man wouldn’t have been able to cut it I’m sorry. I think “nobody” knows more than what’s being said he/she is trying to cover his/her tracks in the involvement. Keep having nightmares.
@another mother fucker . I just read all of these comments…I have been following up on Ben since 2008 when he went missing . I apologize for my year late comment but this Nobody or who ever this person is seems very shady to me . I really hope that the Clinton police has had this nobody person investigated by now and questioned .
Do the cronks have the same vehicles that they had 8yrs. Ago? There has to be evidence in the vehicle. Wouldn’t be very hard for a police officer to go to the dmv because he now has probable cause see what vehicles they had registered back then if they have them run a forensics search through them. Whether a struggle was in the vehicle idk. But transportation was involved at some point. Who knows maybe they are sick people and he’s alive locked up in their home. Doubtful but you never know.
I think it is great there is justice be served for these lost people!!!
This is my Grandma. I was 6 years old when this happened. I look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
Doug Cumpston
Sorry to find no one reads these comments anymore. As in 1912, and thru the hundred years since, thousands of people have learned of this tragic event, but must have moved on, as each piece of evidence and theories were dis-proven. The right evidence has been overlooked or otherwise discarded, in the interest of public decency. The key to this case is child sexual abuse within the Stillinger family, and the eldest sister orchestrated the murders, after the Lizzy Borden event, 20 years earlier…using the slab of bacon as the purpose for going to the Moore’s home, late that night. She created the opportunity whereby Mr and Mrs Moore were murdered first, by masquerading as Lena in the closet to use the ‘pot’. Determined to protect her family name, there was only one way to keep secret (the ‘unmentionable behavior) of sibling incest’. But if Josiah hinted or even explained the reason he would keep Lena and Ina overnight, Edith was the one person of interest, and the only person to hear what was discussed in the call. Despite laws, the silent crime continues in families today (as prison inmate statistics support), it is the one secret that explains clearly, why they all had to die…including Lena and Ina) who had told their ‘secret’ to Sarah and Josiah on the walk home, that night.
i apologize for possibility the name used in my previous comment…it may be incorrect
Joyce, I’m curious here. This is the first time I’ve read about this scenario anywhere and I’ve done a lot of reading up on this case. Where is this information coming from?
What Angela said! I’ve been studying this case for years & have NEVER read this “incest” scenario. Sounds pretty far fetched to me!
There was No Evidence of sexual abuse
According to reports the killer used a side of bacon found near the body of one of the children. The implication was that some sort of perverted act was performed. If you Google this case, you find that there were at least four other cases or murder in the mid-west and west coast that had the same MO as the Iowa murders. Forget all this hoo-hah about the “Reverend”. He was demented and neurotic, but he did not do it. You’re dealing with a serial killer who rode the rails.
Hokie Pokie
There are some hokie dreams that go along with my 9803ME story. A few times the girl we heard get shot has shown up in dreams. Mostly just telling me to tell someone what I heard and saw, which is the 9803ME story. She was rather fierce in the last dream, at least at the start. She acted like there was a sense of urgency that I told the story again. I told her that I’d told the story a lot over the years and nothing seems to happen. She didn’t have any problem with that but wanted me to tell the police. I told her we did that just after it happened. She wanted to debate that. She told me that Dean didn’t tell the police. I told her that he did. She pointed out that I never really saw Dean talking to a Policeman. And that if he did, they would have talked to me and took my information. She had brought up good points but I was confident that Dean had talked to his brother the policeman, because of the info about the bombing event was all valid. And took precedent over what we had to tell them. The police had no real reason to get back to us if there weren’t any reports of a missing or murdered girl. I ended up telling her to quite bothering me. Then the conversation went to having me tell the Lyon County Sheriff. I told her that was a waste of time. Someone there is convinced that there cold case wasn’t her. And they were blocking anything I was telling them. A second male voice said that I was right, and someone over there was blocking the story. But that they would be gone soon, so I should wait a bit then go tell them. She asked him how I’d know when. I told her I’d know when. The other voice confirmed to her that I’d know when and they left. I haven’t had a visit from her since. I never saw anyone in this dream just heard them.
Another odd dream was the night after I put the 9803ME into carfax and before I found the Cold Case in Iowa, Wilma June Nissen. I was in a truck as a passenger; we were parked overlooking the ocean, checking out the surf. The driver was a friend of mine and for some reason I started to give him some grief. And told him that I was right 20 yrs. ago and that it was more like 30 yrs. ago. He just kept looking at the surf. I woke up thinking that was odd. And thought that it was Steve an old surfing and diving buddy of mine from Kauai. We use to check out surf in his truck before work and at lunch. And I thought why would I be giving him grief; there was nothing in our past to give him grief about. He had passed away recently from skin cancer. Later after I found the cold case info and called the sheriff. I was thinking about the dream at the beach. And thought that wasn’t Steve, and though maybe Todd had died, It kind of looked like Todd. It was a kind of a funny feeling that it was Todd from the Gitchie Story. I couldn’t place any grief that I had with him either. One time he was running up to the gym door and he kicked it open, I was on the other side and it knocked me down, and when I got up he kicked it again and the door hit me in the head and knocked me down for a second time, I gave him some grief about that, but that didn’t seem to match the dream. Sometime later the investigator from the Lyon County told me that Dean had passed away. It left me thinking that it was Dean in the dream with truck overlooking the beach, and the grief had to do with, me wondering if he really told the police that night. Later again at the Brandon Police Dept. they told me that Barry wasn’t a policeman in 78 and that he was on a ride along. It made me think wow the girl was right. Dean didn’t tell the police he told his brother. It also made me think that the other voice in that dream could have been Dean. There was dream later where Dean stopped by to say that he’d done all that he could do to help her in the space that he was in, and that he was heading on. He didn’t know if anything he did helped but he didn’t think he could do anymore. I told him that you never know at least we came up with the day and location of the murder for them. Maybe the guy would show up on the 40th anniversary and they will catch him. It was only a few years away. We said goodbye and I woke up.
The last dream that I had that seemed related to 9803ME was early morning and almost like a day dream, I was talking with someone that was standing behind me but looking in the same direction I was. I was talking to him about the whole mystery and was telling him that the girl hadn’t bothered me after the visit in the dream. And that I wonder what happens to her. He said that you don’t want to run into her now. Now she carries a sword and is given the authority to use it. And when these guys die they will have to face her. And that it would be multiple times better to turn themselves in and get judged here than dying and facing that sword. That losing everything they have here and sitting in jail would be way better than what will happen when they face her and this sword. Then he said that victims of crimes will leave knives and swords on her grave. That by leaving a dagger knife or sword at her grave was a way to release this anger and letting god deal with those who caused the anger.
Made an arrest after all these years.Show’s you that criminal’s better keep looking ovet shoulders because one day they might get knock on their door with police coming to arrest them.I prsy for Lance Dewoody’s family and justice br served.
Happy Angel Birthday Corey! Your memory will always be alive with WLHS Class of ’88!! I pray one day your case will be solved so peace may be granted to you and your family and friends. Thinking of you today and always!
Curious what makes them believe he DIDN’T kill her too?
An arrest was made in this case:
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2016/03-24-2016_DCI_IowaDCICoralvillePDMakeArrestIn1985ColdCase.html
I knew his parents, his dad taught history in Chariton, Iowa, his mom worked at JCPenneys, very nice people, so sad!!!!
I grew up with John in Chariton so sad. Can’t believe it hasn’t been solved, the house was broke into prior to his murder, their has to be fingerprints
This Dad was also the head football coach
A benefit fund account has been set up ( Justice for Layne Edward Schneider) donations can be sent to
Kerndt Bros. Savings Bank, P.O. Box 7 Clermont, Iowa 52135 to help the family in
need of funds for court,attorney and investigative fees. All donations will be greatly
appreciated!
Your generous donations were greatly appreciated. Thanks to all. A pi has been working on the case with your funds getting closer to justice for Layne. Funds are still needed and can be sent to Kerndt bros.savings bank box 7 clermont ,Iowa 52135
someone out there knows.
I thought the same when I read it…. probably had gas on his shirt or something like that and lit a spark…. could have been a stove back fire with flannel clothing? Need more justification for a homicide case….
Interesting how quickly some want to dismiss it as an accident.
it was just an opinion.
Wow! This information is interesting. William Freimuth is my my Great-Grandfather. Growing up as a child, I spent much time with my Grandma Charlotte (Freimuth) Arndt. She had told the story of her father. I had no idea the case had been put on this list.
No I don’t. Would think I would, maybe it will come to me tomorrow:)
Elaine Keating do you remember this?
Went to school with Kevin, still remember it well, 40 years and 800 miles away
Grandma will get this solved!!! Love you forever!
I would start with hubby
Why was the husband never charged with murder? He sure sounds suspicious.
I wonder if the family have contacted the Vidocq Society??
http://www.vidocq.org
Is her husband still alive? Did they have any children?
The article says they had two sons and two daughters.
Interesting. Too old for justice to be served. Everyone 169 years ago has passed away.
no kidding
It was her husband! Go out and prove it!!!!!
This poor child was my mother’s half-sister. It is my fervent hope that someday the mystery of her murder can be solved. Her life was so short and her murder so violent that she deserves a special place in heaven.
I’m so sorry! It’s so sad that your family was deprived of all the years of her life and her descendants that she could have had! So very sad!! It sounds like her father had a rough life with other children and a third spouse dying with scarlet fever in 1935. Your family had way more then their fair share of sorrow!
The reason for the murders was “unmentionable’ in those days…which allowed the truth of the matter to go ‘un-exposed’. All investigations have tried to connect the event to the Moore family, when all they did was protect the 2 little neighbor girls from walking home with their abusive brothers…
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.
This kind of shooting looks to be done by some gang member who was paid for it.. basically hitman. There are sites on Deep Web like Besa Mafia with hitmen for hire for as low as $5000. One needs the Tor Browser to access deep web and can visit special urls like . These are accessible only in Tor Browser. Hitmen on deep web usually use escrow for payment with Bitcoin, they don’t ask for advances of cash those who ask are scams. I hope police is able to shot down the Besa Mafia site…
I worked with her some years before this happened. She didn’t deserve this. :(
Hi Jody, could you please delete my posting above, regarding Aaron’s sister.
I, too, am appalled that law enforcement did not question Randall Pate when he was in custody.
Why do you keep asking for postings to be deleted? They were from years ago. Just curious.
P.M., I think all of us share the ‘hindsight’ factor and find ourselves wishing we hadn’t posted a particular comment, especially if we learn more about the case as comments progress and realize one we posted some time back may cause confusion or lead a discussion astray. (Anyone who’s ever made a Facebook post and deleted it later can understand.)
On sites like this, only the moderator can delete comments, and I try to respect everyone’s wishes if they want to retract a comment. The only time [that deleting the comment] might not be appropriate is if it led to a long discussion where other people replied and offered feedback that may be seen as important in keeping on the site. (Once a comment is deleted, all replies to it are also deleted.) I’d have to go back through the comments to see if I deleted the ones (just two, I believe) that Andrea referenced (I think I did), and in hindsight I should have deleted her requests for the deletions once they were deleted.
It’s okay. We’re all just having a conversation here and looking for answers. If deleting a comment helped keep the discussion focused, that’s all right by me. :-)
Who or how was his sister shot and killed?
Christine’s death was a completely separate matter at the home of her boyfriend in Cumming, IA more than 6 years later. I encourage everyone to research Larry Harper and the women whose lives he has destroyed. Make him infamous, but not on a page about Aaron.
Just as a clarification, Larry Dean Harper, DOB 11-18-?? (’51?- certain on day & month). It was his home she died in.
Ian, was Larry Harper ever charged in your sister’s death? If not, and if she died under suspicious circumstances, she should be listed here on the ICC site, whereas (of course) her page would be her own and separate from Aaron’s since they were two very different crimes that occurred years apart. Thanks in advance.
Ian, have you spoken to your father in regards to Aaron?
I wish I could make this comment sticky so it would stay at the top of the page.
I am beyond disgust as of late at the lack of information being conveyed by the investigating departments, both local & county. Neither has returned my phone calls ‘re: questioning our father about this matter while he was in custody. I had been notified by an independent source that he was jailed locally. I notified both departments of his location, & reasons for him to be questioned. I have left messages to hear if he was spoken to, & have never been contacted back.
Re: Not being reported as missing for over 1 year.
Aaron left home with a family car that was found in the Iowa City public library parking lot & subsequently towed to impound for parking tickets. It is believed that he used the greyhound bus station a block away to leave the area, ultimately hitchhiking to Grand Canyon, AZ to see our father whom he had only met on 2 occasions.
In the days before his disappearance, Aaron was alleged to have taken a rural mail carriers vehicle from behind the post office and drove it down the Kewash Nature Trail. Law enforcement was in regular contact looking for Aaron at the time, and were made aware of his disappearance at the time. THEY choose what type of report THEY file.
Re:Aaron’s mother having a conviction for assault around the same time. This is another case of local law enforcement doing their best. Christine was sexually assaulted/attempted raped by our drunken neighbor and Phyllis attacked him after the fact with a hammer. M T is the only name I ever knew him by. Hope I just made him famous.
Re: Christine having multiple obituaries. Use your excellent detective skills elsewhere.
Ian, I have incorporated your comment above directly into Aaron’s case summary so readers will see what you have to say before they ever reach the comment section. Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d like me to include or change on your brother’s page.
My heart goes out to you and I hope one day you see justice served in your brother’s unsolved disappearance, which almost certainly involved foul play.
Something is not right with this story !
Melissa Pickrell
So was his sisters killer found ?
Family didnt report him for a year … Ummmmm id start there
No way Charles did this to himself!! I don’t care what the MPD say, Someone took him from us and Got away with it!! He would have never left his Mother, Kids nor his Family n Friends! RIP BINX !! You will Never be forgotten your memory will live with us forever and 2 the person who did this I hope you suffer in the worst way possible I hope when your day comes your alone n scared and nobody helps you!
nora springs is not in Mitchell County, it is in Floyd Co. well half is, the other half is in cerro gordo
Layla, you are right and I hadn’t clarified (on this particular page) the city/county relationships in Adam’s homicide. I’ve updated it to reflect that he “lived” in Nora Springs (Floyd County) but was “killed” in Mitchell County. Thanks for the sharp eye!
Layla,
The address of our home and Mitchell County farm was 1475-325th Street, Nora Springs, IA 50458, but even though it had a Nora Springs address, we lived and farmed in Mitchell County, Cedar (W) Township. And we voted in Mitchell County.
If you have GPS on a cell phone, put the address in and look at the changes to my farm since I was forced to do a 1031 exchange for a farm by Waverly further down in the on-going pollution Plume from Cedar (W) Township.
The conservation measures that I was advised by the FSA and NRCS agents that I had to install to lessen the polluting from the illegal 2005 channel the polluters dug through my farm after Gary was killed have been dug away and some CRP seeding has been removed and my big Red Barn, Hog House and Machine shed and Milk house and a small garage are gone and in its place is a huge long confinement building that extends down to the former Designated National Wetland. The over $150,000.00 of Conservation Repairs I was forced by the USDA-NRCS’ Ray Frana and FSA’s Charlie Heiderscheit to stay in compliance with that Legal Drainage Agreement for that farm have been dug away. Yet the polluters are not made to keep in compliance with the 1995 Corps of Engineer’s Agreement for drainage that is recorded on that farm’s abstract.
Under Governor Branstad and since 1995 the Corps has been stopped from protecting our Source Waters from polluting farmers and the IDNR’s enforcement funds were taken away. This means there are increasing numbers of farmers who choose illegal Point Source pollution, to solve their wetland and wet swale areas that hold up planting. If a young farmer stops in a USDA-NRCS Office, and asks what he could do about a wet swale area, the agent will tell him if you have no legal outlet just put in a “French Drain”. That can be just a tile tube straight down into our Source Water for our wells Downstream. Then he can get into the field faster and apply the most water soluble CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers before big spring rains.
My home and farm is now delivering thousands of acres of farm run-off chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers in floods to a line of Sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland. This growing Plume just took out one of the wells for the City of Waterloo.
Not that it’s relevant to this case, but Nora Springs is entirely in Floyd County. The west city limits and the county line are the same,
Mailing addresses are not set by the County lines but according to mail delivery routing, I think, as even before the 911 address changes our address on our Mitchell County farm was Box 181, Nora Springs, IA but our property taxes were paid to Mitchell County. Veronica Lack
Thank you for trying to clarify this, Veronica. The whole “address not matching up with the county” thing is indeed confusing to a lot of people. I think all Iowa counties now enforce what’s called a “Road Identification and Address Numbering System,” which serves to assist emergency services agencies, law enforcement, the U.S. Postal Service, and the general public in the delivery of timely and efficient services. Since roads don’t always run north/south or east/west, exceptions have to be made for diagonal or irregular roads or those that don’t run along a section line.
Wikipedia still describes Nora Springs as a “city that is partially in Cerro Gordo and Floyd counties,” even though (as in the Lack farm example), the property is assessed for tax purposes in Mitchell County. I’ve attached a plat map of the Lack’s referenced property. Click on the map for a larger view.
How and why should the county/farm address MATTER HERE?
Bottom line here is: our state is now setup in such a way to encourage farmers to push profits over protection of humans!
They dropped a CAFO on their mistake! Where’s your $120K refund???
Repubecan voting practices have put us in this “sacrifice zone” and only our vote can oust these money hungry representatives and break up these corporate farmers!
Adam was absolutely right, as are you Ronnie!
I hope this gets resolved in our lifetime, but it’s not looking like it will.
They’ve got one helluva mess on their hands and their response is to make it worse, force all rural residence into towns and plow up every inch of ground for profit! The local vet clinic told me, a hobby farmer, that “EVERYBODY wants hobby farms outta business!”
Good luck with that!
Land cannot be bought if it’s NOT FOR SALE!
In 2005 and later, the then Koch Brothers, and Arab Orascom’s product Anhydrous Ammonia was testing so high in our Tap Water that we were burnt in our showers when we Chlorinated or shock Chlorinated our well’s source water in Cedar (W) Township. We were advised and told by Iowa’s DNR’s sanitarians and Russ Tell to chlorinate for the rising and very high test levels of E-Coli, Coliform, and Cyanobacteria when sinkholes were taking on more channeled CAFO liquid manure and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers. These two most water-soluble Nitrogen fertilizers produce the blue-green alga’s Cyanobacteria that when chlorinated released deadly and unfilterable Cyanotoxins into our Tap Water.
Charles was murdered & the people responsible for his death need to pay for what they have done!!! Not just to Charles but what their actions have done to Charles family & friends!!
This is Jim Hildebrand reviewing the articles and comments, If anyone can give any information about this murder please do.I am waiting for someone to come forth; these people are disguisting people and public officials and should be punished. This murder is the reason I resigned from the sheriff’s office and moved on.Imagine ltrying to work under these conditions. I was very active and like the position I had been committed to being a deputy there but it was impossible to work knowing I was working with murderers..I AM 74 YEARS OF AGE AND HOPE THIS WILL BE SOLVED DURING MY TIME.
Elaine ultimately paid heavily, being a target of murder by Imogene. Don Loy didn’t kill Elaine, although sure they would all blame the ‘dead guy’ I know Imogene, I am the daughter who suffered her beatings / abuse /domestic violence all in the sheriffs house..
Besides Donald had more of a conscious
Than Imogene and selfish Imogene would be afraid if she did the murder to point the finger of Justice at herself. However, if someone else had done the crime, she’d be the first one to turn the person over to authorities in her religious,arrogance she would brag on the great Christian she prided herself to be. In a pigs.eye.
Imogene mind-set has been criminal. It hurts me every day that Jule, Imogene, haven’t been even charged. How horrible they took time to create a crime. Rob Rolfe where is his plea, he wasn’t part of the Explosive physical battle Don Jule, Imogene. Mr. Rolfe was in the kitchen, I came down stairs because of making breakfast for those in jail, and my younger brothers. Don and Rolfe covering, Dad said to kids. “everybody
hurry get ready for Church which was Imogene’s mandatory order in .
Everything is right on that Jody has the story just like I knew it to be with that night.The weeks after, Imogene whispering telling me “you know I saw the finger bruises on Elaine’s neck” “they buried her in a yellow turtleneck to hide them.” Imogene in how brazen of the murder of a crime, to go to see Elaine in her coffin, visitation.
Jule and Imogene should at least be charged in Elaine’s murder, with obstruction of justice by not ever coming clean in their knowledge of they being at Elaine’s house. How horribly murder, Jule/Imogene, political overtones for Rolfe and Loy, damage control keeping Elaine ‘s paper work hidden out of sign out of mind.
I hope with u Jim,that they take this case further. If still nothing is done, thumbs twiddling I will just believe that run amuck law officials can harm and kill lives, leading me to the conclusion that Iowa never was a field of dreams but a place of sorrow /night mares. Please Charge Jule, Imogene who hurt many others , accessories to murder. Imogene premeditated harm murder to Elaine! I was there I saw the shape and attitude, watching her hearing her as she stuffed her coat on going out the door.
She made me to answer the sheriffs phone/etc.I too am discouraged to think of Jim not being able to see justice served for Elaine. Please don’t give up investigating this.
Admin Note: Zero posted the following comment on May 16, 2016:
Comment:
Not sure if you knew or not Jim, the one other man that tried to get the truth out and facts about the case is gone now. Wish he could have been safe talking to the right people about this. He lost a son to the corrupt political system and was not healthy after that. He did tell me that you were a good man and hope that you are well.
———– Below is Zero’s comment from the 17th
I was told that the book was stopped because of death threat, and that is why I can not find a copy of the second book. So I do not understand why that would not be investigated either? Would be nice to see something with this while some are still alive.
What happen to the two malt recent posts by ZERO AND JIM…. Did you take them down Jodi?
Sorry this took me so long Jim, Marion was my father. I am not sure why they removed those other comments
Was Jody pressured by some of those involved??
This is Jody, and I am 99.99% I did not remove any comments from Elaine’s page. In fact, the only comment on the site I ever “deliberately” removed was on the Jodi Huisentruit case because Mason City police told us the guy who kept posting all the stuff about where to find the body was wrong; they’d already investigated all that and ruled it out long ago.
At one time, the comments that were left here via the Facebook app ended up getting “lost” when FB deprecated the app. Since then, I have a Pro ($$$) app that automatically takes comments posted on Facebook (about each and every case) and then it posts them here in the “regular” comments section so they will never “get lost” again. I recovered a great many that way.
WordPress sends me an email when a new comment is posted, and I save ALL those emails. I’ll do a search on Elaine’s name and see if I can find the specific ones you say are missing.
Oh my gosh! I seldom check the “spam” folder for comments because there are usually too many to sort through. I just started looking through it and found several comments that Akismet erroneously marked as Spam. I’m clicking the link that says “Not Spam” so hopefully they should start showing up on here.
Zero (and anyone else who still has missing comments here), I’m still going back through my saved emails, and since I can’t “post” using someone else’s name, I’m taking the comments that made it thru email (but somehow got removed from this site), and like up above, I will just attach his/her missing comment(s) via “editing” the person’s comment.
Yes, I know it’s weird. I can go in and “edit” someone’s comment, but I can’t make one “from them” from scratch. I truly apologize for the inconvenience. Just within the last month we left out old web hosting server (spent 10 years with them) and went with a better company, and they had what they called a propagation period, and not sure if comments slipped through the cracks there or not. It took a week to transfer over all the SQL files, so it’s possible some pages got overwritten with an older version. I’ll try my best to recover any other comments posted to Elaine’s page.
What was the name of the book?
Can you get it on Amazon??
I do not remember Jean ever drinking. I also do not remember said daughter saying anything about abuse from her mother when we were running around together. Although I do remember her telling me that her dad and his girlfriend were trying to drive her mother nuts, and telling me about the wig incedent, but not the rest of the story. So much for said dad having a concience and a girlfriend! We were neighbors and friends, don’t remember any of the stories of Jean being known for choking people!
Thank you for your service!
I’m so sorry you had to go through this too!!
Praying this is still solved!
VERY shocking that a murder could be covered up like this!!
God will dispense his justice though & there is no way for them out of that!
Remember when this happened. So sad no one has come forth with information about it.
I think that it could be possible that James Wendell hall could be our very own Steven Avery.
I just googled him. There a number of factors that contributed to his conviction on Sarah often. Here is a NYC article from before the Susan Hayek murder, re his overturned conviction. https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/02/us/grand-jury-frees-man-convicted-in-murder.html
Also he has published most of his court documents and they are available on Amazon. I found a few transcripts on him,however my device will not open them. This very well could have been a totally race based accusation. I’m intrigued to research more.
I find little to nothing in regards to Susan’s murder. Could you possibly piggy back links to Wendell hall and hajek on this page?
At least he’s in prison now……after he killed someone else.
Someone got away with murder. Wonder if that person has committed more? God be with the family.
I pray for justice for the family and friends. My heart and thoughts are with the family. God be with them.
Exactly, Jodi Frye, it sounds like it was Botched, and much more.
What evidence? Sounds like he did it and it was a botched trial.
Sounds like the makings of a serial killer to me. Is he still living?
Yes, James Wendell Hall is now 62 years old and serving a life sentence at the Anamosa State Penitentiary for Murder in the First Degree. Commitment Date: 6/11/1993
WOW
Ottens was murdered shortly before I graduated from college with a BA degree in Law Enforcement. Like many, I wound up working road construction until I figured out where I was going next. One of the guys I worked with, had attended the University and the story he told, has always bothered me. While the finger was not pointed at Hall for the actual murder, Hall was the reason Ottens was murdered in a violent way to send a message. Others who served in law enforcement during my time have similiar sentiments. Could the actual “killers” still be arrested and tried? Absolutely. However the nightmares they have suffered will be the same punishment and worse than prison.
No but where is everyone on the James Freddy Workman case? The boy who is 18?
Still no news on Freddy Workman’s unsolved disappearance. His page is here: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/fredrick-workman/
Thanks.
There’s always hope – in a journal or diary from that era to be able to clear the case….people recorded lots from back then; maybe even tucked into a house somewhere to be discovered by distant relatives.
Good on you for holding on to the positive. I concur. There is always hope.
How awful.
I remember this. My foster family lived near there and my foster brother found her body, but no one believed him. I don’t know who that man is mentioned above that called her body in. But I do know that area. At the time there was the Rush bar and there was a farm that had a lot of days long parties. It was a rough time in town, money was scarce and drugs were a solution. With drugs come bikers and gangs and at that time there was a riff with the sons of silence and helps angels. That hotel she was staying at has always been a go to hotel for rent by the hour rooms. My guess is she got bought and paid for (she knew no one here, good place to set up shop and get out) & went out to that farm. but those kind of racist assholes on that farm would totally have used her up and threw her away. I honestly wouldn’t be the least surprised if that farm has more bodies on it. The last I knew it was still “in the family” but the generation in it now…. aren’t really better.
This is also the area of a private “junk yard”. They have never advertised. You need to know them to get onto the property, at all. It’s weird. Steven Avery wierd.
Well not to correct you sir but my grandfather who devoted his life to the lord most certainly was not racist or a criminal. Nor does he deserve to have his memory disrespected after serving his country to fight for you and YOUR right to freedom of speech which allows you to bash a man u dont even know on the Internet (tough guy). And as for your opinion on they next generation not being any better…..You obviously don’t know any of us and maybe should do a little research before dragging people through the mud. Especially when u don’t even have the balls to post your name along with your ridiculous accusations. I hope you are a person of faith and know that God forgives you, but I will remind you that he said you should love your neighbors. There is enough hate in this world. Try harder not to contribute next time.
Danielle
Granddaughter of Ray Litzkow
It seemed to me as though “mystery addict” was referencing another farm near there. In which case that would be worth looking into.
And what farm is that?
I pray someone comes forward, to get some answers.
I agree with Kimberly Anderson.
It is unfortunate that this case will probably never be solved unless someone (killer or accessory to ) passed down some oral history.
Or a diary.
Actually it is still solvable. If someone took the time to look at all the county documents, scientifically the answer is there.
At this point the son in law is the best candidate. The money was in the satchel, if the motive was money or the safe contents, the satchel would have been tended to by a thief…. as would the walls, floorboards, furniture, and so on. Back then banks were not trusted. People preferred coins because they could survive a fire and would hide and store them in the structure of the home. Many people over age 90 still practice this today. The safe would hold the treasure maps to the money, but not the money. That’s what a thief would take, the safe. No mention of forced entry either. Caught the man in mid letter….. yes it is solvable.
Kimberly
There is a very short news paper article that Mrs Nurre did confide in a close friend and neighbor that she and Henry had a argument on monies being sent to his son. Monies Henry collected from ppl he had sold land to, including Mrs Nurres son-in-law.
Simply put, opportunity, motive and means were all present.
So, did a fight among Mr & Mrs elevate to the use of fire place tools and hammer? Mrs. (injured) retreats to the room upstairs and locks the door and passes out on bed/floor.
Mr. also injured, crawls on floor and passes out and finially dies from his injuries.
Monies not stolen at the time.
Son-in-law admitted to making pmt of $1000 on loan to Mr. Nurre. And $’s were found on site.
(Thats about $28,000 in todays value)
There seems to be endless people who wanted these 3 dead.
Still nothing. Worthless officials. No one cares about small town Iowa or old women. Even this website is of no value, probably here to fool the public into false hopes. The bad and unfair story remains here when investigators know it is not correct. Pity the people of Iowa effected by the failure.
That hardly a fair statement. The responsibility lies on law enforcement. The responsibility to enforce law enforcement lies on the voters contacting thier politicians in order from local to federal until you get results. You could be writing demand letters and courtesy copying them to the media. You could start and promote a website where people have a fair chance to respond. But this website is of great value to many. If nothing else, it allows you the opportunity to vent. That has some value.
I understand your frustrations but they are misguided.
First let me state, I am Mamies grandson and none of the comments made in here by this person naming himself tony were made by me. Dana, thankyou for your kind words. I still keep in contact with the authorities and push to get this solved, but by reading these comments it seems you people know more than I do about my grandmothers case. I am so tired of speculations and rumors. If anyone has facts please contact the authorities or even myself and I will make sure you get pointed in the right direction.
Hi Tony. We went to high school together. I’m so sorry that you are still having to deal with all this. Your grandma was a sweet lady.
Peace. Kim (Farley) Murphy
Do they still have Dna from the rape? Please say yes.
Rest easy, Amber..
The family still reads your story over and over again. We love you. And we will find justice! There’s not a day that goes by without thinking about you. You’re a beautiful baby. You’d be absolutely beautiful now, as always. Rest easy,babygirl.
Love, cousin Ashlee.
We will find the truth on what happened, babygirl..
As mom&grandma would sing,
“you are my sunshine, my only sunshine. you make me happy, when skies are grey. You may not know, dear. How much I love you. Please, don’t take my sunshine away…”
Rest in paradise, Amber marie.
Till we all meet again ?
Give grandma kisses for me
I agree with your comments, Penny.
I hope and pray that someone comes
forward. My heart and thoughts are with the family.
I know that it’s been years. I pray someone can come forward with answers. I so agree with the question that Christine Bock is asking.
Their are sick people out there. What a cruel world.
S. More I’d like to discuss this with you further. I’ve been hoping and praying for 22 years for closure, if you have any thing new I’d love to hear it. Phil’s three children his sisters and all his friends deserve to have this solved.
I sat down with Penny and Jerry one day and looked and reviewed the paperwork and statements from the police department and the interviews of some of the people who were there at the time of the crime. I’m not a professional at crimes but just reading and looking at the autopsy papers Charles did NOT commit suicide like they are stating. It doesn’t add up and where the entry of the bullet had went in there is no way Charles could of done it himself. All the people in that house that night know the truth and someone needs to speak up and tell the truth. Charles was murdered we all know thats the truth. Charles loved life, he had alot of people who loved and cared for him. He was a wonderful friend, father and son who would give anyone his shirt off his back. Me personally loved Charles with all my heart. Charles and I always said to everyone that we were husband and wife cause we were always there for each other no matter what. (It’s a funny story behind why we called each other that) . That’s just the kind of person Charles was loving, caring, and would help out anyone. It was murder and it was covered up and this needs to be solved, so his Mom Penny can get some relief and Charles can Rest peacefully in Heaven. I Miss You Charles so much. I wish I could give you one more hug and tell you that I love you one more time.
I agree with you 100%, Robyn. I’ve also listened to the tapes, read through the files, and things just don’t add up. (Nor does that “single” blood stain on the bed sheet.) There were definitely enough people there that night and hopefully one is courageous enough to come forward and tell officials what really happened. My heart goes out to you and all of Penny’s family. If I learned nothing else about Charles, I learned he was a very happy young man who truly adored and loved his children, you, his life, his mother and his family.
Killed for $50?! Such a shame.
They need to talk ..no.
.interrogate the boyfriend
In this case, was any tissue preserved from the autopsy? Could be useful now that DNA could be extracted from the tissue in the wounds.
I don’t understand why she wasn’t investigated more or at least brought up on charges. Maybe there’s more to this story than I read but just don’t add up :(
I remember when this happened. Such a cruel world. Pobresito. God bless his little soul!
Heartbreaking
Oh gawsh thats sad. I try to read these each day and say a little prayer. Cant imagine how hard this is on a family.
So sad
any time I heard about a innocent child being murdered it breaks my heart to know all they had to do was bring the child to a safe haven if they didnt want them. they will get whats coming to them on judgement day.
I hope they catch the person, if they did not like the boy they need to give him to DHS or someone who would care for him, killing an innocent baby what a monster
Phil Stender had means, motive an opportunity. Yet no one has questioned him are tested in for DNA. He will be caught soon enough.
S.M.
S. More, how do we know Phil’s killer will be caught “soon enough”? I agree that it is crazy that no one has questioned the accused man.
RIP, Phil Terrell
Funeral anniversary–22years
We still miss you!
Today is your twin boys and your mother’s Birthday and they miss you and want you to know that your whole family thinks of you each and every day and that they won’t stop looking until they fine you, the people that did this will be brought to justice for you love and miss you always your sister Susie
Thanks Andy
This was one of my daughters friends in school. So sad she has not been found. she needs to rot for what she did.
Poor boy I can’t believe it’s been 5 years already
Omg so Sad ! They better reopen that case! That makes me Mad!
so verry sad
So sad.
This makes me sick! Poor baby rip
I will pray this young man is found safe. God please be with this young man. I also pray for the family and friends. .amen!
prayers heartbreaking
Prayers,so sad
So sad…
Prayers
My heart and thoughts and prayers to the family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
This is very sad and very heart breaking.
I wonder if law enforcement in Davenport ever look at this case. Are all cold cases only at a state level? I live in Davenport. I can’t imagine our police here have the time to investigate cold cases with all the crime that we have currently here.
So many losses. Hope the parents had nothing to do with this.
I bet the parents wish they’d walked her to the door. They’ll never get over this. God bless them.
Is Janet Martin still alive?
She is not! Or justice would be served.
Prayers
Someone knows something! So please someone come forward. For the family and friends.
sadmy boys lived in kent about that time…scary
Come on, someone! Come forward!!!!
I know it’s been years, I pray someone comes forward. This is very sad.
Penny, this case should be reopened and everything looked at. One guy who was last seen with her commits suicide. Her coat is found in a room formally rented by Neve and Gitchell.
The polygraph of Neve shows deception. A car supposedly registered to him is found abandoned at the crime scene a day before she was found murdered. All these things are circumstantial evidence. But, in the right hands could have been used to charge one of both of these guys in connection with her murder.
What about that Gitchel guy ? There’s nothing about questioning him and it sounds like he was involved. If he is still alive they should.
I think it was obviously him.
He’s still alive, in his late 70’s. Living in the same area.
I so agree, someone knows something, I pray that someone comes forward. I pray for the family and friends. My heart and thoughts are with you.
I agree with you lady’s, but just wondering if you know Cyrus “CJ” Hicks. Or if maybe you know any family members
This is very sad and very sickening!
Fascinating. Never heard this one before. Iowa just keeps leaking its darker side.
As a homegrown Iowan, from the “streets” of Waterloo, I have always maintained. … thugs…. not a problem, Piss off a farmer and you are going to disappear.
Laura, very very true. I’m sure you’re all-too-aware of the Adam Lack and Gary Lack unsolved murders.
So true!
Someone knows something!
Somday l will find the truth so help me God
So sad and sick!!!!
poor little brothers I hope Reggie has had as happy life….in spite of his terrible loss. The years have not been good to the birth parent by the looks of her fb pic….
Was there three books written about this? Does anyone know the name of them, where to get copies?
Mary, the three books included:
Unlawful Betrayal (2003)
Executor Takes All (2005)
Departure: Off the Deck — a Trilogy (2008)
From what I’ve heard, it’s difficult to get a copy of any of them, though some can still be “borrowed” through Interlibrary Loan at one’s local library.
IF YOU CAN’T GET THEM FROM THE LIBRARY I WOULD LOAN THEM TO YOU JUST MAKE SURE I GET THEM BACK.
Jim, I read the first book and would like to read the others. Do you still have them?
I’ve always had a theory that Josiah and/or Sarah called out the name of the murderer during the attack which prompted him(her?) to murder everyone else in the house for fear of being found out. This of course would mean they knew the murderer.
The flaw in your theory is that the person or persons unknown found the children asleep. There was no need to worry about anyone having heard anything. The murderer(s) would have got out of Dodge (quietly) as soon as it was ascertained that the children were still asleep.
It actually increased the risk of someone being awakened when the killer(s) bludgeoned the children. No, the culprit(s) wanted everybody dead.
From my experience in the Iowa Air National Guard during following these questionable years, it was VERY obvious that every time her husband was deployed, an EMERGENCY of who knows what THIS time happened that required the Air Force to ship his ass home following HER BULLSHIT that she either created or greatly OVER EXAGGERATED. HER character is, and has always been greatly, questionable.
rip little precious Ricky 15 yrs ago you went to be with the angels your life was short but you live on in our hearts everyday precious boy,
I’d always heard he was beaten with a crow bar and suspected Mr. Carly.
My GMA says her first name was Mary and husband name was Keneth and there son still lives on Main Street in Mapleton.
It’s so hard to believe that in 22 years there has been so little movement to bring in the person who killed my brother. My prayers continue to be with the investigators and those who may be able to provide information that lead to the arrest of the man who murdered Phil.
I agree Gin, it’s especially sad considering they know who to go after. DCI only has 4 employees which is also very sad. They only seem to work on current murders, even though we have new information on the case they just say, “it’s a cold case” and are quite cruel how they treat his family, as you already know. It’s so frustrating that they continue to let his murderer walk around free. So much for Iowa justice.
I grew up 3 blocks away from their house, and she worked for my mother briefly after the second child died. She seemed like just an ordinary person to me, but I was very young. I know they had problems with constant vandalism and harassment up until Rick Forsyth killed six people (2 blocks away) and took the attention off of what happened to Shane Lass. I like to think (if she did do it) it was a postpartum psychosis situation exacerbated by her first child’s birthday, and that maybe she got help.
Prayers for justice for these babies.
Two babies die mysteriously and she’s out there just living her life. Of course the babies aren’t living THEIR lives because someone took their lives from them!
Samantha Stevens-Clay, only one of the Lass infants (Tamara) died a mysterious death. Shane was killed by blunt force trauma to the head so there was never any question as to how he died. His case basically remains open in name only because officials are certain they charged and tried the person responsible for his death. Teri may have been found not guilty (which any LE official will tell you is not the same thing as being found “innocent”), but officials are not looking for anyone else in his death because the (plentiful) evidence already proved who did it.
She is on facebook!
I can’t think of words bad enough for her if she did kill both of her babies.
What concerns me about the first one’s unexplainable death is that even after the medical examiner refused to rule it SIDS, the Lass family continued to lie to others and call it SIDS. (Not like those folks would dare ask to see the death certificate to refute a poor grieving mother’s word.) Just tell people something often enough and it becomes a given truth, right? W R O N G! And then of course there’s Teri’s alleged “rape” (when she was 5 months pregnant with Shane, no less), but when a sister (very wisely) talked her into going to the hospital to report that same-day rape, weeeelll … you already know the rest of that story. No Rape. Not even signs of sex. (Hubby was away in Japan.)
Yet this same invisible masked intruder allegedly kidnapped and killed her son while she left him unattended in the car despite the slippery stalker’s threat to kill the baby if she told anyone about the [fabricated] rape? No doubt the mischievous sprite also was responsible for the multiple break-ins and fires set at the Lass home. Read Shane’s case summary to learn what detectives had to say about Teri’s carefree demeanor and actions from the moment she reported Shane missing. Not a single tear. Ask some of the expert witnesses about the ransom note with all the piece-by-piece ‘cutting pattern tears’ perfectly matched back to the tape found in the Lass’s home, and those ominous words cut straight out of a ‘True Story’ magazine bearing Teri’s subscription label. Sorry folks, but one can’t blame local or state investigators for this one that got away. Oh yeah, Teri did finally cry. Some verdicts can do that to a person.
Another mom killed her baby there in Norwalk and got away with it if I remember correctly.
I’ve lived in norwalk my whole life. I don’t know anyone else in town that killed their baby. She was the only one but there’s been a couple murders
Crystal Reynolds Halstead maybe that’s what I remember then. Thanks
Yes their was the 2 lass infants but it’s the same mother. There isn’t another mother that killed her baby and got off. That’s what I was saying. Jill was saying there was 2 different moms
Wasn’t there a case back in the mid-2000s where a mom killed her baby by leaving it in a hot car? I was thinking that was maybe somewhere out near Norwalk. She claimed she forgot all about dropping it off at daycare and drove on to work, leaving it to die in its carseat on a hot summer day. She was charged with either first or second degree murder but was either acquitted or found guilty on a lesser charge. Can’t remember the specifics but maybe someone else’s memory might be jogged on it.
Crystal Reynolds Halstead You might be remembering two babies b/c of one Lass female infant and one Lass male infant. One just 6 days old, the other 10 days old. About four years apart with deaths.
Heidi Anfinson? Not sure if she lived in Norwalk at one time, her son was found in Saylorville Lake in 1998
I couldn’t read this story, stories of baby’s make me so mad. She will pay for what she did or let happen. May them babies find peace in the loving arms of our Lord.
Kimberly Ann Lawman
She has a Facebook profile. Says she still in Norwalk. Her profile is herself holding a baby! Who on earth would let her around children?????????
Also says she does patient care…..scary to know she could be working with our loved ones…
Exactly
Probably the same incompetent people who allowed you to have yours. Absolutely mind boggling
I pray someone comes forward. This is
so sad heart breaking and sad.
Guess he is lucky to be alive with a mom like his, but maybe the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?
Ugh. It appears he has a child too :/ and so does at least one of his brothers. Sick family. Who would be friends with them or claim them as family? Makes no sense at all. What are these girls thinking having babies with these guys and letting that woman be “grandma”? This is just beyond bizarre. And they still live in Norwalk ?
I believe she is guilty, always have. The picture on her timeline of her holding a baby (I would suppose a grandchild) really made my heart sink…why should she be enjoying a grandchild when two of her babies are dead?
…
Exactly. She’s disgusting
Is this her?
Such a sad story. rest in peace babies
Way too bad!!!!!
Or they know, and not talking. I don’t understand how people could do that. Sad.
I’m so glad i found this article. The only piece of evidence that was found was found by my great grandpa. I remember my dad telling me about this case, and I never knew how big it really was! RIP Grandpa, and I’m proud that I am the granddaughter of the man who found the only piece of evidence
what was the piece of evidence?
I’m wondering if it was Guy’s blue parka, still zipped at the bottom, found snagged on a log along the river’s east bank.
Do you still work this case??
That’s very interesting Jody. If it were zipped up and he fell in the river the coat would act like a parachute and balloon open when the current hit him from that direction and most probably would have caused the body to slide out. But since it was zipped only from the waste it should have remained on as the ballooning would not have been as much. This would indicate that it was “removed.” My guess would be from a struggle such as someone grabbing it as he attempted to escape. I questioned why it would be unzipped but can remember those parkas could get very hot as polyester does not breath and the running he was doing would have heated up quickly.
I posted links on craigslist in California. I just felt like someone who lives there would be able to identify any affiliation with his tattoos.
I’m not claiming to have any affiliation at all. Most of the times, I read these stories and I have a gut instinct. I had a strange on this time. I feel that the boyfriend did not do it. I feel like someone else made advances on her and she went to him for protection, but her injuries were severe and she didn’t have the ability or wherewithal to actually summon help.
Here is the thing about abusers. Abusers run with abusers. Abusers do not understand that they are abusers. The abused do not understand they are abusers. They also like to be in control. So as soon as the top dog is gone…. someone will challenge his place. Either by removing the abused or taking rank over the abused by exerting force (often sexually) physically or verbally. And with thier history noted…. it’s probable that that person would be coward enough to “finish the job” then summon help.
What on earth is that all about? Twisted thought.
Addict your opinion is way out there , Scott Macy did this and police just don’t have enough evidence to arrest his ass , so for your thought on my mother’s cold case file is not needed , unless u know him and have something to let me regarding this please don’t comment…
People your comments are not wanted , this is my mother’s cold case do not want to see anyone comment about her on here , once again my number is listed feel free to call with any information..
Alisia, I do hope you find it in your heart to understand others are only trying to help. Comments are still welcome here regarding your mother’s unsolved murder.
Hi Jody! I get what your saying about others being able to post comments on here “Regarding information pertaining to the Case” however I don’t think they should be allowed to post argumentative comments nor be hating towards the victim’s daughter and family members especially if they didn’t know any of them or anything about the case. It’s a waste of time for you guys in my opinion! Also you pointed out that Alisia used foul language well I only read one explicit word and it wasn’t even spelled out. So what I’m trying to say is if your going to call her out maybe you should the others if they’re not on here to help the case but instead being hateful under a victim’s unsolved homicide cold case. They should be ashamed of themselves! The family is still struggling over this and just wants justice is all!
I’ve seen this case before. You’d think someone literally covered with so many unusual tattoos would have been identified by now!
I found her.
Taylor, Spokeo is a search website that aggregates data from online and offline sources, and as long as someone is still missing, they’ll continue to show the age “progressing” and show last known address info. In 2012 they were fined $800,000 by the Federal Trade Commission for FCRA and FTC violations, and ordered to submit compliance reports to the FTC for the next 20 years. They’re just one of the many aggregate “trash collectors” in the Deep Internet.
Just a question, if her last know address when she came up missing was Centerville, IA, then why does this place Spoko that Taylor post have it as Eldon, IA. Centerville and Eldon are two different towns. Just a confused friend of the family.
There certainly is a crystal s. Hunt on Facebook. She is blonde. Looks possibly the same age,however I don’t see much resemblance otherwise. Maybe it’s possible there are 2 crystal s.hunts??
Ok
Found who
I know it’s been years, I do pray someone comes forward. So the families can find peace. My heart and thoughts and prayers sent to the families and friends.
What happened to the info on connie craft?
Wendy, I’ve been in contact with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Mike Miner and former County Sheriff Mark Grinhaug have confirmed that Connie Craft’s death is not considered a cold case. Mark Grinhaug said the official cause of death was “drowning,” and no evidence of foul play was evident. He said if someone has valid information about her death, that the current sheriff would be receptive to verifying it.
I’ve passed along all the tips I’ve received to both Grinhaug and Miner, and if any of the information “is” found valid, I’ll go from there and work with the sheriff’s office in determining whether or not Connie’s case should be on the website.
Thanks so much for your interest in the case!
Jody at ICC
This was my great aunt whom I was named after. I never got to meet her, unfortunately. It was very tragic. Although it was never solved, our family and many others believed the peeping tom mentioned above was most likely the murderer.
Andrea Tietje Bibeau, Anna was my mothers cousin. She thinks back and talks about this time often. Every Memorial Day my mother visits this cemetery to place flowers on her relatives graves. We also talk about Tietje and I even had thought about naming my daughter this.
horrible thing to do, and this was not an elderly woman, she still had a lot of life to live
I so agree with you Diana Wilson. I wonder how they sleep at nights.
Was the fire a result of arson????
Oh. Thank you. I hope these cold cases get solved.
Diana, I’m not sure. The IDPS MPIC doesn’t say.
Did any one find him yet.
better have your stories straight before you comment
What a horrific crime.
I wonder if the people that kill can really live with themselves.
I’d say the boyfriend knows quite a bit more than he is saying.
She’s 7 months pregnant and they fight (so far 100% believable). Did she get out of the car though? Just from my experience with missing people I’d say the boyfriend knows more than what he’s saying.
https://www.moodyfuneralservices.com/obituary?id=108359
Patty was her mother. They declared her legally dead to family. She has never been found.
Crystal, thank you for clarifying that!
Prayers that she is found and safe. Prayers to the families and friends.
Hard to believe 4 people were in the house that night and no one was arrested!!!!
You probably know Scott huh?
How can anyone live with themselves????
Why would he ever let her get out alone? Sounds fishy!!!!
Who was the bf?
I went to school with Debbie, never knew it wasn’t solved. I moved away about a yr after the event. Kinda shocking
I googled Crystal once and there was a Crystal S, Hunt living in Eldon,ia . Hopefully shes found some day
Same age also
Keep trying.never give up.she’s out there somewhere.Will keep you in my prayers.
The links for the Ottumwa Evening Post don’t take you an article. And I can’t find anything when I searched for it. ???
I emailed several tv shows with no response from any …and some of them stated that the department handling the case need to request assistance. .hmmmm
have you contacted the Fayette County Sheriff’s office, Marty Fischer and/or theIowa DCI
John Turbett for assistance? I would think that they would be more than thankful for any help on solving this case, as I am sure that it is haunting them.
Gary, I agree our only hope is to vote out all the supervisors, sheriff, deputies, county attorney, and assistant county attorney and bad judges, and start over with candidates that follow the drainage laws and honor our Property Rights and Rights to Clean safe Drinking Water. Thanks for your agreement and support of my suit to get access to my well test reports and to get the IDNR to warn others in the Plume of AG chemicals and Cadmium lead from Cedar (W) Township. Roni
Bullied to death is what it sounds like. Horrifying small town teenage girls in 1950 w no accountability.
How could anyone miss a body in a van? Anyway, I hope we can find some answers.
This is very heart breaking.
Never give up hope, have alot of faith.
I pray someone comes forward. My prayers sent to the families and friends.
Shared
I love cold cases but they are always someone’s family member. Sad
Wow! That’s a long time for a crime not to be solved.
So sad. We should count our blessings for being alive.
Seems like anytime a car/van is impounded,it would be checked. But, I know, laws and people sue!!!!!
There was another case in Iowa where the police departement actually auctioned off an impounded pickup truck that still had the owner’s dead body in the bed under some tree branches. The new owner wondered why it smelled so bad, looked under the stuff in the back that the police hadn’t bothered to check out, and found the poor guy’s body.
Dieselbator, in the case you mention, there were actually two deceased individuals in the back of the pickup — 30-year-old Cody W. James and Gary Lee Harker, also 30 years old. Their unsolved case is listed here at: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/cody-james-and-gary-harker/
Please add the courier and kewl stories about the chief of police Kent smock being corrupt and being fired, then disappeared. Why was he fired…. for behaviors consistent with stalking. For misappropriation of law enforcement resources. I believe with all of my heart one of two theories as fact.
The evansdale city or other law enforcement / first responder took them. Nothing adds up about thier stories and the behavior or the police department was either shady as a whole and Kent figured it out…. or…. Kent did it.
While we were sitting on the lawn waiting for instructions on the search parties. …. he refused to let us go out at night and threatened to arrest anyone who did. Then another cop…. a rookie no longer on duty…. tried to deescalate the crowd by reassuring us that Kent smock was the man for the job! He had all kinds of experience with sex trafficking crimes…. computer crimes. Which sounds good in theory except for a few missing facts.
– he hadn’t been on the job for more then a couple weeks, recently retiring from the jail as a deputy.
– the police chief he replaced remains on duty but, stepped down from chief or even assistant chief to be a regular patrol officer. The police chief prior to Randy Weber was also fired under similar circumstances over a technical paper trail where he was cleared of all wrong doing, but, all the cops got together and fired him too. Prior to that it had been since before 1970 that a chief of police had been let go in evansdale.
– shortly after this full time officer quits to go work for railroad. Sounds simple enough… but his families are also tied into the local drug trade.
– the fbi and dci camped at the evansdale pd for months or years after this and were present during this time that Kent was fired.
Motives…. could be anything. Fame. Notoriety. Mystery. But most likely drug money and prison time. But hey no one is a criminal until they get caught right….
Astonishing story.
I will be the first to tell my thoughts. My boy Charles William Binxs Netherland, always had a big heart. He so loved his dad and me his mother and his sister and his brother Brad he got to meet when Brad was in Iowa city. Than he became a young man that loved his children and family. Family was very important to Charles. He would always make peace between families arguing and much more. And his friends that so loved him. But if he didn’t know you, he would have helped in anyway he could. So for now I will leave this for now and say more later. Although I will say I love you Charles my baby boy. Love, mom
My first question is, do these black and white drawings of the tattoos have photographs to match somewhere? Most cold cases this old allow actual photos of tattoos to be shown on a lot of the stories I’ve seen. Perspective and perception are relative to the person who is describing something as well, so their description could mean a million things to them that wouldn’t mean anything or be seen the same by others. Allowing real photos of the tats to be viewed could reveal countless things to the public that hadn’t been considered before, such as that woman with the Sombrero that we are told has a tattoo that says JOHN under it, I thought it said Joan, a woman’s name would be much more likely to be tattooed on a man than a mans name would. Men who tattoo their own name on themselves usually don’t do it in that spot and also they would more likely cover an old girlfriends name with a woman’s image. The skull with born to die and red eyes/green nose as well as that death Nazi are both Russian drug mafia tattoos from the early 80’s era- you do see these on white supremacist’s Aryan gangs, but they wouldn’t tattoo a Mexican woman on their body-no way. There has to be a much better chance of solving this if a relative or acquaintance of the victim could see actual photos instead of drawings. We need more information included in the stories, because if the Iowa DCI or DMPD or Polk County Coroner’s Office-who ever processed the scene on this case-needs to release photos if they have them. They have dental clues and they have surgical pin in his knee. What kind of surgery does this indicate? What dental work was done? Vague information like this isn’t going to bring much help from the public. They could show photos of the knife, and the belt too, both are listed as possessions on DCI.
There was a case profiled on NBC’s Dateline tonight that had some similarities to this case. Gary and Jan Tyrrell were found murdered in their Springfield, MO. home in May of 2014. They were also avid antique collectors. It’s a longshot that the same killer was involved, but I’ll link to the case here:
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2015/08/26/porter-pleads-guilty-murder-springfield-couple/32425165/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2016/02/18/springfield-murder-missouri-tyrrell-nbc-dateline-coin-collector/80563020/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
Love the way the judge said, “Everything they were, you are not.” What kind of idiot thinks someone will loan a person with a gambling addiction $250,000!!
Long shot? Maybe, or maybe not. Thanks for this, Kim!
I love the way readers, “ordinary citizens,” make connections that case investigators might have no way of noticing without that extra pair of eyes. We need an algorithm that sifts through all the cases, looking for a common denominator. In this case, “avid antique collectors,” retired man and wife, Midwest, small town, might raise a red flag. From there, comparing tips from citizens – e.g., in 1975, one might report that a black pickup truck was seen in town on a certain day and it was unusual, a 1960-62 Chevy pickup, gloss black with short box and stepside, “chopped” (lowered to the ground), with chrome wheels, “not something one saw in Waverly every day.” The algorithm won’t know this unless some person reports it, and LE duly records it in the case files.
Readers, when you think of things like this, please contact whoever is named at the Cold Case site. Jody Ewing is one person working here (recently, I’ve stepped in trying to help), and she cannot follow up on every lead presented. By all means, keep posting here — someone else might have an “aha” moment and back you up on your insight or observation. But please pass on your information to the authorities in charge of the case; we cannot expect them to be aware of every new comment that shows up here, nor can we forward every comment ourselves. THANK YOU for reading and commenting.
Carol, i like your comment. However, in reviewing other cold cases we come across people that knew stuff about a victim’s plans before they disappeared or were murdered. However, since they were out of town, were never interviewed.
Also, their is a cold homicide from January 2001 in Iowa. The only information provided to this site, was the victim’s name, age, address, and he was slain. The agency wants information from the public.
I wonder how he was slain. How, was it determined. There are no details on how he was supposedly slain. Was, there signs of forced entry, or not. I don’t if the victim, was married, divorced, single. It appears they did not investigate, and they want us to tell them what happened, or investigate the case.
If I submitted a police report that said the victim Mr. X was slain, with no further information, my boss would want my badge and identification on his desk.
I wonder if they entered this case into the FBI’s VICAP system. Probably not, since they determined the facts. Where is Sgt. Joe Friday, when we need him.
So much tragedy in one family.
I find it interesting that his vehicle was found in Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant is located at far southern part of Iowa.
I could not find any connection to that neck of the woods for him. I also wonder if he was getting any treatment for his depression. It appears that he was dealing with it for a number of years.
Also, he supposedly he was last seen in Cedar Falls, but a picture of Decorah is shown. According to Ancestry and Family Search there is no record of him in connection with Decorah.
Also, there is no Social Security Death Index entry for him. Also, at 66 years of age, he would have been eligible for Social Security and Medicare. So, it would be interesting to know if their has been activity on either account.
I hope so too
I thought I met her when I was 15 she had darker hair though but maybe it wasn’t her. If it was she was with an older man …I remember her smile being different . I really thought it was her and the man came looking for her and I asked my dad where she went and he said he called her parents and I thought she went back home. My dad said they were hitchhiking…and she should go home to her parents…I remember the last name and that she had my middle name lynn. We lived behind the circle K off N combee road.
tm I would like to talk with you regarding Ronette. Was she hitchhiking on Combe road. The person of interest layered up so unable to question this person further.
The Names I see list here are Part of the Mitchell County Mafia.They Will Misuse the Law to Get what they Want.I’m not Sure Why FBI Hasn’t Arrested Some of Them.They Have Been Active In Ilegal Activities Against Me.Some have led to me Having Health problems .These are Very Dangerous Men.They ARE VERY Dangerous.
Yes, I contacted the DCI and that agent put me off and later retired and since the main contaminant in the deeper aquifers is Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer our Attorney General’s Office and the Iowa DNR agents refuse to even give us access to the well tests for Ammonia Nitrogen as N, as it is too POLITICAL quoting the attorneys. The Big Oil Corps that make the Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer feed a lot of money to the Judges, Local Authorities, and AG Organizations to Promote their product that is not even supposed to be in our drinking water at all. So there will never be an charges filed in my son or my husband’s murders unless we get a Democratic Society back. But I was hoping by my Civil Rights suit to get copies of the list of contaminants we Downstream from the Polluters need to test our wells for. The IDNR and the USDA-NRCS are continuing to allow the pollution of several aquifers at least down 300 foot deep at the Eden Presbyterian Church then down through Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and now into Black Hawk Counties.
I wish there had been an answer to the first 911 call for Adam’s accident on the night before they later killed him by noon on the 13th of July, 2008. Other than Judge Bryan McKinley, Sheriff Younker, and Deputy Hintz, and then Highway Patrolman Palas Graham, who just told me to stop asking questions in 2009 about Adam’s murder, and the Mitchell County attorney Mark Walk who refused to press charges, like when I had also filed a Request to Prosecute form in 2005 for the murder of his father. Mark Walk just said Gary’s life wasn’t worth a dime in court after I handed him a copy of the Inspection and Appeals Office 25 pages of Citations into Gary’s Death. My Request to Prosecute form was timely filed in Adam’s Death but trying to get the sheriff or Mitchell County Attorney to get court ordered subpoenas answered failed. Mark Walk would not prosecute and threatened me and Adam was charged in 2004/2005 with assault by Brad Johnson for asking him to stop harassing me his Mom, and jailed twice for nothing more than the group using the sheriff’s office and the court to threaten and harass us.
Veronica, have you tried contacting the DCI? They may be able to help you
Please whatever candidates you support make sure they protect our water quality and enforce our laws that are on the books (vote a straight ticket so that President has a chance to get our laws enforced and keep our government working to weed out the killers in Mitchell County) here in Iowa the farm chemicals and especially the levels of increasing Ammonia Nitrogen as N from Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer are polluting more of our Source Waters and is the cause of the Dead Zones, the IDNR hides their well test data and does not tell us to test for the Ammonia Nitrogen as N but does tell us to chlorinate for the bacteria levels. Chlorine and Ammonia Nitrogen as N (Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer) can mix and develop deadly decontaminants that kill piles of animals on farms and can cause the miscellaneous masses and tumors when and if they get to market. It can only get into our groundwater by Point Source Polluting and that is why the Section 10 Cedar (W) Township group needed to be stopped. Adam would be supporting Hillary or Bernie if he was alive. When Adam and I were close to getting the USDA-NRCS case to close their Sinkhole drain they killed him and the Secretary of AG, Vilsack, called me on the phone and said he would take care of it when he got back to Iowa. But he is leaving it up to us voters to oust Steve King, Joni Ernst,Terry Branstad and the earlier George Bush who took away the IDNR enforcement funds. Votes do count but now we see so many Republican candidates parading as great Christians filled with hate and instead pushing the sale of our water and other resources to the highest bidder. We in this Iowa Plume lost Iowa’s safe water quality to Big Oil Corps’ Anhydrous Ammonia contamination. The group including Judge McKinley killed Adam to allow the the Cedar (W) Township group to continue draining their wetland through my home and farm to the Sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland that feed the aquifers with high nitrogen fertilizers Downstream that well owners use in Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and Black Hawk Counties.
This made me absolutely sick! How are these people not on trial for murder!?!
They all should stand trial for what they did…Adam was trapped inside his truck for hours..So where was the Jaws.of Life to remove him from that truck? Im sure he would have lived …but they probably didnt even attempt to even try to get him out..They are nuts dropping that truck up & down like they did…None of them should be qualified to even be working the jobs they are…..
Before Adam was murdered, he had been elected as a delegate for Hillary Clinton in 2008. He had written a Platform Plank for Iowa’s Democratic Party to Try to get Iowa to enforce The Clean Water Act and Iowa’s 16 Drainage Laws that would have stopped this On-Going Pollution Plume that just took out one of Waterloo’s wells in October 2015. This year again as an Iowa Delegate for Hillary Clinton I have expanded on Adam’s challenge to the State of Iowa and the IDNR to protect its citizens from Point Source polluters who are killing more Iowan’s Downstream from our old farm and home in Mitchell County.
My Resolutions past unanimously in my caucus in Dallas County.
We stand for Strict Enforcement of Iowa’s Drainage Laws and Chapter 61.2(2)a. through g. of the Water Quality Standards Antidegradation Policy. If the Iowa DNR and the USDA-NRCS and the Iowa Governors had required some Iowa farmers to get 401 and 404 Permits during the past 20 years and had enforced these laws, Iowans Downstream in this Plume mapped out by Russ Tell in 2008, would not be forced to drink Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer and suffer this chemical’s health effects. Public and private well owners need to be warned to test for the increasing levels of Ammonia Nitrogen as N, before the IDNR tells them to Chlorinate for the Bacteria from the CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers as Chlorine and Ammonia Nitrogen as N or Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer doesn’t combine well and can cause deadly decontaminants like Trihalomethanes that were the cause of some of the wells having to be condemned in this on-going plume. Unfortunately for us, who drilled to deeper aquifers we were not told to test for Ammonia Nitrogen as N but were told to Chlorinate our deeper aquifers water that had been testing fine for Nitrates and Bacteria when the sinkholes were channeled the CAFO manure runoff, but with the new channel dug through my farm to at least six larger sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland the levels were climbing in the deeper aquifer and the IDNR suggestion still is Chlorinate without testing for Anhydrous Ammonia (Ammonia Nitrogen as N) for the CAFO bacteria runoff to the Aquifer Recharge Areas Sinkholes. So neighbors did and developed the cancers and other health issues the Trihalomethanes cause as well as sudden massive animal loss numbers that got new wells drilled under the Program to Prevent High Animal Loss Numbers from High Nitrate contaminated Wells for some farmers in this Plume.
Well owners and their health insurers could be spared the very expensive Chemo treatments and surgeries to remove the multiple cancers in the same family of the Downstream well owners drinking these decontaminants. I and my family have too many fighting the health conditions that could be caused by Trihalomethanes after chlorinating the Source Water that had high levels of Ammonia Nitrogen as N, Nitrates, and both E-coli and Coliform bacterias.
The EPA office in DC says David Stewart is going to get the IDNR to give access to the IDNR’s well test data files of what contaminants are already testing bad in our aquifers and I had to pay about $1000 for Ammonia Nitrogen as N well test reports in 2012 that revealed we should not have been chlorinating our water that was highly contaminated in wells down to 300 foot deep in 2004. The Ammonia Nitrogen as N levels are increasing and flowing down the Mississippi causing the Dead Zones to grow at astounding rates because Iowa does not enforce our drainage laws or the Clean Water Act . Contrary to Leopold’s Radio Address in 2010 the IDNR’s non-enforcement of the 16 Iowa Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act is killing and affecting more Iowans lives and US citizens in Missouri and Arkansas and Louisiana who drink this high nitrogen fertilizer contaminated by Point Source Polluters.
Former IDNR directors before Leopold, like Paul Johnson and Robert Libra IDNR Geologist used to collect well test data and close AG Drainage wells or other Point Source Pollution Plumes and published and monitored well test data for Ammonia Nitrogen as N. The IDNR has files of well tests showing the chemicals we should test for but the IDNR only suggests we should test for Nitrates and Bacteria when the Nitrogen fertilizer levels channeled by the digging through my old farm to drain a bunch of Tea Party farmers chemicals who stole 42 acres of my farm to illegally channel and drain their land down a line of Designated National Wetland Sinkholes into 3 aquifers recharged by that sinkhole area of Mitchell County. They have polluted both public and private wells in this On-Going Plume Mapped by Russ Tell in 2008. But the well test data that the IDNR agreed to provide in this new IDNR web site still is not being provided as the IDNR says it’s too political for our State’s DNR and the Federal USDA-NRCS to admit their planning the flood channel that continues to pollute more wells with the Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer that just had the EPA fine that Big Anhydrous Ammonia Plant being built in Iowa with $540,000,000 of our taxpayer funds before it started producing the Big Oil Corp Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer we cannot filter out of our Source Waters and are drinking at ever increasing levels in this Plume.
Veronica..what can I do to help? Give me direction..do you think a petition on change.org would be a useful tool??
Connie, I don’t know if a Petition would work there seem to be so many, but if you could write one about some farmers using illegal drainage outlets in Cedar (W) Township, Mitchell County, Iowa and polluting our Source Waters with Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers, while farmers using sustainable farming practices and using legal drainage outlets are dying Downstream from the cancers caused by the pollution. Everyone Downstream needs to be warned to test their wells for Ammonia Nitrogen as N before they Chlorinate for Bacteria or they could cause Trihalomethanes to develop in their drinking water. Thanks, cousin.
I remember the very first time I met Debbies husband. It was during her funeral planning period. Chills immediately ran up my neck. I wondered to myself right then if he had knowledge of how she was murdered.
So many things have been unsettling to me and I often wonder how hard they have tried to solve her case. She had problems but she was still a human being.
1.. During the search for Debbie, fliers were posted where she frequented and her husband took all of them down.
2.. He was seen associating with other prostitutes who were never comfortable in his presence.
3.. Her body was found very close to where he was employed.
4.. He goes on a vacation during the search for her.
Something isnt right about any of this.
Everything about that guy was weird that’s why I move out of Roric because he used to come everyday at3:30 or 4AM to open my door and I was scare of him because I was single and living by my self and other black man was so closed to him too his name is Ed the other maintenance guy at the Roric
The police said lie detector tests wer failed why arent they doing more about the people who failed them ?
If there failing lie detector tests and arnt doing anything about them failing what was the point of using lie detector tests?
In regards to lie detector tests. The fact is that the results of these tests are not admissible in court. Also, thexresults might be read differently by different operators
How sad!!!!
Thoughts and prayers to Nicks family as they remember this beautiful child
All these years later and this murder still makes me sick. How this person was found not guilty is beyond me. So she was raped, stalked, threatened, her other child Stephen’s life was threatened by this “rapist/stalker/attacker” and yet she’s gallivanting all over the place alone without a care in the world, never reporting all of this to police, and leaving her newborn baby alone in an unlocked, unattended car? All this carelessness with the life of her newborn son after she has already had one infant die? No fricking way. And one of her kids is now a criminal and sexual predator? I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Rip Bonnie
So sad..My thoughts & prayers to Cecil’s family..Lets get this case solved so the family can have some closure. ..Fly High Cecil!!
So heartbreaking. …My thoughts & prayers to Cory’s Family…I was also going to say that maybe the people who had owned the house before Cory got pissed off about him buying it…They couldn’t make the payments so the bank foreclosed on it…Have they been questioned by the police? I would really be looking hard at them as suspects…. Hopefully the police will be able to get this case solved so the family can have some closure. ..RIP Cory..
So sad..What a gifted young man he was & his life cut short…Very heartbreaking. .His roommates not taking the polygraph test seems pretty suspicious to me..If not guilty then what’s the problem? I think they both had something to do with Nick’s murder & by taking the polygraph they know they will possibly fail it & then they will be found guilty of the crime…They know exactly what happened….
I hope they took a close look at the missing employee…oftentimes it’s someone they knew and who knew their schedule. Or they work together, with the employee using that as the reason they didn’t see anything. Might be worth a look to see where the employee’s friends and family are now. Have they had any arrests or are they in jail? If so, the answer may be right there.
Why do people use the comments to make baseless assumptions. This IS true life. This is NOT a freaking book club, not a date line who submit party and no one got an invitation to a murder dinner theater. Have some respect for the survivors here. Yeah it could have been domestic but considering her husband was also murdered. …. it could have just as likely been space invaders. The story leads to Williams, a 25 year old willing to turn someone ELSE in on several charges. Where does anyone gather dv from that?
Still praying
Marcanne Lynch
My prayers and thoughts and heart sent to the family.
I pray someone comes forward. Even though it’s been years, I pray for the family and friends.
Hoping for new information and closer for the family!!!
My mother is the housekeep that found the bodies.
Can you share any information about it? Surely it is still difficult to your mother to remember this odious fact, but did she ever told you what she saw?
Roger had 4 fingers severed… only 3 were found in room…. this killer kept a trophy
I’ve been asking ppl honey and I will help you okay as much as we can
Jack Toomey no it wasn’t n yes Mandie El
OK that’s great …thank u ….do u actually work on these cases
Libby, thanks for that info. I was thinking the car was still missing, too, but wasn’t sure. I’ve added that info to his page along with a photo that resembles the one he had when he disappeared.
O ok
Libby, yes we do, and we’re continually looking for more info to add to the pages that might help spark someone’s memory. We share any new details we uncover with the respective law enforcement agency. We can interview and speak with people, but only law enforcement can make any arrests. We’re also working behind the scenes with Iowa legislators in efforts to pass legislation that would make it easier to bring about charges in some of these cases.
Libby Bridges you n I can look in to it when u come home.
I know all 3 of those guys. Just because they refused to take a polygraph, doesn’t make them guilty. Just answering questions about it could cause their heart to race because it was a traumatising event. If the police believe they were suspects, they would have investigated the possibility already. Nick was a nice guy and I still can’t believe this happened to him. RIP
Then take the polygraph test….Most people who refuse the test are scared of failing it..So Wtf is the problem?????..Maybe the cops should open the case up & start investigating it again…Only time your heart would race if you were guilty. ……….Were u there when it happened? Maybe an argument happened. .you don’t know…..So what if u knew them…How well? You can’t always judge a book by its cover……
It was “a traumatising event” for them?! How do you think it’s been for our family?! Four years and still no answers, let alone justice. These “friends” probably don’t even think about him anymore, but I can assure you WE do. Every holiday. Every family get together. Every year on his birthday. Every day. His murderer is alive and well and gets to spend time with their family and live the life Nicholas doesn’t get to and his “friends” know more than they’ll admit. Personally, I feel that anyone not sharing what they know is as guilty as his murderer. And someone knows. I still can’t believe they can live with themselves.
Hmmmmmm. Sounds like You trying to help them stay hush hush. It has to be killing You to not come forth and say something that will put thos to rest. You mentioned Nick was a nice kid. Help his Family. Stop protecting killers
GOD IS WATCHING
You know NOTHING about this situation. How fucking dare you come here and make accusations about people you don’t even know. You should be Seriously ashamed of yourself. What a disgusting human you are.
Sarah Ashby. You should calm down and perhaps talk to a professional. Venting here, such as you are, is of no benefit.
Look Sarah, You are right. I don’t know NOTHING about Nick or HIS family and such. I obviously only read the article so it seems kind of weird that you would come at me and ONLY me as though I did something irrational. This comment section is for everyone to come forth with information, condolences and trying to make sense of the cold cases in Our State. On the other hand, I am absolutely allowed to feel like it’s very obvious and suspect that the ONLY 2 people that happen to be the last people to see Him alive just happened to be his roommate in the house where Nicholas was found deceased and they aren’t talking nor were any help but they were his “friends”. How does this make me disgusting? I’ll tell you one thing. NEVER in this life would I EVER allow another parent, family, etc., to go to sleep and wake up day in and day out knowing full well that something happen to their child. You have to have peace and a good conscience to sleep to be able to sleep at night.. What did Nicholas do to deserve this? What did his Parents do? Huh?
Nothing. The people who took his life and have the answers and aren’t coming forward to give this Family peace are the disgusting ones. As a best friend. You should be more upset at that than me. Sorry for your loss.
Might mention that they all lawyer’ed up immediately. One of the room mates fathers had money and funded it from what I was told by DMPD.
I am sorry Sir. I do not mean any harm to You and Your Family. I just got upset that your Son’s murderers have not gotten punished. I am a Mother and can not imagine what it feels like to be going through this. I just allowed my feelings to get the best of me. I am sorry for the loss of Nicholas.
They lawyered up because you and Jaunita, who knew nothing about your son’s life or friends, immediately cast all blame on them.
WE were Nick’s family. WE took him in after you kicked him out for not being the good Christian son you wanted him to be. Nick told us all about the abuse he endured under your roof. My parents took him in, and provided him with food, shelter, and the LOVE he desperately needed and deserved. The love you all withheld.
I remember towards the end of that last summer, my dad let Nick borrow a pair of his dress shoes and one of his ties for a graphic design job interview. I helped him tie it beforehand. He was so nervous, but excited. And where were you?
When I went off to ISU that Fall, Nick didn’t want to be a burden on my parents (even though he definitely wasn’t), so those “roommates” of his opened their home to him, because he was THEIR family too.
Your family wouldn’t even give Nick the memorial he would have wanted. You KNEW that he wasn’t a Christian. You KNEW that he never actually “accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior,” like you said in his obituary. But you didn’t care about who your son REALLY was. You only cared about who YOU WANTED him to be.
Maybe if you actually loved & accepted Nick for the amazing, open-minded, creative man that he was, you would have known ANYTHING about his life, therefore, you’d know that his “roommates” were genuinely good people who loved your son more than you ever could.
Sarah,
Your verbal attacks on my family, and others here that offer comments, are unwarranted. I’ll say it again. You apparently have a chemical imbalance or some other psychological ill, please seek professional help.
I will also say that what you state is not factual. I know the facts as he was in my home and family for 19 years. He was in your home with your parents unfortunately for only a few months which didn’t help. He was not kicked out and he did not go straight to your family. Perhaps you had a love spurned. He didn’t have that interest in you. Sorry. You did more harm than good then as you continue to do now. Enjoy your all night benders to then respond here violently to my family and others.
I appreciate your passion, yet it’s clear to me you don’t understand the love a parent feels for their child. Maybe it’s something you have to be a parent to experience. It’s ironic that your Facebook page encourages acceptance and kindness when your words toward our family (and several strangers) are the polar opposite of both.
You had him in your lives for a relatively short time comparatively. You knew him as he was then, not as a whole. Did you all love him and accept him? Sure. Were you there for him when he needed help? Sure. That doesn’t make you family. No matter how much you want it to. We KNEW him. Just because there were things my parents never talked about doesn’t mean they weren’t aware. Most people go through a time they distance themselves from their families. It’s how we move into adulthood. Was our family perfect? Absolutely not. No family is. I’ve seen how you talk about your mother and how great she is. Guess what? I’m pretty proud of mine too. For a few years, I didn’t appreciate her. I just wanted to get away. I said some horrible things to her and treated her terribly. Not unlike my brother. I had to do a lot of growing up before I really SAW her. She’s one of the most selfless people I know and to list her accomplishments on behalf of others would take ages. I suspect you wouldn’t care anyway. You know one side of the story and you seem happy with that narrative. To paint my family as abusers though. That’s ludicrous. It’s kind of difficult to be a foster parent for long when your abusive. The fact that multiple fosters chose to remain part of our extended family even after growing up also speaks volumes.
My brother and I had something special. That’s one reason it hurt so much when he said the things he did to my mom. I reacted badly. I said things I shouldn’t have and that I regret EVERY, SINGLE day. We had just started on the road back when he was murdered. I may not have been aware of every little thing going on between him and my parents but if he’d told me he needed a place to stay I’d have had him here in a heartbeat. You can’t imagine how much I wish he’d been here instead of there. He might still be alive. We ALL have regrets. The truth is, we can’t go back. We can’t undo what’s been done. All we can do is choose how we let it shape us. There are clearly a lot of emotions because a lot of people cared about him. He was freaking awesome. A PITA at times, but he was always bold. Just who he was. You don’t create art like he did by being boring.
It’s been nearly ten years, Sarah. Did you even know him for that long when he was alive? Ten years? I’m glad he had friends who “got” him, but to act like you’ve suffered his loss and have the right to mourn him as his “family” is just naive. You may never know what it’s like to bury a child. My mom has done it TWICE. Two of my siblings. Two parts of my soul. Having my own children, I can only imagine the utter anguish a parent must feel. I hope I never have to find out. We all lost my brother. Consider if he had been killed in our family’s home instead. Wouldn’t you have been suspicious of anyone living there? Wouldn’t you have expected them to fully cooperate and share any and all information? Take all avenues possible to solve his murder? Wouldn’t it make you question the people who refused? The only people we can be absolutely sure weren’t involved are our family. Perhaps our suspicions are misplaced, but I feel like if you’re honest, you can see where we’re coming from.
I’m sorry you’re still hurting, but it’s not a contest. You can’t possibly determine the measurements of something that cannot be measured. You can’t speak to who loved him more. It doesn’t matter anyway. We are all entitled to love and mourn him as much as we care to. Being aggressive and insulting isn’t a good look for anyone. Especially when it’s directed at a victim’s family. His loss broke things you will never understand and our family will never be the same. Perhaps try some of that acceptance and kindness you speak of toward the ones who, in spite of what you believe, loved the same person you claim to love. No one is “winning” in this situation. We all lost. Try channeling some of that anger into finding the person responsible. The person who isn’t mourning his loss. At the very least, I assume we can agree he’d want that.
I hope you find peace, Sarah. I hope we all do.
“I hope you find peace, Sarah. I hope we all do.“
Well said Elomie. I propose its leave with that wise advice.
My sincere condolences to Nick’s family and friends.
Elomie, I appreciate your view and honesty here.
Ron
Already, Sarah Jean Ashby is attacking my family again after this post. Sending me threats of legal charges.
Yeah, when you randomly start contacting my Facebook friends and spread lies about me, I will threaten to bring harassment charges.
Again, you and your family were horribly abusive to Nick. He lived with my family BECAUSE of the abuse he suffered under your roof.
Your ad hominem attacks and blatant gaslighting didn’t work on Nick and it won’t work on me.
Take care and stop harassing my friends, attacking them once they see you for the unhinged bully you are.
She’s a sad, angry person who probably considers grounding to be abuse. Or not letting your kids grow illegal plants in your basement. You can’t reason with people like this. They live in a different version of reality and simply close their minds to any facts that don’t support their version. From everything I’ve seen on her very public Facebook page, she thrives on drama and creates it if it isn’t there. She doesn’t care how many of us grew up in the same household and know what went on there from personal experience. Our facts would be construed as lies in her mind. A cover up. Maybe her family didn’t have things like “rules” and “discipline”. Might explain a lot. She clearly wants to be the victim who is hurting more than anyone else could possibly hurt because she loved him the mostest. That’s her reality. Those of us who actually knew Nicholas/Nick his entire life and are his real family know better. She doesn’t have the power to hurt us because we know the whole story. She’ll probably keep trying because who would she be without drama? She protests an excessive amount about these “friends” not being involved for someone who has nothing to hide. And verbally assaulting the victim’s family? I could be mistaken, but it seems like that’s the sort of thing this site frowns upon. I’ve yet to see a respectful or civilized comment from her. Or constructive for that matter. Just inflammatory.
Tell yourself whatever you want to be able to sleep at night. Funny. Nick never once mentioned you, and we talked about everything from religion, to love, to the way your “selfless’ mom used to smack him around.
Y’all are real pieces of work. No wonder you weren’t in his life.
Oh, but we were in his life, Sarah. From the very beginning. Where do you think his love of art came from? It started long before you knew him. I can still remember him sitting next to me at church, because he always insisted on it, and copying drawings I had made in my sketchbook I always carried back then. I remember when he made a wooden clothespin “Moses” in Sunday School and told me he made it for me. I still have it. I still have the pink “Gumby” shirt he gave me for Christmas. Do you know where my youngest child sleeps every night? And his brother before him? In the racecar bed Nicholas used to sleep in. I have pictures of Nicholas playing with my older two children. The only niece and nephew he ever got to meet. He was amazing with them and my youngest, he’s so much like the uncle he’ll never meet.
The fact that there were things he never chose to share with you probably stings. He spent Thanksgiving with our family that last year too. Funny, he never mentioned you either. Talked about his other friends and Jai, who was quite pretty, don’t you think? The pictures she took of him really captured him in a way only someone who really cares for a person can.
I worry that all this bitterness you feel is bad for your health, Sarah. Motherhood can be a great way to take focus off yourself and learn to think about others. Just a thought. I realize it’s not for everyone. I also hear a good therapist combined with medication can be life changing without the commitment of parenthood.
First, I want to apologize to you, “Elomie”, for my previous comment. I was hurting from what you and Ron said, and I lashed out, which I think we’ve all been doing. But that’s still not an excuse for my unkind words.
Second, I adored Jai and was 100% supportive of her and Nick’s relationship. And yes, she IS beautiful, both inside and out.
I did love Nick, but not really in a romantic way. We made out a few times over the years, and sometimes I’d wake up to him spooning me, but honestly, he drove me a bit crazy at times, and I’m sure I did too. Lol we both knew that we were better off as friends, and I’m glad that we were never in a relationship, because I probably wouldn’t have been able to be my full self around him if we were, due to my anxiety.
I’m glad that you have those memories of Nick as a kid. I hope you hold onto them as I’ve held onto the memories of being his friend for 5 years.
I might not have known Nick
his whole life, but I did still know him. One thing we bonded over was our spirituality. He was very open about being Agnostic, but wanting to learn all about the religions of the world. He’d take me to a little New Age shop called Ancient Ways, where we’d drink tea, and sit in the back reading books to each other.
He talked to me about your parents and brother, Sam. He was worried about his younger adopted brother and sister being in the house without him to protect them.
I’m not telling you this to hurt you, but because I know you were like 10+ years older than Nick, and not living at home, so there’s probably some things happening that you weren’t aware of.
At Nick’s visitation, your mom hugged me and said, “I hope you know that Nick sure loved you.”
Even if your parents have chosen to forget, I’ll still remember those words forever.
Sarah, again you are an idiot. As a family, we had zero influence on the detectives.
I knew Ruth she was a great aunt to my grandson and I can tell you straight up this lady had nothing to do with her daughters deaths may she rest in peace with her little girls.
Idk. I will ask grandma
Prayers for the family.
Prayers for the family
I just read a book about this recently, called Morning Ran Red! The author, Stephen Bowman had some interesting ideas. https://www.amazon.com/Morning-Ran-Red-Villisca-Murders/dp/0595131085/177-6659822-2489616?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Was his car ever located?
Buick park Avenue
I agree. My mom used to have an early 90’s Buick Park Ave Ultra that was white and this car looks exactly like it!
Ikr its fucked up ..
Living with the guilt, would be terrible… They will be judged on a higher level…
Amen to that!!
It’s a shame they are still holding it in
Gurl we been trying for 33 yrs n nothing …noone will talk …Delbert isn’t the only one that knew something
Some one knows something I just wish they would open they mouth n tell someone
I hope you get answers honey
I never got to meet my grandpa …wish I did i v heard so much bout him n how he was a awesome man
Yes Fawna Mark Pickering it is n we have yet to find his body
It is really hard to believe that with the clear picture of the vehicle no one has identified it.
Not if the person isn’t from the area. :(
Yeah Sarah, you are right.
Diane Loecker
I hope these are solved.
I dont recall hearing about it…b7t not many Hornungs
So sad. I’m praying for justice.
Oh, that’s what I thought, too. Penny. So sad. Must’ve been drunk or under the influence. Worse if they get caught now.
Someone really needs to come forward. This is so very sad and heart breaking. My heart and thoughts and prayers for the family and friends.
Elaina Hornung Kimberly Hornung Weddle Kelly Hornung Are you related to this person?
Toni is my cousin but I miss her a lot
Very heart breaking.
This is very heart breaking.
I pray for someone to come forward. I will pray for the family and friends. My heart and thoughts are with you. God bless.
Libby Bridges this is your grand papa right.
Look at all the cold cases just in Iowa.
I don’t remember this cleaners.
Thank you. I’ll have to drive up there. Interesting. I should’ve been in my late 20s early 30s.
The business was located at 1209 West 26th Street.
So sorry. I am glad the dog didn’t perish, too.
I so pray someone comes forward. I know it has been a long time. My heart and thoughts are with the family and friends.
Check into this: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/02/09/human-remains-name-sought
This is very sad. Agreed Reba Lynn.
Yes very sad I still miss him every day
Wow today I got lots of emails from Iowa cold case!! Does this mean something ? Do these people commenting know my son?
I pray someone comes forward, prayers to the families and friends.
So young. How sad.
How about Dave Post?
Why is dave post mentioned? What about dave? I know him, and his brothers
Yes C. Swingen, what do you know about Dave?
Yes, C Swingen, please share…
Yes, what about David Post, C. Swingen? I’m Thomas Post, oldest brother, would love to hear from you if you have information…tbpostman@aol.com
Family/Friends,
Has anyone contacted Ben’s parents and ask them if anyone has ever approached them in regards to “Nobody’s” statements?? (the necklace). I can’t imagine that if they were shown a necklace exactly like the one their son was wearing when he disappeared – that they would simple shut the door.
If the answer is no , why not? Instead of waiting for “Nobody” to post more information – which may be a huge waste of time or it may not -It is yet to be determined.
The information that has been provided by “Nobody” can easily be verified by simply asking the right people.
If, what “Nobody” says is true – I hope that they know or remember this person – because from what this person is stating and all of the emotions he/she has expressed on this site /having recent nightmares/terrified of the Cronks/ quit their job over what happened to Ben, it would not surprise me if this person is directly involved in someway with his disappearance. I would urge anyone who knows Ben’s parents to ask them about the comments made here by “Nobody”.
And “Nobody” I am sure you are on this site daily – probably several times a day..watching to see what is being said..and if there is any truth to what you have stated..please come forward..If you are unable too – for any reason. Please let me know and I will help you. You can’t leave these type of messages and then just disappear.
That would be very sick and cruel; to do to that to this young man’s family/friends.
I am not lying to anyone. I saw the man in the camouflage bibs and shoes . I saw the neckklace which I still have the photo, and the brown polo shirt went to to city dump in sept of 15. I called the sheriff’s dept they had no number to assist me. I dialed 563 243 1455 and left my no with Jenifer no call back on 2 9 16. I am not starting shit and I have no involvement. I also now know their cabin is in lost nation under the name of David Cronk. Never been there. Helma servers me soup one day on the job. A week later she said it had a special ingredient. I’m on bens side can any say I believe you only then can we move forward. I did go to Ben parents I did
I’m not sick and cruel they are. I’m in for ben
I also called ncmec and healedy my soul I want justice for Benny he came to me I’m here to help please believe me this has stopped my life Doug the dad said yes that my sons Ben is my son no one believes me so what can I say. Bens dead the drinks r responsible call them
Thank you for coming forward and trying to help. We do care. I hope that you find someone that will listen that Will take action to help us. We need closure.
Text me..319 290 9060
Sally??
Text me 319 290 9060
My mother Susan ebensberger left those statements true I do believe so she has been on drugs committed and also hates her parents my grandpa recently passed but was my rock in many situations I grew up and worked with Ben when he disappeared I pray for u all but in regards to statements nobody made it is ridiculous
Nobody came to my parents home and upset the greatly. The police have been notified and we have yet to hear any results.
If what Nobody says is true, why did your father turn her away? It seems to me that what Nobody is saying sounds like it’s worth listening to and following up on. How the family would shut the door on someone who supposedly has what sounds like good evidence is beyond me. Do they just not want this solved?
I agree, the information provided by “Nobody/Sally/he/she” needs to be investigated.If it was my family member, I would not be waiting for someone to contact the authorities. I would do it myself. I would contact every number offered; Crime Stoppers, Missing Person, Clinton PD, Ia Division of Criminal Investigations, until I found someone who would listen to me and fully investigate the information that has been provided on this site. I would be very interested in finding this “Nobody/Sally/he/she.” I would especially be interested in knowing how “Nobody/Sally/he/she” knows that Ben’s shirt was disposed of in Sept/2015 -“and the brown polo shirt went to to city dump in sept of 15.” Seven years after he went missing.
Most interesting thing about their claims are that if you look at a map of the area: Where the Cronks live isn’t far from where he lived. From where he left and where he disappeared, it was only a matter of a few blocks, but his shoes were found south, which was off the path, so it seemed someone saw him, recognized him, and from there, who knows what? But this kid lived north from where he was found and the Cronks live only blocks away. This person seemingly has something valid. If a case is cold from 8+ years, I would think the family would actually be receptive to this information.
I believe that the father was in shock and doesn’t know what to believe. This is not the first person to claim that they know what happened to Ben. There have been lots of leads. All different. The police don’t act on hear say which is what happens when the family go to the authorities with second hand information. This is why it is important for the people who know to go to them. It is easy to judge the father, when you’ve never felt what he has in his heart…
I don’t mean to be insensitive toward the father Concerned. I just think this person sounds like they may have something valid. It sounds like they even have some evidence. I don’t know how the father was approached before but I think there needs to be some correspondence somehow. Maybe an email so that Nobody can explain what they know and if he dismisses it then, then there’s probably a good reason. My impression of Nobody is that they’re telling the truth. Why no one is listening is strange. Why bother having cold cases listed if no one is interested in actually solving them?
Has any family members contacted law enforcement and asked them to read what is posted on here? I think it would be worth their time to make contact with “Nobody”….
Sarah Rushton, I don’t have any recent updates on Josh Snyder’s disappearance. Still hoping he will be found safe!
Penny McDonnell, thank you so much for your ongoing efforts to reach out and provide comfort to other victims’ families even as you struggle with your own loss. Your words do make a difference in other people’s lives, and Charles would be so proud of you. I know I am! Thank you, again! Jody at ICC
I so agree the violence needs to stop. I will keep be praying someone to comes forward. My heart and thoughts with the family and friends, always.
Very sad.i so agree with you Mega Rae. I didn’t know her put my heart and thoughts and prayers with the family and friends. God bless all of you. Hope , and faith.
Thank you , Jody
Wish this mystery could be solved. Any news on Joshua Snyder?
So sad!!!
She went to Emmetsburg for a couple years, and was sincerely nice to every single person.. It was devastating when we found out:(
I pray for someone to say something- her family and babies deserve closure-
As she would have never hurt a fly:(
Went to school with her. She was quiet and shy but very nice. Sad story.
I pray someone comes forward. This is very sad. It’s a long time. But their is always hope and faith. Prayers to the families and friends. God bless.
Oh my god thats so horrible and sad
Please if anyone had any information, contact the proper enforcement! Benny has been gone far to long, and his family and friends need answers.
If anyone has any information regarding Bens disappearance please contact the police department. Thank you!
I pray for justice. And someone comes forward. My prayers with the family and friends. God bless. Don’t give up hope.
I wonder if “Little Miss Nobody” could be connected with this case. https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/az-yavapai-co-little-miss-nobody-whtfem-up10741-6-7-jul60.229132/#post11776503
This is very sad.i agree with you Jodi Frye.
Thats sad for him and his family he took his killers name to the grave.
Sounds real fishy. She was worried about about the insurance money than her husband. Sounds like she was involved.
Stewart Schmitz, Iowa Dept. of Public Health,Toxicologist, sent me a letter with Well Data in this Plume on Feb. 2, 2016. Even though it was copies of older files of well drilling data that would have allowed the people in this on-going Plume to know what aquifers depths were having wells condemned and drilled under the Government’s Program to Prevent High Animal Loss Numbers from Nitrate Contamination, he did not provide the contaminants we well owners around the condemned wells drank and should have tested for in 2006 when the IDNR also condemned the Eden Presbyterian Church’s 1981 well at 3105 Glass Ave, Rudd, IA 50471.
In 2004 a group of us that were still alive in this growing Plume in 2004 drilled wells to the next deeper aquifer like Paul VanDorpe and McKay IDNR Geologists recommended but they only told us to test that same new deeper aquifer at a 200-300 foot depth for Nitrates and Bacterias. Which we repeatedly did. Those tests were fine still in 2008 and 2009. But the wells drilled and paid for by our tax dollars in that same Aquifer Recharge Plume area were drilled to a depth of 500-600 feet as under that Government Program. I see from these well drilling records that our state has in our big data files. And we are still not being provided the names of the contaminants the IDNR canceled the Ice Cream Social at the Eden Presy.Church, saying they didn’t want children in the bathroom to even flush with that water.
In 2006 it was on the CBS channel 3 news, but no mention of what the contaminant was. So I had spent thousands on well tests to maybe, by hit or miss, do the right test. But the IDNR and the Government Program to Prevent High Animal Loss Numbers from Nitrate Contaminated Wells big Data files contains the tests that caused that Program to fund Bradley Johnson one of the Point Source Polluters wells in 1993 to be drilled the 500-600 then safe aquifer that we had not been told we needed to also drill to while the IDNR allowed him and others to channel farm chemicals down into our new wells we had drilled to the next deeper aquifer in 2004.
When I asked Ray Franna NRCS agent about what contaminants were being channeled down the sinkholes when I was applying for the 401 permits for my 2 ECP’s in 2008, he said I didn’t have to worry about the on-going pollution because it was Floyd County’s problem now.
Now it’s also Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and Black Hawk Counties with Waterloo losing the use of one well to High Nitrogen fertilizers in this Plume from Mitchell County.
Why is this a cold case? If Adam did not die until after they injured him further with unsafe and malicious actions why have they not been charged?
I worked out at the golf course back in 2012 and served farmer alot. I don’t know if this helps but he told me that one day he’ll just be gone and no one will know where he’ll be and he’ll be in Las Vegas sit high on cash. No one will look for me there… I hope he’s found safe.
Please don’t give up, if what you know if truthful people will listen. Ben is my cousin and we want honest answers
That was not the end of the case! The DA failed to timely schedule the retrial so the defendant Lybarger (who is the killer) was allowed to be free!
Only a cold case because the conviction was not allowed to stand and a murderer continues to walk the streets of CB.
Please do tell us more.
I agree Tina Carroll. I pray for them to.
I so miss my boy! Charles Netherland! , Damn all of you at the house party! And have children of your own! This son of mine was taking wrongfully! I have one son left with
Brian injury. Oh my lord, he so wants to be with his brother Charles. Charles was not suicide! He believed in life! And not only, son and father, and love education his s siblings. So I’m going to be Quite for now and let all of you say your peace.
Thank you Jody, ???
Yep, that was me. :-)
Many hugs to you, Penny! Jody at ICC
the bus ticket went as far as Colorado… any proof she actually boarded the bus? sad.. someone hurt her.
i pray one day you all find out
38 years of not knowing has been torturous for our family. Think about how that is as a parent missing a child, a brother wondering what happens to his sibling or a child not knowing what happened to her father. We as a family know he made some bad choices but he was still loved and is missed daily. We all have speculated of course but SOMEONE has to know for sure. I thank those that contacted me with my last plea and beg yet again that if you have any information, please come forward. Our family doesn’t seek “revenge” or “justice” just answers and closure. As years go by many people that were around at the time of this event are passing and I don’t want the truth to go with them to the grave. I beg you all to “share” my plea, and maybe it will reach the weary soul who has lived with the answer so long that are ready to be free of their secret.
At the end of the day, we all are people.
Lisa Kirchhoff Wetzel, I’m so sorry you’ve never received answers in Steven’s disappearance. I can’t imagine having gone so many years and still not knowing what happened. I also know exactly what you mean about getting to the point where you don’t seek revenge or justice, but simply want answers. I shared this on my regular page as well, and would love nothing more than for someone to finally come forward before it’s too late. I can’t comprehend why anyone would want to take some of these secrets to the grave. My best to all of you. Jody at ICC
Kenny was a good guy, he has to be found. I would make the bastards talk guarantee it.
Yes Elaine Heslop-Clark Donell
I remember this..Do you Rob Heslop
she dated my brother for many, many years before they broke up and went their separate ways, she was like a sister to us, I knew when she disappeared and no one heard from her, that in my heart felt something bad had happened to her and that she was killed. We never had proof and never heard they had found her remains. Brings up a lot of old feelings. I hope to God they find out what finally happened to her and if her life was lost by the hands of another that they find the person responsible and justice finally served! I love you Missy!
They had the fucking killers and let them go 21.7pounds of weed duck tape evidence fuck the police for not doing there job right
Exactly what I was thinking! There are people doing a extended prison stay for way less than 21.7 lbs. Sounds like their attorney and the judge are golf buddies! Total travesty of justice and this case needs to be investigated for the corruption aspect first. Shame on them for putting more value on the life of a murderous criminal!
This was one of my dad’s best friends Gaylon Sager and we’ve always known what really happened albia pd needed their shit together or to bring in outside agencies. Gone but never forgotten! He would always tell on me when I didn’t eat my school lunch lol :(
Hi ive recently found out this man Is Kin to me. I would love to sit down and speak with u at somepoint if thats possiable. Im really fixon to make a whole lotra noise or damb well gonna five it my all
It sure seems like someone dropped the ball on checking the evidence. It could be that maybe the recovered property did not connect him to the crime. But the ex-husband sounds like a class guy, from the comments. But enough agencies were involved in the searches and they should have come up with something. not y could not connect the ex-husband to the crime.
Sad…….I have a cousin who’s a cold case
have they found the girlfriend?
Debra, the girlfriend was 45-year-old Dorothy Lee Kempf, the estranged wife of Harold G. Kempf, 48, of 317 W. Fifth St. in Ottumwa. Harold Kempf became the primary focus of the investigation. I’ll keep searching for more information about this case.
Wondering if this is the same Harold Kempf who owns several rental properties in Ottumwa… he has a reputation around town as a slumlord.
Yes it’s the same one. The address on 5th Street is where I had to go to sign a lease once.
Wow!
That’s sooo creepy!!
I hope they found the wife!!!
Sad. So young.
Iowa seems to be the Bermuda triangle for things. A lot of these cases it makes you wonder if they found evidence but as some of you have said not enough to make a case. Just makes you wonder and makes you kind of leery.
Just Iowa? Really?
okay it’s an opinion,
So they collected items from the search warrant and then nothing? Makes you think they found some evidence but not enough to make a case.
That’s what I was thinking!
They went back FOUR times!!
You are not going to go back FOUR times unless you found something incriminating.
Wow
And then a few months later on July 1, 1984- Harry Dennis Milligan goes missing from Albia, Iowa. I wonder what was going on in Albia, during the year 1984. :(
Wow..
The afterlife is the truth…she or whoever did this horrible crime will pay for what they did…not in this life, maybe..but guaranteed in the next and it will not be fun….monster!!!!
This is my sister
Robin, I’m so sorry there are still no answers in your sister’s unsolved disappearance. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be “not knowing” after all these years.
If there’s any other information (or any other photos) you’d like to see included on your sister’s page, please feel free to contact me directly at jody at iowacoldcases.org, and I’ll ensure it gets posted here.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kayla Marie Keith
Prayers. He is a hero. He saved his sister and her baby. Whoever did this to him is a coward!!!!
Prayers for family peace
How awful! I hope you find the scum that did this. How heartbreaking.
I still miss him very much. Rip jay. Ur never forgotten by me.
I have never heard of this either, and have lived here my whole life.
Maybe a case for “Cold Justice”?
She was a sweet gal and same for the rest of her family who also lost Traci’s older sister Jodi after the death of Traci. This family has been through so much I hope they get new information on this case that will lead to arrest . Wonderful family I knew them personally and I hope for closer for them
he is deathd now 2006
send me some stuff about missing infants and or pregnant missing or murdered females from 1960’s…james stuart green wasa murderous raping homosexual sociopath
Who is he? I Googled the name, but didn’t get much.
Jon Benet Ramsey died the same way in her basement.
Yes Ray Beltron was the first officer on the scene and he contaminated the crime scene to the point there was nothing much of any use. Hampton is a small town where everyone knows everyone elses business. Ask anyone who lives there ‘ Who murdered Bobbi Crawford’ and the answer will be the same. They should’ve taken a closer look at the Ex-chief of police!
I know nothing of any Hampton officers. However I will say, it’s pretty much the same personality profile. Serial killer/ cop. It’s a matter of choices that’s makes the difference. But in general the traits are the same.
I pray someone comes forward.
I know this family. Danny is the same age as my son. The search was extensive. My husband was one of the people who helped search. There was an underwater search as well. The river was not frozen over, so there would be no ice break. Often in January there is a thaw and the river gets big and flows very quickly. Also, people greive and celebrate the life of a loved one in different ways. I don't think I would want a large memorial either if this had been my son instead. Reading these comments made my heart ache with the sadness of that loss once again. To see comments like these from others who only read this info for their knowlege of the tragedy can be hurtful to those who loved Danny and still love his family.
I agree Sherri. Incomplete information is very misleading. It would be great if those details and a photo were courtesy placed on this site to avoid those assumptions.
I’ve looked this case up in the online newspaper archives and at the time Daniel went missing, there apparently were no pictures submitted to the print media. I found a very brief article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette (dated Jan. 27, 1992) about the case, but there’s not much information. It just says he went missing after he and his father were visiting at a house on Newell Road in Finchford, five miles north of Cedar Falls. Authorities found small footprints in the snow leading from the house to the west fork of the Cedar River, so the presumption was he wandered down to the river and fell in. At the time of the article, they’d already dragged the river for two days in search of his body and had at that point called a halt to the search operations because they had no results. I’m not sure if they resumed search operations after that, nothing further was said in the paper. This site can only use whatever information is submitted to them by either the investigators or family members, or whatever can be found in an online archive. Since the authorities at the time didn’t consider Daniel’s disappearance to be anything suspicious like a homicide or kidnapping, there wasn’t much information to release to the public. And if the parents or investigators never submitted a picture to either this site or to the print media, there’s no way it can be posted here to Daniel’s page.
Thanks so much, Kim, and I’ve included a link here to the article you referenced.
The article “did” state that Daniel may have wandered out onto the ice, so I’d be interested in hearing more from Sheri about the extensive search and the underwater search; those who participated in the search would know whether or not the river was frozen over, and it’s those kinds of details that can be quite helpful in a case like this. Firsthand experiences take on even more meaning when next to nothing was ever reported in newspapers after the initial report of Daniel’s disappearance.
Kim is absolutely right about why we don’t always have photos to accompany the victim’s case summary. We always include a victim photo here if one is available (even an old black and white newsprint photo is better than nothing at all), but if we’re not provided a copy by either law enforcement, the victim’s family or another source, we’ve no further options if we can’t find one online in newspaper archives. The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Missing Person Information Clearinghouse does not show a photo for Daniel, either. Sadly, the vast majority of missing persons cases submitted to the IDPS MPIC site do not contain a photo, and for those that did, the photo is no longer available there.
As of Jan. 30, 2016, the MPIC shows a total of 313 missing persons, though only six of those cases include a photo (just 2% of all cases). I don’t understand this because many cases once included photos that the MPIC has since removed. My attempts to contact the MPIC site and provide photos (along with documented sources for each photo) have gone unanswered. On the ICC website, I include “direct links to the person’s page at MPIC” (vs. a generic link to MPIC’s home page) and in many instances a page now comes up saying the individual is no longer listed as missing. But, if one types the person’s last name into the MPIC search box, the site displays the name to indicate they indeed are still listed as missing (they just have a different url).
As always, we encourage our readers and family members to submit photos of loved ones (preferably recent head and shoulder shots) for inclusion on ICC so readers can connect a face with a name. Photos also help spark memories of those who may have seen something or recognize the person. Our search for photos is ongoing.
Authorites made two arrests in a 2006 Wapello Co. case where two young men died in a house fire. The cause of the fire was ruled undetermined and the case closed, but it was recently reopened when new information came to light. The case isn’t listed on this site, but I’m sharing the link because any time any cold case is solved, it’s good news.
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2016/01-26-2016_DCI_TwoArrestedChargedWithMurderIn2006ColdCase.html
Kim, once I received the IDPS press releases, I did go ahead and add the case to the website because it’s a way of tracking the number of cold cases that are getting solved, and also so people will have a page where they can provide any further input. When arrests are made, officials do announce a case is closed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the suspect(s) will be found guilty at trial.
Some years back I figured it would be a great disservice to our readers here if we automatically “removed” all info about a case from the website once it got solved. (There are plenty of readers and researchers interested in just “how” these cases came to be solved, what methods were used to solve them, etc.) I’ve noted on the person’s page when the case has been solved, and they also get listed on our Solved page. Here’s the page I put up for Nathan Messer and Seth Anderson: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/nathan-messer-and-seth-anderson/
The fact that people (and there were a lot of people at that party) were ready to come forward and admit what they know is truly inspiring. Some stay silent for decades. I only wish more people out there would be willing to contact officials with what they know in other cases. Also, there is always safety in numbers! I think we should get legislators to draft a bill to designate one week (or better yet, a month) each year as Cold Case Awareness Month where people are strongly encouraged to come forward and provide information that could help solve more of these cases.
I’m just happy right now that Nathan and Seth’s families will finally learn the truth about what happened to them. I also loved what SAC Mike Motsinger had to say about the arrests: “It just goes to show when people think they get away with murder we are always there, always willing to look at things and hopefully everyone is looking over their shoulders because we do take things seriously and take homicides seriously — and find them,” Motsinger said during the press conference the day following the arrests.
These killers need to fear every knock at the door. Again, there is safety in numbers and they can’t silence ALL those who know what really happened. Wouldn’t a “Cold Case Camp Courageous” month be wonderful!
https://www.dahlfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1122100
Here is his grandmother’s obit:
Joan A. Lawrence, 89, of Cedar Falls, died Saturday, October 5, 2013, at her home in Cedar Falls. She was born December 23,1923 in McIntosh, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert and Ida (Solie) Rasmussen. Joan married Charles Lawrence on November 11, 1951 in McIntosh, Minnesota. They were later divorced. She graduated from McIntosh High School and Concordia College with a B A degree. Joan was a teacher associate at Price Lab for twenty six years and retired in 1993.
She is survived by three sons; Jeffrey (Susan) Lawrence of Des Moines, Iowa, Darby (Vicki) Lawrence of Rochester, Minnesota, and Jay Lawrence of Waterloo; one daughter, Nancy (Dave) Andersen of Cedar Falls; fourteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Lowell Rasmussen, of Erskine, Minnesota, and one sister, Fern Rasmussen of White Water, Wisconsin; three sister-in-laws, Char Rasmussen of St. Paul, Minnesota, Ardyth Rasmussen of Salem, Oregon, and Wilma Rasmussen of Vacaville, California.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, one grandchild, Daniel Andersen; three brothers, Gordon, Don, and John Rasmussen, and one sister-in-law, Marian Rasmussen.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at Nazareth Lutheran Church with visitation from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at the family home, 1821 Walnut St. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Nazareth Lutheran Church, KUNI, KHKE, or IPTV. Condolences may be left at http://www.DahlFuneralHome.com.
January 27, 1992, the Des Moines register reported:
“Authorities continued their search Sunday for a 4-year-old boy who apparently slipped into the West Fork of the Cedar River here Saturday afternoon. Daniel Andersen, 4, of Cedar Falls, was believed to have fallen into the water from Ice near the shore, Black Hawk County sheriffs officials said. Authorities said Daniel and his father, David Andersen, were visiting friends at Finchford Saturday when the accident occurred.”
Praying for answers and comfort.
Yes thank you Jody for keeping her alive.
When my family will get justice? DAD, Come home from War and stay Alive, 2Purple Heart award did his duty, but his own home town kill him until now No Justice. We are still waiting for that justice.
Thank you Jody and everyone for keeping her story alive
We’re happy to do so, Jessica!
I'd be looking for his body for burial and dredging the river…. search teams…. anything.
Whenever I see a story like this, I really have to wonder… why there is no information on the details of it. It just looks suspicious that the parents still have not been updating the search. A story like this, would make national headlines. . . . Even 20 years later with the technology today….
Why no details about snow prints? He would have left a trail had he wandered away in "'snow"pants….. depending on the weather. You would think there would have been a break in ice if he fell in…. I don't get it, not even a memorial tribute of a grieving family and community. …. very strange.
This boy was my best friends younger brother. I played with them most days. Nothing suspicious about his death. It was a heartbreaking tragedy. There are more details than published.
I kind of feel like a 2020 search team wouldn’t have stopped after just 2 days. In 2018 when Jake Wilson went missing in La Porte City they were still actively searching the river and log jams and things even a month later. Are the missing details that the search continued?
Sad :(
I remember this. I believe his footprints in the fresh snow lead to the riverbank with no tracks returning. So sad.
I pray someone finds him.
She wasn't known as "Mrs. Carley," that was her name. Her car drove around the block numerous times before stopping. Suddenly, he was found in the street not in his house, so Mrs. Carley was obviously lying.
Doesn't surprise me at all. Mason shitty never has had a police department. Always a bunch of school girl wannabes. Them pussies don't know the first thing about law. I'll bet everything the allegations of them being involved are 100% fact.
Crooked cops
Charles Binx Netherland was murdered!!! The people who were there & have not spoke up about who did it. Please if u r one of those people go to the police Charles deserves justice! Even if u have to do it anonymously please just tell the truth already!!!!
Sounds like it was personal, more then one persons involved and over drugs.
Bless his heart.
We at Iowa Cold Cases have also listened to the police interviews and gone over the autopsy report and other documentation. The statements are conflicting at every turn, and some of the interviews seemed to lack some key questions. A suicide appears completely inconsistent given the chain of events that led to his death. This case and everything about it is deeply disturbing.
Amen I hope Penny McDonnell will find some peace and justice for Charles . Charles was my sons best friend they grew up together and Charles was very much loved and did not deserve to be murdered he was a son, a brother,and a father. He had friends and family that loved him how dare anyone think they can play God and take someone’s life ?
Amen to that! Charles loved life & would never take his own no matter how hard it got! I love u & miss u every day Charles u will always b my BFF R.I.P. My friend.
How on earth was she not prosecuted for this ghastly crime?
Was a very interesting experience! Totally spiritual…Believe it or not.
I will love
We need all this out there please, comments in your opinion, and keep sharing please.
#justiceforlayne
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154430739412222&id=509027221
This* sorry
I grew up with him he was like a brother to me I have been with Penny McDonnell n Jerry A. Shreeves from day 1.. I’ve also read n saw everything n I have my own anger problem with how thus was handle n how many years its taken to get Charles justice. But that’s also a different problem for me to handle lol! But I know in my heart n soul this was murder! N I pray everyday for justice in his name because in lots of ways they slander his great name. He’s missed always by so damn many n I pray to god someone or something happens to bring justice for him!!! Love u!!
? why is she not arrested. No one in or out, cold out and she is cleaning out her car with one child, she has burns on her fingers and hair> I am not a forensic specialist, but come on!!!
Amen Jerry
This is heart wrenching . Who ever set that poor helpless child on fire needs to have that done to them. Pure evil
Horribly sad
Sorry about your cousin, Roniie.
Unreal
This woman sounds like Susan Smith v. 2.0. :( I wonder how his brother is doing.
Reggy is doing wonderful. Very responsible 17 year ago old and gets awesome grades in school. Rick and I are very proud of him.
Robin- did you adopt him
Unfortunately, I have not legally adopted him since his mother would never sign off on it. Doesn’t really mean anything though; he is still very much my son.
Hi Robin. I’ve enjoyed reading your articulate, well thought out comments on here. Do you have an opinion on why charges were never filed beyond ‘not enough evidence’? I read that Rachel’s uncle was/is an attorney- did that have anything to do with it? It just doesn’t make sense. She had singed hair, burned fingertips, not to mention the failed polygraphs. What more does the DA office want?? I feel certain she would be convicted by a jury of her peers.
Do you know if they ever found any accelerants in or around the house that she may have used?
I really wish I knew why charges were never filed. The only thing we can think of his because of her uncle, Ed Hardisty. When you’re in small towns like that if you’re connected to right people you can pretty much get away with anything. I do know multiple times DHS recommended child abuse charges against her in Adams County, but it’s ultimately the county attorney’s decision and her uncle would always decline to prosecute. By the time he was voted out of office it had been several years and at that point nobody was actively investigating so the case just sat like it continues to today. He ended up being county attorney in Sac County after that where he has also been accused of misconduct.
The state fire marhsall’s office brought in dogs to sniff for accelerants. They alerted that there was something when taken to what was left in the bathroom. David Linkletter later told us that they believed it was charcoal light fluid that had been used as an accelerant.
I KNEW IT WAS HARDISTY! HE IS BUDDIES WITH THE ATTORNEYS OVER HERE. EVEN BOUGHT A HOUSE OVER HERE SO THEY COULD ALL PARTY TOGETHER. Kenyon had that guilty look on his face like he does when he is lying when they talked to him on the news. He is just as guilty as she is for not convicting her. Conspiracy?
For those people that want to keep making this whole think about Rick’s parenting instead of what it should be, justice for Ricky, I have published all of the child support records so you can all quit claiming Rick never paid any. Now we can stop making that a focal point for some people. Here is the link to view them:
https://m.facebook.com/login.php?next=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2Frmm813%2Falbums%2F334226860480516%2F%3Fref%3Dcontent_filter&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fiowacoldcases.org%2F&ref=content_filter&_rdr
I KNEW IT! IT HAD TO BE HARDISTY! HE HAD BOUGHT A HOUSE OVER HERE IN CRESTON AND HAD PARTIES WITH THE LAWYERS OVER HERE. THEY ARE ALL CROOKS. KENYON CONVICTS PEOPLE HE DOESNT LIKE FOR BULLSHIT AND LETS ONES WHO HE IS BUDDYS WITH GET AWAY WITH MURDER, RAPE, YOU NAME IT. I KNOW OF SEVERAL EXAMPLES. IM ABOUT SICK TO DEATH OF HIM BEING OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY. HE IS ABOUT TO RETIRE AND BECOME A JUDGE!?!?! HE SHOULD NOT BE A JUDGE!!!!!
BELIEVE ME HE RUNS THIS TOWN THE COPS, THE JAIL, THE WATER COMPANY EVEN I SWEAR HE DID ANYWAY. THEY ARE STILL CROOKS TOO SO HE MUST HAVE SOME STEAK IN IT. THAT IS WHY THAT LIKE BOY GOT NO JUSTICE. KARMA IS A BITCH KENYON. YOU WILL MEET YOUR MAKER SOME DAY AND A LOT OF US CAN NOT WAIT. WHO KILLED THE LAST GUY MURDERED HERE? ANOTHER FRIEND OF A FRIENDS KID THAT KINYON KNOWS? THATS HOW IT WORKS!
I knew him when he was just little. I had no idea that this has happened. How sad.
Poor little man she’s a monster hope they get her
outrageous and heartbreaking. They should have locked her up and thrown away the key
This is outrageous, she needs to be in prison. Being related to a neighboring county attorney has something to do with her being free – I’m convinced
RIP Julie Bell. I pray for justice.
I hope you find the people who did this!
They need to make an arrest!
I so agree with Kayla Kay . This is so heart breaking for this young child.
Robin. I wonder how reggy and Rockies families feel about your public bashing of this case in general. Please ask for thier blessing before commenting again. We understand your frustrations but going public like that absolutely is wrong to do to Reggy.
Well since I’m not “publicly bashing” this case I’m not sure what you are trying to say. Since I am one of a few people who want the authorities to do the right thing I wouldn’t say I’m bashing anything; more like bringing awareness to a miscarriage of justice. And since I’m still married to Ricky (yes, that’s how it should be spelled) I’m pretty sure I have more than just his blessing but his full support since he knows about everything I have ever written about the case. Also, Reggy knows as well. Unlike some people (Rachel), I do not hide behind family friends to do my talking and bad-mouthing for me. I have been very upfront about my thoughts and feelings about Ricky’s death since they day he died.
That’s a very decent reply, Robin. Kudos to you for keeping your anger in check in such a horrible situation! I just can’t stop thinking about the poor little boy..I hope and pray justice WILL BE SERVED.
Oh, I forgot to add, if you go all the way back to 2001 and read the Des Moines Register is the first one who made this public, not me.
She’s disgusting. She had to of done it. I wonder if she did it to him because he was named after his father. Anyone that can hurt a child is warped. She should be in jail and definitely not working with the elderly or children.
That is awful :(
There’s a show called cold justice and they just solved a cold case in hills iowa
How is there not enough evidence for a charge? This “Mother” deserves to be set on fire and burned to death.
Yes, but it’s the not the same R.P. she is a great mother who I’m sure would die trying to save her child in a fire just as most mothers would! This pos is not from Tripoli.
Her name is now Rachel Luft and she works at a nursing home. :(
How can she be free when there’s people in jail for having a bag of pot? Wtf is wrong with this country?
And who hired her for that job?
To answer her cover photo, No
Autumn…100% agree!!
Please fins the people that did this!
May she rest in peace my dear cousin
26 years ago and no one has blabbed they did this.
I wish they could make a show on all these.
wow… :(
She had to have done it. Lie detector test? Poor child. God carried him to heaven.
The article states she failed a polygraph.
polygraph test are not allowed in a court of law.though they should be
The article contains many lies.
Do you have anything that provides what you consider the truth…or are you just sticking up for family.
I’m sorry. I missed that. Thank you.must’ve read way too fast. Thank you.
In the full write up it talks about the administered lie detector test, She failed it.
Dateline NBC…need to investigate & do a story on this
I AGREE – DATELINE.
Hope they find who did this. So young and sad.
:-(
Wow..Looks kinda like Paul Walker bless his soul..both of them…may they find the people who did this.
I so pray someone comes forward. My heart and thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. Very heart breaking.
I am Charles mother. Jerry is my fiancee. That is how he was able to go over everything on this case. I also went over everything with Jerry. In my opinion this my son was murdered and he was set up.
I have personally went over hundreds of papers the authorities have written, listened to all the interviews the police took from at least 6 of the people who were in the house at the time Charles was shot, the autopsy report and all the crime scene photos of Charles and the house. It is clear to me this was not a suicide! Conflicting statements from the people in the house, poor police crime scene investigation, coroner report conflicts with bruising on Charles body and on and on. This was in my opinion a set up and covered up murder.
I MISS YOU EVERYDAY ALL DAY JIMMY!!!! WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND….. AND SOMEDAY THESE PEOPLE WILL BE CAUGHT… CONVICTED… AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE YOUR PEACE :)) I love you to the moon and back HUGS UR BABY SIS ….
Pen oxox
She was a very nice girl! I remember her always smiling at Cedar Rapids Washington Class of ’94 Locals
Very messed up. I agree Tina Carroll
breaks my heart
Mine to
I presume he is probably deceased due to inactivity with accounts, phones, etc. has the family been contacted by anyone with any info. also with the comment Nobody made about the two individuals they claim were involved, I noticed they live real close to each other. also who was involved in the car accident the profile speaks of. too many questions that the general public doesn’t know and maybe for good reason. this case is sketchy to say the least.
Tin this is no joke. The gold cross ben is wearing in the photo, I have a picture of it hanging from their cars review mirror. They have since removed it. ive seen the man wear the camouflaged coveralls. I also saw the brown two button polo shirt. I’m terrified of these two people.
I am not doubting if you saw the necklace hanging in the rear view mirror or the brown coveralls and shirt. I do want to ask you or tell you that’s pretty weak evidence unless you can link them back to ben. I know a lot of people that have crosses hanging from their mirrors and remember you live in Iowa so there will be a lot of overalls being worn especially in winter. I can probably safely say you live in the Pershing area since you have observed this and that is where these two live also. please elaborate if you have more evidence to back up your claim and you really should go to the police detectives if you have good evidence to back up your claim. we all want justice for Ben.
well I know the man is a pediphile, non registered and the lady bullies little kids. I guess the two crosses are an exact match, but sure mass production. I’m done talking. Ive been at this for six months quit my job over it. I found out a lot but of course three items relating to him is in their possession and they have a cabin in the grandmound area is truly lack of evidence.
twoodrn75@gmail.com is my email if you ever want to talk about any other info. I have my own theories but I will not really discuss them on here. again they are just theories.
@nobody. If you are so sure he is a pedo why in the hell did you get in the car?
Tim last october I had a nightmare so horrific I called them people 563 242 9038 and said I know what you did, ect. The next day the cross pendant was off their car mirror. what do you make of that?
I don’t know what to really think of that Nobody, are you friends with Ben.
@nobody seems like the most you have done for this case is tip someone off that could be involved with it and harassed an old couple(sure they sound like they deserve it). oh, and before you try and go ridiculing that father, try to keep in mind that you could never understand what he is going through unless the same thing happens in your life, i hope nothing in your life ever comes close to that, just don’t expect people to respond in the most pleasant way when something like this is sprung up like this out of the blue. what you did was done with good intentions but you really need to think about how you go about these things and what will be the result of your actions.
And I did call the law I told them I had a photo of the cross I asked for a fax# or a cell phone# to send them this info. They said they had no number they could not help me and hung up. also I did go to the parents house and I showed them the photo they looked at it and the dad verified it was bens crossnecklace. They just shut the door.
hmmm interesting.
Seems like a made up story “Nobody” is weaving.
thoughts and prayers go to the family and may peace fill your heart,not a year goes by I don’t think of that precious little boy who is forever a angel
hey nobody I will do some research but how do you know those two people are involved. is he dead, alive, or are you just trying to start trouble. this shouldn’t be taken lightly if it is true.
my god is all i can say.. what a mess.. tragedy… horrible.. blessings.
May 2000 the FBI agreed to perform a more sophisticated DNA test on the hair samples == no results
9803ME
Back in 77, a couple of friends and I decided to go camping in Gitchie Manitou, it was a typical fun get scared camping trip. In the spring of 78. Todd, one of my friends that was with in the 77 trip, Asked if I knew how to get to Gitchie in a car. We had hiked from my house in 77. His friend Dean had a car and Todd said they wanted to drive to Gitchie and asked if I show them the way. It was Friday after some school event. By the time we go to Gitchie it was dark. We parked the car on the north side of the park. And started hiking across the field, Heading to the rock building with a fireplace. As we were walking we heard some voices that seemed like they were just over a hill or on the other side of some trees or bushes. It was a girl arguing with a guy. It sounded like they were wrestling, He was demanding something and she was saying no. they went back and forth a bit. And we here a second male voice asking the other guy to leave her alone. Not very authorative but he was consistant. The guy kept after the girl, Demanding something and seemed very angry. She kept saying no. the second guy kept pleading to the guy to leave her alone. There was a bit of silence and it seemed like the guy had dispersed the situation. Then we heard a shotgun blast. And the girl screamed. Then her voice was silenced with multiple shotgun blast.
We ran back to the car being as quite as we could, when we got to the car I remember thinking that we were close enough for them to hear the car starting. But I think we got in the car and drove up to the road. Then stopped. We didn’t have our lights on. Waited for a minute or 2 discussing what we heard. We saw car lights leaving the area the shots came from and they headed through the park to the south entrance. They stopped for a minute near the entrance. Then proceeded to the park gate. They turned south and drove away. We decided that it was safe to go check out where they were in the park so we drove over to the south entrance. We drove in the park and 50 to 100 yards in, we were surprised that a truck was parked along side the road.(In the same area that the car stopped). But we didn’t see the car lights hit any vehicles. There were 2 guys standing at the back of the truck. Todd and I told Dean to turn around and get us out of there. Todd was in the passenger seat and I was in the back of Dean’s black firebird or trans-am. He kept driving at them, didn’t think he had room to turn his car around. We drove right past them, and drove down to the camping area with the building and turned around and head back toward them and them, they stood there and watched us drive out. We went down the road and stopped to watch them and they started up there truck and started heading our way. We assumed they were going to chase us. So we took off. We turned on some back roads and got lost for a while. Maybe a half hour later we came up behind them on a gravel road. They had their one ton dually truck with a big cab-over camper parked on the side of the road. Todd and Dean yelled that they were in the ditch. I could see the truck but not them. Then they said he’s tossing something. I asked if it was a girl. They said No. as they got closer they were both looking in the ditch and said Shirt at the same time. I could see the guy getting into the passenger side of the truck, just as we were passing. As soon we passed they gave chase. I watched them through the back window. And they gained on up fast. There was a culvert that Dean slowed down for. One of those that sends you airborne if you hit them to fast. Dean slowed down and they didn’t and there whole camper went airborne and they almost landed on us. Seems like that’s when I got the license plate number 9803ME. They nearly lost control of their truck and camper. But they gained right back up to us and were trying to ram us. We end up on pavement and Dean’s car pulled away with ease. Seems like the road just when from gravel to pavement. I don’t remember any turns before the pavement. We lost them and ourselves again. But ended up on a highway that was taking us back to Brandon. Sure enough we came up behind them again on the pavement there was a couple cars in between us. We drove past the Beaver Valley Church and we knew where we were. When we came up to the stop sign for the highway 16 to Brandon the truck when straight, one of the cars followed and went straight. We had planned to go tell the Brandon Police what we heard and saw. But decided to keep following the truck. both Dean and Todd knew the road and where it came out. At the next stop sign north of the interstate, the truck went straight again heading toward Garretson. The car behind him turned west toward Corson. We didn’t feel comfortable right behind them so we turned toward Corson too. We went up a little ways and pulled over in a parking area alongside the road like a county sand pile for sanding icy roads. Todd and Dean knew where they were. And after sitting a minute we went back to follow the truck again. I mile or so north they were on the side of the road again next to a culvert. We drove past slow and checked the plate number. But we didn’t see anyone in the truck. We went up a mile and turned around. When we came back they had switched sides of the road, and had their truck in the ditch facing south. They had their headlights pointing down into the creek coming out of the culvert. One of the guys was knee deep in the crick bent over washing his arms. The other was all wet crossing the fence going back to the truck. We headed back to Brandon to tell the police.
Todd and Dean told me that Dean’s brother was a policeman and we went to the Pizza Parlor where the police had there lights going. Dean said that he’d talk to his brother and we should stay in the car. When Dean came back he said that they were investigating a bombing and that were where supposed to go home. But that he had told them our story.
I never heard back from the police. Never heard of a girl that got murdered. Until 6 months later, On the way driving to school over roller coaster hills. It came over the radio. That some girl was found in a ditch that was shot 5 times with a shotgun. And that she had been sitting there 3 to 6 months. My radio cut out and lost signal in the bottom of hills. I tried other stations but didn’t hear it again. I got to school all excited but no one had heard the radio announcement that I heard. And I was adjusting the dial when I first heard it. And wasn’t sure which station it was. But nobody heard anything about it. I stopped by KELO in Sioux falls and asked if they played the announcement and the guy I talked to said that he monitored the other stations and he never heard anything about it. He might have given me the idea that it could have been a Minnesota Station. But He never heard it.
Years passed and I had told the story several times. I think it was at a 5 yr reunion or a party after that I had told the story and Todd was surprised that I had still remembered 9803ME. He confirmed that it was the plate number. I went down to Gitchie the next day and tried to figure out where we were that night. Things looked different and I didn’t feel like I found where we were standing when we heard what sounded like the girls last breathe. I was in the fireplace building and it was run down. A lady walking her dog stopped in and we talked for a while. I told her the story and that I was just trying to put the pieces together. She said that there was a murder where we were standing. And that blood was splattered all over the walls and shells were left. And that it happened several yrs earlier. She said that the police have all the evidence. And told me where the station was. I went to the Larchwood Sheriff dept. and asked the lady there if she knew of a girl found in a ditch that was shot several times with a shotgun. She thought that there was a girl and that the guys to talk to were at the main station but it was too late to find someone that knew. And that she would check and see in the morning since that’s where she would be. I talked to her the next day. And there was a girl but they thought they knew who killed her. And that some farmers had said he found the girls shirt while walking down the farm road. They seemed to think he really knew who did kill her or was a part of the murder somehow. She said that she was shot with a shotgun but that she was shot after she was dead. Thinking that they were trying to dispose of the body by shooting it up. Or something like that. She assured me that my story had nothing to do with it and didn’t even want the copy of the story.
Decades passed and I keep telling the story. One friend decided that we should go up and look for her, maybe see if it was a Minnesota Radio Station. A yr later I was buying a new used truck and got carfax online to check out the truck. I checked out the truck and was playing with the carfax program when I remembered 9803ME so I plugged it in. but nothing showed. The next day there was a new thing on the internet about someone solving a 30 yr old cold case with DNA. I though wow I didn’t know they had collected DNA stuff 30 yrs ago. I searched cold case Iowa. And shortly found the only cold case near Gitchie. And after looking at the info. It sure seems like she’s the girl we hear that night. I called and told them the story. And recalled them when I’d remember little details. They told me that Dean had passed away and that Todd vaguely remembers the story. And that 9803ME didn’t match a state license format. And that something was wrong with the timeline of my story and Wilma June Nissen.
I was in Brandon helping mom a yr or so ago. And went down to Gitchie and retraced what I could. I stopped into the police station to see if they had a date to the Brandon Bombing. I figured that they already heard my story from the Lyon County Sheriff. But they hadn’t heard anything. So I told them the story. Turns out that Barry(Dean’s brother) was still a policeman. But in 78 he was just on a ”ride a long”. And wasn’t really a policeman til 87. They also looked up some tickets from 78 and found plate numbers with the same format. Even found a ticket written on a Toyota with 9805ME as the number. And that the night that the bombing happened was April 7th 1978.
I can’t believe all that information you all had and they couldn’t investigate and find out what happened ?
There was an investigator with the sheriff’s office that was working with it. He told me that the records from that era were manually written and old details weren’t all updated into the current computer system. He said he couldn’t search the plate number from that era. And asked if I had the vin number. It made me laugh. Maybe a lack of budget. From my businessman point of view. Its would be hard to take funds that could help a present situation and apply it to a 35+yr old case. I think that I have parts to the puzzle. And hoping that others people will have parts of the puzzle and come forward with there puzzle piece. With the new book out Gitchie Girl. I’m thinking it will bring back memories from back then. I think of it as drafting. Because my story and this cold case are just a few years after the 73 murders.
You just read a more current version of the story from start to finish. The info I gave the sheriff was in parts out of order because I’d remember details just out of the blue. And write them down. Then send them to the police. Like yesterday I remembered some of the details from the argument. The non agressive guy said just let her have it. The aggressive guy demanded that she give it to him. In the silence before the first shot. It sounded like a car door opening. In the nano second before the first shot. The non aggressive voice yelled no. The second shot was mid scream. The rest of the shots were quick like semi automatic not like a pump shotgun. They were very loud.
Have you talked to the Lyon County Sheriff recently ?
Not in a yr or so. I assume they’ll get this. The truck had a brake light that didn’t work. And a light on the top of the camper would go out. It was on the opposite side of the brake light.real recognizable when we followed them. The truck was blue and white chevy or gmc
Is Janice the teenage girl who disappeared in December 1962 in Des Moines?
No , Janice was only missing for several days , in April 1965. Our families went to the same church , so we knew Janice personally.
how can someone have two welfare checks and this 1/4 million dollar home…. and how do they know jewelry is missing?
Omg. They mean They checked on his well being, as in they checked on him to make sure he was okay. Lort. ???
Hmm.
Sad I hope someone comes forward with information
Sad to say,but this old boy set himself up to be robbed & murdered.He wore flashy jewelry,hung out at a stripper bar and flashed a lot of money around at unsavory characters.Did he have a death wish?I wonder why his son didn’t step in to protect him from that crowd.Did he have alzheimers or some other disease that caused confusion?Or was he just a dirty old man having fun?Sad,very sad.
I hate that there are crimes like this and that the families haven’t gotten closer. I do love reading about them and praying they get solved.
Same!
Sad. They must’ve known he had money.
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/george-keller/
I dont think this is same person.
I hope and pray that it can be solved. Your right Sherri Seago.
Just curious, has there ever been a story on here about the murdered man (I think they called him Chicken George) from Osceola/Clarke County? Or maybe it has been solved? Happened many years ago.
Have not heard about this.
I believe it’s called 244th Street now because the town of Kent was disincorporated in 2003 and it’s now just considered a part of Union County.
I am unable to find a “Cherry Street” in Kent IA using Google maps. Has the street name been changed?
WOW, we had so much fun kicking it still can’t believe that somebody would do this to you continue to Rest In Peace you are truly missed! ?
So little information too. You would think since it happened 2010 with cell phones and social media there would be more photos and more info. Where was she last seen? What time of day did she go missing?
First off we need a better picture then this and if she was missing nobody really knows what she looks like so we can’t do nothing without knowing further information also I’ve seen her before about two days after this was reported I saw a car in Oklahoma with her and a older man I didn’t catch the plates it was a black Ford sedan was the man possibly her grandpa or dad? But ever since I haven’t seen her I also was a former student in clarion I was in her class after this day she didn’t show up at school so I was concerned and me and my dad drove to Oklahoma to see if we could spot the abductor and we saw them speeding 90 mph on interstate 35 by Oklahoma City and ever since I had not heard from her for 3 years I almost think she was abducted by that old man and might have been killed I happened to be on vacation in Texas a couple years later and I heard on the news saying something about a body in Fort Worth so very possibly was her I also heard they think it was her and they said she was shot 4 times in the head so I recognized the picture they had for it I was like that’s her it has to be
Are you sure this case is still active?
Ashley Nicole, the case is still listed on Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse. We don’t have any further details on the case.
From what I’ve been told, the stepfather is a retired deputy sheriff and still has friends in law enforcement. There are many Council Bluffs PD detectives who’ve worked this case, but the case is complicated because the body was moved. An update: the CBPD have submitted/resubmitted tissue samples for forensic DNA testing, and also submitted new evidence for testing based on the suspected crime scene where Kimberly was killed. They *are* keeping constant tabs on this case. Kimberly and her brothers were all [allegedly] molested in the Kennedy home, and Kennedy’s own two sons have been sentenced to prison on child pedophile charges. One of Kennedy’s sons was recently released and the other is still behind bars. Matthew Ratliff is willing to provide a sworn statement to officials as to how Kennedy (allegedly) started drugging the children at early ages in order to better manipulate and molest them. Kennedy paints all his kids/stepkids as having drug problems and wants to emerge as the one who conducted the “interventions,” even though he is allegedly the one who introduced them into drugs and kept them hooked for his own nefarious reasons. What worries me most is that Matthew’s two young children were taken away from him and adopted by Les and Joyce based on falsehoods and lies. With five children (two biological and three stepchildren) already molested, what are the chances his young granddaughter and grandson will be the exception? Family services needs to get involved in this case even if police don’t yet have enough evidence to charge the suspect.
This is absolutely horrible!!! Why isn’t the authorities taking these kids away from Les Kennedy and throwing his old crusty nasty evil ass in prison for these nasty CRIMEs?! God with sentence him at his death, believe that!!! He’s going straight to HELL!
because they found out what there saying is all lies
It is not lies i am one of those kids and less you need to learn to spell my last name
Kim was a awesome person and I still feel so emotional over this. The world lost a beautiful soul when she was murdered. I went to school with Kim when I transferred to LC. I didn’t know anybody and I felt so uncomfortable and lost. Kim was my only friend at school and that ment the world to me. I would not have made it through without her. I remember Kim as the funny kind hearted person who took me under her wing and I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you go through. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Any update on the samples being tested? I cannot find any story online about it. Thanks.
yes…what ever happened to the testing of evidence found at the hotel back in 2016? is there anything noted about this?
20 years ago today. SHARED on FaceBook
Why were Matt’s kids taken away from him?
they claimed that i abused them and that never happened even with all the witnesses i had i was called a liar and a druggie i dont do drugs they wont even let me see them
Matthew is absolutely correct. Les had “pull” in the community b/c of his former involvement with law enforcement and he made up lies to take away Matthew’s children. (After all, all the other kids had “aged out.”) ICC has extensive documentation on this case as well as statements made by neighbors, relatives, and Kim’s classmates. Les’s first stepdaughter (whom he also allegedly molested) changed her name and refuses to speak about what he did to her. Les’s own children and stepchildren have written to me with horror stories.
This is one of the top ICC cases where evidence is metaphorically spilling out of boxes. The CBPD knows who did it, and they know Joyce knows. Les already placed himself (and Joyce) at the scene of the crime in a newspaper article b/c he simply couldn’t help but push the envelope into investigators’ faces. There were *more* than a few “good men” in the dept. who did their utmost to bring about charges in this case, and I don’t know who shut them down, but they’re to be commended for giving it everything they had.
Joyce knew, but refused to testify against her husband, which is her right under the law. I wonder which one of them picked out the clothes to redress Kim after this most heinous act.
Joyce has threatened me more than once insofar as ordering me to remove content from Kim’s case summary page (which I have not done), and the detectives who’ve worked the case over the years have respected my journalistic integrity; as horrific as this case reads, there’s so much more I judiciously chose to *not* include lest it compromise the investigation. Of all PDs across the state, I can say without prejudice that the CBPD investigators rank right up there with the finest I’ve ever seen.
So i just stumbled upon this site and skimming all these comments. Who do i tell what. I know. From Personal experience.its kinda crazy. I grew up witba twisted mom like joyce and wickedexsherriff stepdad who murdered his own daughter by proxy. Our stories are eerily similar. Well tha was years ago. But i did hVe a run in with thisles character. Even rented a trailer from him. Thats all ill say publicly. But i may or may not have info based on what les told me. One thing is for sure that whole family is whack. But he is the one they want. He knows it rhey know it and one other. The accomplis and they too need to be charged. Anyway.
God Bless
you can contact me they are letting him off againi could realy use any help i can get i am Kimberly’s brother and father of the two kids Kimberly and robert they used the courts to lie about me and take them
I am extremely sad to hear this young ladies disappearance went mostly unknown to the people in her relatively small community. This poor girl and her family.
I so agree with you. This is real sad. And sick.
There is a young man that is missing now for 9 days from Clinton, IA. I just found his page. His wife is frantically searching for him. He was in the hospital for 5 day because of a seizure disorder and had just been released. Then he went missing. His name is Joshua Snyder….heartbreaking!! I hope he is found safe and sound as well. Had this lady won a large sum of money??
I hope they find her so the family can have some closure…….Michelle Papakee..
Keeping her & Family in my thoughts & prayers
I remember checking her fb page for updates. I hope she is found
I’ve recently found out about this from this Facebook page. We need the national news to do a comprehensive show on missing persons at least every year. We must do better as a society.
Honestly this is the first I have heard of this.
I hope someone comes forward . I pray she’s safe. Prayers for the family and friends.
Doesn’t anyone have a better photo of this little girl?
Denise, my team members and I have searched to no avail to find a better picture of Yerlanin. It might sound crazy to say this, but she’s actually one of the “lucky” ones who at least has “some” type of photo on the IDPS MPIC site. How is one to identify a missing person if one doesn’t know what he/she looks like? As of this moment there are 328 individuals listed on the MPIC site. There are just 32 photos of the MPs. More than 90% of cases there have no vic photo. I have 91 MP photos listed on ICC and have (more than once) forwarded many of them to MPIC, stating exactly where I obtained the photo (the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office or Des Moines PD, etc.) The photos don’t get added, which is discouraging because one of these photos might help identify a MP before it’s too late. I know the IDPS is busy and backlogged with work, but so am I. Still, photos are critical to these MP cases.
Brittany Lashelle Kesha Kaufman Melissa Miller
Wtf I’ve never heard this?
Me either!!
Weird.
I know
Can’t even see the photo hardly, so no wonder no one knows.
I’ve never heard this either..
Yeah me neither
Sad never heard about this n I live in Eagle
Neither had I…strange
This is NOT the T bone Taylor who murdered two cops in Waterloo in the 80’s. Different guy completely.
I pray someone comes forward to help the family and friends.
I so need to put it out there. Charles is a good son and father. He also loved his friends. I so miss my son. And those in his murder needs to pay. Charles always had a smile and tried to keep peace with families. He just had that touch. Oh lord, please give me strength, I need it.
So young. We sure have a lot of unsolved murders.
That’s sad. That’s not much money to kill for. Too bad someone is getting away with this.
This is terribly sad. But 53 years ago that would have been a signinficant amount of money for some compared to $250 today.
I agree. That would be the same as over $1750 in today’s dollars.
That’s true.
I remember this !
Sure, we all do.
Rumor has it, he’s still alive and well and running from a murder charge.
I am a member of Steve Kirchhoff’s family and encourage you to come like a Facebook page, Steven Kirchhoff Missing Person, that we have created about his disappearance. We are obviously interested in ANY rumors or leads about not only Steve but Richard Forsyth too because of the possible relationship in the cases. Thank you
https://www.facebook.com/msg/1123235904390308/?show_interstitial=0&handler=m.me&referer=https%3A%2F%2Fiowacoldcases.org%2F
I hope and pray someone comes forward. Someone has to know something. Prayers to the families and friends.
Prayers for justice
Their are cruel people out there. And I pray for justice for this young lady. From what I’m getting from reading this the step dad is involved. And should be in jail.
I hope and pray someone comes forward.
I pray you get the answers you deserve
rumor has it that Steven is burrried by the flag pole in front of perkins .
I am a member of Steve Kirchhoff’s family and encourage you to come like a Facebook page, Steven Kirchhoff Missing Person, that we have created about his disappearance. We are obviously interested in ANY rumors or leads about not only Steve but Richard Forsyth too because of the possible relationship in the cases. Thank you
https://www.facebook.com/msg/1123235904390308/?show_interstitial=0&handler=m.me&referer=https%3A%2F%2Fiowacoldcases.org%2F
that’s a new one buried spelled with 3 r’s
I don’t feel presumptuous stating for everyone here that you are wearing out your welcome fast, doofy.
nice of you to comment but who cares what you think
I’m not online for the winter, so please pardon any one that tries to reply or friend, I’m not at my desk. Thank You. Jennifer Bland
I am a member of Steve Kirchhoff’s family and encourage you to come like a Facebook page, Steven Kirchhoff Missing Person, that we have created about his disappearance. We are obviously interested in ANY rumors or leads about not only Steve but Richard Forsyth too because of the possible relationship in the cases. Thank you
https://www.facebook.com/msg/1123235904390308/?show_interstitial=0&handler=m.me&referer=https%3A%2F%2Fiowacoldcases.org%2F
The F.B.I. Government ought to put a TEAM of cold cases togehter and take all these WE’VE SO HARD WORKED AND GOTTEN, and give to them, and PUT THE CASES UNDER SOME HEAT! Jennifer Bland
Maybe if we sat aside cold cases from Iowa, and put on one side of the chalk board DNA and the other NO DNA, we could devise a organizational chart to begin to process these cases into to some SENSE. I’m going to work on that, I’ve got a COLD so keep warm, ringing ears, runny nose, sneezing, and puffy eyes, with antibotics and probiotics, every thing seems to be looking like FUZZ. Jennifer
Prayers for justice.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray Lord that you deliver this family and lay this case to rest. You are such a great and powerful and merciful God who knows all, please Lord deliver justice. In Jesus name. Amen
I just don’t understand how people can do this.
My first thought was a body of water too…so easy to do in the dark or when tired. I pray this family finds answers soon, although many are probably gone now as well.
Yes. The step father is so obviously involved. Why wasn’t anything done?
Step dad should be in jail.
I don’t remember this. So sad.
also he said he had been drinking there is a possibility he crashed In to a big water source
Wow! As the surviving sibling of a murdered man (unsolved) you are rather harsh Danielle. Where's the compassion? It does not matter what the survivers do for a living, someone out there knows what happened and are just too gutless to come forward to take responsibility. Also just FYI everyone in prison says they are innocent. This man is just trying to find some closure for himself and his family. Let him him do this in peace.
There were at least 4 others killed in the fire: Barbara Gill, Shawn Gill, Sharion Louise Owens, and Christopher Wayne Owens.
The siblings are Danial (not Daniel) Johnson, Angela, Christopher and Phillip. Could the DM police interview them now regarding what went on in the home?
Her mother died in 2006 so there will likely never be any justice.
Wow maybe when u put ppl in prison for life for self defense or harassing families be cuz of the deal w ur brother is y u and ur family has been threatened just sayn ppl say stupid things when they r pissed u calling ppl out just like u did does not help!! I hope u do find out what happened to ur brother Milligan! I hope it makes ur a better person and when u do there b a apology to the ppl u named that r innocent!!!
Wow Danielle Reed. Your statement has me wondering ….. do you know something that you aren’t sharing? After all it seem as though by your statement that you might be harboring some type of hard feeling against this officer for having to arrest someone you just may know.
At one point Mark you said that someone seen your brother going south. Has anyone looked at Lake Rathbun?
May her soul rest in peace
I pray that you are finally able to find out the truth of what happened to your brother. I am sure that this has been so painful for you and your family. I live in Texas now but am sharing (you just never know who may see it).
Shared!!!
I am marks wife , we were gone for the week end , will be home later he will respond to any and all fb req , we need answers !! Is taking time to respond to everyone , but he will as soon as he can !!! Thanks so much for sharing and all the messages !!!
Mark I had gone to school with your brother Harry… He was a year younger than me.. And although I have been away from Albia a few years, it just boggles my mind why this had to happen to a good kid.. But I guess time changes people.. You need any help let me know, I live in Oklahoma now. But I am still willing to help anyway I can.
my uncle and his car vanished off the face of the earth in 1990 (Paul Knockel – Dubuque, Iowa) to never be seen or found again. His was listed as involuntary/endangered also. Only two people know the answer – the victim, and their perpetrator. I take solace in knowing that his perpetrator will meet his maker some day and justice will be served.
you are so right.
yes, and Dubuque is on the Mississippi River
It really is amazing that so many vehicles have disappeared right along with the owners, and foul play is usually suspected because the vehicle’s VIN will likely turn up somewhere if somebody tries to sell it. Other cases on ICC including a missing person/vehicle include Ethan Kazmerzak (2013, Franklin County); Thomas “Myles” Dougherty (1961, Sioux City); Helen Kelly (2005, Sioux City); John Conaway (1998, Council Bluffs); and Maurice Kneifl (1983, Sioux City). Sioux City is, of course, right along the Missouri River.
Hope he finds closure. Prayers.
I need to talk to this guy. Tried to friend him in fb
Were you able to make contact with him?
I sent him a friend request so hopefully he will respond
In light of what Sgt. Milligan has written here it seems likely that foul play was involved, not an accident of driving into a body of water. Sgt. Milligan seems like a good man and I sincerely hope that those involved in his brother’s disappearance are caught and punished to the full extent of the law.
Was his car ever found? It seems like in a great majority of cases like this, there are a lot of conspiracy theories floating around. However, the majority of the time, it’s a pretty simple explanation for the disappearance. I think Breyanne is on the right track. Hope that you get some closure, I can’t imagine going through something like this.
Car never found. Absolutely no bodies of water between home and bar on any route.
Robyn you are mistaken there is a pond on the Avery highway. Was searched years ago. I live in Avery for the last 50+years. Very familiar with the area.
Really? I counted several when I pulled up Google Maps.
Who has left the area,???about that time…
Scott Medhaug was staying at Debra Kings. He left that night. The FBI knows. It is circumstancial.
Shared in Minnesota……Prayers he is found…..
shared
Shared
shared
You do awesome Jody, you have a beautiful heart.
Thank you, Penny!
Hope you and your family get some answers about your brother!
Not familiar with area but is there any bodies of water around? Lakes/ponds/river? He was driving home late at night and had a few drinks.
Not possible at all.
, may have to be found may her soul rest in peace
Wow that's something that they found a black man not guilty back in the sixties without being racist Thank God
Hey mom…it’s me again. I haven’t been on here in awhile, reading this still hurts so much. It was you’re birthday not that long ago….so I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. You’re grand daughter Adriana is getting so big…she turned a year old January 3rd. I wish you were here so you could meet her, I know she would of loved you very much. I miss and love you so much mom…you’ll always be in my heart.
She is always with you Autumn…
May her soul rest in peace
May her soul rest in peace and the God I serve bring her killer to surface
I wish all these were a TV show.
I am not saying that this is her, but it seems to be a close in likeness: https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjeannie.hernandez.90%2Fphotos
I miss you uncle Greg!
Please if you know anything at all contact authority's. R.I.p. Greg.
sorry I don’t Sharon Roberts my believe to the little I know and was reading up apond Greg I think in this case killer had the upper hand he knew how to get rid of Greg and yes sad to say people with evil minds like that kill other people Greg probably did nothing to this sick crazy man that killed him is what in my opinion think I that had happen to him see I don’t know anything about Greg but I like to bring up a dream in my dream which is wired it was cold dark place a guy similar looking to Greg white over the head with the shovel but then I ended up waking up I didn’t dream it all if maybe Greg might of wanted justice through a dream but that dream felt real that I cold breath in the air like I was in that big !feeling it bit that was just a dream I don’t know for sure if I dreamed up something that really could half possibly happen to Greg I don’t know him I just looked up people been killed in fd that was it but his story made me feel bad for him and his family hopefully they find justice for him rip Greg
hi I’m Greg’s niece. would you be willing to contact me and tell me more about your dream you had of my uncle? my family and I would appreciate it more than I could express. the smallest of details could help. PLEASE PLEASE contact me back if possible
Linsey Howell I just had the dream that if it was your uncle um I am so sorry I um ok I remember the dream as this Gregory was fallowing a guy I couldn’t see the guy in my dream but a guy behind him calling him to somewhere herd the sound of a shovel hit him 3 times and Gregory yelling for help saying oh god help me please then um I herd something sound off in the dream I couldn’t see much the dream every thing was dark and the guy kept beating him from what I like to say here this man who ever he may be was vary evil
Thank you SO MUCH for contacting me back. Can you please email me@my personal email address? It is linzehowell@gmail.com PLEASE I AM BEGGING YOU TO PLEASE CONTACT ME LIKE I said before, the littlest information can do so much for my family to finally find my uncle and put him to rest LIKE he deserves
Have you checked out Robert blair and they yellow house on corner by dominos pizza. Robert Blair Sam wbner sam killed himself shortly after women said Greg called her after the 1st of january that was a lie
Jennifer, thanks for catching that!! My own OCD must have been taking a nap! :-)
He was acquitted because he had criminal defense attorney Alfredo Parrish. It’s called “good lawyering.”
shame on Iowa cold cases,and the bias state in quotes.
Corena, this was not a biased statement as it’s in the court records (you should have access to them) that Alfredo Parrish got all evidence, along with John’s confession, thrown out of court because officials had initially treated John Jr. as a “runaway” rather than a suspect, and they did not read him his rights before he confessed.
There is so much more I could have put on this page but I didn’t out of respect for remaining family members, like you.
One thing I hope you might consider: perhaps the people leaving comments here left them because they truly cared about the victims — John and Michelle — and they knew justice was never served in either of their deaths. No one ever wants to believe a sibling is capable of homicide (let alone one’s father and stepmother), but, sadly, prisons are full of sons and brothers and fathers and nephews who would never have committed murder in a million years.
While I admire your loyalty to your brother, surely you must be aware of the fact that he fully confessed before the defense got the confession thrown out. The readers here took time to comment because they *cared* about John and Michelle. They weren’t looking for fights or arguments, but rather expressing frustration at what happens within the justice system (i.e. confessions thrown out despite concrete evidence) when one confesses before he/she is read his/her Miranda rights.
Since the case is now closed (open in name only; police are not looking for any other suspect(s), you should be able to get access to court files and documents including motions to suppress or motions to dismiss and probably even the detailed report of the blood tracks (from the socks) in and out of ditches while walking to Oskaloosa.
It’s one thing to stand behind a brother you know is guilty (he did confess), but it’s quite another to attack the very people here who’ve taken time to write because they truly care that a man and his wife are dead and no one will ever be held accountable for either of their murders.
True compassion comes in many disguises. I hope, for your sake, you one day learn how to recognize it.
hmmm, interesting. You stated:”Corena, this was not a biased statement as it’s in the court records (you should have access to them) that Alfredo Parrish got all evidence, along with John’s confession, thrown out of court because officials had initially treated John Jr. as a “runaway” rather than a suspect, and they did not read him his rights before he confessed.” My Response: ok. As a atty you should know about client atty privilege. Your statement clearly does not address other concerns. So you are mistaken in some of your perceptions. You stated:”One thing I hope you might consider perhaps the people leaving comments here left them because they truly cared about the victims — John and Michelle — and they knew justice was never served in either of their deaths My Response: They are correct,the law enforcement believed a open and closed case and that was that. No further investigation. My Dear that was my dad and his wife., Which member of that town cared more than his children? Name one, otherwise you are speaking perception.If many truly cared,they would have gone to the mat to seek the facts. A small town is concerned about my dad and Michelle,hmmm. You stated:” No one ever wants to believe a sibling is capable of homicide (let alone one’s father and stepmother), but, sadly, prisons are full of sons and brothers and fathers and nephews who would never have committed murder in a million years. My Response” Please site your source. You knowledge and background on inmate populations. You stated:”While I admire your loyalty to your brother, surely you must be aware of the fact that he fully confessed before the defense got the confession thrown out. The readers here took time to comment because they *cared* about John and Michelle. My response; You make comments with limited or little support. You then profess to speak for the people that you may or may not know or of their personal relationship with my dad or Michelle. And nor do I know if any of those people actually knew or ever knew my dad or Michelle. You stated:”They weren’t looking for fights or arguments, but rather expressing frustration at what happens within the justice system (i.e. confessions thrown out despite concrete evidence) when one confesses before he/she is read his/her Miranda rights. My response” This anger is better reserved for another venue. You originally stated” the people leaving comments here left them because they truly cared about the victims — John and Michelle — .”You Stated:”Since the case is now closed (open in name only; police are not looking for any other suspect(s), you should be able to get access to court files and documents including motions to suppress or motions to dismiss and probably even the detailed report of the blood tracks (from the socks) in and out of ditches while walking to Oskaloosa. My Response: Unless the laws have changed in Iowa ,the term you are looking for is not actively investigated, go figure. Homicides are never closed unless solved. You stated:”It’s one thing to stand behind a brother you know is guilty (he did confess), but it’s quite another to attack the very people here who’ve taken time to write because they truly care that a man and his wife are dead and no one will ever be held accountable for either of their murders. You do not speak for me. You take it upon yourself to speak for a groupie mentality,that is your choice and the choice of others that enable you to speak for them or on their behalf, but you do not speak for me. Your perception of never is odd truly absent that Iowa standard. You stated:”True compassion comes in many disguises. I hope, for your sake, you one day learn how to recognize it. My response: site your source. It is sad that the baseline decades ago was marginal and it remains the same today.If anyone felt attacked, as you stated, how many specifically contacted you ,or did you merely state your perception? And sir I thank you for your hopes no matter how misguided they might appear.
and you sir were speaking out of both sides of you mouth. please feel free to prove any statements that i described as hearsay wrong.
I do not appreciate people that speak out of both sides of their mouth. But I am not a trained atty skilled and gifted in double talk
You stated somewhere in here about Mr.Parrish “…setting killers free…,My question: Is he breaking the law to do that? You present a idea,yet you have not presented any facts. It is not a right to not be offended. I When I read the details of some person that claims knowledge of Michelle ,I wonder did that person have further knowledge about her. I find it unfortunate that Willie, whether Willie man or woman would display my fathers wife. I believe he would find that display offensive . Did you approach that person? Willamae(sp) I believe was Michelle’s mother. Do you believe that she would be offended about that persons comments about her daughter and her daughter’s home? With your opinion’s,and comments you did not redress any other person posting lavish comments. Perhaps as a journalist you are not required too. As a Word Jockey you should know Shock Jockey’s are rarely accurate,and are generally self serving.My question what are the benefits and have you received benefits for deciding guilt and innocence in this site for public perusal ?
We haven’t changed as much as we think we have.
Sorry for your loss and sorry to here once again fort dodge finest didnt do there job once again I wish you the best in finding the body of your loved one my thoughts and prayers are with you all ways sara vinsand
Murders back then, too. How sad. This is really an old cold case.
How sad. Just married….active in church….. Always seems to be the people who have the most to offer. I pray this crime is solved. I think people should testify. Maybe they were threatened.
It says in the story that her husband died just a few months later; his death was ruled an accident.
Yes, I saw that. They have a wonderful “life” together in heaven now.
That stinks!!!! Kind of like OJ!!!
Should you like to know more of Orenthal Simpson,you should write him, or his handlers, Maybe you should write Mark Fuhrman he was the Detective. Maybe you should contact Robert Shapiro. John and Michelle Franklin were victims of a terrible crime. Families grieve. Family members,are second generation victims,some have been subjected to inflammatory statements of posters promoting this sight/ blog. The original intentions might have been to get unsolved crimes into the public view, with public out cry serving as the tool to place a dusty folder on a Detectives desk. I do not believe for a second that making a comparison such as yours achieves that purpose. The perpetrator(s)(the un accused) probably sitting watching the show and have enjoyed freedom Have a good day madam.
And lady my father and Michelle were the victims. My family and extended family are second generation victims.My brother a victim of Iowa law enforcement,in my opinion. Law enforcement wants to investigate ,I believe they might have wanted too. I have a suggestion that town cop that is to get out off bed to make a drive through, make certain that occurs,. Secondly, Keep the towns folk off the private property where the crime occurred, and law enforcement mark a spew spot if reactions occur, my suggestion after reading media reports. You see,I will never believe that the criminals will be captured or face a day in court as a result of ineptitude ,cowardice of small town’s narrow-mindedness and the area’s dynamics. According to my husband, the town has a long history of lawlessness. How about my father or Michelle’s other family members,are they scandalous fodder?I believe that the criminals might still reside in the area or outlining area either living prosperously or economically indigent and are morally and personally bankrupt, hidden and above the law. I hope the criminal does indeed one day suffer from shortened arms and a crotch full of camel fleas.
I pray someone comes forward.
Thug life came to cash its chips in.
I too am sorry for your loss, I new joun from a very young age we helped there family move a few times when we where all young. I remmember when Val was reported missing for several hours only to be found asleep in her bed, I also remmember Olen,John and I terorizing the city when we all started driving
The high Cadmium Lead test result done in 2004 after Gary’s being cremated without my prior permission, was shown on my well’s water test for heavy metals that Russ Tell was having Mark Ross do in 2004, but I did not even know about that test until the Board of Health meeting in Osage when I had gotten Paul VanDorpe’s IDNR letter to me on the Agenda for that meeting and I probably would never have gotten a copy of the heavy metals test done at the Iowa Hygienic labs (either at Ankeny or Coralville) unless Mark Ross in that meeting, had not said that it was on my well, and he gave me a copy of the well test after Doctor Ross the head of the Board of Health for Mitchell County refused to print a letter to warn well owners to test their water for heavy metals especially Cadmium lead. And they never warned us then to test our new wells water for the higher levels of Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer in the deeper aquifers we six or so well owners Downstream from Bradley Johnson (in Section 10 Cedar (W) Township). So even though I drilled a new well to get away from the High Cadmium Lead Ammonia Nitrogen as (N), and Atrazine, the IDNR employees did not warn us to test for Lead or Anhydrous Ammonia or CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers in the deeper aquifers we all drilled too.
Bradley had claimed he had fixed me with dumping his dad’s trucking firm’s pile of old truck batteries down the sinkhole north of his house on Echo Avenue after I complained about the Point Source pollution in 1993. The IDNR had made him close that sinkhole but he used other illegal Point Source drains as Section 10 Cedar (W) Township has no legal drainage outlet. It used to be Wetland that could not drain to a Designated National Wetland in Section 11 Cedar (W) Township so he installed other drains directly into our aquifer and polluted our water with high levels of Atrazine, Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers and then in 2005 after Bradley got the IDNR to charge me with Blockage of Water, the State of Iowa DNR and FSA and the federal USDA-NRCS illegally backed the building of an illegal Flood Channel through my farm to dump into the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland and down into our new wells Source Water we downstream well owners had drilled between 2003 and 2007.
One of the newly drilled well owners was Vince Morische Downstream from Bradley, he had commented as he helped me unloaded steel in 2004 for the GRS that pretty soon we would not have to add any Nitrogen fertilizer as all the water from section 10’s draining down into the aquifer was bubbling up in my and his fields southeast of 325th Street. Vince’s mother Ruth lived on her farm just south of James Urbatsch’s Designated National Wetland’s sinkhole. Her new 2004 well was being polluted and the IDNR did not tell me a new well owner to test for anything but Nitrates and Bacteria. Meanwhile the IDNR was doing tests done and recorded at the Hygienic lab at Ankeny (Ammonia Nitrogen as (N))before 2000 and since to check on the increasing levels of Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer in our Source Waters and on our wells.
The tests for Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) on Ruth Morishe’s, Scott Lindley’s family’s new deeper wells after 2004, Mr. and Mrs. Laverne Olsen and Mark Gast’s family’s and others were climbing ever so much higher than my new well’s tests as I had installed a $3,500 special oxidizing filter system and a carbon filter, and a reverse osmosis system. There is no filter system to remove the Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer, but I was able to remove other things like occasional bacteria and add oxygen that is blocked by the ammonia. Anhydrous Ammonia builds up and seems to be at higher levels in the deeper wells. We need to be warned to test for it, so we can stop point Source Polluters or the farmers that are using illegal drainage outlets to drain their farm chemicals into our wells’ Source Waters.
Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer or Ammonia Nitrogen as N levels are climbing in our groundwater across Iowa and especially in this Plume from Mitchell County Iowa’s Designated National Wetland Illegal Sinkhole Drainage System. Once the Ammonia Nitrogen is in our Source Water for our wells Downstream, this man made chemical drops to the deeper aquifers and pulls Arsenic and very high lead levels into our source water, according to Russ Tell at the DNR. We can’t taste it and we should have been warned to test for it when our animals died and we were told to drill wells at our own expense Downstream to deeper aquifers that also had very high levels of Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen or Ammonia Nitrogen as N.
Flint Michigan’s high Lead in their Source Water may not have tested as high as my older well’s very high Cadmium Lead result but it has caused high blood pressure and is probably the cause of tumors in people and animals Downstream, plus its effects on the IQ levels of children is threatening others in this plume from Mitchell County. In October 2015, Downstream in this Plume, Waterloo lost the use of one City Well because of Nitrogen Fertilizer contamination.
If you look at the Iowa Cancer Registry online, it will tell you numbers in comparison to each county with cancer. It is very eye opening. You do not need to register in order to see the results.
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-8th-circuit/1030029.html
This might be a stupid question, but is local law enforcement even aware of the federal prosecution of the owners of Goodies II for making false statements to the federal government? The above link is to the appellate decision on their case. It also mentions, in passing, a number of state prosecutions of the Goodson family members.
We had just moved back from Texas when this happened .He was a good guy and definitely didn't deserve what happened to him . I still think of him often . I know that it all started in Texas with the per suit ending in Waterloo but we didn't have any names of the men at that time . sad situation
Hey I’m jojo’s cousin Shannon VanArsdale. What do you mean started in Texas? Please call me at 602 900 3715.
I am praying someone comes forward in my uncle’s murder, with any information!!! He had a child( my cousin) who never got to know his dad!!! It pains me, that he and the rest of the family never got answers or justice for him!!! I love you Daddy Jo-Jo and still praying for answers!!!
This was such a scary, sad, and horrific time for family and friends. If you think something like this won’t happen to you, you will be stunningly disappointed. I think about this often, especially this time of year. We miss you and love you guys?
Serving in the war…then at home, gets killed. So sad. He had a lot of life left in him.
I would assume that their was a reason why he went there. He was dropped off at an apartment building at about 10:00 pm. Saturday night. I assume he lived there. So, its possible that someone called him or made previous arrangement to meet him there.
So, did any other residents of this apartment building, hear a him get a phone call, anytime after 10:00 pm. There is no mention of the time when they heard the gunshots. I assume that their were no shell casings, otherwise they would have mentioned if they came from a rifle or pistol.
It’s interesting that a number of veterans have been murdered in Iowa. I guess they did not earn the respect they deserved for serving their country.
Maybe he didn’t live there. Don’t assume he did. Maybe he was with a friend there. The Izaak Walton League halls were a busy social place for veterans, and stayed open until the wee hours of the morning. Your assumptions lead you to ask senseless questions, here and on other posts. You act as if you are smarter than law enforcement, which frankly, I can tell you are not.
I’d like to know more, too.
Wish someone would come forward. Dorothy didn’t deserve that.
It’s sad that our family as well as Rhianna’s family has not gotten closer. He was my grandmother’s baby boy and I know that she still suffer his loss after 13 yrs. All I can say is call your love one often, tell them you love them every day… They both were great people and would help anyone that needed it. Miss you, love you and until we meet again try and rest in peace.
Thinking of u guys…luv u:)
Thanks Alyssa, love you too ?
Why is it not considered a triple homicide? Nine month pregnancy is viable, and they mentioned the baby did not survive.
I don’t believe iowa law counts unborn babies as a homicide :( at least maybe not 13 years ago
They do count them now, I guess they didn’t back then. So sad.
It would have to have drawn a breath outside its momas womb for it to be murder.
I agree this should have been a triple homicide, but if I understand Iowa Code 707.8 correctly, the infant’s death would be classified as a “Class B felony.” Iowa Code Chapter 707 seems ambiguous at best. http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/cool-ice/default.asp?category=billinfo&service=iowacode&ga=83&input=707#707.6A
Have NO idea why including the above link referenced 707.6A, which involves death or serious injury by vehicle. The link I gave goes to Iowa Code 707 HOMICIDE AND RELATED CRIMES.
I wonder why they acquitted the son. Were there any other suspects?
How awful.
I remember it fairly vividly. A vision that will never go away… :(
Why does everyone always say “they’ll get caught eventually”? There are hundreds of cold cases in Iowa alone. Fact is a ton of horrible crimes go unsolved.
Which they could solve them all waiting for them to solve my brothers also
Varotta Johnson
Wow can’t believe this was 13 yrs ago!!
we were just babies. tragic absolutely heart breaking
It was right behind our old house. They searched our yard even. I used to see her at the convenience store. She was to be induced just a few days after this happened, if I remember correctly. Very sad situation.
they were living so close to your old house Angie Wunder right? I remember that it was Mexican drug cartel from Chicago, but in all things similar to this event it must be very difficult to catch and scary to even try to catch the perpetrator/s !
Hmmmm, never knew that.
This is sad. I can not believe this is unsolved.
So terrible or the bride to be. Hope they find who did this.
Another sad story. Sooner or later the culprit will be found.
That is sad. How could someone life with themselves.
Somebody has possibly had to live for 40 years knowing they ran someone over. I hope it haunted them every single day.
I worked with his mother. She also has passed without knowing what happened. So sad. RIP.
there has got to be some dna evidence which at the time this dna testing was not availble but now is availble has this been currently teasted and matched up with national databases> even tho the killer is probably dead it would maybe show up the killer. Judith Pierce
thewhistler77, you are spot on in your assessment of a society that failed to give credence to the difficult choices minorities and women faced @ that particular time in our history.
Concerning Mother’s murder: I was only 18 months old when this event occurred, and I have no memory of Mother. My attitude is less about understanding and forgiveness and more about being disassociated from the event and the victim. I would like to see Mother’s remains have a decent burial but I am not counting on this happening in my lifetime. I suspect that in some future event Mother’s remains will be stumbled upon, and a gifted writer like Jody or yourself will educate our People concerning her murder.
Your interest in these victims that no longer have a voice to share their stories is commendable, and again, I thank you!
Hello, thewhistler77, There was a rather primitive investigation done by the Des Moines police department @ the insistence of my Grandparents and Mother’s good friend and confidant Roberta Long Boelter. Because my husband is law enforcement he was able, 22 years ago, to to receive all the investigation report material that was stored on microfilm @ the Des Moines P.D. No one should blame the Des Moines P.D. @ this particular time, law enforcement had no academy, no follow-up training and were just untrained people doing their best to enforce traffic laws-My husband said that domestic violence was common and no arrests were required @ this point in history. I do thank you for your interest in Mother’s case.
Thank you for your reply. You seem to have an understanding and/or forgiving nature which is to your credit. I do not know if I would be so if my loved one was murdered.
One thing this shows is that we have come a long way in the quest for everyone, regardless of gender, color, economic status and sexual orientation, to receive equal treatment by and under the law. It astounds me as one who is fascinated by and a researcher of old and cold cases and mysteries how second class women were even in the 1970’s. Rapes were not investigated seriously enough and sometimes not at all. Many women, especially poor and black, didn’t even report them as they had little faith in getting any justice at all. Domestic abuse and violence same thing. I still think this is why so obvious a case as your mother’s and others like her never got solved: they were not important enough.
Sad.
Why does it say his body was found by his son Earl but there is no Earl listed as being one of the 4 children.
To “interested” — good question, and definitely an oversight. His name is now listed with the others. Thanks for the catch!
army has been involved before during after
How do you 4get yr. baby-child or pets'
Found a link about Henry Lee Moore being a strong suspect in this case:
http://murderpedia.org/male.M/m/moore-henry-lee.htm
I cannot figure out how they were all murdered without awaking some of them. I visited the inside of the house and the parents bedroom really wasn’t that far away. Could they have been poisoned before being axed? And if Mansion or someone was hired to do it, why would they kill the whole family and two neighbor children? They could have found Mr. Moore alone and knocked him off. ???
Josiah was not the intended victim! But the murderers could not be sure who else had heard what was said in the conversation from the Moore’s home to the Stillinger’s home. The Stillinger girls knew the people they let into the house that night…they all recognized their assailants, and would have exposed the ‘unmentionable’ secret, (child abuse)
Much of the evps, pics and testimonials validate this POV
Joyce, what you said does make sense.But still, how do all these people get murdered without awakening someone. I read the book (Murdered in Their Sleep). I still think about the whole thing a lot and cannot help to believe from everything I read that the crazy perverted preacher wasn’t involved.
Joyce, appreciate you for speaking up for abused children and understand your agenda. That is commendable. Respectfully disagree with you in this case.
Richard, believe you are correct. This has the hallmarks of a serial killer. It “fits the profile”.
Many serial killers have a history of “porn” aka “obscene material”. The “perverted preacher” had such a history. Another common behavior among serial killers is returning to the scene of the crime. Again, the “perverted preacher” did so. They also leave “signatures”. The crime scene had many: the lamp, the clothing over the windows, covering the faces, locking the doors from the inside, time of crime, etc. Serial killers repeat their crimes. There is evidence this one repeated similar crimes at least three times in the region.
If the younger children heard anything, like most frightened children, they probably would have cowered under their sheets in hopes of becoming invisible. They weren’t killed because they could identify anyone. They were killed for the thrill of it.
The eldest daughter had no need to kill any of them as she could have simply said, “No” to the Moore request on the phone and not have had a “problem”. One can imagine throughout the remainder of her life, she suffered the guilt of having sanctioned the overnight stay.
That would be imagining on my part and not fact; just as accusing the grieving Stillinger family of child sexual abuse is imagining. It’s something Stillinger descendants might find offensive. There is no conclusive evidence of the preacher having harmed anyone either nor is there evidence of the girls having been abused at home or anywhere else for that matter.
There is evidence of a serial killer.
I agree with you G.S. Also the book said that the perverted preacher would walk around at night and chant “slay and slay again”. Everything indicated that he was definitely at the house that night. Why was he on the train leaving town ? This guy was insane and I believe you’d have to be insane to commit this gruesome mass murder. Also in court his defense attorney claimed he was too small of a person to swing an axe high enough to commit the murders. A ten year old could wing an axe. On top of everything else he admitted to the murder. This perverted preacher is still my prime suspect. I am still puzzled as to how he did it without awakening the others. Perhaps he murdered the parents first.
For people who have spent so many years trying to make sense of the crime using the ‘wrong pieces’, it is understandable that resorting to the ‘deranged murderer or serial killer’ would be all you are left to think. But, you have to use the religious and social climate and conditions of that day, not today. Many people are in love with the mystery, but not with exposing what took place after dark one night in 1912. My comment was not up for approval…. merely to show the event thru the eyes of the innocent who experienced life and death, at a time when children were expendable and abuse undefined. I have given what I came here to leave with others…. thank you, Jody Ewing for giving me the time and place to deliver these thoughts over the expanse of time.
What a horrendous crime. And for law enforcement officials to treat your brothers murder as if it weren’t a priority is a slap in the face. Ron deserves justice, regardless of what some keystone cops found in a duffel bag in his bedroom. This family has suffered enough. It’s time the self rightious, lazy bastards behind the badges do their jobs and put an end to this families nightmare
So did they sonar that body of water? I can see the one it is by your decription. I believe it is Douds Stone and Google Maps shows a body of water right on that property.
Maybe the reward will get people to talk. :( miss him so much.
RIP Randy
Jerry- yes- many, including the family,thought it was him for years- In 2006 he was exonerated thru DNA evidence. The blood evidence from 1979 was tested with modern technology and has been used to eliminate many suspects…so now they just need to find the match….
I remember that case. Seems to me it was the boy friend but because of his family’s money they never could get him for it.
I don’t know how people get away with killing someone for this long.
Jason Briggs this is his mother who the hell are you to judge my son.You must not of know him well because you don't have your fact's straight about anything you wrote about him.He was a straight A student and well liked.You must be a pretty miserable person to pass judgement on the dead.have a nice day!!!!!!
You getting some from your boyfriend was more important than taking care of your kid so you have nothing to say about it now do ya??,
Stevie no one’s knows who you are so your post are at no Merit why after all these years why would your comments even matter you don’t even know us so who are you to put your two sense in.hatefulness it was are loss and pain so please keep your comments to your self thank you Chris mother
Penny, I am sorry that this horrid person named as Stevie wants to cause you emotional harm like that. Iowa law allows youth to be emancipated at 16 and it is NOT YOUR FAULT that some psychopath caused harm to your son! My own son was shot through the head (but survived) in a senseless armed robbery in Seattle in 2014 so I can only begin to feel your pain. Stevie is a horrid person.
In efforts to keep readers from thinking I “pick and choose” what comments to keep or delete on these case summary pages, I seldom (to almost never) delete anyone’s comment unless it is filled with curse words or downright vulgarities.
Stevie, your comment toward Chris’s mother, however, was downright cruel and I don’t understand why you’d want to intentionally inflict more grief on a mother already suffering the anguish of having lost her son. Your comment contributed nothing to searching for or finding answers in Chris’s death, and I can’t fathom why you’d want to contribute nothing more than a personal attack.
The reason we have a comments section on each victim’s page is because we hope it will generate thoughtful discussion and insight, and perhaps even provide an overlooked clue for law enforcement to pursue. (Yes, investigators do routinely review the comments on the cases they’re either working or have worked on in the past.)
I don’t know you or your own mother, but my guess is that she brought you up to be a better man than this and would be ashamed to see you attacking Chris’s mother. You may not yet realize it, but one day you’ll understand why words of kindness always outweigh words of hate.
Just for today, I challenge you to do something kind for another who least expects it. Whether it be just a smile, an effort to hold a door, or a simple genuine ‘thank you’ to another, you’ll be surprised at how much joy it will bring to you.
I miss my brother so much and know he is with me every step I take. 19 years and its still as hard as that day.
I know Brett and he’s a big teddy bear he can’t hurt nobody so no one should judge anyone without facts
Funny how you say that since Brett stabbed someone and served time for it years ago. I remember that night like it was yesterday! You might want to reconsider “how well you actually know someone” I sure thought I knew him well enough…up until that night as well.
Guys a big teddy bear but he stabbed someone years ago?
He most certainly did! He stabbed another male named Bobby Barnheart which he did survive but passed away a few years later. Sad situation.
We appreciate the Cold Case work, Helen Pyle Njus (cousin's wife)
This kid was a total junkie trouble maker and was on his way to ending up in prison.Had been in and out of trouble his whole life.The police in Osceola weren't lazy.If anything maybe a little neglegent in not locking him up where he belonged.They just didn't give a shit along with everyone else.It's sad that he lost his life at such a young age and that no one got him help before any of this happened.
I’m praying for you janson Briggs Chris Axiotis mom penny kern.
Chris was far from a total junkie trouble maker. He may have had troubles but he was a great person and one of my best friends. I believe there was a lack in police work but I may be biased because of my friendship with Chris. There were many people who “gave a shit” and still do. I would like to see this case solved as would many other people who found Chris an important person in their lives. This is not the place to talk bad about the deceased.
That was my brother, he was an amazing kid. He was bright and had a future in front of him. We had fucked up parents but one thing we had was respect, morals and street smarts. Come to mason city and say that shit to his brother and sister. You poor excuse of air, that should have been u not my brother.
Nice FB Krystal. It kinda says something about you. Enjoy the big balls and butts in your mouth. Stay classy.
This is sad RIP sweet baby
Is there DNA available in this case? Could a sibling born in 91 or 93 be able to give DNA to see if it’s a possible match for the same mother?
Yes.
So sad. I agree with Sarah Rushton.
Such a wonderful man
I had always heard rumors that the son In law had something to do with Boyd’s death. Rumors are just that though. Wasn’t there talk of an adoption happening at that same time involving the son in law? Murder weapon could have easily been hidden in a casket. Such a sad story and crazy that it was never solved.
Judy, yes, Boyd’s son-in-law, Keith, adopted 28 year old, Kevin and that adoption was finalized just a few weeks before Boyd was killed! Kevin lived right next door to Boyd and taunted him by hollering “Hi, grandpa” whenever he seen him outside! Boyd told me this happened a few times in the few weeks before he was murdered! Boyd couldn’t figure out “why” anyone would adopt a 28 year old man….he was very suspicious of Keith and Kevin and felt they were up to no good just before he was killed! Boyd was such a kind soul, he is very missed!
Where is Bruce Kevin Ebrecht Taylor?
Val, Last I heard he was living near Council Bluffs, IA, but that has been many years ago!
What an asinine idea that my uncle Leonard abused Helen Jean. He adored her.
The fact that she had recently been sentenced to being on oxygen tanks may have been a factor on her leaving. And if the car had been sold, I doubt that that would have not been discovered by the police. They're a sharp bunch in Sioux City. Finally, if one were depressed, "forgetting" one's purse might well have been natural.
Tom Braunger
So sorry for your loss.
I just cannot for the life of me understand how a woman could go to all the trouble of having her baby and then do this. If she can’t care for it and doesn’t want it, people would stand in line to adopt it.
I agree with you!
I remember this…my firstborn son was only 10 days old. My husband and parents tried to shield me from hearing about the baby. :'( so very, very sad….
:(
Mike Byrne, I believe Keith Taylor (son-n-law) died of a heart attack.
Ok,thanks Sonia Smith.I wonder why they made a point to say he died.Was he a suspect in his father-n-laws murder?
I would hope he was considered a suspect; for a lot of very close friends of Boyd’s were sure he was involved in the murder somehow!!! He was really the only one who had anything to gain from Boyd’s death and Boyd was definitely NOT fond of him!!!
Thank you for clearing that up for me,Sonia Smith.
How did the son-in-law die?
I detest all the unsolved cases we have just in C.R. & outlying areas. Way too many for a small city that we were. It seemed odd that her mom thought she knew who killer was but they couldn't prove it! If she fought him & the amount of blood that was found I just find it appalling that almost 40 yrs later they have nothing!
Such pain for the family
Wow!!!! Poor child. I can’t imagine the family never knowing what happened to their child.
So terrible! That is, without a doubt, my biggest fear. I couldn’t survive the not knowing :(
So sad. There were many unsolved murders back then. When I was a freshman in college in the fall of 1976, there was a murder on campus at Wartburg College. It sadly is still unsolved today.
This is so sad, last year her sister and brother in law did an interview. There wasn’t much to go on. Which is hard to believe considering it took place in Her vehicle, one little spot of blood from the person who did it. It’s very heartbreaking with what her parents experienced and the hell they went through years after
I pray he’s found.
They need to get Kelly and Yolanda to come and solve the case. They do a great job
RIP
If you go to Iowa cold cases there’s plenty more unsolved murders, what the hell was the police doing and are they even trying now with all this new technology
I remember this case…it shook my world and shattered my rose colored glasses… God rest her soul.
Hard to believe this is still unsloved all these years later.
I pray he’s still alive and well. We have a case similar in Woodbury county.
Another life taken for senseless reasons.
Oh, God, such a young life taken home too soon. Please help the culprit get caught so he/she can longer get away with killing.
Govanna Pimentel-Garcia
Brock Dakiller Na. if I was part of some corrupt ring, I would have already sued her.
Chico and Brock,
The attorney general’s office relayed a message through my attorney that they can not issue a warning to do Nitrogen Spectrum tests for the Nitrogen fertilizers in this On-Going Pollution Plume from Cedar (W) Township because it is too POLITICAL meanwhile more Iowan’s suffer the health effects. A IDNR former Director published IDNR well test data for the Anhydrous Ammonia and other nitrogen fertilizers and herbicides and pesticides detected in this growing Pollution Plume through Floyd County. The 2 IDNR Hygienic Labs house large data bases of my and others who paid to have testing done and they refused to warn us or give me, my well test reports or suggestions to test for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer in the new well I paid to have drilled in 2004.
The AG attorney who took my deposition in June had promised to have the IDNR give access on a new IDNR website to the IDNR well test data so that anyone could know what to test their well’s Source Water for like Ammonia Nitrogen as (N), Atrazine, Lead, Arsenic, the other Nitrogen Spectrum tests. The other growing number of private well’s in this Plume and the City of Waterloo (that just lost the use of one of its public well’s because of Nitrogen fertilizer contamination), we need access to the data base of well test data that was paid for by our tax dollars. The herbicides and pesticides are growing in concentration and even Bill Stowe’s multi-million dollar huge Nitrate Scrubbers can’t lower them as much as the $3,500.00 whole house filter system I had installed in an Iowa City home.
Iowa City’s water is Downstream from Waterloo’s polluted well and a Nitrogen Spectrum test I did on a home there years ago tested positive for Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) or Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer and herbicides and pesticides that my family and neighbors were exposed too. Oh, they have however finally put on the list of possible chemicals to test for, the Arsenic and Lead (that Anhydrous Ammonia is pulling into our Source Water) of the mapped out Plume. Russ Tell IDNR and I worked on a possible letter to warn the Iowan’s in this Plume from Mitchell County after Adam was killed seven years ago. Before Adam left to go back to Poet to check of that piece of equipment the day before he was killed, he told me, his Mom, to get those well tests reports, so we could warn the others Downstream.
My Civil Rights Suit is about getting access to well test data that the IDNR is hiding to Protect the Polluting Farmers in Cedar (W) Township. The IDNR continues to hide from the public that looks at this new website what chemicals polluted the wells in Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and now in Black Hawk Counties, but just claims it is Nitrogen fertilizers in Waterloo’s well. Access to the IDNR’s databases would at least give us a hint of what expensive tests out of the 600 or so were needed. Veronica Lack
Chicho Blanco He's probably part of the corrupt ring.
It would be interesting to read these eye witness accounts. Were they released with the information to the sister of Kim Loose (Julie)?
The disbarment of Bill Davis is also an eye opener and that information should also be added to Kim Loose’s page.
Thanks again Jodi for this great site. I wish every state had one.
Jim, the eyewitness reports are indeed some fascinating reads, especially when those who went in for a second or third interview gave their second or third version of what happened. (That’s not counting all the contradictory statements made from one individual to another.)
Yes, all these documents were released to Julie, who kindly provided me with a copy of all of them. At first, since officials ruled Kim’s death an accident and Craig’s a suicide, I uploaded and posted links to each and every interrogation or interview. Shortly after that, Julie and I talked about it and agreed they should NOT be made available to the general public, and you can likely figure out why: Who, especially when they gave three different versions of events to Scott County investigators 30 years ago, could possibly remember what they told to whom? It’s very easy to recall details 40 years later when one tells the truth, but given the widespread attention both these (I’m sure connected) cases are getting, it would be reckless to provide those involved with copies of what they said back then so they’d know what to say “now.”
To my knowledge, city or county (or state) officials do “not” provide the interviewee with a copy of the report once it’s typed up and put in the case file. The whole purpose of re-interviewing people (particularly eyewitnesses) is to see if their version of what happened changes yet again. When it comes to extremely traumatic events, truthful people tell stories that are fairly consistent; they might forget whether a red or black cap, but they remember the people and what they were doing or not doing.
I also have a copy of the photos in this case, and it’s clear why the family never laid eyes on them for 25 years after Kim Loose’s homicide. (Yes, I’m purposely using that word rather than accident because her death was clearly no accident.) After seeing the sheer extent of violence inflicted on her body, I couldn’t believe officials had kept all that info from the family for 25 years and led them to believe she broke her neck in a “freak accident.”
That injury, plus either of two other injuries would have killed her. It’s pure overkill, and she has marks on her left hand (she was left handed) suggesting she tried her hardest to put up a fight. The autopsy report confirms the injuries were “far beyond” the scope of falling from a slow moving vehicle, but they were told nothing before the autopsy except that she’d “jumped” from her boyfriend’s car after an argument. In that scenario, were I the M.E., I’d be envisioning her jumping from a vehicle going 55 to even 70 miles an hour. It’s a moot point because that’s not what caused the injuries and she was NOT Jeff’s girlfriend.
Too many people know too many details, and I applaud these folks for finally coming forward with what they knew. Realistically, three individuals could face major criminal charges, and, depending what’s revealed during testimony, there’s a possibility one of them could be charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
I think Bill Davis’ disbarment info is already on Kim’s page, but I’ll double check just to be certain. After 10 years we just moved to a new company for our web hosting service, and I’m still double-checking to make sure some of the updates I made during that period got carried over.
Thanks so much for your kind comments. I wish every state had something like this, too!!
All best, and have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Jody
Jody may I look at the photos and documents for this case? Thanks in advance
Please solve this case. We also need to stop this senseless killing.
One of those 3 had something to do with it!
I agree .
I was in prison with an girl named malissa who believed her brother had something to do with this and i have the card of an special agent he left me that im calling tomorrow
Did you get ahold of the detectives?
Stupid thing to put over the internet putting names on blast.
Hope you find who did this.
Sounds like the husband to me.
And or the brothers he hired to stalk her.
Roger Matice (prior attack on a 12YO newspaper carrier in Cedar Rapids, plus also now in the federal pen for child porn) is a HAM radio operator. His webpage pertaining to that, with a biography, is located here at this link: https://www.qrz.com/db/K0KON
In the event this link is taken down, I want to preserve here what he has to say about himself. Matice says:
I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – the home of Collins Radio Co. It was hard not to know someone who was a ham! We probably had more hams per capita than any other city in the world.
But my interest in shortwave radio started as a SWL at an earlier age of 9 or 10 because a family friend had a state-of-the-art Hallicrafters shortwave receiver. I loved tuning around the bands finding BBC, Radio Moscow, Voice of America, and Duetsche Welle.
When one of my friends in Cedar Rapids showed me his dad’s ham radio shack with all those knobs and switches and meters and told me that his dad talked to other hams all over the world, I was hooked!
I got my novice license around 1956 when I was 15. (Yes, I was born in 1941, that makes me 73years oldnow.) My call was KN0KON. I built my first transmitter – 25 watts, crystal controlled – in shop class. I got an “A” because it was such an unique project! I don’t remember what I had for a receiver – nothing special, I’m sure, because I didn’t have much money! And I suppose I had a simple wire antenna. Basic, but what great fun! I was talking to the world! A couple of my best friends in high school were also interested in ham radio. Together, we studied and got our Technician Class licenses.
VHF and especially UHF were pretty experimental in the late 50’s and early 60’s and Collins Radio was at the forefront in the development of equipment at those high frequencies because of their involvement with the Air Force and the space program. Many of the engineers at Collins were hams and very active on 6 meters – one of the bands Technician Class hams could use A3 mode- AM at that! Does anyone remember the name of the 6-meter transceivers that the Civil Defense Agency provided to hams?
One of the early memories I have is attending the first EME experiment at the Collins facility. It was a very exciting moment to hear those signals bouncing back from the moon!
Other memories include visiting Arthur Collins’ (W0CXX) personal ham shack. Hardly a shack! Of course he had state-of-the-art equipment including two full-sized Log Periodic antennas on separate towers in the woods behind the house. Coax cables were enclosed in inert gas-filled pipes running out to the antennas! Collins was an interesting guy. The story was that he gotten bored during his first year at MIT and returned home to experiment and build radio equipment in his basement some of which was used by Adr. Byrd on his expedition to the Antarctic in 1934.
Many considered Art to be a genius. I heard that he was always experimenting with new ideas and when one got stuck in his head, he would work ’round the clock. Apparently, many of his upper level employees were not always as enthusiastic and Art became known as somewhat of a tyrant! Sometimes his experimenting didn’t end well. Collins was a Mercedes-Benz fan because of their reputa- tion for engineering superiority. He took his 300SL (Gullwing) out on a winding, country road between Cedar Rapids and Mt. Vernon and wrapped the car around a tree at 120 mph. He wanted to find its “limits”!
Another time the father of my best friend in high school accompanied Collins and a team of engineers aboard an experimental boat off the coast of California. The company had started experimenting with hull shapes constructed of fiberglass. As I recall it was the largest fiberglass hull ever build up until that time (70-ft. +/-). Collins wanted to see how it would handle in high seas and so ordered the boat out in gale force winds with all aboard. The boat survived, but was badly soiled by seasick passengers!
Now, you might think that I studied electrical engineering in college. Wrong! I was a theater major – “all the world’s a stage…, etc.” I never became an actor, but because I had lots of courses in radio and television production I was offered a job at North German Broadcasting in Hamburg when I was living there in 1967. But that’s a whole other story for another time.
After returning home from Germany, I went to work for Sears. In 1969 I was transferred to Chicago to work at their headquarters. I lived in a couple of apartment buildings that didn’t allow antennas, so ham radio took a back seat to a budding career. But in the late ‘70’s I moved into a high rise condo building along lake Michigan. My unit was on the 22nd floor of a 40 story building.
I had seen a large 3-element Yagi on the top of a similarly tall condo building and that got me to thinking how great it would be to get back into ham radio and have an antenna up that high. I asked for permission to install an antenna on the roof of our building, but, of course, the request was denied. I offered all kinds of bonding, guarantees, and insurance, etc. to no avail. (The fact that I had gotten caught dropping a wire down from the roof after picking the lock to the access door probably didn’t help me much!)
I ended up using a hydraulically operated mobile antenna designed for military and commercial use, mounting it out one of the windows. Having the window cracked even a little in the middle of winter in Chicago wasn’t a whole lot of fun! The tip end could be raised and lowered with a hydraulic pump to cover 10 through 80 meters. The big problem up 22 floors was getting a counterpoise positioned just right to achieve resonance. But over time I worked about 110 countries and had a lot of fun being back on the air.
Having been lucky enough to travel all over the world for work and play, I’ve always been interested in DX operating. And like many DX’ers, I found the idea of being part of a DXpedition to be particularly exciting. Not having time or funds to be a part of a major DXpedtition, I decided to create my own (what is now called) “suitcase” adventure. Knowing the Caribbean fairly well, I did some research and came up with the island of Saba as my base of operation. A Dutch island just a few miles from St. Martin, the population of 1,000 persons and 5,000 goats included one ham who was not very active. Seemed liked a good spot!
My plans included taking my Kenwood TS-930SAT, a partially assembled KLM V10-40, four band vertical with precut radials, MC-50 microphone, a paddle key and electronic keyer. I planned to take the radio on board and check the crate containing everything else. But when I got to the airport to check in to “Fly By Night International Airlines”, I was told that I could not carry the radio onboard because it was too large. I argued that I had measured the carton and it was within limits. They disagreed, but assured me that the radio would be stowed in a special compartment and would be handled with care. After a delay of five hours in leaving Chicago, we were informed that the flight could only get as far as Puerto Rico that night. So we finally took off, stopped in Miami, and arrived in San Juan around 11:00 pm. I impatiently waited for my luggage and the radio to come off the plane. Suitcase – no radio!It had been stolen.
I arrived on Saba with my antenna and other paraphernalia, but no radio. Damn! So I sat on the top of the mountain for a week with very little to do but take pictures of fauna and flora – and goats! (By the way, the plane taking us from St. Martin to Saba was a “stall plane” flown by ex-Dutch Air Force pilots especially trained to land on the air strip built along the side of the mountain and aboutas long as an aircraft carrier ship! Exciting!)
So now I am retired and after 22 years off air, and, again, enjoying a hobby that has been so interest-ing and so much fun for so many years. I am still using the replacement TS-930SAT that I bought in 1982when I returned from the disaster in Saba (fortunately paid for by my home owner’s insurance) and the same antenna that was never taken out of the crate until now. I live in a townhouse complex in Houston near the center of the city. The conditions for a ham radio station couldn’t be worse (even worse than the high rise in Chicago). The vertical is only 10 feet north of the building and 10 feet off the ground. On the other side of my fence is a massive power sub-station! For whatever reason, I’m getting signals in and out. Since getting back on the air March 18, I’ve had 1800 QSO’s and worked 119 countries!
WOW! I can’t believe it!
What great fun! What a great hobby!
73’s Roger/K0KON
Very interesting..it’s possible that he may know something about the 3 missing boys. I hope he is questioned about it.
Roger Matice (prior attack on a 12YO newspaper carrier in Cedar Rapids, plus also now in the federal pen for child porn) is a HAM radio operator. His webpage pertaining to that, with a biography, is located here at this link: https://www.qrz.com/db/K0KON
In the event this link is taken down, I want to preserve here what he has to say about himself. Matice says:
I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – the home of Collins Radio Co. It was hard not to know someone who was a ham! We probably had more hams per capita than any other city in the world.
But my interest in shortwave radio started as a SWL at an earlier age of 9 or 10 because a family friend had a state-of-the-art Hallicrafters shortwave receiver. I loved tuning around the bands finding BBC, Radio Moscow, Voice of America, and Duetsche Welle.
When one of my friends in Cedar Rapids showed me his dad’s ham radio shack with all those knobs and switches and meters and told me that his dad talked to other hams all over the world, I was hooked!
I got my novice license around 1956 when I was 15. (Yes, I was born in 1941, that makes me 73years oldnow.) My call was KN0KON. I built my first transmitter – 25 watts, crystal controlled – in shop class. I got an “A” because it was such an unique project! I don’t remember what I had for a receiver – nothing special, I’m sure, because I didn’t have much money! And I suppose I had a simple wire antenna. Basic, but what great fun! I was talking to the world! A couple of my best friends in high school were also interested in ham radio. Together, we studied and got our Technician Class licenses.
VHF and especially UHF were pretty experimental in the late 50’s and early 60’s and Collins Radio was at the forefront in the development of equipment at those high frequencies because of their involvement with the Air Force and the space program. Many of the engineers at Collins were hams and very active on 6 meters – one of the bands Technician Class hams could use A3 mode- AM at that! Does anyone remember the name of the 6-meter transceivers that the Civil Defense Agency provided to hams?
One of the early memories I have is attending the first EME experiment at the Collins facility. It was a very exciting moment to hear those signals bouncing back from the moon!
Other memories include visiting Arthur Collins’ (W0CXX) personal ham shack. Hardly a shack! Of course he had state-of-the-art equipment including two full-sized Log Periodic antennas on separate towers in the woods behind the house. Coax cables were enclosed in inert gas-filled pipes running out to the antennas! Collins was an interesting guy. The story was that he gotten bored during his first year at MIT and returned home to experiment and build radio equipment in his basement some of which was used by Adr. Byrd on his expedition to the Antarctic in 1934.
Many considered Art to be a genius. I heard that he was always experimenting with new ideas and when one got stuck in his head, he would work ’round the clock. Apparently, many of his upper level employees were not always as enthusiastic and Art became known as somewhat of a tyrant! Sometimes his experimenting didn’t end well. Collins was a Mercedes-Benz fan because of their reputa- tion for engineering superiority. He took his 300SL (Gullwing) out on a winding, country road between Cedar Rapids and Mt. Vernon and wrapped the car around a tree at 120 mph. He wanted to find its “limits”!
Another time the father of my best friend in high school accompanied Collins and a team of engineers aboard an experimental boat off the coast of California. The company had started experimenting with hull shapes constructed of fiberglass. As I recall it was the largest fiberglass hull ever build up until that time (70-ft. +/-). Collins wanted to see how it would handle in high seas and so ordered the boat out in gale force winds with all aboard. The boat survived, but was badly soiled by seasick passengers!
Now, you might think that I studied electrical engineering in college. Wrong! I was a theater major – “all the world’s a stage…, etc.” I never became an actor, but because I had lots of courses in radio and television production I was offered a job at North German Broadcasting in Hamburg when I was living there in 1967. But that’s a whole other story for another time.
After returning home from Germany, I went to work for Sears. In 1969 I was transferred to Chicago to work at their headquarters. I lived in a couple of apartment buildings that didn’t allow antennas, so ham radio took a back seat to a budding career. But in the late ‘70’s I moved into a high rise condo building along lake Michigan. My unit was on the 22nd floor of a 40 story building.
I had seen a large 3-element Yagi on the top of a similarly tall condo building and that got me to thinking how great it would be to get back into ham radio and have an antenna up that high. I asked for permission to install an antenna on the roof of our building, but, of course, the request was denied. I offered all kinds of bonding, guarantees, and insurance, etc. to no avail. (The fact that I had gotten caught dropping a wire down from the roof after picking the lock to the access door probably didn’t help me much!)
I ended up using a hydraulically operated mobile antenna designed for military and commercial use, mounting it out one of the windows. Having the window cracked even a little in the middle of winter in Chicago wasn’t a whole lot of fun! The tip end could be raised and lowered with a hydraulic pump to cover 10 through 80 meters. The big problem up 22 floors was getting a counterpoise positioned just right to achieve resonance. But over time I worked about 110 countries and had a lot of fun being back on the air.
Having been lucky enough to travel all over the world for work and play, I’ve always been interested in DX operating. And like many DX’ers, I found the idea of being part of a DXpedition to be particularly exciting. Not having time or funds to be a part of a major DXpedtition, I decided to create my own (what is now called) “suitcase” adventure. Knowing the Caribbean fairly well, I did some research and came up with the island of Saba as my base of operation. A Dutch island just a few miles from St. Martin, the population of 1,000 persons and 5,000 goats included one ham who was not very active. Seemed liked a good spot!
My plans included taking my Kenwood TS-930SAT, a partially assembled KLM V10-40, four band vertical with precut radials, MC-50 microphone, a paddle key and electronic keyer. I planned to take the radio on board and check the crate containing everything else. But when I got to the airport to check in to “Fly By Night International Airlines”, I was told that I could not carry the radio onboard because it was too large. I argued that I had measured the carton and it was within limits. They disagreed, but assured me that the radio would be stowed in a special compartment and would be handled with care. After a delay of five hours in leaving Chicago, we were informed that the flight could only get as far as Puerto Rico that night. So we finally took off, stopped in Miami, and arrived in San Juan around 11:00 pm. I impatiently waited for my luggage and the radio to come off the plane. Suitcase – no radio!It had been stolen.
I arrived on Saba with my antenna and other paraphernalia, but no radio. Damn! So I sat on the top of the mountain for a week with very little to do but take pictures of fauna and flora – and goats! (By the way, the plane taking us from St. Martin to Saba was a “stall plane” flown by ex-Dutch Air Force pilots especially trained to land on the air strip built along the side of the mountain and aboutas long as an aircraft carrier ship! Exciting!)
So now I am retired and after 22 years off air, and, again, enjoying a hobby that has been so interest-ing and so much fun for so many years. I am still using the replacement TS-930SAT that I bought in 1982when I returned from the disaster in Saba (fortunately paid for by my home owner’s insurance) and the same antenna that was never taken out of the crate until now. I live in a townhouse complex in Houston near the center of the city. The conditions for a ham radio station couldn’t be worse (even worse than the high rise in Chicago). The vertical is only 10 feet north of the building and 10 feet off the ground. On the other side of my fence is a massive power sub-station! For whatever reason, I’m getting signals in and out. Since getting back on the air March 18, I’ve had 1800 QSO’s and worked 119 countries!
WOW! I can’t believe it!
What great fun! What a great hobby!
73’s Roger/K0KON
Roger Matice (prior attack on a 12YO newspaper carrier in Cedar Rapids, plus also now in the federal pen for child porn) is a HAM radio operator. His webpage pertaining to that, with a biography, is located here at this link: https://www.qrz.com/db/K0KON
In the event this link is taken down, I want to preserve here what he has to say about himself. Matice says:
I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – the home of Collins Radio Co. It was hard not to know someone who was a ham! We probably had more hams per capita than any other city in the world.
But my interest in shortwave radio started as a SWL at an earlier age of 9 or 10 because a family friend had a state-of-the-art Hallicrafters shortwave receiver. I loved tuning around the bands finding BBC, Radio Moscow, Voice of America, and Duetsche Welle.
When one of my friends in Cedar Rapids showed me his dad’s ham radio shack with all those knobs and switches and meters and told me that his dad talked to other hams all over the world, I was hooked!
I got my novice license around 1956 when I was 15. (Yes, I was born in 1941, that makes me 73years oldnow.) My call was KN0KON. I built my first transmitter – 25 watts, crystal controlled – in shop class. I got an “A” because it was such an unique project! I don’t remember what I had for a receiver – nothing special, I’m sure, because I didn’t have much money! And I suppose I had a simple wire antenna. Basic, but what great fun! I was talking to the world! A couple of my best friends in high school were also interested in ham radio. Together, we studied and got our Technician Class licenses.
VHF and especially UHF were pretty experimental in the late 50’s and early 60’s and Collins Radio was at the forefront in the development of equipment at those high frequencies because of their involvement with the Air Force and the space program. Many of the engineers at Collins were hams and very active on 6 meters – one of the bands Technician Class hams could use A3 mode- AM at that! Does anyone remember the name of the 6-meter transceivers that the Civil Defense Agency provided to hams?
One of the early memories I have is attending the first EME experiment at the Collins facility. It was a very exciting moment to hear those signals bouncing back from the moon!
Other memories include visiting Arthur Collins’ (W0CXX) personal ham shack. Hardly a shack! Of course he had state-of-the-art equipment including two full-sized Log Periodic antennas on separate towers in the woods behind the house. Coax cables were enclosed in inert gas-filled pipes running out to the antennas! Collins was an interesting guy. The story was that he gotten bored during his first year at MIT and returned home to experiment and build radio equipment in his basement some of which was used by Adr. Byrd on his expedition to the Antarctic in 1934.
Many considered Art to be a genius. I heard that he was always experimenting with new ideas and when one got stuck in his head, he would work ’round the clock. Apparently, many of his upper level employees were not always as enthusiastic and Art became known as somewhat of a tyrant! Sometimes his experimenting didn’t end well. Collins was a Mercedes-Benz fan because of their reputa- tion for engineering superiority. He took his 300SL (Gullwing) out on a winding, country road between Cedar Rapids and Mt. Vernon and wrapped the car around a tree at 120 mph. He wanted to find its “limits”!
Another time the father of my best friend in high school accompanied Collins and a team of engineers aboard an experimental boat off the coast of California. The company had started experimenting with hull shapes constructed of fiberglass. As I recall it was the largest fiberglass hull ever build up until that time (70-ft. +/-). Collins wanted to see how it would handle in high seas and so ordered the boat out in gale force winds with all aboard. The boat survived, but was badly soiled by seasick passengers!
Now, you might think that I studied electrical engineering in college. Wrong! I was a theater major – “all the world’s a stage…, etc.” I never became an actor, but because I had lots of courses in radio and television production I was offered a job at North German Broadcasting in Hamburg when I was living there in 1967. But that’s a whole other story for another time.
After returning home from Germany, I went to work for Sears. In 1969 I was transferred to Chicago to work at their headquarters. I lived in a couple of apartment buildings that didn’t allow antennas, so ham radio took a back seat to a budding career. But in the late ‘70’s I moved into a high rise condo building along lake Michigan. My unit was on the 22nd floor of a 40 story building.
I had seen a large 3-element Yagi on the top of a similarly tall condo building and that got me to thinking how great it would be to get back into ham radio and have an antenna up that high. I asked for permission to install an antenna on the roof of our building, but, of course, the request was denied. I offered all kinds of bonding, guarantees, and insurance, etc. to no avail. (The fact that I had gotten caught dropping a wire down from the roof after picking the lock to the access door probably didn’t help me much!)
I ended up using a hydraulically operated mobile antenna designed for military and commercial use, mounting it out one of the windows. Having the window cracked even a little in the middle of winter in Chicago wasn’t a whole lot of fun! The tip end could be raised and lowered with a hydraulic pump to cover 10 through 80 meters. The big problem up 22 floors was getting a counterpoise positioned just right to achieve resonance. But over time I worked about 110 countries and had a lot of fun being back on the air.
Having been lucky enough to travel all over the world for work and play, I’ve always been interested in DX operating. And like many DX’ers, I found the idea of being part of a DXpedition to be particularly exciting. Not having time or funds to be a part of a major DXpedtition, I decided to create my own (what is now called) “suitcase” adventure. Knowing the Caribbean fairly well, I did some research and came up with the island of Saba as my base of operation. A Dutch island just a few miles from St. Martin, the population of 1,000 persons and 5,000 goats included one ham who was not very active. Seemed liked a good spot!
My plans included taking my Kenwood TS-930SAT, a partially assembled KLM V10-40, four band vertical with precut radials, MC-50 microphone, a paddle key and electronic keyer. I planned to take the radio on board and check the crate containing everything else. But when I got to the airport to check in to “Fly By Night International Airlines”, I was told that I could not carry the radio onboard because it was too large. I argued that I had measured the carton and it was within limits. They disagreed, but assured me that the radio would be stowed in a special compartment and would be handled with care. After a delay of five hours in leaving Chicago, we were informed that the flight could only get as far as Puerto Rico that night. So we finally took off, stopped in Miami, and arrived in San Juan around 11:00 pm. I impatiently waited for my luggage and the radio to come off the plane. Suitcase – no radio!It had been stolen.
I arrived on Saba with my antenna and other paraphernalia, but no radio. Damn! So I sat on the top of the mountain for a week with very little to do but take pictures of fauna and flora – and goats! (By the way, the plane taking us from St. Martin to Saba was a “stall plane” flown by ex-Dutch Air Force pilots especially trained to land on the air strip built along the side of the mountain and aboutas long as an aircraft carrier ship! Exciting!)
So now I am retired and after 22 years off air, and, again, enjoying a hobby that has been so interest-ing and so much fun for so many years. I am still using the replacement TS-930SAT that I bought in 1982when I returned from the disaster in Saba (fortunately paid for by my home owner’s insurance) and the same antenna that was never taken out of the crate until now. I live in a townhouse complex in Houston near the center of the city. The conditions for a ham radio station couldn’t be worse (even worse than the high rise in Chicago). The vertical is only 10 feet north of the building and 10 feet off the ground. On the other side of my fence is a massive power sub-station! For whatever reason, I’m getting signals in and out. Since getting back on the air March 18, I’ve had 1800 QSO’s and worked 119 countries!
WOW! I can’t believe it!
What great fun! What a great hobby!
73’s Roger/K0KON
Not really sure what you’re obsession with Roger Dean Matice is and why he’s mentioned so many times in this thread. Was he a convicted pedo? Yes. Does he have brown hair? Yes. Does he have connections to Iowa? Yes. But other than that, he’s just one of MANY MANY people that could have been this Emilio character. One search through Iowa’s sex offender registry, yields dozens and dozens of older white men in their 50s, 60s and 70s that are just as arbitrary and probably as this Roger Dean Matice. So if you’re going to call him out over and over and over, care to share with us any information as to why he would be more likely than anyone else to be a potential suspect in your opinion of the Johnny Gosch or Eugene Martin kidnapping other than he’s an older guy with dark hair, with connections to Iowa with a proclivity for paperboys?
Do you remember a case of a missing boy scout named Guy Heckle from Cedar Rapids..1973? He is my first cousin. We are still looking into his case. If you have any information on the case or remember any details we’d like to hear about it. Thank you. Laura
There is a case summary for him on this site.
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/guy-heckle/
So Roger Dean Matice who grew up in Cedar Rapids and who according to various old newspaper articles would visit various relatives in other areas in Iowa including less than an hour West of Des Moines, looks uncannily like the guy in the sketch composite associated with the Johnny Gosch abduction. He has dark brown eyes and when he was younger had black hair even though it is white and grey now.
Have a look at Matic’s booking photo here and compare it to the sketch of the suspect in the Johnny Gosch abduction:
Matice had a history of previously sexually assaulting a 12YO paper boy in Cedar Rapids in 1966, when Matice was a 24YO university student. Matice then stayed off of law enforcement’s radar until he was busted for child porn 2 years ago. He’s now doing time in the federal pen for distributing child porn.
Matice was in his 40’s when Gosch, Martin and Allen disappeared, and that was the estimated age of the perp in the Gosch disappearance.
Moreover, Matice is, according to his booking information, 5 feet 8 inches, only 1 inch shorter than the witnesses estimated Johnny Gosch’s abductor to be.
Although Matice appears to have lived in Chicago at the time of the Gosch, Martin and Allen abductions, Matice’s parents still lived in Cedar Rapids and according to old news articles he had grandparents and other relatives less than an hour to the West of Des Moines. It isn’t unconceivable that he could have borrowed a relative’s car when visiting in-state, or that he could have put fake plates on his own car.
When Matice was busted for child porn 2 years ago in Texas, the county prosecutor said to local media (before the case was transferred to the feds) that Matice had never been in trouble with the law before. I called the prosecutor up to disabuse him of this notion and also emailed him a scanned article in PDF format from Matice’s 1966 assault on the 12YO paperboy in Cedar Rapids. Somehow that was not in *any* computer system anywhere.
It seems to me that Roger Matice probably therefore was not on anyone’s radar during the Gosch, Martin and Allen investigations.
But given his physical appearance, ties to Iowa, and his prior assault on a 12YO newspaper boy (plus thte fact that Matice himself had been a newspaper boy when a kid) he needs to be looked at in the Gosch, Martin and Allen cases.
What sort of car did Matice drive back then? What sort of cars did his relatives own?
The Allen, Gosch, and Martin disappearances all occurred on a weekend, indicating that the perp probably had a weekday job, he would have had to do his abducting on a weekend. What sort of job did Matice have back then?
Could the witnesses in the Gosch and Martin abductions who gave physical descriptions maybe look at photos of Roger Matice?
Excellent Sleuthing. They ought to torture the hell out of him to find out if he was involved. He certainly looks like the composite and his history of attacking another paperboy and he himself being one fits the profile of someone with knowledge of how these kids worked. An online sleuth like yourself helped link the gentleman who could be Joseph Wetterling’s kidnapper to 5 other boys, so well done and lets hope your sleuthing brings some answers to these long suffering families.
The police never responded to my email where I laid it all out. I therefore sent a letter today, along with photographs, to the one main witness (who had actually given directions to the person suspected of taking Johnny Gosch), explaining Matice’s history, and so forth. If the police won’t do their job, then maybe someone else needs to.
Hello Andrea, I am wondering, has the witness responded to you? Also, do you think it would do good if I also sent an email to the police department? Maybe you could send me the email you sent to them to my email, and I will forward it to them. I promise I will give you credit for it. My email is danielhuerta603@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Hi Dan, I don’t want to discuss the witness at all; I don’t know what if anything he is doing with the info other than I did hear back.
I sent my information to the police. They ignored it and couldn’t be bothered responding, just as the Iowa DSPS ignored it and couldn’t be bothered responding when I sent it to them in 2013.
Very unfortunate…
So Roger Dean Matice who grew up in Cedar Rapids and who according to various old newspaper articles would visit various relatives in other areas in Iowa including less than an hour West of Des Moines, looks uncannily like the guy in the sketch composite associated with the Johnny Gosch abduction. He has dark brown eyes and when he was younger had black hair even though it is white and grey now.
Have a look at Matic’s booking photo here and compare it to the sketch of the suspect in the Johnny Gosch abduction:
Matice had a history of previously sexually assaulting a 12YO paper boy in Cedar Rapids in 1966, when Matice was a 24YO university student. Matice then stayed off of law enforcement’s radar until he was busted for child porn 2 years ago. He’s now doing time in the federal pen for distributing child porn.
Matice was in his 40’s when Gosch, Martin and Allen disappeared, and that was the estimated age of the perp in the Gosch disappearance.
Moreover, Matice is, according to his booking information, 5 feet 8 inches, only 1 inch shorter than the witnesses estimated Johnny Gosch’s abductor to be.
Although Matice appears to have lived in Chicago at the time of the Gosch, Martin and Allen abductions, Matice’s parents still lived in Cedar Rapids and according to old news articles he had grandparents and other relatives less than an hour to the West of Des Moines. It isn’t unconceivable that he could have borrowed a relative’s car when visiting in-state, or that he could have put fake plates on his own car.
When Matice was busted for child porn 2 years ago in Texas, the county prosecutor said to local media (before the case was transferred to the feds) that Matice had never been in trouble with the law before. I called the prosecutor up to disabuse him of this notion and also emailed him a scanned article in PDF format from Matice’s 1966 assault on the 12YO paperboy in Cedar Rapids. Somehow that was not in *any* computer system anywhere.
It seems to me that Roger Matice probably therefore was not on anyone’s radar during the Gosch, Martin and Allen investigations.
But given his physical appearance, ties to Iowa, and his prior assault on a 12YO newspaper boy (plus thte fact that Matice himself had been a newspaper boy when a kid) he needs to be looked at in the Gosch, Martin and Allen cases.
What sort of car did Matice drive back then? What sort of cars did his relatives own?
The Allen, Gosch, and Martin disappearances all occurred on a weekend, indicating that the perp probably had a weekday job, he would have had to do his abducting on a weekend. What sort of job did Matice have back then?
Could the witnesses in the Gosch and Martin abductions who gave physical descriptions maybe look at photos of Roger Matice?
So Roger Dean Matice who grew up in Cedar Rapids and who according to various old newspaper articles would visit various relatives in other areas in Iowa including less than an hour West of Des Moines, looks uncannily like the guy in the sketch composite associated with the Johnny Gosch abduction. He has dark brown eyes and when he was younger had black hair even though it is white and grey now.
Have a look at Matic’s booking photo here and compare it to the sketch of the suspect in the Johnny Gosch abduction:
Matice had a history of previously sexually assaulting a 12YO paper boy in Cedar Rapids in 1966, when Matice was a 24YO university student. Matice then stayed off of law enforcement’s radar until he was busted for child porn 2 years ago. He’s now doing time in the federal pen for distributing child porn.
Matice was in his 40’s when Gosch, Martin and Allen disappeared, and that was the estimated age of the perp in the Gosch disappearance.
Moreover, Matice is, according to his booking information, 5 feet 8 inches, only 1 inch shorter than the witnesses estimated Johnny Gosch’s abductor to be.
Although Matice appears to have lived in Chicago at the time of the Gosch, Martin and Allen abductions, Matice’s parents still lived in Cedar Rapids and according to old news articles he had grandparents and other relatives less than an hour to the West of Des Moines. It isn’t unconceivable that he could have borrowed a relative’s car when visiting in-state, or that he could have put fake plates on his own car.
When Matice was busted for child porn 2 years ago in Texas, the county prosecutor said to local media (before the case was transferred to the feds) that Matice had never been in trouble with the law before. I called the prosecutor up to disabuse him of this notion and also emailed him a scanned article in PDF format from Matice’s 1966 assault on the 12YO paperboy in Cedar Rapids. Somehow that was not in *any* computer system anywhere.
It seems to me that Roger Matice probably therefore was not on anyone’s radar during the Gosch, Martin and Allen investigations.
But given his physical appearance, ties to Iowa, and his prior assault on a 12YO newspaper boy (plus thte fact that Matice himself had been a newspaper boy when a kid) he needs to be looked at in the Gosch, Martin and Allen cases.
What sort of car did Matice drive back then? What sort of cars did his relatives own?
The Allen, Gosch, and Martin disappearances all occurred on a weekend, indicating that the perp probably had a weekday job, he would have had to do his abducting on a weekend. What sort of job did Matice have back then?
Could the witnesses in the Gosch and Martin abductions who gave physical descriptions maybe look at photos of Roger Matice?
Hi Andrea, I’ve been fascinated with the Johnny Gosch case for decades after hearing about his kidnapping while in the military in the early 80s. I found your evidence totally credible and wonder if you tried contacting LE.
I came across another paperboy in Wisconsin from 1966. This paperboy was murdered however so mo is different, but doesn’t mean this guy wasn’t involved. Wisconsin is very close to Iowa and it’s during the same time period. And guess what – June 19, 1966 fell on a Sunday. Also crime was never solved. His name was Michael Fisher and he was 14. The following is the link to the page where I found it:
I am quite familiar with the Michael Fisher case and in fact have just written a novel inspired by that case – completely fictional, but I did a lot of research on the Fisher Case. I also knew him, we attended the same church and school. He was a few years older than I. I was recently made aware of these cases in Iowa and I am wondering if anybody in the police departments has looked into a possible connection with the Fisher case and Johhny Gosch and Martin (don’t have the last name) who also disappeared delivering papers. That seems almost too odd to be a coincidence . . . all of them paper boys. It wouldn’t be unthinkable that Michael Fisher was the first victim and things went wrong. His cause of death was a crushing blow to the head – could have been fighting to get away. Or perhaps even the two Iowa boys were also killed and the killer learned how to better hide, dispose of bodies. There is an almost 20 year span between though. 1966 to early 80s.
Hi Dan, I tried contacting LE. No response.
Look into Paul Bonacci for the details of knowing Johnny because he helped kidnap him on that day. Paul had details provided to Noreen Gosch that no one would of known about Johnn unless you were with him.
Amen! I agree with Diana Wilson.
Sending prayers and my heart and thoughts to the family and friends.
Prayers for the family
Monsters walk amongst us.
Terrible. Some people have NO conscience!!!!
Interesting. I remember the doctor’s name. Was too young to remember the incident. I hope this gets solved.
Here are links to photos of Matice (including one from his short wave radio internet profile that talks about his life).
https://www.qrz.com/db/K0KON
Looks like Matice was living in the Chicago area at the time of the disappearance of Johnny Gosch, Marc Allen, and Eugene Martin. Close enough to drive, I suppose.
When he was younger Matice had black hair.
Here is a link to Matice now:
Where was Roger Dean Matice on the day Johnny Gosch disappeared? Back in about 1966 or so when Matice was age 24 he assaulted a paperboy in Cedar Rapids. Although Matice has whiteish grey hair now, when he was young, he had black hair. He’s now doing federal time for child pornography. If Matice assaulted one paper boy, who is to say he doesn’t have some sort of “thing” for that.
This has a photograph of Roger Dean Matice in it. This is the guy that I had referenced in my May 2013 comments above. Any resemblance to the guy who took Johnny Gosch? Matice was indicted back in the 1960’s for sexually assaulting a paper boy.
https://www.houstonpress.com/news/roger-dean-matice-river-oaks-man-latest-prominent-houstonian-caught-in-child-porn-dragnet-6724355
The article says he hssnt been arrested before. That according to records it was his first arrest. Maybe they just meant locally?
We miss yu and love u Chris.. Hope we can all figure this out soon. We will never give up..
https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/houston/press-releases/2013/houston-man-detained-on-child-pornography-charges
The word is Sean Nelson of urbandale has a cousin and few of his friends picked him up he owed money they made him strip n something went wrong they threw him over the bridge his cousin left for California afterwards and he recently came back to Iowa I do not know the cousins name but he did it can’t prove it or I would RIP
What a lovely, caring, and hardworking family. I hope that someone opens up about this.
Who was the serial killer the private detective mentioned?
The serial killer possibly is newton native John Vansice… not sure if he’s a serial killer, but was linked to Jodi huesentruit, and has been a person of interest from day one…. moved to Arizona a while back cause he knew the cops where closing in on him…. just last year his name came up again with the husentruit case….I wish these cops would quit pussy footing around, question this fuck about the huisenrtruit and Crawford case, and others….. Been long enough, these families need closer…. who fucking cares about his rights and all that shit, he knows something…. cops need to start doing there job and solve this!!!!!
I pray for Christmas comfort for this family.
Please solve this case. So sorry for the family.
Before the end of 2015 one of Waterloo, Iowa’s wells was found to be polluted with high Nitrogen fertilizers. As this Point Source Pollution Plume is ignored it has spread, polluting wells from Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and now Black Hawk Counties. As Paul VanDorpe claimed the Plume was traveling at the rate of 1 to 2 miles a year since the early 1990’s. But increased large rains have been channeled to the Mitchell County sinkholes and broken through the floor of the Upper aquifer and polluted the new wells that were dug in 2004 to a deeper safe aquifer with Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer. We had drilled new wells but had not been warned about the Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers, let alone the Arsenic, deadly Lead, Atrazine, or the levels of Bleach the polluters like Jim Ursbatch claimed to have dumped down to make up for his manure runoff. In 2004 I received Paul VanDorpe and McKay IDNR geologists warning letters that there was no way to remediate our wells and we did but the IDNR allowed the group of polluters to increase the dumping of flood water down into our water by charging me with Blockage of Water and digging away 42 acres of my 200 acre farm, with no 401 or 404 permits. Now people in Waterloo have been exposed and the IDNR still hides the well tests of the AG chemicals in this plume from the people drinking it Downstream.
Happy heavenly birthday Julie, until we meet again
Miss her. :-(
Such a beautiful face…what a peecious life to do such things too…it breaks me down
So terrible & sad
Awful! We have old cases unsolved in C.R. too. Too many of them from 50’s, 60’s
Ever notice how many of the unsolved cases in the Midwest from the 50s to the 70s involve the person being strangled and left in the ditch in the middle of nowhere?
It starts up out of nowhere in the early 50s, picks up pace into the 60s and tapers off in the mid 70s…
thats sad.
I think I would be trying to get ahold of the Attorney General and a good attorney. Election time is coming up and I would be very voiceful about the corruption. May your family find justice.
Its nice to see family sharing their thoughts. Just wish people could know the whole story of how my father passed. thanks for your comments though, I am sure my father is looking down on you with loving thoughts.
Rick D Stephens, did you use to know a woman by the name of Roxanne Anderson?
Mary Ough
Get the da for the brothers mentioned
A pair of brothers were mentioned on the web site in the comment section. I wonder if their DNA is in the system.
Sickening.
Brutal. They should be able to solve this!
so sad!!
This is horrible! I pray for the family and friends to get justice.
Very sad
This one is probably connected? https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/anna-miller/
Very Sad..
So, soooo sad
She was a kind and gentle gal, soft spoken. She went to school Emmetsburg for a bit!!
Such a terrible loss…
Praying for answers!!
If only real life could duplicate the success of ‘true crime’ TV shows. So sad.
…tom…
I remember all that…how sad!
That is horrible! How sad for his family to find him like this! Shame on the 3 that did this to him….their day will come!
How horrible
Here again I have to say there’s a special place in Hell for the murderers.
There are no crimes more heinous than those committed against the young or elderly.
Should have stayed in Riverside…
Su u retard 🤦♂️
I hope these class are solved!!!!
happy birthday toni i wish you were here to have a partty with you i love you and miss you a loti lay down wishing you was here with us i love you your cousinlaurie walke love you
long time ago i spoke on two separate occasions to eugenes father. has anyone looked under that combine. the one parked in front of the old farm house by the racoon river. psychic, not your business. both times i talked to mr. martin we spoke of the same place.
Hello, I was wondering what else you 2 talked about? How was Mr. Martin? And also, how did the subject of the farmhouse come up?
Thanks
Hello Nicole. I asked you some questions but you haven’t responded yet. Please answer, I am genuinely curious about what else you two talked about and how the combine/farm house came up. This might be an important clue…
Thanks.
CREEPY ASS FUK
Did you do it?
Matt, you should have gone into law enforcement or a similar profession!
Has the white supremacist angle been looked at? Given the nazi stormtrooper tattoo it seems like he must have been a white supremacist.
A white Supremacist would never tattoo a Hispanic woman or image on their body. That doesn’t fit at all. These are more likely tattoos of a repeat criminal in and out of prison, they look like random bad decisions in the drawings, wish we could see photos.
John was my uncle. You’re correct that he had been in an out of prison until his death. His tattoos were mostly prison tattoos.
Wow
I wonder if he was left handed and did the tats himself, seems like a lot of them all on one side.
The story says he is right handed.
All the links tell me bad domain and won’t let me open another friend is having the same issue just wanted to let you guys know
Same happens to me as well
Becky and Heather, I spoke with BlueHost again tonight to see why this was still happening, and the tech support guy said he discovered the SSL certificate was installed but was missing the “Authority Bundle.” (They’d ended up in different files during the migration to the upgraded server.) He deleted and then reinstalled the SSL and said everything should now be in the proper files. I apologize for the inconvenience, and please let me know if you are still having any problems.
All best,
Jody
Becky Fender and Heather Arenivas, I spoke with BlueHost last night about this and they said the Authority Bundle was missing from the SSL; they reinstalled and everything should be working fine now. So sorry for the inconvenience!
I remember this very well and the family deserves justice!!!!
Is the house still there?
O.J. did it,
I agree.
I second that
O.J. wanted to prove to people that he indeed was was a simp (last name Simpson) so he clapped the husbands cheeks cuz the husband abused her.
i think it was the axe that killed him.
Good book about that.
I am disgusted with Donald Piers wife’s actions, covering for him and claiming to hav had sex with him in 12+ rooms…what a horrid couple…she is just as culpable for covering up and being his weak alibi…why hasn’t she been charged with perjury?
well…if the wife did do it….she was held accountable for her actions by the good lord above.
Don’t really agree with that one.
Doesn’t matter if you agree with that or not, Bob Platt. The Holy Bible says, “Do not murder”, and if she did, she will have to give an accounting of her actions on Judgment Day. Sarah Stuelke is correct. The Truth of God’s word does not hinge on whether we believe it or not. The Truth of God’s word is hung on God and He protects His word and not one jot or tittle will pass away, EVER.
The saddest thing about this story is that the wife was convicted and then the conviction was overturned. Either someone is guilty or they are not.
If you believe that religious bs, then sure. It’s also not that simple.
That depends on if she believes that book. We live in a world with thousands of confident religions. Maybe one of those religions got it right. Perhaps The Flying Spaghetti Monster did indeed hold her accountable and she is suffering in the Pastafarian version of hell.
#redditmoment
I was at Allen when his brother brought him in. Heart wrenching scene that I will never forget.
Rest In Paradise
It was a really good book.
I hope this case can be solved!
Could this be tied to the ax murders in Viscilla?
Nope. Read the book.
What is the book called?
Midnight massacre
Midnight Assassin
I read a book about this case.
My grandma used to talk about a grisly murder of a family who lived in that big old house south of PJ that was never solved….have you run across that story in your perusals?
Read the book about 7 years ago
Do you remember the name I’d love to read it I can’t open the link to read this
Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America’s Heartland.
Just finished the book about this case.
Great book, the bastard had it coming.
Name of the book and author? I would love to read it. Thanks!
There is the play by Susan Glaspell “Trifles” and the book “A Jury of her Peers” also by Susan Glaspell.
Interesting
So sorry this happened. I hope your family gets the peace they deserve by at having this crime solved.
Don’t know why, but unable to pull up stories
Look in Rathbun!
Rathbun Lake right?
My uncles parents are not buried in Eldon cemetery my grandma is buried in Lansing Iowa and my grandpa is buried in P. Pennsylvania
Contact cold justice, maybe they can help.
Somehow someway those responsible will pay for what they have done. Hugs and PRAYERS to the families.
Praying for a break in this case and for Dorothy to rest in peace.
Wow! Who can do these things????
He seems to have been a wonderful, caring man.
God will take care of him. You’d think someone there would’ve seen the shooting.
It’s hard to believe there’s this many unsolved mysteries. Wish John Walsh was still on TV and would showcase these.
Hope they find the person that did this.
This is sad and even if someone comes forward and says its this guy that did it there is nothing that can be done since hes been acquitted.
Praying for justice for you Dorothy Rose.
How on earth did he walk free? Unreal
We lived two houses away from them. Horrible to think this could happen.
Sickening someone would lie for a killer!!
Jodi, yes, it is. And it’s also sickening what his young son was forced to go through during the trial, only to see his father’s alleged killer set free.
Very sad and heart breaking.
I’ll never forget that time in my young life!! I was only 10, but I still have lots of memories of him!
He has literally fallen off the face of the earth….but his killer(s) is/are the only one (s) who know where he is. He was not capable of going elsewhere to live on his own.
so then she really isnt missing?
Probably in a pond or lake???
Wow! His car has never been either either???? How do you hide a car????
You paint it. Or part it. The car is the key to the mystery. The person driving the car is the murderer. I have a person in my grave in Cass County Iowa. It is a man face down and has no casket. It has been there for sometime. They keep reseeding the grass around him as the body has emitted it poisons. A year ago someone pumped cement under him to mimic a casket. I have been working on this for 3 1\2 years. I have a missing person in my personal grave. Dubuque police was contacted in the spring about this
My grandma is missing by the hands of a man out of Dubuque. I am looking for her. She wasnt buried. I think because Paul got put in our plot first. Paul was killed because he wouldnt go in on a bad deal towards my grandma. Who died in 1994. Her assests were taken over in March of 90. Paul wouldnt help steal it. Therefore he knew too much. He was taken out in a crime of passion by someone he knew. Not listing the assailant, but i have told the Dubuque police.
This is my theory.
Was there an item of crystal or a rock, that possible was an award of his. He was hit over the head with. When the car was on the bridge he was in the trunk. The assailant threw that item that became a weapon under that bridge
Proceeded through Wisconsin with him in the car trying to figure out where to put him.
He ended up in Northwest Iowa in my cemetery plot.
The perfect murder.
Holly, Paul Knockel is my great uncle. Any info you can give us would be greatly appreciated. I’m not sure I understand your previous post where you say you have a man in your cemetery plot you later say that Paul is buried in your cemetery plot and somebody pumped cement under him. Who buried him there? and who is pumping cement under him? is the cemetery aware he’s there?
As far as you stating that this is your “theory” what parts are factual, how he died, or that he was killed? Do you know for sure Paul was murdered? I didn’t understand why someone isn’t investigating the body in your cemetery plot?
I don’t care about all the details anymore, I just want to find my great uncle and respectfully lay him to rest.
Please help us bring him home.
Thank you,
Sara Kammerude
Sara Kammerude please call me. Holly Gotz 586 339 6066. I will explain what i know to you. I do think your uncle is in my cemetery plot.
Holly, What you are writing sounds way out there! so, are you saying that someone put an entire human being in your cemetery plot and then sometime later filled it up with cement? at the first glance, why did you not report that to the cemetery/police? something isn’t adding up and I hope for the sake of this family, You aren’t saying this to just say it. What if this person in your plot is not Paul? this could prove heartbreaking to a family that needs and deserves closure. When it comes down to a person missing, assumptions or guesses do no good as it becomes a waste of time,resources and so forth. Not trying to sound aggressive, it just seems odd.
Yes it is indeed odd. I didn’t make the crazy story, I only tell what is in fact crazy. Finding out who this random person is my cemetery plot would aid someone’s family. I investigated 5 years straight. I strongly believe it is Paul. Two years specifically looking at missing people in Iowa. I started shaking when when he popped up. I read his bio with my mouth dropping to the floor. I begged the Dubuque police to question the person I believe responsible. Don’t know if they ever did.
Those poor kids growing up without a father. We need to stop this senseless killing!!!! God continue to bless his family.
There was another murder earlier in the same year of Judith K Weeks-close to this area. They just found her killler a little over 2 years ago, I’m wondering if this might have been the same guy? He was picked up several times around this time for robbery & I do believe assault. Something to consider.
I wish all these cases could be solved.
I agree this stuff is so sad & heartbreaking
I can’t imagine what the families go through. My niece ran away twice. The first time was terrible. My sister cried her eyes out. My brother-in-law looked in every dumpster. She was found safe. The next time, the older guy took her over the state line. In fact, they walked from Sioux Falls to Vermillion. She’s from Sioux City. They had blisters on their feet and the police suggested her parents leave her in jail over night. She never pulled that again.
so sad, hope they find something that help with closure.
has anyone heard anything lately on this case?
Tim, I have information on the disappearance of ben.
If u have info please contact me at 5635593615 if u get voicemail please leave a message ill call u right back…
helma and melvin cronk are responable for the disapperace of benjamin melvin roseland.
Have you shared your knowledge with law enforcement? If not, why?????
Helma cronk was my elementary school teacher, what makes you think that? It was parked down the street was it not?
Helen I don’t know if this person is trying to start trouble or if he is telling the truth but I wish if he has info he take it to the proper authorities
WE NEED EVERY SINGLE THING YOU HAVE AND THE SOONER THE BETTER CAN YOU GET ME A PICTURE OF THE CABIN AND SURROINDING AREA OF IT ALSO?? WHATS AN ADDRESS DIRECTIONS, ANYTHING EVERY SINGLE BIT OF INFORMATION YOU HAVE WE NEED ASAP!!! U HAVE TO REALIZE THAT EVERY TIME SOME NEW INFORMATION IS BROUGHT UP ABOUT BENJAMIN ITS USUALLY COMING UP ON THE SAME DATE OF HIS DISAPPEARANCE OR CLOSE TO IT!!!DONT BE AFRAID TO GIVE INFORMATION YOU HAVE YOU CAN CONTACT THE AGENCY CALLED “QUE” and leave information privately if your worried about your safety please don’t be afraid we know how frustrated your feeling and we just want Ben!!!
If a phone call to authorities do nothing, then GO to the station and demand they listen. I agree with Laura, if you are afraid for yourself, CONTACT THE AGENCY CALLED “QUE” and leave information privately . Please do what you can to help!!!
Omg, I just wrote a pod cast about this and how everything sounds like this. That’s crazy. I thought I was going crazy I Instantly thought of Ben.
He is a great great uncle of mine and this case still matters. He is not forgotten.
Thank you for your comment, Susie! It is always so nice to hear from the victim’s family, and even though it was long ago, I’m sorry for your loss.
If you or any of your family members have additional information you’d like to see included here on Officer Shoemaker’s page (including photos), please feel free to pass it along. You may reach me directly at: jody at iowacoldcases.org.
Wishing you all the best this holiday season!
Mel,
Adam was such a fan of Johnny Cash like you, as his restaurant and old Brown University roommates, suggested other music for his sound tracks, but when his clothes would not fit his smashed body, I went with my sisters and brought a extra large black shirt like Johnny Cash used to wear.
I am thankful that I refused to sign those illegal after the fact permits, Charlie Heiderschiet, FSA, again brought out to my farm 9 months after the group Adam had testified in court in that trial the IDNR said I had to file or they would charge me with the on-going pollution and then they killed Adam and used the threats against my other children to pressure me.
My Civil Rights suit will never get any recognition as the Good Old Boys go on taking land to build illegal drains for their Wetland and this Point Source Pollution Plume grows. Mark Wagner testified under oath that they didn’t even have to ask me for permission to take the 42 acres to build the flood channel to sinkholes, as he said, She’s a woman and doesn’t know anything. I was never reimbursed for those 42 acres or the over $150,000 in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 conservation repairs for the damages to the Designated National Wetland and my farm that the FSA (Charlie Heiderschiet) and NRCS (Ray Frana) agents kept threatening that I had to do them to keep in compliance with my Corps of Engineer’s Agreement. I kept doing the costly repairs NRCS wanted but after I did transfer my home and farm, the group took out all the conservation repairs and channeled more chemical runoff to the big sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland.
Adam said I should never give in, so I had the Corps of Engineer’s very limited Drainage Agreement added to the Abstract of that farm and made my farm’s sale subject to that 1995 Corps Agreement, when Mark Walk threatened the rest of my children. I signed off on the Lack Family Farm and my home and farm, doing two 1031 Exchanges’s for a lot less acres under Mark Walk’s control of my father-in-laws estate.
I could not lose another child just so those Cedar (W) Township farmers could drain their land and make so much more money, while us Downstream lose our health and lives and suffer economic loss.
So again this Thanksgiving I am thankful to be alive, and to be with the rest of my family, but praying Iowan’s will pay some attention to my Civil Rights suit as Iowa’s water quality may depend on it and other suits.
God Bless Us, Everyone, Veronica Lack
can’t that belt now be tested for touch DNA?
This is my home town and I was 14 when this happened.
Who did he talk to at 12:30 am on 9/15/2013 and where was he living at the time? What was his mental state when last seen? Would be helpful to have more facts.
Jason, I share your concerns about needing more facts in this case. We do our best to post the known details about cases but there are times officials don’t reveal specific information because it might be something only a person’s kidnapper or killer would know. We regularly watch for updates in the case and hope Ethan’s family finds answers soon.
Jeff Moreland was a police officer in afton ia prior to moving to kc he was a familiar person to a lot of union co people he was a trustworthy person I have known him since high school he graduated class of 77 east union afton ia married a close friend of mine they had a daughter while they were both in high school then later divorced,Jeffs parents and brother remain in the afton area all who knew Jeff find it hard to believe him to be a cold blooded killer he was very mild mannered.I know Jeff was a officer policeman for Afton during this time asst to Harold Dalton,I still find it hard to believe the Jeff I knew and trusted and considered a friend was guilty of murder.I also knew the Perry family well and hope and pray someday they find answers and justice
I don’t have pc access now, so I’ve missed every post for a couple weeks.
She was a nice lady
Shared in NW MO.
Aliens
No those where someone else remains. I remember very clearly when this happened. Sad
Not sure about that. I do know that Iowa Cold Case tries very hard to keep everything up to date such as how the case is going and what the police are doing.
So sorry.
I thought they found his remains?
Guy Heckle was abducted. Guy was wearing his black eyeglasses and didn’t know, what kind of danger he was in, until it was to late. John Gosch was taken by the same trafficking ring. John Gosch should have had an hearing aid in his left ear. I’ve informed the police but nothing happens.
“Kate”
why do you say that Kate??
Nothing happens because they know you’re a loon. Leave them(and all other cases) alone. People like you do nothing but make these cases worse with your moronic “theories”. It just muddies already muddy waters.
The cases are not linked. I cant stand how so many people act like its the same group kidnapping/murdering children. Either that or its a bunch of cop conspiracies. Pure nonsense.
I wish the net had never been mainstreamed to this extent because it caused it to drown in an ocean of idiocy.
Tracy Watch ADVENTURES with a Purpose oct 2020.on U -Tube These guys solved in 30 min. Of searching what local town and county law enforcement coyld NOT Do in 7 yrs .
( You give to much credit IMO ) to the boys in blue who havnt solved the case correct? Please explain why you feel people cant voice their concerms when their intent is to help? .
Or you trying to say the cops cant handle all that info and get so confused? I doubt that.
Because people giving bad information (like authoritatively claiming he was abducted by a human trafficking ring…. with NO evidence) hampers an investigation.
It was likely one of the pedo Boy Scout leaders not a pedo ring and not anything related to Johnny Gosch. I swear it drives me crazy to hear Johnny Gosch on every single thread just because he has a documentary on Netflix. Use your brain.
Heeby12…
It was ABSOLUTELY not a pediphile scout master. You’re uninformed and have no idea what you’re talking about.
Jeff,
WHAT DO YOU KNOW???????? you seem to repeat sveral times the same response then accuse others of being “Misinformed”
WHAT DO YOU KNOW? This boys family DO NOT deserve this..
I don’t accuse people of being misinformed, I inform them they’re misinformed. I’ve heard so much misinformation on this thread and I feel I owe it to people to tell them the truth. Things like the scout master was a pedophilp which I know for a fact that’s no true. The scout master was in a child kidnapping ring which is absurd. I also heard the scout master was never questioned by the FBI, I know he was intensely interrogated more then once. He cooperated as all the scouts did. There was no foul play, it was a terrible accident. You ask me what I know, i know quite a bit. If you’re interested in what I know I’ll be happy to share it with you.
You say the family doesn’t deserve this. You say that as if I’m holding back information or somthing like that. For your information I had a nice long talk with Guy’s aunt about a year ago on the phone. I told her some details she wasn’t aware of and she greatly appreciatea it. Truth be known most of what people say is incorrect.
No offense, but you don’t know for a “fact” that the boyscout leader was/is not a pedophile. You for know a “fact” that the boy scout leader was never accused or convicted of being one and that he never expressed any personal sexual preferences to you, but you CANNOT know for a “fact” that he isn’t one. This type of thinking is a part of the reason why so many victims face shame and ridicule and are never believed. Believing you know for a “fact” someone isn’t a pedophile/abuser/rapist/etc. is also why so many of these monsters’ victims never come forward to report the crimes committed against them. Most of these predators are the people you think you know for a “fact” would never do something so heinous to another human being, let alone a child. Predators can be and most of the time are family members, close friends, friends, acquaintances, upstanding citizens, etc. whom everyone knew for a “fact” were a good person and would never hurt someone. You have no idea who a person is behind closed doors. On top of that, one top of that, these predators don’t just groom and manipulate their victims. They groom and manipulate everyone around them so that they can commit their crimes without suspicion or fear of consequences.
Jeff I should’ve included this in my first response to you, but I’m not trying to insinuate that any of the scout leaders were involved with anything in this case or anything. And I’m not saying you’re wrong for defending the scout master nor am I saying I believe they are a pedophile or guilty of any crimes. I am saying it is impossible to “know for a fact” anyone is or is not one way or another.
It’s LIKELY that he drowned.
While they did interview the scout leaders at the time his disappearance happened when scout leaders were being accused of misconduct. It says that in the article. If he drowned I think a body would have turned up. His jacket also seemed to be placed there, like by a person. Maybe one of the scout leaders was a weirdo. Maybe a weirdo was hiding out in the woods. I guess it could have been a fellow child, but I don’t think they would have properly disposed of a body. Unfortunately all we can really do is make sure children of today are watched more.
Missed but never forgotten.
I just can’t get over the number of Iowa cold cases. It’s great that they get at least some interest on Facebook. I wish more would get solved though. Some of the cases are so sad!
So sorry.
Still can’t get link to link.
She has a Facebook page. Says she needed to get away…
RIP.. I remember him from school before he moved away. Prayers that his case will one day be solved.
Thank you for your work. I keep hoping one day I will be able to help. I wonder if you could verify the age of the victim. You are prob just over worked ! Peace.
I wonder about the part about where his vehicle was found at the University of Iowa Hydraulic Lab, storage lot. It sounds suspicious, but he might work there or was attending classes at the university.
There is no explanation of where he was last seen. There is no mention of family or friends in his case. We are left to speculate instead of using the necessary tools to find him.
So where are these people now. Deb Barringer, and the others that left town! Anyone know their whereabouts, and have the police been keeping tabs on them.
Last I knew deb was in Grand River IA, Tyler and Josh both in prison and the other male in des moines IA area. The cops closed the case shortly after the death. I’m sure they’re not keeping tabs on them but they should be!!
You really are that dense to think I was there I was in allerton Iowa with Cassandra Davis ronnie Davis and Dave Jones from garden Grove the only reason my make got brought up is because I almost odied two weeks prior to that and I told Mark and Tyler about it and that’s when they twisted it up to make it sound like I was there but you I’ll take a lie detector test any time Chris was my friend if I would of been there he would of been dropped at the hospital or I would of called the cops to save him
Brett,
I have never said your name or that you did it. Yes, i have heard your name be brought up and yes that was from tyler and mark. I did not hear your name brought into until the day of Chris’s funeral in Osceola. Bottom line is Chris lost his life at such a young age and he deserves justice in this all! I truly wish the cops or dci or whoever would look at this case again and question everyone and do lie detector tests and get justice for Chris. He is truly loved and missed by many and its very sad that 19 years later and there is still no justice!
I didn’t leave town I lived out side of town 5 miles from Osceola because my name got brought in to this when I left the day before stayed the night in allerton Iowa after the Osceola service I had 3 car loads of ppl following because of mark wood and Tyler horn twisting up the fact that I almost odied at Deb’s two weeks prior to that I told them about it they turned it to make it sound like I was there when I was almost a hr away from 6 pm the night before till 3 pm the day he was found mark and Tyler made me their scape goat
http://www.pottcountysheriff.com/unsolved-cases/missing-persons.php
Shared in MO
Same thing here! ! Says site isn’t secure and won’t open. I can’t even bypass it to open. Cold case admin..any ideas?
Re the “secure site” warning: According to our web hosting service, InMotion Hosting, the reason some of the pages on ICC render a warning about security is because the ICC page contains one or more “links” to other websites that “aren’t” SSL (or https) enabled. In my opinion, this makes no sense because a great number of news websites — including the Des Moines Register — provide perfectly valid “links” to articles. They simply begin with http:// instead of https://. I also provide links to specific police departments and sheriffs’ office websites, all of which are legitimate but not yet SSL enabled.
A good example to highlight this problem can be seen by visiting Julie Benning’s page. If one uses the https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/julie-benning/ link, there is a security warning because the page includes a “video” provided by the Des Moines Register. Yet, remove the “s” from https, and the video appears.
I will soon be upgrading ICC with a new template and hope it will address this issue, because we rely heavily on “news sources” (with http urls) for these case summaries and updates. While I agree SSL is a must-have for sites and/or web pages where one purchases products online, I don’t understand why it creates so many problems for product-free, ad-free pages like ICC displays.
My phone won’t let me open them. Says the site isn’t secure and people may try to steal my info. It’s too bad because I like to read the articles! Dang phone!
Doing same thing to my phone also
I ope this is solved.
Haven’t been able to open a lot of links on Iowa cold cases lately.
Prayers for his family…what a hateful act upon a young man.
Sad..
my house now lays atop of where they found her body. this slightly creeps me out.
This is Penny Howell Kern Christopher Axiotis mother today marks the passing of my eldest son life.there’s not one day that goes by that I don’t feel the loss. So many years has passed but someone somewhere has the answers to his death justice needs to be served for not only myself but for family and friends.He was amazing young man full of life and is greatly missed please if anyone can help us we all need closer to this mystery of hid death thank you so much his mother penny.
Did you abandon your children when you moved with your boyfriend? Why was this kid parentless for most/all his teen life? Shameful…
And you whom can’t name yourself as you judge others openly? What do you call yourself? “C”
Not sure why you need to know my name. You don’t know me at all. I got my facts from reading the article. The article only lists facts. So what I said about abandoning your children isn’t speculation or assumption. It’s fact. I’m just asking why you abandoned your children? You may have a valid reason. I have no idea. I am curious as to your reason.
Amen Melissa! I totally agree with you! Whoever “c” is is a coward and too chicken shit to put their name!
I’m just really glad my husband, Chris’s brother, doesn’t have to read all of this crap. His brother is loved and missed everyday by many. May he always R.I.P. ♡
Hey this is Nick Axiotis, Chris’s brother. It’s been 17Yrs tomorrow that we lost my brother. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. I miss him. Thank you Ashley Nelson, and Carol Scott, miss you guys. Iowa Cold case please get ahold of me via my wife’s Facebook “Melissa Ferraro” she will give me the message.
We all know Tyler Horn has the answers to my brothers cold case. I’d like some answers in my brothers death. It’s hard to live with day to day, not knowing what happened to him. If anyone has any information, that they are tired of living with, please contact Cold Case or myself. Thank you,
Nick Axiotis
I’m sorry 16yrs… on this 16th of November.
Thanks so much for contacting us, Nick, and I’ll definitely get hold of your wife via Facebook. Please know how sorry I am for your loss. Such a senseless death.
Nick, there are a number of people named Melissa Ferraro on FB. Could you provide her FB ID (after the facebook.com url) so I know I have the correct person? Thanks in advance.
Hi Jody, I, Melissa Ferraro, liked your Iowa Cold Case page. If that is any help. I can also message your page for you.
Thinking of you all Nick. Love you guys so much and miss Chris like crazy as well. We will continue to do what we need to and work together to get to the bottom of all of this. If ya ever need anything u got my number now.
Nick and Penny Love and miss the neck outta both you guys. I talked to Tyler not to long ago he is animosa state prison and is more then willing to answer and and all of peoples questions he still claims he had no involvement but thats not for me to say. I know for a fact he said that Mark Woods is the person that needs to be checked into he was pretty certain that mark has the answers everyone has been looking for. Now im not sticking up for Tyler nor speaking for him i am just here to say when i brought it up to him bout the cold case being opened he was excited and said he was glad cause the people involved needed to pay for their actions…. i am not trying to upset anyk ne i just wanted to throw out anything i know… And Brett dont you have somethings you need to twlk Penny and Nick as well. I made a call to 911 telling them they would find his blood and shoe in Debs car and told them some names of people they needed to check out more idr the names other then tyler horn and mark woods. This information came from Brett…. He was to scared to call himself so i went to a pay phone and did it for him….. hope any and all of this helps love ya
I myself and Tyler horn drug Brett into the p.d. by his hair after he told us what Chris was shot up with and that he was there that night at that worthless Deb bitches trailer house and the shit he was saying to us would only be something that he would know if he had been there. But Ed stole made me let him go and I told him to tell that officer Ed stole what he had told me but the peace of shit Ed is he told me that the case was closed because Chris not his family was not model citizens in osceola and ever since then I lost all respect for the remarks he said to me which resulted in an argument and me being forced to being removed from the building. I know Chris stayed with me for 2 days prior to his death and that night I dropped him off on the square with Tyler and that was the last time I ever seen Chris alive and he told me he was gonna stay with his mom’s friend Deb at the trailer court. And penny did not abandon Chris or Nick. They chose to not stay with there mom because they hated her boyfriend dayle proctor. And I know dayle and I don’t blame them for giving there mom some tough love. Angie Ruth is one hell of a rumor starter and have always been one since I can remember in elementary school. So since y’all think you know everything. How about we all sit down and have a talk face to face and we will get to the bottom of this. I never heard of a Josh and I’m not sure which Josh you are referring to but I would like to know. I felt as Nick and penny and Chris were my family and they will always be my family.
Mark wood
Hey Nick. It’s mark. We all want answers and not a day goes by that I don’t think of Chris and you and your mom. It’s been hard on me to and we was young back then and we went threw some really hard times and to go threw losing your brother and my best friend at such a young age messed me up and started a downward spiral for me and it’s time everybody gets some justice for Chris. We had alot of good memories growing up and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Love you brother
I'm not sure what it is that you are trying to imply, but it sounds like you are saying that his son is responsible for his death. Wild assumptions like that are incredibly hurtful to those that actually know the family, and I would greatly appreciate it if you would remove your comment.
Phil, I don’t think Laura was trying to be hurtful but rather just offering a theory. She and many others are now fully aware that Justin had nothing whatsoever to do with his father’s death, and that a female was responsible for deliberately running down Nimmo with her pickup truck.
This whole case became doubly tragic when Justin took his own life just eight months after his father’s murder. Perhaps Justin’s death could have been avoided had one of the (many) eyewitnesses stepped forward to provide details about who killed his father so an arrest could be made.
When witnesses remain silent, the killer is free to go on to commit other crimes — even other murders. When several individuals witness a murder, there is simply no excuse for all to remain silent. I greatly admire the person (who was *not* present at the crime scene but had reliable evidence about the incident) who came forward and provided ICC with the information that we in turn passed on to the DCI. I personally believe the tipster had solid information that will hold up in a court of law. I only wish some of these “tipster heroes” could be publicly thanked, but doing so would only put another life in jeopardy. I consider these people “heroic” because they have absolutely nothing to gain by providing the information, and do so simply because they have a conscience and want to do what’s right.
So sorry for your loss! Not only Mr. Nimmo but his son.. A hard one to swallow for one family. I do have a question.
I understand that the police and detectives said they didn’t think that at the time there was any foul play. But even in accidents , hit and runs, don’t they always do investigation anyway? Also collecting evidence .. Hence the tire tracks. At any case, these people who have come forward…Is this not enough evidence to pick em up? The guilty party…
Secrets in St Ansgar, Osage, Stacyville, and we have murders, assaults, thefts, and sexual abuse used in hazing by the same ‘good old boys’ mentality that the group used to torture and kill my son, Adam. The Mitchell County Liability attorney, Rourick, when Adam was killed, is still refusing to give out information to a parent that asked for it, like when I and Adam’s Probate attorney subpoenaed Adam’s autopsy report, Poet’s Ethanol Exposure Patch, (that Adam is wearing in the pictures the Iowa State Highway Patrolman took before the group of St Ansgar and Osage good old boys tortured, mashed, and killed Adam) and the names of the good old boys in the 26 pictures killing my son. Palas Graham the Iowa Highway Patrolman also refused to investigate or arrest anyone of the Good Old Boys, as well as, Mark Walk the then Mitchell County Attorney, who refused to press charges or investigate and has gone on refusing information into Adam and his Dad’s murders, while threatening me if I didn’t sign off on my share of a family farm and my own farm that the group built an illegal flood channel through to drain Cedar (W) Township down a line of sinkholes. Lee Rood’s small article in the November 13th, 2015, Des Moines Register is on page 3 and 4, and won’t be noticed, but this on-going Good Old Boys power in Mitchell County is polluting the water Downstream through Floyd County and has now affected one of the Waterloo Waterworks wells.
Rourick was my Mom’s attorney… For Her Will & Property Before She Passed Away In 2017..He Is As Crooked As They Come.. Can’t Trust Him.. I Was Going To Take Him & My Aunt To Court On The Shit They Were Pulling With My Mom’s Property & He Was So Scared That He Had To Hire An Attorney Of His Own To Represent Him Because Of All His Wrong Doings .Then My Aunt Bribed My Son Tyler With Money To Drop The Court Case Because I’m Sure We Would Have Had No Problem Proving Them Wrong But My Son Signed Off On It So We Never Did Have Our Day In Court……..
Can’t believe it’s been 2 years! Miss u Leroy Gordon!
Prayers to the family
Well, I wrote that post from my WordPress blog and it shared it here as it should, but I have *no* idea why it inserted the Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers logo into the post! (Nothing about them is mentioned in the blog post.) Looks like I need to do some digging into some default settings! :-)
Sad
I can't believe such a case of dropping the ball for justice for this poor girl. How could the people surrounding this case have allowed two local low level law and order officials get away with this?
Please contact the Cold Case television show and let them investigate this matter.
$25???? Wow!! What a POS!
So sad, my mind cannot conceive doing something like this… I do believe whomever did this, will pay for it one way or another, if they haven’t already.
A life lost over $25. Shame
That’s is so messed up! I pray someone comes forward.
I met Jane when we were both teaching for WACO schools, a consolidated school district in southern IA, about 30 miles south of Iowa City where Jane lived. Jane and I were so happy to find each other as we were both from the Twin Cities, both the same age, height and weight. And we were the only women on staff who smoked cigarettes. Jane helped me with plays I directed at Olds High School. When I gave birth to my son at the little hospital in Wayland, there were complications and somehow, Jane was able to sneak in to see me (only family was allowed). She brought me cute baby gifts and much needed emotional support.
I met her husband John once and saw where they lived. Jane confided in me that she was very unhappy in her marriage.
I moved back to MN. One day I was surprised by a visit from detectives who informed me of Jane’s “missing” status and what they thought had likely happened to her. I was crushed. I wanted so badly to return to Iowa. But what could I have done?
I have never gotten over this. I visited Jane’s parents once after we moved back to MN. I wish I had kept her parent’s contact information. I would have liked to stay in touch with them.
Still missing my wonderful friend Jane.
Are Jane Wakefield’s parents still alive?
I, KNOW DEEP DOWN IN MY HEART PAUL WOULD NEVER TAKE IS LIFE. HE, HAD TO MUCH TO LIVE FOR. HE, HAD FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT LOVED AND CARED ABOUT, HIM VERY MUCH. I BEEN FRIENDS WITH THE FAMILY FOR MANY YEARS. I , USE TO BABY SET FOR THE KIDS…PAUL, WAS ALWAYS THERE IF YOU NEED’ED HELP. I TO HOPE AND PRAY SOMEONE COMES FORWARD… ”REST IN PEACE PAUL…. LOVE, AND MISS YU MY FRIEND…
Dennis, thank you for commenting, and please know that Council Bluffs police detectives *are* currently looking into this case. We’d recently received some new information about this case (I won’t name names here in order to protect identities) but the info was forwarded along to Council Bluffs investigators, who were very interested and now looking further into what initially was a suspected suicide. (And a well staged one at that!) Paul would be so pleased that his friends and family have never given up in seeing justice served in his death. You all (and Paul) deserve nothing less.
PAUL, YOU ARE MISSED EVERDAY. YOU, WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON IN ALL OUR HEARTS….YOU, WERE A GOOD FRIEND. I MISS YOU VERY MUCH. ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND IN MY HEART…
Is Maureen's husband alive? If so, where does he live now? Thank You.
Who did she borrow the money from?
Someone from that area.
Someone very familiar with that local area, from the work, to the apartment to the hunting area where she was found. The case hasn't been too overbearing with news or media and no one has been labeled a suspect, so he probably is there.
Someone from around that apartment area, in a man who lived in the apartmetn, owned the apartment, did work for the apartment, that she had acquainted with, perhaps someone she felt as a new or old friend-
Another theory is that Maureen's feet were tired and she had taken off her shoes, and was walking to get her paycheck. She encountered this man and he picked her up and gave her a ride. I would say that with no visable defense wounds that she did know the killer-or
Lived as kids Dana and her killer, in which he dumped her at a local similar hunting area in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
Maureen not having anyshoe s in small towns in NW Arkansas s on means she could have known the killer and was at his house/apartment (usually within about 5 miles of each other), and he became violent and hit her to knock her out (and didn't even know who he hit or why) and took the body as if it were not Maureen (and that she now was an enemy) and placed her where she was found. She could have been walking and he picked her up, and she either took her shoes off or she didn't have them on this was in September the weather could have been nice that day, is there a pond or water nearby, maybe where they went walking? *Read the Dana L. Stidham (google name) for a similar case (very consistent) with this victim, and her age. Dana's killer is known (a local classmate-area resident lived as kid
Jennifer, her feet were clean. These two cases don’t sound similar at all. Maureen died in Iowa. Do you think a guy who killed his classmate in Arkansas would travel to Iowa to kill Maureen? That makes no sense. Neither does the comment about not knowing who he hit, why he hit, and that she was the enemy. I would find pain in reading these musings if I were a family member. Remember, her family reads this.
I am going to research this case, as a criminal profiler and locate the killer, it may take me several weeks, but I'm going to attempt it and try it for Maureen Brubaker Farley. *I have some free time over the next few months with winter months arriving soon, so this will be added to my list of cold cases to "solve" and anyone who'd like to email me (jenniferjbland@yahoo.com) Remembering Dana L. Stidham "friend" "victim" 1989 Bella Vista, Arkansas (case is solved) waiting for more evidence to take to court trial.
Jim, thanks so much for the information. We'd been told the house had been razed, but I've since deleted that information. I appreciate your having taken time to share your thoughts!
Shannon my heart goes out to you. I live in Johnson county were recently they had a cold case (Susan Petersen/Stephen Klien) solvers after 20 years due to the tv show cold justice. Have you ever considered contacting them? Never give up on justice for your baby. Karma is something else and that woman will get hers. Didn’t anyone find it odd she moved away right after as well? Good luck to you and hope to see some good news on this case soon.
I found it totally odd, and I’m looking in to some options, but what the real shame is the baby, Ida she got custody of, instead of her real mother or the grahlman family. My heart aches every day and one day I will get the justice jaymie and Jay deserve.
Good luck to you Shannon… Never give up
ICC has many arson cases listed on the site, and in every single one, the fire was set to cover up another crime. The thermal burns on Jaymie’s body have distinct lines of demarcation and her legs have circumferential burns, both of which are consistent with scalding burns. (Burns by flash, flame or scalding all result in “thermal” burns.) The average person uses cold water to alleviate burns, and Jaymie was found laid out in a supine (face-up) position in the bathtub. She had no singeing to her hair despite the thermal burns to her face that extended well beyond her hairline. With all the screaming and commotion going on after the fire began, no 6-1/2-year-old child would purposely choose to lie down in a bathtub as if simply going to sleep. She wouldn’t have been taking a bath near midnight when everyone else was asleep. Had she been conscious, she could easily have made it out of the bathroom. But, when firefighters bring a child into an emergency room and say she’s just been rescued from a “house fire,” who would even stop to question, even for a second, that her injuries might be scalding burns? Unconscious people still breathe, which explains the small amount of soot found in her lungs. This case should have been reopened years ago, but it’s not too late. This sweet little girl deserves nothing less.
I completely agree. I spend my nights going thru your cases on here and I cant believe how many of them are unsolved when it’s so obvious who the killer/killers is just from reading the facts presented. I cant imagine the heartbreak for the families involved. My thoughts and prayers are always with them.
Shawna, I also do the same. It just makes me sick that growing up in CR I was told it was SO safe. I counted up all the total cold cases here in CR and IA and I was shocked! If I had the money, I would do this full time to help. It is just SO sad that no one really did a thing back then on all of these or even now with all the horrible things going on here in CR.
And when I do call , the fire investigator is forwarded my messengers, the guys stated in this never call me at all… something fishy is going on
Jaymie is my daughter and I agree with checking in to Vicki , but she was not Jaymie step mom, I have called and called on this matter an Noone will return my calls , my daughter can Jay just don’t seem to matter to anyone and they are letting a murderer live her life like it never happened !
Why havent they looked into this step mom because it seems to me she was doing it all for attention and then push the blame off on the mentally handicap guy.
Vicki Szemkus Renne Traci Szemkus
I remember this one like it was yesterday
He died on the operating table. his wife had signed the permission papers for them to replace a blocked artery. She became depressed after his death thinking it was her fault he died. She and her husband were very close and always traveled together. She never had a diver's license since he was her main means of transportation. She did buy a bus ticket that took her as far as Colorado. After that, she disappeared. Social Security wouldn't give out any information as to whether she was receiving benefits in another state. She did have a brother living in Texas and that was where her son, Ed, thought she had gone. She never showed up there and she never surfaced again.
The house she and her husband lived in has not been razed. It's still standing and as a matter of fact, the letter 'M' is still on the screen door.
Odd that the date of death is apparently the day he was found??
With Elizabeth and Lyric, their date of death was listed as the day they went missing. Probably a family choice.
Lisa, yes, I know it seems strange, but even if a body’s skeletal remains are found, the date of death will often end up correlating to the date when found. In some instances, if a person goes missing and they are only gone about 2 weeks or so (and decomposition shows they’ve been dead approx. 2 weeks) then family will use the date of death as the date the person went missing. After seven months, it would be hard to tell, even though it’s almost certain Brian Dietrich died the same night he went missing.
I agree 100%, Lisa. Families know his/her loved ones and also know whether or not they’d just “up and take off.” On the ICC website, just like Brian’s case above, I use the likely date of death (when he first went missing) to honor his life and memory, rather than the date his body was found. Families “may” have hope a loved one is still alive, but when skeletal remains are found, the person clearly didn’t die within the past 24 hours.
I was deputy for 10 years after this case and never did know anything about this until reading this article. I left the Union County sheriffs dept in 1981. for a position out of law enforcement, I now wonder why there was never anything about this case in all tha time
dept
How incredibly sad. Why hasn’t anyone looked into this supposed step-mother?? It was obviously her.
Sad to see she has not been found yet…I will keep her family & friends in my thoughts and prayers
Ron Williams bragged about killing Corine to my cousin in prison. He told the
same story to an acquaintance.
Is the Ron Williams your talking about short and kind of heavy, had a wife named Christine?
The Ron Williams I knew was not short or stocky, back when I knew him.
Could you please share more on this. I always thought he might have been involved.
In response to the post regarding Ron Williams, there are pictures of him on Facebook under Ronald Williams Fort Dodge, Iowa both thin and heavy set. The heavy set picture of him looks exactly like the man who tried to get me to get into his truck within the time frame Corrine went missing. It was a red truck with a black fence. I’m telling you I’ve always had a feeling in my heart this was connected since I was young. If you have any further questions please DM me through Facebook. I would hate to not report information that could be helpful in finding justice. Thank you. I messaged Letitia DenHartog through messenger but it does not go through.
I so hope you are on to something and this could be solved is this guy still alive??this case has been on my mind for years and is so sad that the family has not had answers.
This guy is definitely still alive! I live in Fort Dodge. He’s a freaking creep!
Have you told the police?? He is still living n Fort Dodge even if you feel it’s nothing at least if you come forward you did something
Bird, please share more about this.
He came and went in this area. Was involved with many women including Tonya Nauman and a girl last name Ossian sister to Jeff. He and Rick Riepe were arrested for burglary of the Long Branch bar in Arispe during a snowstorm..They walked into town.and back to Riepes house on his grandparents farm. The snow stoped shortly after and they were easily tracked to the farm.
Has anyone come forward about those “confessions” Ron is still alive and lives in Fort Dodge he said s very well known here
i hope you get some news..
there is just so much wrong in this homicide and cover up prehaps.
So very sad
This is just so messed up. Affairs, fights and murder….a teenage witness who could tell everything she heard and saw. How disgusting this was allowed to be handled this way. The victim may not have been an innocent piece in this game either, but murder is murder, we’ll unless you live in Creston I guess.
Just another cover up Union co style I remember this I grew up in Creston knew the Loy kids so sad no justice for victum
Imogene passed away November 2018
Thanks so much for letting me know about Imogene’s recent death. I hadn’t known that. I’ll be going to hunt down her obituary.
New Novel, JUGGERNAUT by Ruth Forrest Glenn
Hold on. How can elected officials “forbid an autopsy”? Where were the police and medical examiner? This one needs a longer explanation.
There has got to be more to this story.
Holy crap! That is insane! I hope something can be done and these low lifes get thrown in jail. Makes me sick
Yes, there actually “is” [far] more to this story. Legally, elected officials (i.e. the county sheriff, the county attorney) cannot forbid an autopsy, particularly when the death is of a mysterious nature, but they did so anyway because they knew who’d killed her and neither of the two men wanted their personal lives dragged into the case. Three individuals were present at Elaine’s apt. the night she was killed: the county sheriff (Don Loy), the sheriff’s wife (Imogene), and the sheriff’s lover (his secretary, Jule Sturznegger, who later would become his wife after Don and Imogene divorced). Both Loy and Rolfe were *allegedly* having an affair with the decedent, which complicated matters further. Had an autopsy been conducted, it would have shown Elaine was strangled, and from there would be the obvious questions of who had motive to kill her? Put it this way — the night of Elaine’s death, she had called the Loy’s home and spoken to Imogene, and the decedent made a comment that infuriated Imogene, who, incidentally, was widely known in the community (and her own family) for employing “choking methods” when she got angry with someone. After the phone call, Imogene immediately left to go to Elaine’s apartment, and once Don Loy and Sturznegger found out, both she and Don went to Elaine’s apt. to ensure Imogene didn’t do something stupid. Nobody really knows what happened once all three were there with Elaine, or if Elaine was already dead by the time Don and Jule arrived, but in the (still dark) early morning hours on Sunday, County Attorney Rolfe showed up at the Loy’s home where an argument ensued amongst the four individuals, with Imogene trying to attack her husband, who instructed her to “keep her mouth shut” about what happened. This conversation all took place before Elaine’s brother even found her body. Deputy Sheriff Jim Hildebrand (who was first to arrive on scene, along with acting chief of police Marion Manley, both of whom instantly knew it was a homicide), tried to get both Loy and Rolfe to call in the state for assistance, but they refused. Hildebrand insisted on an autopsy, both but Loy and Rolfe denied that request, too, stating it was an accident and that Elaine had been drinking “alone” (despite the 2 glasses found there) and that she’d fallen from a chair and against the wall, thus “shutting off her own airway.” Despite the choke marks around her neck, they deemed it an unfortunate accident and didn’t call in the county medical examiner for an autopsy. Loy’s wife Imogene was all-too-aware of her husband’s extramarital affairs with both Jule and Elaine, but Rolfe’s wife (allegedly) knew nothing about his alleged affair with Elaine, and he had political ambitions — a lot to lose. By covering up Elaine’s murder and calling it an accident, both the county sheriff and attorney were able to go on with life as if nothing happened. Jim Hildebrand, who went on to serve 37 years with law enforcement (part in Iowa, part in Calif.) has been haunted for years over how his boss participated in the cover-up. Jim has tried for years to get the then-BCI and even the DCI to exhume Elaine’s body and *finally* conduct an investigation, but nothing has been done thus far.
In Iowa Code 331.802, see #7. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/331.802.pdf
All these actions were taken (insisting the county attorney apply for a court order requiring the body to be exhumed) but we already know who served then as the county attorney. Ignore things long enough, and some think things will just “go away.” Elaine’s murder is not going away, and there are several individuals working behind the scenes to exhume her body even today. Of the four who met that night in the Loy’s home to plan the cover-up, three are still alive. Don Loy passed away (from cancer) in 1992 at age 62.
Seems like we have allot of unsolved murders in this state
Fire is terrible. I know he was dead but…. I know there’s cremation…..I know you don’t feel anything…
Who can forbid an autopsy?
I’m glad they’re still studying these cases. I hate that these people were killed and their murder is still unsolved…..but….I do like reading all I can about them. Weird I know. Wish I was into forensics and could help solve crimes!
I do the same thing
I love ID on TV…Dr G Medical Examiner, John Walsh….Forensic Files….etc
If people knew about this why didn’t they speak up before now, I don’t understand it, wouldn’t you want to know who killed a loved one ?
This one needs to be memorialized on a different scale then the rest of these cases. Wow. I’m sure everyone involved is dead by now, so someone should be able to come clean.
Time for a new park…
Laura Edmondson, no, only one of those involved in the cover-up is dead. County Sheriff Don Loy died in 1992.
Wow.
I pray someone comes forward. This is sad.
this stinks of an inside job…but hey, w/o an autopsy or investigation…we’ll never know…
I remember this like yesterday good ole boy system in c town cover up
They are still crooks today from county attorney to city cops. Kenyon runs it all.
Why would I get 3 emails on this comment today?
sad… that family knows something… hope they can’t sleep at night
Other Order CONMEY LARRY J 07/23/1999 07/23/1999 07/23/1999
Comments: LEANNE THOMAS IS TO BE PERMANENT GUARDIAN
AND CONSERVATOR OF SAMSON KNIGHT AND PERMITTED
TO MOVE FROM THE STATE OF IOWA TO CALIFORNIA
WITH SAMSON KNIGHT. DONALD KNIGHT’S
VISITATIONS SHALL BE SUPERVISED UNITL FURTHER
COURT ORDER.
If you go to Google News Archive and search under Laura’s name, there are several articles on the case from the Cedar Rapids – Iowa City Gazette. The results said they were pay-for-view – but when I clicked on the links the articles showed up freely.
Some interesting information from these articles…
Dec. 31/96 – “A judge has awarded temporary custody of Laura Van Wyhe’s 16-month-old son to Van Wyhe’s mother, rather than the child’s father. In his ruling released Monday, Judge David Remley stated that long-term alcohol and drug abuse, among other factors, prevents Donald Knight III from being a suitable guardian for his son, Samson.” According to the article, Donald and Laura’s relationship ended in July ’96, after Donald had been physically abusive toward her. However, Donald continued to work for Laura’s mother’s catering business until Nov. ’96.
“After Van Wyhe’s death, Knight helped care for Samson at Thomas’ residence. When Thomas confronted Knight on Nov. 11 about a bag of marijuana she’d found in the baby’s room, Knight took Samson to Bonaparte. Samson has been living in Bonaparte since that time.”
Jan. 4/97 – Donald appealed the above ruling.
Apr. 27/97 – “Van Wyhe had visited Reynolds-Knight’s home for a birthday party Oct. 25, the night before she died. She said Van Wyhe went to spend the night with Tony and Sarah Bergman in nearby Kahoka because there weren’t enough beds for everyone in Bonaparte. Sarah Bergman is Reynolds-Knight’s daughter.
‘It was a family affair – Molly (Tony and Sarah Bergman’s daughter), Laura and Sam were camping out in the living room,” she said. “That’s the last time anyone saw her.'”
According to the article, a Missouri State Police detective “expressed frustration” that the Bergmans had refused to submit to polygraph tests.
Feb. 1/99 – “Sgt. Randy King of the Missouri Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control reports that the people who were with Van Wyhe the night she died have retained lawyers and are no longer talking with the police.”
Police have said they did not believe Laura was struck by a vehicle in the spot where where she was found, and do not know whether she was struck intentionally or accidentally.
She could have decided to flee from the house for some reason like an argument (is the house fairly close to town?), and taken the baby and some important items (but yes, why baby food on a paper plate?). I believe that in one of the articles someone speculated whether someone could have brought the baby back to the house. Or had Laura ever made it to the Bergmans’ house at all?
Interestingly, according to this page, Rebecca Reynolds-Knight served as State Representative from Jan. ’97 to Jan ’03, so presumably she would have been campaigning for office at the time of Laura’s death.
Dear Family of Bill and Kay,
Not a week goes by that Bill and Kay come to mind and I think of all of you and say a prayer. your in my thoughts always and praying that some peace will come to you soon.
sincerely, linda
It makes my heart happy that people still care about my family’s feelings as we still haven’t had complete closure, thank you.
toni you are my world and my best friend i love you and miss you a lot
i will see you again someday and when i do im never letting go i know you missed out on alot some bad things happend when you were gone but i thought of you to keep me sain mommy says hi and misses you with all her heart ariel did not cry but i know deep in side she did i miss you —mindy your grand daughter
Mindy, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and comments here, and please know how sorry I am for your loss. I honestly thought this case was one that would be swiftly solved, and it’s hard to believe it’s been more than four years since I first heard the news.
Grandparents play such a very special role in our lives, and it saddens me that you lost him at such a young age. Investigators are still working on this case and I have confidence they’ll be able to put all the pieces together and bring about justice in this senseless crime. All my best to you and your family. Jody at ICC
Please contact me 515-344-9533.
Did anyone ever contact you?
this is the grand daughter of bill im am now 11 and i miss him very much
Sad.
Brea Alexander we were just in Bonaparte!
So sad.
Are the people that gave statements reliable? One bothers me a little
The sheriff department does not have the forensic ability to conduct proper supsious deaths let alone possible murders. And have failed to call in proper people to do so because of financial reasons. It’s a shame people have gotten away with murder because of someone or somebody’s decided the cost of having a forensic team come do the investigation. I have lost a friend to her husband a former deputy reserve murdered her and got away with it. Also during the period when two body’s of females murder victims was found . a long time after word’s I reported a possible grave site. Hower I was being charged with theft of none value wire to the railroad. Which I was not convicted of. No efforts were took to locate grave or bring in a cadaver dog or proper people to attempt to investigation my story. James Eugene anglen
Sad. Let’s solve this crime.
Let’s solve these!!!
Wow,this is so sad it been 10 years and they ain't heard nothing!! This is crazy!!
:(
Did they ever question who the young man was that was with her when they found her??? Seems like that’s where they should have started their investigation.
Of course they did. Sounds like a classic second guesser question.
Would love these to be on a show.
i will never forget u R.I.P
Thank you for all responses
God, help these senseless crimes be solved. Amen
By reading the story…. I kinda think justice was served.
For him….
God will get them
I didn’t know Marlon, however the photo I saw of him told me so much. The sparkle in his eyes and the love showing on his face for the little one he was holding showed me that this world is a much sadder place without him. As for the people that know something about his murder and aren’t assisting the police, they are cowards, a brave person would step up, they would help solve this murder so that his family and friends would be able to move on, not have questions in the back of their minds, not wonder every day why someone would kill this wonderful person that they love, and I use the present tense, because you never stop loving that person. But they have not…and it is something that they will have to live with and it will follow them and haunt them in everything they do and everywhere they go and in the end I just want them to remember one thing, it all measures out at the end.
thank you so much he lived with me he was like a brother to me and thanks for talking good about him he was a very good kid
I pray justice is served. I pray for the family.
I’m afraid no one will ever be convicted for these murders. This happened while I lived in Emmetsburg and it was awful!
I agree Diana Wilson
Sick people out there!
I think of Rhonda almost evertime I go by the memorial. I remember her from scholl.- such a sad loss as she was a wonderful person and came from a very nice family.
Alisia..I am so sorry for your loss..and I cannot imagine the pain your famliy has gone through. However, I don’t think it’s necessary to use such foul language towards anyone who comments here. You can certainly get your point across in a better way. I’m not judging you, because as I have said..I have no idea what kind of pain you’ve experienced for years. But I really think you can be heard better without the language you use in your posts. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
This my mom’s case please see your way out of this site period!!!!
I believe this is an open forum, and I do not have to leave this site. Period!!
Are you really bored or something you nothing else to do but comment on here , no it’s rude of you get a life lady!!!!
I will report your posts on my dead mother’s cold case file as of now!
Alisia, I’m sorry that the comments left here on your mother’s case have angered you. These are individuals who cared enough about your mother’s death to take time to stop what they were doing, read about her case, and comment on her unsolved murder.
I’ve not seen any comments here that were inappropriate (people will always have opinions as to who was responsible, and even you provided a name as to who you thought was responsible), but please know the investigating agencies do read these comments and some of them could prove quite helpful in solving your mom’s case.
This may be the page honoring “your” mother’s life and her unsolved death, but that does not mean others are not allowed to post comments. People post comments on stories that affect them because they care. I hope you can somehow see their concern through their words while coping with the anger at having lost someone so near and dear to you.
For those of us who’ve lost a loved one and the killer has yet to be charged or held accountable, we all stand on those same grounds of anger. Hopefully, though, someone may come along and comment and provide that last missing puzzle piece investigators need to solve your mom’s murder. My heart truly goes out to you.
What a shame someone knows what happened give the family closer
So young..
So stinking sad; (
I agree with you Christina Harris, 100 percent.
Give his family closer. Prayers that someone will come forward.
That’s a shame when ppl won’t talk cause if it happens to their loved one they would want ppl to talk. Hope someone comes forward
Stabbed to death seems awfully personal….
i think it is a shame that this poor individual has never been claimed. was there any identifying marks, tattoos, etc that they can tell us about. what about DNA testing if they have any ideas who this might be. I think that they have given up on the man totally. just so sad in my opinion
I’ve read somewhere that there was a suspect in this case and he was a law enforcement officer.
How sad! 30 people at that party, and not one with enough compassion and a concience to just speak up.
Sm1s always watchn, so u know sm1 seen smthn!! People a tell u everything else except what you need to know!!
That may have been a long time ago but, justice should still be served! That’s how I feel about it. And the family deserves justice!
Are you serious! The police dropped the damn charges. Those witness should be in jail for lieing!
Exactly!
Or even for lying
Drive by shootings are so senseless!
That’s a long time!!!
So sad
Tragic and sad,,…..
I agree with you Linda Hall, and it’s very sad.
Wow what a horrendous injustice.
She was a nice girl. She went to school in Emmetsburg for a while!
I’ve never even heard about this case. Thanks for sharing!
it just sucks that someone could do this to him or any other human being and get away with it.
Sad that people don’t speak up and do the right thing!
All of these stories are heart breaking, but this touches my heart even more having 3 young children of my own. Someone please speak up? Even the smallest detail could be a big break in the case!
I have repeatedly told authorities who did this…corruption goes all the way up….
Have u tried calling the state dci instead of your local law enforcement
I went to the local PD 25 years ago and was basically laughed at-they Al got new cars on the force in exchange for favors…I emailed Cold Case investigators. My biggest regret is Doug’s parents dying without resolution.
Turn it in again. Either way, justice needs served. Message cold case and give them a lead :)
Don’t stop until you find someone who will listen!
Agreed, the rest of his damily needs closure!! Pray you find someone that will listen and do what needs to be done!!
I will keep trying, but it gets so frustrating. And I have tried to find the guy that did it, his wife, his kids…it’s like they vanished.
Who
Who vanished? Or who did it? The one that puiled the trigger, his wife and boys vanished…I can find no trace of them…I have looked on Facebook, Iowa Courts Online…I don’t feel comfortable naming the killer in a public forum. It wasn’t First Degree Murder, the shot was not intended to kill…but if it was covered up for so many years, I am not sure what would happen to me if I said the name on here.
Come on surly someone .seen some thing.please
They checked in at 7:40. I’m curious what the time of death was. Also, she was dressed: did the autopsy determine if she had had sexual intercourse? Did she dress after? Why? It’s faster for a guy to get dressed than a female, especially if it was to answer the door. Did she leave to go back to the bar? They ordered room service: what time was it ordered? Was the cutlery and food still in the room, or had it been placed outside? Toothpaste all over the bathtub: what can toothpaste be used to clean better than soap and water?
Toothpaste is good for cleaning carpet stains, clothing stains (lipstick/ink), leather scuffs, rubber parts of tennis shoes, tar, helps pimples, bruises, bug bites, burns, can be used as hair gel, hand deodorizer, mirror defogger, skin rashes (like poison ivy/oak), as a goggles defogger (I’m thinking of construction workers, welders, paint ballers, and divers), resolves scratches in glass and plastic, and more.
What was the word “THIS” on the door they found written in? was it the toothpaste ? Was there any other crimes that were committed have similar things found that were written at those cases?
Thanks, Theresa. I did some Googling, and apparently toothpaste has been recommended to remove bloodstains that haven’t been set. These murders were brutal and violent. Perhaps the murderer had blood on him after, the only thing available was the toothpaste Rose and Roger brought, so the killer used that, water and their toothbrush to clean his stains. Then, he had to sit around for his clothes to dry, maybe in a chair watching TV and carving a random bar of soap.
If the murder weapon wasn’t something in the room, the killer brought it with him and took it when he left.
The serial killer uncle: his crimes were largely involved with the killing of homosexuals. I doubt he was involved in this, different MO.
Tammy, I know you lost most of your stuff in the fire mentioned. Would you be willing to contact me and share some of what you do have?
I think you have made very viable assumptions with the information that has been offered in this case. I suspect you are right that the murderer cleaned up himself/axe-like weapon, and then carved the soap with the same weapon in hopes to ensure it was as clean as possible before leaving. The sitting around in the room makes a great deal of sense. Then while waiting to dry off, needed something to do for entertainment (carving the soap/writing on the mirror/watching tv/looking for money). I believe the word “This” written on the mirror says a great deal about the person who did this, and I no longer believe the perpetrator sat, and had a conversation with them unless they had already been attacked.
Good Lord in heaven. What a terrible set if genetic psychopathy runs in the family this poor lady married in to. Talk about wolves in sheep's clothing.
This remains an active and important investigation at the SLPD. Follow the SLPD Facebook page tomorrow (10/17) the 20th anniversary date for an updated plea for information.
Any distinguishing features? Caucasian?
It’s so unfortunate things like this happen when there are those Safe Haven places they can drop a newborn no questions asked!!! (not sure they had those back then but still – someone would have gladly taken this sweet child!!)
Test
Hope they kept DNA sample from infant to run against possibles
You would think with the technology these days they would be able to find her parents through DNA
It wasn’t as common to take DNA back in 1995(?), but maybe they did.
Storm lakes not that big, but they have had a infiltration of the spanish and asians in the last 20 plus years, in 1986 I seen more of them than whites, not that I’m racist, I’m not, just saying that the chances of this being someone that was there for only a while, and then had this happen, and then had to flee because of what they did? seems funny that in 20 years there’s nothing? so maybe that true that who ever did it left and who knows where they went?
r.i.p. lil one.
I still say….Who can do such a thing? Poor baby! So sickening!!!!
This is so heartbreaking. I hope the parents are found one day.
Sad.
R.I.P Sweet Angel.
I worked at the SLPD when this happened. Many hours were spent looking for answers for this baby. I still think about it.
I was working at St Luke’s when they brought the baby in for x rays, I ended up crying. I was the worst of abuse and neglect I had seen.
I was pregnant when this happened and while I didnt to look at the pictures at first I looked when I was in the office alone. Sad.
How sad for all of you and that little man that would be 20 today.
Wouldnt they have as to who lived there at the time or talk to the landlord or neighbors
Believe me..all of these people were interviewed. Multiple times.
R.I.p. little one.
Yes, I do. Long dark hair, I believe.
Find me on Facebook Malissa Lincoln-McGregor I’m in a picture w my mom
I looked and I remember your mom too. She worked with me at the Cave and we had a mutual friend named GiGi that also worked there.
Please don’t tell me you were a stripper, Malissa
motive is to scare others…mistaken identity..
What is so sad is that if these boys were under aged at the time, the law would have been more lenient. Even today, if they admitted their guilt, the law would consider this. It is obvious that they perceive their life as more important than anyone else around them. Will one of them leave a letter of admission after they die, and name the others? Will any one of them try to make restitution for the hurt they have caused, or will they decide that even in memory for their own self, will they continue to deny their complicity to killing a human being?
Theresa I can only hope that one of them would leave a letter. But I doubt it. As far as restitution I don’t want their money It was money that I believe got him killed in the first place.
Christina, Donald Piper, currently 54 YOA, is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole in the Iowa State Penitentiary. He was convicted in the murders of Patricia Lange and hotel worker Zurijeta Sakanovic, and remains a “suspect” in Mariana Redrovan’s 1998 death as well as Julie Bell Davis from 1997. He is a known serial killer, though I don’t recall Ms. Ponce’s name being mentioned in any of the articles. (And I could certainly be wrong.) Two great links of reference are and https://mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/monsters-among-us-donald-piper/.
Wasn’t this the one where a reporter found the baseball bat during a live broadcast, and some people thought it was all staged? (No, the reporter was not a suspect.)
Not during a broadcast but on a walk from his vehicle to Corey’s house for help, his vehicle wouldn’t start.
Sorry, I couldn’t remember all the details.
i think I remeber hearing about this case.
Are there any suspects?
Sounds like it was over a girl
Hope this gets solved!
Corey was a great friend, neighbor and classmate of mine. … RIP, you will never be forgotten. I keep the hope alive that someday this will be solved. Miss you friend!
I really despise these situations..where affluent families “fix” things for their rotten children. Taking the life of an innocent, kind man just for “fun” disgusts me to no end. I hope their lives have been horrible..they do not deserve any sort of happiness..I don’t care how heartless that sounds. These “boys” were the heartless ones..and someday they WILL pay.
Thank you Sandy for the kind words Uncle Joe would appreciate it very much. I decided a long time ago that if they were not caught and punished in this lifetime they sure are going to pay in the next life. I like you, hope that their lives were horrible. You are not a heartless person. I want to thank you for caring. He truly was a good man.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
As Chairman of the Fox River Watershed, could it be possible that Mr. Deatsch said something inflammatory to someone along the watershed? http://publications.iowa.gov/4693/1/fox%5B1%5D.pdf
Theresa, it’s possible you may be onto something here. I have no proof that Chuck’s death had anything to do with the Fox River Watershed, but it wouldn’t be the first (or second) time an Iowan was killed due to water issues, including anhydrous ammonia and nitrates. Both Adam Lack and his father, Gary Lack were killed over the rights for Iowans to have clean water. (Up in Mitchell County, an illegally drained point source pollution plume has also taken many lives via hormone-feeding cancerous tumors.)
In Iowa, the DNR’s loyalties are no secret. The Lacks lived about 200 miles directly north (as the crow flies) from where Chuck and Liz lived.
Incidentally, Adam Lack was killed just 2-1/2 months after Chuck.
I’ve been obsessed with this case since I read this about a year ago. I wish there was more information about it or a way to track down some of the people involved back in the day.
There are so many elements to this that make it seem more than just another random killing. It’s frustrating when cases like this go unsolved.
It says that there is a new comment but I do not see it
Hi Pam, I am from Hoover too. This family has been through so much…Prayers for them, may God Bless them.
I think it’s safe to say the DCI/Mahaska County/Oskaloosa authorities have no desire to solve this case. Why? Because someone at an influential level has stifled it all these years. It was probably a murder for hire done by either a relative or someone close to Ed. The altered will should be the first clue- and maybe closer scrutiny of the executor. This case should have been solved a long, long time ago
Wow. Almost 30 years
please read over this case and help if you ban
Thank you for keeping these cases fresh. It’s so important.
Thanks so much, Gina!
Wow they should really be looking into the staff there at Hillcrest and start with the people who sent him there.
God bless this to be solved, now.
The teachers didn’t treat him very well….but we’ve come a long way since that time. I feel sorry for the life he had. I hope you can find who did this to him.
Brutal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_American_Crime
An American Crime is a 2007 American crime drama film …based on the true story of the torture and murder of Sylvia Likens by Indianapolis housewife Gertrude Baniszewski.
In later years, that woman’s daughter taught school in Iowa.
My sister taught at the same school with the daughter of Gertrude Baniszewski.
Wow! Too close to home.
So very sad. My heart goes out to his family
Thank you for sharing Kenny’s case!!!!! I went to school with Kenny and his sister!!! My brother played baseball with him. My family had moved out to California. I will never forget when I got the letter in the mail from a friends about Kenny’s death…my brother and I were devastated!!!!!
Thanks so much for posting, Kim. It’s so hard losing childhood friends, especially given the circumstances of how he died. He seemed like such a happy and friendly little guy. I’m sorry for your loss. Jody at ICC
Was Donald Piper involved in this murder?
So sorry! Hope you find who did this. Sounds like the bar needs to closed!
There was a homicide of a Black Woman case#2594 Helen Clayton in Harlem, New York in March of 1973. I think the Medical Exam
Was John F. Furey.searching for newspaper article of the March 23, 1973 incident. Respectfully, Rosegarden1951@yahoo.com
JUSTICE FOR PETER BARGES
I could not imagine. 36 years, and no justice. Thoughts, and prayers to her family and friends.
Happy Birthday in Heaven. Praying for justice!
“Nightclub”
I remember this vividly. To this day, I hope they catch whoever did this.
I hope Hesse people come forward.
Me too. I will never forget her name.
I remember that like it was yesterday! How sad!
Very ssd. I’m so sorry. This is breaking my hesrt.
God, please keep her safe. Bring her home safely.
Someone knows something. They can’t keep things to themselves forever! Please cone forward and give his parents closer!
Come forward….sorry
Whats sad is i disagree diane. Unfortunately their are unsolved murders that people knew something and took it to their grave. So yeah, sadly someone/s can keep things to themselves forever :-( I remember this case, very sad. Yes his poor parents need closer.
That’s too bad, Jodi. I guess I have a conscience or a big mouth! Lol. I watch Cold Case on TV.
Do you mean “closure”?
Yes, closure. Sorry again.
Get your words right Diane 😡
I’m sorry but a shotgun blast to the house nine days earlier……. All indications were that was “the wrong place” to be. By the laws of common sense, I’m not “sitting on a couch” at that house.
Jenn, thinking of you and all your family on what would have been your sister’s 35th birthday. I like to think of a family commemoration celebrating all the wonderful things Lisa accomplished and the many lives she changed in her all-too-short life. May justice soon be served. All my best, Jody at ICC
Can anyone tell me who Howard’s parents were? His sisters or brothers?
go on ancestry.com
Today's DNA should sort this out quickfast. Although the killer is probably dead by now. Or maybe he migrated to Rochester, NY and did their 3.
Any news on this case??? This is my grandma.
Sherrie – I don’t have news for you. I just wanted to say I am truly sorry for you and your family.
I remember reading about her. Thank you for considering her worth your time.
Always! :-)
The Johnny Gosch case is pretty well known as his mother Noreen has written a book and it corroberates a story too disgusting to share here but an entire abduction organization was behind this from close by Omaha, Look up “Franklin cover up” and you’ll be shocked, Please dont insult the hurting parents with posts about made up, its what goes on, It will change your opinion of law enforcement at high levels
I don’t remember it either, and I live a bit over an hour from Sioux City…
If I could bottle up half the energy we Christians spent in the last few years wringing our hands over gay marriage and directed it toward ending domestic abuse, we wouldn’t find ourselves needing to pray for another family like this. Shame on us all.
So well put. Thank you, Jack.
Interesting and sad. I don’t remember this case.
See this is why you can’t trust anyone, even friends at times because you never know. Sons of Silence , there is a reason why that guy was there, protection, so ether the Mikey character was dealing for them or funneling stolen parts/bikes ect to chop shops so they could get the money or he was making drugs. But they also probably made them disappear to because they probably helped or saw what went on. sad that a man who was just wanting to help ends up on the wrong end of it and betrayed by a so called friend. hope they find the bastards, special place in hell for murders. to many cold cases and senseless crap going on for stupid reasons. you know the bastards are probably scrolling this to.
Scissors are a strange thing to be stabbed with…especially at a diner. I hope they find the monster that did this to her.
Thank you for sharing this on her birthday.
Poor babies
So sad.
It is uncommon for stranger abductions to happen. I have a feeling that these 2 girls… knew their murderer.
God Bless
prolly a family member..they kill us to keep control of fear in the rest of us
What is “prolly”????? Do you have an idea how ignorant you sound. The word is “probably” as in you probably did not make it past eigth grade.
Your ignorant fir calling someone that. Maybe illustrate. But tried to communicate. Good job Prolly
This from ICC admin Jody Ewing: While we appreciate all comments and hope to foster discussion about this unsolved case (which includes both girls), I see no point in someone attacking another person’s spelling or grammar. Frita, even while criticizing someone’s use of the word “prolly,” your own comment contained three grammatical errors. Just to show you how ridiculous and insulting comments like this come across to others: 1) In your first sentence, the ending quotation mark should have been “outside” the five question marks. (i.e. What is “prolly?????”) 2) ‘Do you have an idea how ignorant you sound’ should have ended with a question mark, not a period, and it should have been “any” idea, not “an” idea. 3) In reference to your insults about the commenter’s lack of education, I believe you meant to say “eighth” grade rather than eigth grade.
No one is ever 100% perfect with grammar and punctuation, but this site isn’t about grammar or punctuation; it’s about unsolved murders and missing persons cases. I would no more attack someone for writing FWIW (instead of For what it’s worth) than I would someone using the word “prolly” instead of “probably.”
Did the writer clearly convey what he/she meant as it related to this cold case? Absolutely. They did so without attacking anyone else in the process.
* The next time you want to attack A) their; B) they’re; C) there grammatical or spelling errors, you might want to first check your own and remember why this website exists.
* Answer: A) their
I love this! Thank you! I can not stand when people down others for errors. I can read anything in the English Lang but do not ask me to spell or put it in correct grammar!
Don’t attack somebody for there grammar but it’s ok to attack the family of the girls
Drew Collins , I will Apologize To you Sir , For The Awful and rude Comments being made about you and your Family . I know you surely didnt ask for any of this, If you could turn back time just for 1 min maybe it would change something? I pray every day for you and Your family and Pray that today you will get Justice for Elizabeth , I share The information every day online in Hope’s it may help.
People will always judge (not all people) but there judgements, views, or comments , are just speculation From what information is available in the media , which isn’t the most reliable source as of lately. .
I truly hope and Pray for Justice for Elizabeth and Lyric
their
Listen asshole, do you have any idea who you were just a smartass to? Shiw some compassion.
show
Rip sweet angels…this is so sad. I remember this :’-(
I remember that was all over the local news for a long while
I don’t know how people can get away with murder.
No witnessnes, no evidence, nobody speaking up. It’s sad. How can someone live with themselves day to day?
Some people don’t have a conscious
Everyone has a concious unless they are in a comma. Not everyone has a conscience
I see that you have been correcting people’s grammar but don’t you mean coma instead of comma? There is other things to worry about especially finding the killer of these two girls and your acting like a grammar nazi. Get a life
Hopefully with time theyll fess up if they dont get busted first. Its happended before one guy fessed up after about 40 years turned himself in.
Likely he did this to deflect suspicion on the other one involved. Jim Newton the Detective working that case then showed me the pictures that could not be used in evidence. There were two sets of footprints from Huntbachs rental to their house next door. It snowed and the perps walked over the new snow. The houses were next door. The police were so freaked out that they actuially stood on the prints and smoked before the detectives got there.
There is more out there! They just aren’t releasing it! Not sure why? Maybe they want everyone involved?
Rip Lyric
Parents drug dealers did it. Keep investigating them!
I’m glad I’m not the only one with that theory! Poor girls :(
Which Parents,, both sides have their share!!!!!
Shame on you bitch if I ever see you in public I will punch you in the face like you were a dude . Better believe it .you are a nasty person and have no class someday our paths will cross and I can’t wait you are a troll.drew Collins father of Elizabeth June Marie
Wow Drew,are you really threatening me on a public forum? Let me ask you this..Did you or Heather actually take a polygraph and pass? Misty and Dan did,and passed! And considering your past,maybe you can’t pass one.
I wrote this after the girls were found .Dec 2012 I’m just uneducated white trash but that don’t make me all bad. I may have missed a lot of the discussions and taken the wrong/right side or neither I dont know what goes on in the mind of others but I do know evil exists. I don’t know if there’s more bad then good in the world but I do know there is good. I struggle everyday with judging others and don’t like that in me but I do it just the same. I’m easily manipulated and often lied to but I try yo be honest as I can and not use others toward my own personal gains or demand to get my own beliefs and opinions forced on others. Im often wrong when I do and I find dont know what I’m talking about. All I know is how I feel and all I want(ed) here was to see a couple little girls home and home they are now. I want the vile sick and evil person(s) caught and removed from hurting g any other children forever. I want to lyric and Liz’s life and death have meaning and make the changes nessasry to protect and to allow other children their freedom to play again. I want sexual offenders against children to know we are not going to take our children being used and taken and slaughtered anymore. I want laws changed I want parents aware and deligent and I want the closed minded masses to think for theirselves to put the children first. There are alot of good intended people but none of us really know and God forbid we ever do know what its like to have one of our own children taken in such evil and cruel way. I don’t know lyric or Liz or their families personaly but they have changed me, and I will never forget them…… Please no grammar police. There not enough time.
I would imagine same dealers?
Jodi I don’t have any drug dealers so I would appriciate if you might not talk about me like you know me . I have a clean record and have never been in trouble with the police since I was a young man I’m 45 years old and am not a druggy I own my own business and am home with my childeren every night . So please don’t act like you know anything about me . It makes me sick how people want to judge my family and they don’t know anything about my family . I am not dan or misty I am my own person I have nothing to do with meth or people who do . It must be nice living in judgement of others why don’t you look at yourself .karma is a bitch I’d watch out someday something tragic could happen to you and maybe while your going threw hell some asshole will talk shit about you online . Shame on you
Drew- so sorry that on top of losing your daughter you have to deal with crap like this. Unreal!
I think Jodi is right on the money ! This suspicion was brought to light shortly after the girls disappearance. This theory is actually world wide on different site’s. All fingers point right the immediate family.
Me too,it’s 2020 and no investigating? I think maybe cops and family are all to blame,this should have been solved right after those girls were found,cops and family must have known right away who did it they just don’t want to hurt the parents,they hide behind lack of evidence,in any other state this would have been solved years ago,but not in rural Iowa where hardly any crime ever goes to trial because they plead everything down or if trial it’s 99% always a guilty verdict,so my opinion is nothing will ever happen,which is sad.
I agree that the one set of parents owned money to a drug dealer and they weren’t paying so maybe they took the one and they couldn’t leave a witness so they took her to. Just saying I hope they arrest someone for these little girls to finally be in peace
Or those girls saw something they shouldn’t have.
I just dnt knw. How did someone get two girls into a vehicle off a bike trail with no one seeing the struggle? Thats why i think the drug dealers have something to do with it. Those girls probably saw them in the house and was never told they are ‘bad people’. So one of them says ‘hey ur mom/dads in trouble come w us’ & they did. Thats my theory. Otherwise i dnt understand how no one saw two girls fighting adult/s trying to get them in a car. RIP angels I hope ur justice is one day found!
Somebody knows something but they are keeping very quiet! These girls deserve justice!!!
So sad. I really wish the woman of cold justice would look into this
Somebody in Evansdale knows something.
Very sad.
I remember that, very sad.
Just how DO files “go missing”? They don’t walk away by themselves. They must have help. Who had access to these files? Who helped them get lost? And why? Where did they go? And what became of them?
There seem to be more questions than answers…
Dear Officer Stephens, mom and I placed flowers on your grave and flowers on yohr daughter’s.Mom continues to talk about you and how much you look like my grandpa. I wish I would have gotten to know you. I think of you, though Ive never met you. I was a little girl when you passed away. I am at a stand still. I dont know who else to talk to. I have on several occasions gone to the C.B. stations, only to leave feeling like no one cares. I dont know what to do. But please know, you might be gone, but you are not forgotten by your half sister, my mom
and me. We love you.
,
I pray someone comes forward.
I feel awful for the poor parents who went to their graves not knowing either what happened to their children, or who was responsible. No closure. So sad.
I do pray that you and your family will find justice for Kim. I am sorry that it's taking this long to have answers and the truth. I am very proud of Julie not giving up to know exactly what happened because I wouldn't have either.. I do pray that you and your family will have closure soon. Prayers
I just made my husband read this – he is a Scott County Attorney.
He thinks you should get ahold of Mike Walton.
Julie did an excellent job on the timeline and events.
My twin girls – Dawn & Heidi Kingsley went to school with Tammie – what a sweetheart !!!
You go girl !!!
Thank you for asking him to read it. Yes I have spoke to mIke walton he said he can not look at unless sheriff asks
Is there a full autopsy report available for Kim? I’m interested in showing a family member who is an ME, did get his opinion.
Jen, yes, there is a full autopsy report for Kimberly Loose available at the Scott County M.E.’s office.
Dr. Raj Sekharan performed the autopsy in the autopsy room of St. Luke’s Hospital on 09/27/86, beginning at 11 a.m. Scott County Medical Examiner Rollin M. Perkins, M.D. ordered the autopsy, which was witnessed by Dr. Perkins and — in what some consider a conflict of interest — also witnessed by Officer Everett Howard of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.
Though Iowa M.E.s welcome law enforcement agencies to attend autopsies as part of their investigation into a death, the waters quickly muddy when the “history” (an agency’s report to the M.E. on what happened to the victim to cause his/her injuries and death) doesn’t match up with the factual evidence M.E.’s find during autopsies.
The information contained within an autopsy report is confidential and treated as a medical record.
Iowa law provides this guidance for release of autopsy reports under Code sec. 22.7(41):
It was Kim Loose’s case that led me to coin cases like hers “a three bullets to the head suicide.” No, Kim was not shot. Nor did she die by suicide. But she did suffer multiple traumas and three separate and distinct “fatal injuries,” any one of which would have caused her death.
Medical examiners are highly trained physicians — usually a local doctor or surgeon in the community. When a false or misleading history doesn’t represent the M.E.’s findings, the autopsy report will list every undeniable trauma and fatal injury, but the “Manner of Death” section suddenly becomes a line as wavy as a mirage. The pressure is on. Despite their findings, they are told “but this is what happened,” and so it goes: autopsy reports continue to relate factual details of exactly what an M.E. finds, but the accidental “Manner of Death” may very well be the only way to convey to colleagues: “Of course this wasn’t a three bullet-to-the-head suicide!”
Jen, I hope your family member does take an interest in Kim’s case, though I have a word of advice: He’s going to need a bigger boat.
Jody @ ICC
Well I went to Iowa courts, she must have changed her name back but she had been in trouble alot if it is her. So from what I have seen they need to look in to her. It’s just sounds like there is a chunk of time missing there.
This is so sad…I shutter to think the person or persons that committed murders (Bambi Lynn Dick, Joyce Jefferson, Lee Rotatori, Linda Mayfield) back in the 1980s may have gone on to kill others…
I think the wife had something to do with it.Sounds fishy.
I always heard he owed money to some people out of Chicago & they came to collect..
Someone knows something, I remember this story!
Spooky
Not hard to assume that the wife was having an affair and the husband walked in on it then it got heated. Either the wife or her sexual partner pulled the trigger. Did the husband even know of the life insurance policy?? What’s been the wife’s history since this murder?? Has she had other husband’s or boyfriends that end up dead??
I was just thinking of some of these questions.
She’s on fb still in IA.
This case seems very strange. Does anyone know if gunshot residue tests were done on the spouse?
She also claimed the “intruder” raped her. The rape kit did reveal one man’s DNA – her husband’s. People living in the area at the time almost universally believed that she did it.
Dsm is to small to not know who did it. Some body knows. I remember that day clear as a bell and I’m not even a stripper. Big story back then
I have visited this house. It don’t believe it is the traveling preacher. I believe it was someone else in the town that had a vendetta. From what I understand, it’s possible that Josiah had an affair and had another child.
Tom was my 2nd cousin and murder has always haunted me.. I wait for the day when they solve his case.
Carol I am sorry for you and your families loss. I can’t even imagine what or how you feel. I pray you find some closure soon. I find it hard to believe that that they wife hasn’t been charged, cause it doesn’t add why she was naked and the robber was naked. so strange. God bless you and yours.
Really fishy!! Two naked people and a clothed husband?!
Wow!
Sounds fishy!!!!!
Carolyn Redinbo Robinson this is crazy
I went to school with Jeff daily and he was not a nice kid and I'm sure adulthood he probably isn't either. When I was in 6th grade with him he punched me in the face I never liked him. I never hung around with him or Craig but he and Craig were pretty tight from what I remember. I never knew the kids in your family just the name I think my sister went to school with one of them. So sorry for your loss but stay on this I'm sure jeff knows way more than he is telling. He was never too far from finding trouble.
I am soooo sorry to hear about all this Julie!! I was gone from the area by then & had not heard about this. My prayers are with you & your entire family!!!
I had no idea Julie I am so sorry Kim's death and all your family has gone through. God Bless you all and your mission in solving this horrible crime.
I had no idea Julie I am so sorry Kim's death and all your family has gone through. God Bless you all and your mission in solving this horrible crime.
So wish they could get the truth out about this girl!!! I know her sister Tammy/ and she is a wonderfull person inside and out and is a great mother and wife. This family deserves justice and the darn truth. My heart aches for them. God bless every one of you in this Family! The truth will come out.
Is that Scott daily brother?
I don’t understand how law enforcement can get away with helping fudge up cases
I am curious. What happened to his grandma? Seems odd at best to combine funerals and that three people within days died of undefined circumstances. Grandma or Craig could have taken evidence to their graves…. for that matter so could have Kim. It seems like a exhumation may be justified in this case.
Could also theoretically be a Romeo and Juliet type story with grandma having had too much for her heart to handle. Interesting at best.
The show cold justice. They just solved the Susan ketersen case in Iowa city
This case is frightening. ‘Probable Suicide’? Accidental fall out of a slow moving car? How ridiculous.
It’s time for Karma to come around and find the murderer so justice can be served!
They should get a hold of Cold Justice and see if they could help. They have solved a lot of cold cases and I bet they could solve this case.
Vicki, John Walsh no longer does "America's Most Wanted." He now hosts a series called "The Hunt," which focuses on fugitives on the run. Still, there is enough documentation (and photos) in Kim's case to warrant further investigation.
Can't John Walsh of "American's Most Wanted" help with this case?
I pray someone helps this family find justice !!
Just an FYI, this posted here automatically from our blog, and though it used the caption from Kim’s photo, the person shown above is Julie Loose, the sister who wrote the guest blog post. Click on the photo or title to read Julie’s story.
Can’t John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted help with this case?
I was friends with Kim she was a very sweet girl, I hope this dirt bag gets caught soon she lost her life way to soon. I miss you kim
Shame on the Scott county Sheriff Dennis Conard. I hope putting your story on this page helps you discover the truth and get the justice your family deserves.
For one thing…nobody just jumps out of a moving car! There has to be a reason! So that alone is a worthless statement. IF she did jump out of a moving car, there still should be questions as to WHY. I also believe she was killed in the trailer or at that party, and then they tried to cover it up by putting her out on the pavement. This is just sick! Is this guy still out walking around? Alive and living his life? Where is he? Seems like a dangerous person to me.
Very sad and emotional.
I really hope you get justice for this. So sad
I’m so sorry. My heart and thoughts and prayers are with her family. God please bless this family.
Really with all modern design.can’t help this family. A shame. Prayers
This is horrible.
His other shoe was found in her car so that should prove he was dumped from her car
They found his other shoe in her car and nothing came from that??
I remember this happening, as I went to middle school with Chris in Mason City.
I assure you my dad is a very thourough policeman, and not at all lazy. Please think about what you say before throwing it out there. I know it is difficult for those who new the victim and I also know that my dad thinks about it all the time…
Natalie, thanks so much for your comments, and you are exactly right. Just because a case isn’t solved doesn’t mean police or investigators were lazy; in many cases it comes down to them knowing who did it but also knowing they don’t have enough solid evidence to prosecute and guarantee a conviction. There’d be nothing worse than seeing a killer acquitted, knowing he or she could never be tried again due to double jeopardy laws.
If people could see the size of the case files on some of these victims, they’d understand how hard local officials really worked to find out everything possible about the crime.
Brett McBroom and Tyler horn are your best ones to question. But I was around Chris way more than anyone and Angie Ruth was Chris girlfriend for 2 weeks, not two years. But Angie has always been a instigator and gossiper and she is the person that knew the least about Chris. I know because I was always with Chris. And I know 2 Josh’s but this is the first I ever heard anything about a Josh and when I found out about Chris I went straight to the police station and told them what I knew but there such idiots that they went and got the evidence from Deb’s house without a search warrant and a brand new state corrinor to do the autopsy and then cremated Chris before the results came back, which they were conclusive and Brett McBroom knew things that only he would know if he had been there and he said it to me and Tyler on the square and he didn’t want to tell the police so i drug him in Tyler’s car by his hair and we drove around the block to the police department and I still had him by the hair rite threw the front door and he wouldn’t say what he told me and Tyler and I was told to leave after Brett and Tyler we’re told to go outside because I was raising hell and Ed stole the police officer told me that Chris and his family were not roll model citizens so they weren’t gonna go any further in the investigation because really they dropped the ball and that was there way of making it all go away. Police in osceola were crooked then and still probably are today. But if y’all want to point the finger at me for being a good friend that just wanted justice for chris and dani Freeman is the biggest meth head around. So check your sources because she was a little girl back then that didn’t know Chris hardly at all. I’m no idiot and I remember it all like it was yesterday. So stop making crap up like you like to do when your high. 10 years sober and I own my own construction company and I own my own house and I have never been in prison. I have been to jail but of course Angie Ruth knows more about me than I do. Have a nice day people and don’t do drugs!
Ok first off mark, u obviously dont know shit about me or Chris! Or nick or penny for that matter!! And yes, i have relayed all of your messages to nick! Me and chris were together for far longer than 2 weeks….more like 2 yrs! And during that time he rarely hung out with you! I even verified this with nick! For u to say im an instigator and gossiper….like i said u dont know me! Especially when it comes to the axiotis family! So dont act like u do or like u know them so well cuz u dont!! And i never once said anything about u being in jail! I could care less if u have or haven’t been. Is what i said was tyler and josh mcnichols had been in jail off and on! So dont be putting words in my mouth!!
Seems to me that you all just like pointing fingers at the other!! I think a poor investigation was done on this case! I also believe that those who did this to chris must live a very miserable life knowing what they did this to him!! So if u know so much about this, u should do the right thing and go back and have thr case reopened so that justice can be served for Chris!! Chris was a good kid, yes made dumb choices at times but nothing that deserved to be killed!! I hope justice is one day brought and that those responsible pay the full price for this horrible crime!!! RIP Chris!
Why was his shoe found in your car then?? This is my brother here we are talking about I really don’t care if this takes 30 years we will get to the bottom of this.
His shoe was in Debs car Merissa
You didn’t drag me mark I walked with snook and I wasn’t there that night I was in allerton Iowa you retards twisted up my story cause you were guilty I almost oded at Deb’s place week or so prior to Chris being found but Mark me and Chris were at your parents house the after noon prior and I remember you giving us lines of cocaine when we left your house we walked up in the sqaure about 315 I was picked up by Cassandra and Ronee Davis to help them move from Osceola to allerton I stayed the night and don’t come back to Osceola till the day he was found but keep lying about what happened I WAS NOT THERE I would of got him help if I got a charge I wouldn’t of cared as long as he would of been ok.
Let’s all take a lie detector test and get to the bottom of it. I will pass it. What about everybody else?
Absolutely!!! Something should be done to give his family and us that loved Chris and his family dearly some closure!!!
I’ll take a lie detector test in a heart beat I have nothing to hide
Wow!! This is by far, the BEST comments thread on this website. I feel like I can solve this in a matter of a few hours. We have around 4 or 5 people who claim they were and weren’t there. All of them are dope fiends. All claiming something different. All say lets take a lie detector test. If it were up to me, I’d put Brett, Angie, Mark, Deb and Tyler in a room together and record what they all say. This is great! Please keep the comments coming. It’s been way too long! You guys are very entertaining.
Happy birthday love I love you and miss you so much big bro and wish you was here but since your not tell grandma them hey for me it's your day so I know your enjoying it so rest on in paradise until we meet again…❤
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!!
Where is Randy Dawson?
I am so sorry. I have wondered often if my father was murdered or if he even passed away like I was told. It's been 35 years and I'd like to say it gets easier but we all know that it doesn't.
I wonder if the partial print was run again if it might come up with a match, and did the police print all of those they interviewed?
I pray someone comes forward. God be with their family and friends.
Of all the cold case stories Aaron Brilbeck (WHOTV, Channel 13, Des Moines) did with the Cold Case Thursdays series, this one with Maureen’s family remains one of the most poignant. No matter how many times I’ve viewed it — her mother’s sense of joy about her oldest child and the deep loss she still feels today — it still gets to me every time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1&v=hur9muJ5_aI
Nothing that I have at the present time, Tina.
I’m from Waterloo and it just sickens me how many unsolved homicides there are.
More information please
Prayers sent to the family someone comes forward.
is there any more information about this case?
Little bit more information about Linn. Shortly after the investigation into Lynn's disappearance began, Keith was arrested on a charge of refusing to assist an officer after he refused to search in the woods for her. He said he'd already checked the woods and knew Lynn wasn't there. The charge was later dismissed, but police searched the Schuller home and confiscated, among other things, a snow shovel, a machete, two knives and a spade. Keith ceased cooperating with the investigation early on and hired an attorney. Lynn's parents, who lived in Minnesota in 1972, suspected Keith had murdered his wife. Lynn met him when she was only a teenager and began a long-distance relationship with him. They married in 1967 and had their son two years later. For the first few years their marriage was untroubled, but the Schullers had been having marital (see more – http://www.dictionary.net/marital problems for some time by the time Lynn disappeared. Keith had asked for a divorce the previous year, but Lynn refused it. A few months before she went missing, she wrote to her mother and said Keith had threatened her life but she didn't believe he would act on the threat.
My heart goes to this family, she knows how much you all love her, I’m sure she is smiling down on all of you. May justice come for all of you one day.
Yeah he’s definitely dead…
Why would you say that?
How can you be such a cold person? He has a mother, father, and siblings that probably read this. This breaks my heart. And i pray that one day you sir never have to be faced with this horrible event and someone says this about your loved one… Keep hope alive.
Heart breaking….pray they can solve this for the family to have peace.
I’m certain someone knows something.
I pray for justice.
Please ask Pope Francis to call attention in his upcoming speach to Congress about the huge pollution issue my son Adam and I were trying to stop but is killing US citizens and growing the Dead Zones!
We hope and pray that this case will see resoulution soon. We knew Lisa and she was a wonderful person. How can Jim Schwiesow sleep at night. He is disgraceful..It makes me shutter to think such injustice can happen in this county.It is not to late to bring justice.People know what happened. I just hope they find the courage to come forward
It is very apparent Mr Schwiesow has no COMPASSION for people.
Doris and Jeff, thank you for sharing your thoughts about Lisa. (Yes, she did sound like a wonderful young woman and mother.) I’ve learned over the years that one may call him- or herself a Christian, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they live the proverbial “Christian” life. While researching this cold case, I learned far more about Schwiesow than I ever wanted to know. I don’t believe I’ve ever known anyone who could be filled with such seething hatred toward people in general. It’s sad, really. Imagine living one’s life always filled with rage. He redefines “name-calling.”
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!!!!
I feel the illuminati is alive and well in Des Moines, Iowa.
They should run the partial print again, maybe that will net something now.
From Rumors: “Roger was in his undershorts but Rose was fully clothed, the killer was someone whom Roger knew well.” I don’t know Roger, but I don’t necessarily believe that a guy would get dressed if a man he didn’t know was entering the room. Especially if he didn’t feel the man was a threat. Additionally, Rose may have let the person in the room while Roger was already sleeping, since evidence suggests they had been drinking. I think it is imperative to understand why Rose would let someone in the room at the time she did. True it could be somone that Roger trusted, but the bartender may have urged Rose to let him in to apologize, or discuss their argument, but what the argument was about would be important because maybe he left town thinking the job just wasn’t worth it anymore, or he knew who did the deed, or maybe he did the deed himself. Information seems to suggest that the police never talked to this guy.
I read this book several times. It is just fascinating. In the end I concluded it was one of the sons sick of seeing mom get beat. She wasn't about to give up her kid.
Very interesting theory! I wonder if that would have been considered and someone else would have been tried if society treated women differently. It seems like the attitudes of the time caused people to believe she was guilty and it couldn’t possibly have been anybody else. I definitely want to read this book so I can get a more detailed view myself.
Why no photo?
Shared in Iowa.
Can anyone find Melissa or Michelle Gardner/Siepker
You may want to contact Jodi Ewing – she would be able to answer your question.
Robert, I found a Melissa Sue Siepker here but not sure if she’s the right one. You didn’t mention her age or approximate date of death.
There’s another reference to Siepker here — was 28 years of age in 2007, married Joseph Paul McConville 5/07/07. http://data.desmoinesregister.com?page=288
I noticed how young she was. How sad. What’s wrong with these people???? Spouses killing spouses. Scary. Who can you trust????
Prayers
Has anyone check bodies of water?? His car hasn’t been seen since he disappeared, unfortunately when a person disappears with their vehicle this tends to be the case.
All the bodies of water around here have been thoroughly searched more than once.
Not good enough apparently
Now now. We don’t know what conditions existed then. Using a fish finder to solve a cold case isn’t an exact science
But it works apparently.
I wish they would put out a little more information…if they think this is more of him disappearing on his own or otherwise. Is the $20K reward still valid? This old story that is posted says it expired in 2013 and then they would decide if they would extend it.
They don’t know much more. Just the last place he was seen and some of the people he was last seen with.
I agree with you Chuck Pauline Miller.
People do not just disappear. Someone some where knows something.
Oh yes they do
It’s cars that don’t
Liked, shared(southeast Iowa)&prayers.
How very sad.
That was interesting and hopefully they will find the person responsible for her death.
Praying that this horrible crime is solved. The perp may be out there unpunished but there will be a reckoning in this life or in eternity. So very sorry that this
sweet lady lost her life in such a violent manner.
Only 19……. :-(
So many murders in Iowa? So many everywhere?
Sounds like this one has some things that don’t add up. Couldn’t new technology truly show the angle of the shot and if the husbands story is or isn’t substantiated? Not that he did it, but may have known who if he gave wrong info about how and who he thinks shot her.
Heart breaking…I just don’t understand how someone could do this and never feel they should come forward and let these families have some answers.
So sorry Emma
Praying for answers to come forth to solve this case. May she rest in peace. Godbless
So sad. Hope you find who did this.
God bless Emma
How is this investigation coming along? Is anyone working on this? It's been 40 years! I'd be very interested in getting this case solved and someone facing accountability for taking the life of this young girl. Diane was a real person with a real family that has lived in the pain of not having her murder solved or actively investigated for way too long!
This case needs to be re opened. Her sister has new information and new names associated with this case. Diane and her family deserves some peace of mind and 40 years is far too long to wait. If anyone more information about Diane or her murder please come forward. Justice For Diane!!!!
That’s it Audrey
My sister was working the front desk at the Amana Holiday Inn that day. She called me that night, very shook up. Will always remember.
Is this the water park now? Seven Villages restaraunt?
The motel goes by the name Ramada Williamsburg and Wasserbahn Waterpark, in 2211 U Avenue, Williamsburg, Iowa 52361.
https://www.google.pt/maps/place/Ramada+Williamsburg+and+Wasserbahn+Waterpark/@41.6844263,-91.9112927,17z/data=?dg=dbrw&newdg=1!4m5!3m4!1s0x87e5b1600c43d5db:0x4cd223d1db73ff20!8m2!3d41.6853563!4d-91.9123828!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x4cd223d1db73ff20!8m2!3d41.6853563!4d-91.9123828?dg=dbrw&newdg=1 (Google shortened URL)
The motel goes by the name Ramada Williamsburg and Wasserbahn Waterpark, in 2211 U Avenue, Williamsburg, Iowa 52361.
Your sister could provide us the complete layout of some parts of the motel. If she has still the knowledge of the layout she could say something about how could a person entered there incognito to commit the murders. And has she been the one to check them in? Regards.
Lindsey Meier & Kim Wilkin Korte you need to read this.
Great! This ruins our New Year eves plans!
Out of curiosity was the surrounding waters even searched? Granted the daughter was only 2 and 1/2 years old at the time and had watched "Poltergeist" but she apparently stated "she had seen her mother tied to rocks and thrown in the river". Considering HOW she stated that would be how to look at that one IMO. Starting with the "she had seen her mother" would tell me something about that one right there. The waters should have been searched and the child asked questions if she knew where. My guess is she definately saw something. Also was a lie detector test given to Dave Fraley by the cops? If he gave so many conflicting stories that don't set right with me and also right along with not telling the family right off she was missing either. Article doesnt state if the house was searched either. Was it? Poor little girl. I can't believe the father got custody of her. :(
No the water was never searched. It was not even investigated until 6 months after her disappearance. I think of Dee all the time. She was my sisters bf and part of our family. It will be 36 yrs 9/12/18
My best friend knew them both – at one point David said he could make it so nobody would ever find her and there were stories of Denise’s body being (sorry graphic) sawed up and tired to rocks and thrown in the river :'( and yes, Haley witnessed it.
She told us the same thing. I wish that we could find her
Hi Christie. Is there a private investigator on this case?
Couple years ago a teenager that was working for us was out fishing in that area and snagged a spine and small hip bones with shorts. Police were called but I never heard this ever got connected with this case.
What a pretty lady! Such a sad story.
This horrible can’t believe it happened in Iowa
Cami Steinford
Wow. This sounds like a storyline from a soap opera! I feel bad for his wife. After 52 years of marriage he files for divorce when she’s in a nursing home? He lived a very interesting life, that’s for sure!
Sandy, he did, indeed! Thanks for taking time to read about his unsolved murder.
What a shame.
He would be 2yrs younger than me. I remember when it happened as well. Sad to go all these years without any type of evidence or clue of what or where he might be or even finding a body. Just vanished, makes people think they might of been kidnapped and sold in the childrens sex slave market.
We miss you pat
Pat was such a wonderful person.
I dont know why I still remeber this happening. I was 9 years old living in Sauk Village Illinois when this happend. I remember the semitruck reported on tv. I used to look for that truck. RIP, I hope the family finds closure.
Strawberry blonde? Looks more golden blonde.
She's 35, if alive. Is this news video the most current? It's from 2011.
I attended my cousin Peter Marzen’s service on September 4th, 2015, which turned out to be more like a Great Family Reunion, except for me it was also, the on-going realization that the IDNR is still hiding the Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizer and Atrazine, and other high Nitrates polluting the wells in Floyd County in the area that most of his and my relatives grew up drinking water from. We have lost to many too soon, after struggling with various health issues that could be caused by the high levels of Anhydrous Ammonia mixing with the Chlorine to treat our water for the CAFO bacteria. I needed my well tests to protect my family and the IDNR withheld some to this day and others I received after I was forced off my farm. Those well tests in Downstream wells I finally received in 2012 after I had filed my suit were so high in Anhydrous Ammonia testing up to 12.2 in Laverne Olsen and Mark Gast’s well. When is the IDNR going to warn my family and former Floyd County classmates, and neighbors to test for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer before Chlorinating for the CAFO bacteria? The decontaminates that mixture creates are slowly deadly.
Roni, I am so deeply saddened to learn of yet another family loss. My heart and condolences go out to you and Peter’s family members. I am very hopeful justice will soon be served, for Adam, Gary, Peter, and the countless others whose lives ended all too abruptly by others’ greed and deception. I publicly give you my word: I will continue seeking justice for Adam and Gary and YOU for the rest of my days. Many hugs and deepest sympathies.
I’m still trying to get more well tests done to warn my Floyd County relatives and Downstream neighbors in this on-going pollution Plume of Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers and Atrazine and other herbicides and pesticides. Plus the lead from the batteries Brad Johnson supposedly dumped down the sinkhole north of his house. Why can’t the IDNR release IDNR public research well tests reports done by Paul Johnson up until 2000. Later even the new wells drilled to deeper aquifers in Mitchell County in 2004 were again polluted with Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer after the 2008 floods were directed by digging more channels to illegally drain 3000 acres of Wetlands down sinkholes in Cedar (W) Township.
At a prior Family Reunion at Beads Lake in Iowa Peter and I had talked about my trying to get the well tests as the green slime was having to be pushed back to pull a boat over to the dock. Pete had brought the food from a Stacyville caterer (pulled pork and the trimmings) we both wished more research was being done into Anhydrous Ammonia and its health effects. I told Pete about my plans to donate my body to Mayo for their future research on the cardio-pulmonary, digestive, skin, eye, and cancer issues it causes. I don’t know if he did leave his body to Mayo because of our conversation, but he did donate it to benefit others in their research. Possibly into the multiple causes of COPD that plagued him.
they do that they get the mentality of..I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT…and they hurt and kill to maintain that control…
Jeff Moreland could be a possible suspect. He was my real father’s partner on the Grandview police force. I don’t believe that 52 year old man waited all those years to kill someone, no matter if he has Palsy or not.
Rae, you may be onto something here. Prior to joining the Grandview (MO) PD in 1984, Jeffrey Dean Moreland worked as an officer in Afton, Iowa, in Union County — the same county where Corinne was slain in 1983. Is it possible he left his position in Iowa out of fear of being caught? He spent 21 years with the Grandview PD before retiring in 2005 due to “palsy” but continued killing and raping.
In July 2011, Moreland was arrested and charged with murdering Cara Jo Roberts of Harrisonville (MO) in 2008, Nina Whitney of south Kansas City in 2010, and raping a third woman also in Missouri. DNA from the rape kit matched DNA in both Cara Jo Roberts’ murder and that of Nina Whitney.
I’m still looking for a more complete timeline of his whereabouts in the years preceding his 1984 – 2005 career with Grandview Police. Different M.O.’s for all his vics, but as a cop, he would have known all about profiling and used different tactics to kill/rape each woman.
Any Iowans here who remember his days with the Afton Police Department? Too many coincidences to be a coincidence? Dates and times matter. Please let us know if you have further information.
The elderly woman killed in Kansas City, That case is similar to the one in Shannon City IA. The man convicted always said he di dnot do it.
What is the story of the case in Shannon City?
yes definitely needs to be explored more—I moved to Creston in 1985–it seems as if it was just “forgotten” or swept under the table–the laundromat became a bank……just strange and eerie……………
This theory, which seems very plausible to me, squares with the Gay Anne Appelhans’ account above that claims to know the family whom also evidently felt that a former Afton police officer is responsible.
To your request Jody, perhaps she can either offer information that can help.
I agree 100%. It really needs to be looked at as a suspect!
Christina Green-luedtke, no, none of the three was pregnant when killed.
i have not witnessed cults or people like extracting fetuses from females yet IT DOES/IS happening..its not a worshipping thing its more like a CONTROL thing..very scary humans out there…my mothers husband the man on my birth certificate was a very dangerous sociopath…james stuart green..may 19,195_..i just always knew he snuck in and kilt his ex wifes baby boy..they said it was crib death….bad bad people
I went to high school with Brian. He was a very friendly and bright young man. I pray for the family for justice and small piece of closure.
Are you any relation to the Soukup boys who were on the Iowa basketball team?
I can believe that answer from yesterday Iowa Cold Cases.
So sad. I don’t know how anyone can get away with killing someone for that long! You’d think they’d have to tell someone.
This is why I pass these along. Thinking maybe something will come out.
I do love reading about them. I watch Cold Case all the time!!!!
I will never forget this. Ever. Sure wish they would have caught the person(s) responsible.
Oh that poor, poor baby! This just breaks my heart! In this day and age, it amazes me that this case can’t be solved. Especially with such blatant evidence! Who leaves small children in a house AT NIGHT with no power, to go clean out their car? I can only hope and pray that Little Ricky’s last few moments were quick. It’s terrible to think about how much that little boy suffered! Something that has bothered me..would there be a reason that she wanted one twin dead and not the other?
Sandy, I am not saying this is the reason, but she has always favored Reggy. Even when Ricky was alive the favoritism of Reggy was very obvious to most people.
Robin..that is so sad. But I have seen that before, and it’s so heartbreaking. Ever since I read about this case, I have felt so badly for Ricky. I know he’s dancing and playing happily in heaven, where everyone loves him the same!
Like Robin, I am not saying this is the reason, either, but Ricky did share the same given name as his father. “Transference” (redirection of one’s feelings to a substitute) is very real, and it’s “possible” she favored Reggy over Little Ricky because Ricky was a constant reminder of Rick. Obviously, Rick did nothing wrong, but if the suspect wanted to hurt him or get back at him but had no way to do so, his namesake child unfortunately could have become the “next best substitute.”
I am not a psychiatrist/psychologist and the above is just one possible theory.
Imo Ricky was the victim due to his name . I believe The biological mother had to have so much bitterness in her that when she int Dr acted with her son Ricky her hatred was there .
I pray they arrest her and she should absolutely Not be employed at nursing homes since the residents there are just as vulnerable.
any of these woman pregnant or new mothers
yes closure..least we know she is physically deathd…the missing ones are worse..and knowing that a murderer is still out there is real creepy
I had never heard of any suspects. There’s so much even the media doesn’t tell you…
Suicide or faking death
Absolutely!
Thanks so much, Alicia!
It’s a possibility!
Sarah Stuelke, hundreds of victims’ loved ones have this very same question. I wish I had an answer.
Release the picture of the quilt. It doesn’t take a genius to know that the quilt is the key. Waterloo detectives has never cared about Africans Americans deaths in Iowa. I am family and we heard there is a cover-up with this one and they do know what happened!
Sarah Stuelke, if some of us (and there are many) have the correct suspect in mind, he indeed still lives there. Thrives on adulation and attaboys while manipulating / ruining many lives behind the scenes. He has dedicated sheep who’ve cleaned up after him for 40 years.
I know…it’s so sad.
no closure…it’s so sad.
I remember this case from the news like it was yesterday. Why is there no closure for his loved ones?
I bet that bast*ard still lives there and lives a jolly life.
Meg Sibert-Hammis, were guys living in Waverly yet when this all happened?
Sis was a awesome person hope they find her killer
that is so sad they didnt get there romantic get away
I never even got a reply.. here are the photos side by side though
C:\Users\froggzzz\Pictures\Picasa\Collages\Movies-001.jpg The 1972 would not make sense as he will be 45 in November of this year,. but what you are saying could be true… I emailed this photo (not sure if it wil post) to the DMPD and did not get any reply.
Tragic anniversary but important Lisa is remembered.
So sad that psycho could still be out there. What a sick demented person. :(
Messed up :( There was no DNA evidence found at all?
I agree, they may be able to pull something off her body.
He allegedly is hiding in plain sight (as a good deed doer), and still lives Waverly.
That’s what officials said after Lisa Peak’s body was exhumed in 2010. They haven’t yet exhumed Julie Benning, and I’m not sure if it’s in the works or not. (I think doing so may shed new light on both girls’ murders.)
Jo jo.was a trip had some good times with him at east
HMMMM angry boot legger?
I went to high school with him. I hope they find whoever did this.
Phillip C. Stender
515-681-6968
Henderson, Nevada
last working in California
Hope they find your sisters killer.With new DNA technology hopefully they find the killer or killers,but it’s hard after 39 years.
It was brought to my attention that there are 3 coldcases in Iowa that the 3 women killed all knew or knew of Steve Klein. He is awaiting trial in Johnson County for Kersten's death…Better start checking up on these……
This is my sister and praying we find her killer soon.
I hope they find the answers for you soon. One thing I haven’t seen is the description of Joseph. No drawing of Joseph either.
I don’t know if you remember me or not we went to Wilson school together my name was Kim Northrup. I think of Wanda often and still say a prayer for her and your family.
This still haunts me to this day! Hit home to me i was always afraid i would be kidnapped , i was afraid to go any Where!
He is NEVER forgotten.
I remember it like it was yesterday —
His Mom claims to know what happened to him.
Amen Diana Wilson, I agree with you all the way!
Is anyone looking into he and the son who committed suicide having a accident that day. A fourteen year old would certainly know how to drive from a community of that size.
Why aren't the Fed's involved? I don't understand.
I wish I could be a part of helping solve these cases its so sad…
Keep all these cases open. Find the culprit(s) that harmed them!
I am Wanda Morrow sister and I agree with you
Terrible. I hate that there has to be cold cases but I sure love shows that tell about these. I am so interested in hearing how their case is solved!
A family member went missing for awhile….a teen. I saw first hand how painful it can be. I never want to a family go through that again. I thank God it was only a run away and she was home again. Her dad even went looking in all the dumpsters all over town. Her mom just bawled her eyes out. Not knowing was the worse. I don’t know how these families get through this. God bless them.
I too remember when all three boys went missing and as a kid it scared me, and as a parent it scares me. I pray that all three families get information that will lead to some sort of closure so they can have some peace .. Someone knows something. It’s time for these families to heal and know what happened to the boys. Let them bring them home..
Yes, I wish for both mysterious cases to be solved….for closure.
I can’t start to imagine what his parents have gone through not knowing! My heart and prayers go out to them. So wish this could be solved!
I was only 7 when he disappeared. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was always scared after I heard about it. Still praying that Johnny comes home to his loved ones.
To imagine he’d be 45 years old….I can’t imagine losing my baby.
I think about this everyday & wonder where he’s @, too. I hope we can find him soon. And lets keep this case open. And if there’s any possible way. Can somebody find a way to update his picture & try to find out what he might look like today? That would help us all out, too. Thanks.
There was a computer rendering of what he would look like made on the 30th anniversary if his disappearance I believe. I remember seeing one not terribly long ago at least.
Beth Gabler, there’s an updated photo at how he would look at 40 years of age — it’s further down on his case summary page at Iowa Cold Cases.
This case has haunted me from day 1. I can’t imagine never knowing for sure what happened to your child. He and Eugene Martin will be forever etched in my memory…so very sad.
I remember when this happened. It scarred me for life and made kidnapping a very real fear. This happened “at home” as opposed to “out there” in the world. I hope someday we find out what happened to Johnny Gosch.
Good luck on finding anything on these people. Rest their souls. Hek they can't find Steve
Yay for the show Cold Justice!! Great work!!
I live and work in the area, and I remember this like it was yesterday. I even wrote a Letter To The Editor to our local newspaper about it..I was so saddened that someone could do this to a helpless newborn!
There is a special place in Hell for those who murder children and the elderly. Rest in Peace Hazel. I hope justice will be served soon.
Since she broke her fingers, was there DNA under her fingernails or is that kind of thing just something we see on tv?
This is the perfect opportunity for the Des Moines police dept. to contact Kelly and Yolanda from Cold Justice.
I pray someone comes forward
So terrible..especially on an elderly lady..Unexcusable…..
Piss on whoever would do that.
I wonder what name she was trying to indicate with the “N”? What a horrible death! And so soon after her husband passed away. Lori..I agree with your sentiments..I hope the killer/s rot in hell!
Homicide in 1973 – Sarah Ann Ottens. Myself & a 3rd cousin are very interested in this case. How can we find more details, was an autopsy taken. John Burke 817-776-7250
I have a Facebook group called Finding Viola Marie Findley .
Thank you again
I saw that I commented way back in 2012 and said that I hope they found out soon if the DNA was a match…and here it is almost 2016….I wonder what happened…
It wasn’t a match and I guess the search goes on I had to call NAMUS to find out. I also called the Waterloo Police Department and they told me of a police report from September 6th 1983 that my sister had filed so she went missing closer to October 1st
Betti Findley Schuster, thanks so much for sharing the link! I’ve added it to Viola’s ICC case summary page in the “Sources” section.
Betti Findley Schuster Thank you for the update about the Jane Doe not being a match to your sister. I’ve updated the info on your sister’s ICC page. My heart goes out to your family and I hope you find answers soon.
Thank you !
Back then there was no set Crime Scene Procedure, and the officers were in the wrong for doing that, but there is far more evidence to go on if it could be relased to the public or someone who can dedicate more time to the case
I HAVE A LUNG CANCER AND MANY OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS. I HAVE NO REASONS TO TELL LIES! I BELIEVE MRS LACK TOO. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER AND HER FAMILY FOR THEIR LOSSES. GOD BLESS THEM ALL FOR GETTING OUT THE TRUTH!
I’VE BEEN LIVING IN IOWA SINCE 1997 BOUGHT A HOBBY FARM. SOON AFTERWARDS EUGENE MERTEN MERTEN AND SONS FARMS Been Pulling Same Shit on Us. Sherrif Greg Beavers has Harassed Us Last 17 Years. He started out Harrassing us as a Deputy. Russell Hinzes I got along with BUT HE DID WARN ME GARY THERE ARE POWERS THAT BE IN MITCHELL COUNTY DON’T MESS WITH THEM IT COULD GET YOU KILLED. I’M NOT TOO WORRIED I SAID. I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF – WELL OUR WELLS POSIONED WITH HOG SHIT. I SENT WELL WATER OUT FOR EXAMINATION. CAME BACK NOT FIT FOR HUMANS OR ANIMALS!!! MITCHELL COUNTY DNR AND SANITARION COUNTY GUY. BOTH STAED TO ME AFTER WATER WAS TESTED SAME DAY I DREW MY SAMPLE SAID WATER WAS OK TO DRINK. THEY BOTH LIED!!!
DON’T DRINK WATER IN IOWA – IT’S ALL BEEN POSIONED SUN DOESN’T BURN POISON OFF FERTLIZER OR PIG SHIT! THESE BIG GREEN SHIT WAGONS ARE A HAZARD ON THE ROAD BESIDES DUMPING HOG MANURE AND PISS..NOT CALLED FARMING WHEN THEY ARE RUINING THE LAND AND OUR WATER SUPPLIES. MY WIFE FIRST READ THIS ABOUT ADAM SAME CRAP THEY ARE DOING TO US. WE HAVE CHILDREN. EUGENE MERTEN ALMOST RAN MY 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DOWN AT THE TIME AND LAST HALLOWEEN HE DID HIT ME WITH TRACTOR LOADER. INJURING ME. SHERIFF WAS CALLED. THEY DID NOTHING TO HIM. THEY ARE TRYING TO KILL ME – SEVERAL ATEMPTS MADE. KELLY ROSS HAS POISONED ME WITH LISINOPRIL INDOMETHHACIN THEN HAD ME TAKING ASPIRIN FOR PAIN. I WENT UP TO AUSTIN MEDICAL. DOCTOR IN ER SAY MY GOD MAN WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN TAKING?? !!! I TOLD HIM HE SAYS MY GOD. TWO IVS ONE IN EACH ARM SAVING MY LIFE.
KELLY ROSS IS A DANGEROUS DOCTOR. DON’T GO TO HIM. I’M IN A FEW LAWSUITS NOW. WHEN I SEEN HE WAS INVOLVED IN ADAM LACK CASE HERE STARTED ME THINKING. COON LIGHTING UP MY HOUSE AT NIGHT TOO. I’M FROM MN. I JUST SHUT CURTAINS. NOT A BIG DEAL. MITCHELL COUNTY ATTORNEYS MARK WALK AND ARRON MURPHY HAVE FALSELY ACCUSED ME JAILED ME FOR TELLING GUY NOT TO SPREAD MANURE ON MY LAND – WELL HIS WIFE WAS MAGISTRATE SHE DUMMIED UP ARREAST PAPERS HOUR AND HALF MAYBE AFTER AND ARREASTED ME. JURY TRIAL GUY I TOLD TO STAY OFF MY PROPERTY ADMITS I HAD NO GUN. AS WAS STATED. AND THEN DEPUTY JEFF HAUGLAN GETS ON STAND STARTS TO TESTIFY. TO A JURY NO LESS. JUDGE SAYS 5 MINUTES BATHROOM BREAK. MY ATTORNEY CATCHES THE MAGISTRATE WITNESS TAMPERING TELLING JEFF WHAT TO SAY HE IS STILL IN WITNESS BOX AT COURTROOM.. JUDGE COMES BACK WE DID MY ATTORNEY AND DETRICH ARE GOING AT IT VERBALLY WHOLE JURY HEARD IT JUDGE HEARD IT. HE TALKS TO BOTH ATTORNEYS IN HIS CHAMBERS AND COMES BACK NOT ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONTINUE, THIS CASE DISMISSED. BUT I’M ONE THAT GOT SCREWED. WELL WASN’T OVER I WENT DOWN TO GET $6000 BAIL MONEY THEY HAD STOLEN THAT TOO.
MITCHELL COUNTY IS EVERYTHING MRS. LACK SAYS HERE AND A WHOLE LOT MORE. WE NEED TO RID COUNTY OF THESE CRIMINAL COUNTY ATTORNEYS. IMMUNITY MY ASS – MR. MARK WALK AND ARRON MURPHY BELONG IN A FEDERAL PRISON.
I HAVE MADE A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH FBI AGAINST THEM. THEY BOTH ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. OH FORGOT WE CLOSED A LOAN AT COUNTY ATTORNEYS OFFICE DIFFERENT ATTORNEY WHO DIED SUDDENLY. ANYWAY SOME OF MONEY WE BORROWED NEVER CROSSED THE STREET TO PAY BACK TAXES. WHEN I APPROACHED MR. MARK WALK HE TELLS ME TOUGH SHIT YOUR ATTORNEY IS DEAD. NOT MY PROBLEM! WE HAVE HAD OUR HOME BROKEN INTO, FALSELY ACCUSED AND ARRESTED MANY TIMES OVER FOR TELLING THESE GUYS NO. THEY TRIED TO KILL ME IN JAIL – SEVEN DEPUTIES – I CALLED EVERYONE IN THE STATE. NO HELP. THIS IS BULLSHIT. THESE PEOPLE ARE KILLING PEOPLE AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE??? I HAVE STARED MANY TIMES OVERSTOP GAMES AND BUY ME OUT. I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR IOWA AND ITS BULLSHIT LAW THAT ALLOWS THIS TO GO ON.
I HEARD JUDGE MCKINLEY WAS INVOLVED IN THIS MURDER TOO OF POOR ADAM. MITCHELL COUNTY AND STATE OF IOWA ARE INVOLVED IN ONE BIG COVERUP. IOWA GOVERNMENT IS CORRUPT AS CAN BE SO DON’T VOTE YOUR PARTIES VOTE OFF THE BOARD. MIGHT BE AN HONEST PERSON ODDBALL POLITICAL PARY. ANYONE THAT HAS AN IDEA ABOUT THIS LET ME KNOW. I’VE HAD TO FILE BANKRUPTCY THREE TIMES NOW TO SAVE MY FARM BECAUSE OF ALL LEGAL GAMES THAT HAVE BEEN PLAYED ON ME. I’M JUST LETTING EVERYONE KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON. PLEASE VOTE MITCHELL COUNTY MAFIA OUT OF OFFICE IN THE NEXT ELECTION!
Gary, thank you *so much* for coming forward and informing readers about your own family’s experiences in one of Iowa’s most corrupt and deadly counties. I can’t begin to imagine the horrors you’ve endured at the hands of Mitchell County officials who’ve long considered themselves above the law. In response to your “These people are killing people and no one seems to care,” we at Iowa Cold Cases have begun a campaign to have the national media (20/20, Dateline, etc.) investigate the county’s atrocities, including the murder of Adam Lack and his father, Gary.
When I first learned of the 26 photos taken over the several hours it took to kill Adam Lack, I wondered why anyone would “deliberately” want, documented, an hour-after-hour gruesome homicide in-progress.
The answer sickened me to the core.
Who knew the enlarged, explicit photos would be shown to a grieving mother while giving her the ominous warning: “You know you have five other children.”
At one point I’d published here on ICC a case summary page about Gary Lack’s horrific murder. I speak with “Roni” Lack fairly often, and I’ve since moved the page back into the “Drafts” folder as we work together on telling how a good man’s life — a life slowly poisoned with cancer caused by source point polluters — just couldn’t end fast enough to suit Mitchell County officials.
I will once again quote the framed needlework that hung on Warden Norton’s wall in The Shawshank Redemption: “His Judgement Cometh and that Right Soon….” — but make no mistake; those who cometh will be bearing handcuffs.
Gary,
I’m not seeing the research or data about Anhydrous Ammonia causing lung cancer but Adam’s asthma and my cousin’s COPD have health effects linked in research to Anhydrous Ammonia and there is no way yet to filter it out of our source waters as it chemically combines with H2O. Adam’s rash or skin burns on his shoulders came from his long showers and the gas escaping in those showers in our polluted water on our Mitchell County farm is what caused his having to use two different kinds of inhalers.
A couple weeks before Adam’s death a call from the Manchester area claimed they were going to put the Remediation of my charge against the USDA-NRCS on hold, (this was the Federal charge 08 1022, Adam had helped me file) after I refused to take the $10,000/acre or $2,000,000.00 damage settlement offered in the Remediation, as then the pollution would continue and more lives would be affected…
Adam told me before he left to go back to the Poet Plant on 7/12/2008 to get my well test reports. My Civil Rights suit is trying to get access to the well tests in this specific on-going pollution Plume, but the State of Iowa’s Russ Tell has promised me since 2008 when Adam was killed, that the IDNR would set up a state wide web site including all well tests results, so anyone could touch on an interactive map and know what was testing bad in wells within a 10 mile diameter of their well. They still have only a minimum of data and mostly just the Nitrates and Bacteria test results that don’t tell you about the lethal levels of lead, Atrazine, Anhydrous Ammonia, or other chemicals you can’t taste. Without the needed data we still are not being informed and the well test results I asked for in my Civil Rights suit are not included on this lousy IDNR web site the Attorney General’s Office allowed me to access this summer.
We Iowan’s need this web site to include all the Anhydrous Ammonia (Ammonia Nitogen as (N)), Arsenic, Atrazine, Lead, Nitrates, Bacteria, like were testing at deadly levels in this one Plume alone.
Its our property rights and rights to safe chemical free (Anhydrous Ammonia) and CAFO nitrogen fertilizer contaminated drinking water that are being taken away thus taking away our RIGHT to Life. Since we are denied the well test data that our tax dollars and our private funds have paid for, but the IDNR hides, destroys, or discards reports to cover-up on-going lethal pollution plumes well test reports.
Gary and Lu,
If you call Sophia Walsh Cerro Gordo County Public Health ask her to provide tests on your well for Nitrates and Bacteria and Arsenic, plus Lead and Ammonia Nitrogen as N (that draws the Arsenic and Lead into Source Water).
The first three tests are supposed to be free and the Lead and Ammonia Nitrogen as N will cost about $20 each. I have a concern, that if your Arsenic or Lead tests are positive, these known carcinogens could be causing your health issues. Her number is 641-421-9318 And please ask that the IDNR’s 3D GIS mapping of well contaminants be expanded to all 99 counties including Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, Black Hawk, etc.
Plus the IDNR 3D GIS mapping should cover the Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer contamination of our groundwater and both of the Arsenic and Lead tests and the Ammonia Nitrogen as N tests should all be paid for since the IDNR has the well test data in their big data bases that show how Ammonia Nitrogen as N pulls the known carcinogens into our Source Water or drinking water.
Good luck, I suggested the same to another of my cousins in Mitchell County and he has not gotten his tests back but has survived both of the cancers my husband Gary could have survived.
horrible
I pray she is found.
considering i live in marshalltown, this case always sticks with me…will never understand who could harm such a sweet old lady
At the time this was my uncles sister inlaw. Can’t beleive it has been this long with no answers.
She probably wouldn’t give a white guy the time of day, but she goes to her death with a black thug
There are rural areas, makes it easy for people to prey on someone.
So who do the police think killed him? It might jog someone’s memory.
We have A LOT! way too many
Who can do these crimes????? Ugh
Very Horrible!
Horrible!! :'(
Wow! Didn’t realize Iowa had so many unsolved crimes.
were any of these missing females pregnant…females are dangerous more so than males they want a baby they will get it anyway they can and YES there is satanic cults out there that use embryos and infants in there rituals
That is pretty far out there lady. The only embryos used ever are that of chickens. Also known as eggs.
Signed with blessings,
The pagan.
Your comment is truly repulsive! Did you forget that Corinne’s Family and Community are not only looking at what we say but also STILL in 2017, trying to wonder what happen,why, and Who would Hurt Her. Put yourself in her families shoes? Do you have any idea? do you? How terrible. Go on a a forum designed to ask such sick questions oppose to having this put on the hearts and minds of others…I really hope something like this never happens to you
Gregg Nimmo…
Sad
Prayers to the family…
I wonder if anyone has looked into this: a public records search lists a Matthew Ferris in Idaho, age 45. Idaho courts online lists a case from 1998-1999 regarding a fish & wildlife charge against a Matthew J. Ferris, born in 1972. This would fit with someone traveling to and from state parks and perhaps illegally fishing or killing wildlife as a food source.
How sad this young lady never got to live her life. Why? Praying for justice.
corinne elaine was a beautiful woman with life left to live i knew the perry family well good people I personally have a feeling they know who did this to her and just not enough to charge,i know there was alot of speculation that a former afton police officer who has since been convicted of homicide in kansas city was a suspect I sure wish they could solve this for her moms sake rip
There’s so many copper thieves in NW Iowa! My step dad is a scrapper and weirdos and creeps come beg for scrap from him all the time! And he’s had copper stolen from him too! It’s scary because you never know how desperate ppl get for a little bit of copper cash! I pray this is solved soon!!
Sad!
So sad. It’s hard to believe someone can keep what they did a secret so long.
I’d love stories on these….and hearing they were solved!
I can’t believe this hasn’t been solved. How sad. Prayers.
Geez!! I never knew Iowa had so many cold cases!! Prayers to the family, and hope we can crack some of these cold cases!!!!
I agree. It is a harsh reality to wrap your head around.
Great news-case solved-Justice served. Thank You.
I’m seeing no evidence of an arrest or suspect
Can you please post where you got this info?
Never far from my thoughts.
To Phil and James, I lived next door to you when this horrible thing happened. I still think about you guys and Sally every now and then. I’m so sorry – I heard about Sally. My name was Jackie Rhoten and is now Jackie Porter. I was closer in age to James (Corky) and i’m sure he remembers my family.
Prayers to the family, I too know what they have gone through, my brother a cold case from 1975. The truth seems so necessary to allow peace in your heart.
How terrible! I pray the killer is found!
Thank you for keeping Tommys memory alive. He is my grandfathers 1st cousin. I pray one day his murder will be solved.
Sad story like so many. Makes me sick.
How sad
Ex-husband….
praying someone comes forward to help solve this crime.
No suspects are mentioned. How awful for the families to endure such a tragic, senseless crime.
Del passed away a few years back.. shame this man went missing
I’m confused about the births of her sons..both in the same year, 7 months apart?
I hope I live to see who this worthless poor excuse of a human being. . I hope he gets caned once a month up to his execution. .
so sad because there is no closure for her friends or family.
I remember this story when I was kid
Why dont they get a writ or whatever is needed and exhume Lonnie Bierbrodt for DNA.
I never can believe that someone would beat to death a helpless elderly person. Sickening.
I cant belive it’s bee so long and still no one knows anything about her. Anyone that knows anything please let the police know.
poor baby girl… investigators are still working on the loss of your life. you have not been forgotten.
Dawn Blair
Really sad
I remember this case and think about this young girl. It was this tragic event that prompted me to get a cell phone. I hope this is solved
Poor girl…
Shame on you law-enforcement not doing at work !!
I remember this. Very sad
I remember hearing about this like it was yesterday! Can’t believe it’s been this long!
Love cold justice!!
Jim Carey you should read this
Are any of the sick bastards involved in this murder still on the St Ansgar Fire Department? This makes me sick and makes my blood boil. Why has nothing been done about this murder??
It was the Osage Fire Department personnel and the Osage Sheriff and Deputy and Osage 911 Response System that was shown to be most involved in the pictures taken by Pallas Graham as they proceeded to smash Adam, but the St Ansgar Rescue team watched and didn’t give Adam any aide.
Looking at the enlarged pictures (taken by Palas Graham the Iowa Highway Patrolman) it was St. Ansgar Fire Department written on some of the Jackets/Coats not necessarily all of them though. I was told that when the St. Ansgar Fire Department arrived, they did not have a jaws of life, and they had already lifted Adam’s truck with one chain, realized Adam was not crushed under his truck, and then breathalyzed Adam. So with Adam alive and still trapped they raised and lowered Adam’s truck causing its engine to crush Adam’s legs further, including breaking his femur, as another motor mount broke. They had to wait another hour for the Osage jaws of life, to pry the metal apart to release Adam, and until the ghoulishly smiling fireman talking to Judge McKinley, or someone twisted Adam’s neck to kill Adam. Mary, one of the people there said Adam would not have wanted to live anyhow because he would have been crippled if he had lived. At the time, Mitchell County was being sued for an accident that caused a person to be injured.
Someone somewhere knows something. How can they live with themselves?
This is THE ONE that haunts me to this day!!
I remember that, how sad for her family.
Wow. Such a long time ago. Last time I saw her was on main st by shorty,s tap, with a guy she referred to as candy man.
clinton police are to busy doing nothing and to afraid to do anything to help anyone most are busy with their girlfriends or the other married women they drink and drive they do dope beat their wifes but who is to say anything why do they still have jobs
It’s the same all over,I think!
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 watch a ci programme on the case which indicates they believe Donald piper did murder Mariana redrovan but did not put a case against him as there was no dna evidence. The photo of the 15 year old (not pic in this peice) haunts me, no justice for this young girl.
There was a very strange comment on her story here that caught my attention and I have tried to follow up with this gentleman that says he had an idea as to who it was. He worked for Quality Ford during the time of her death. He said he believed that the person responsible is in jail and that it wasn’t Donald piper. I have had no luck at all with him returning any messages. I know her family well and I helped the detectives as much as I could in the beginning. It bothers me still to this day that they could not catch her killer. I am going to retain a complete report of everything about her case and have a friend help me see if we can find something to solve this case and put her and her family at peace.
Running his business for over 40 years..then some creep kills him. So sad!
Right?
I thought the same thing too.
Sick & sad.
Praying for justice
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.
Thank you!!!
Wish our system could retry cases like these. Rylee's father didn't get to see her or know her. Someday we will see our sweet angel.
It’s Mesha Dell… Its been 16.5 years and over 20 seen the last time you picked me up. You were my second favorite cousin. I find myself crying when I read about you. You would be so proud of your little cousin Mesha. I use to be so excited when you came to visit grandma’s house. Hated for you to go. I’ll never forget you. I wish I could talk to you one more time. Rest in paradise big cousin. Crying as I type THESE words. Kisses
what friend was he visiting? were their fingerprints in the car?
Sounds like a good idea. I also sent a request to Dateline on NBC to do a followup investigation
There are some people talking about this again as coins form the estate showed up recently. Since coins aren’t labeled, the man at the coin shop has info. Send me your email Steve.
TomNeuleib1@gmail.com
Tom- You can reach me at sedwa0@aol.card. I purchased some of his office post cards at an Oskaloosa flea market over 40 years ago. Never had a response from Dateline
Steve, that is not a valid email. Can you please repost?
Sorry it’seems sedwa03@aol.com
I am currently curing title requirements on a section of land in which your late great-uncle owned a mineral interest at the time of his death. I have been researching Mr. Schmidt today and became aware of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death, and the subsequent legal action that took place regarding the estate. Through my research, I have noted that an ancillary probate was completed in Oklahoma. I have requested a copy of the final decree from the Logan County Court Clerk, but this will take several days to retrieve. My purpose in reaching out to you is that I hope you might be able to shine a little light on something for me. In the County Clerk’s records of Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, there is a Corrective Mineral Deed from a Gary F. Glasgow, Trustee regarding the Estate of Edward A. Schmidt. The deed states that it was the intent of the heirs-at-law, being Wilmer Breeden, Eva Schmidt Greiner, and Mabel Smith Collins to convey through Gary F. Glasgow, Trustee, to John O. Vaughn, all of the minerals and other interests inherited from the Edward A. Schmidt Estate. My main issue is that I am unable to locate an original Mineral Deed, and therefore, unable to ascertain why a Corrective Deed was necessary as well as the relation of Gary F. Glasgow to the Estate. I realize this was many years ago, but would you happen to recall a transaction regarding the mineral estate in Oklahoma?
I have attached the Corrective Mineral Deed.
So John O. Vaughn was to get the money. Or got the money. It would be very helpful if the heirs above shared why they left all their money to John O. Vaughn and what the relationship is. Hopefully its all good, but there are a lot of unanswered questions. There are deed issues and a lot of unanswered questions. Relatives? Is John a son, an heir, a friend? Or is this deed problematic? Hope the Schmidt heirs chose to share and clear this up!
I find it interesting that the fire at Burkman’s residence implies someone may have felt that she could have been getting close with all of the information she had.
I believe their were two perpetrators, and at least one that Rose did not know who gained initial entry into the room. I believe Rose answered the door because she was dressed. I also believe it was probably a random act because no one asked at the front desk for their room number, unless Rose called, and gave the room number to the sitter of her child. Then it would be looking at who visited the babysitter to obtain that information.
i have seen nothing on whether or not they found anything on the farm nearly Ely. Also, he and Kristina were divorced….. so when he went missing was he dating someone…. living with her? If yes then was that place searched… girlfriend questioned?? If he had a girlfriend, then why was it his sister that reported him missing? Hopefully something was found with in the stuff that Robbins burned.
no dan
It baffles me how people can keep their mouths shut about the death of a human being… a town remaining silent.. silent about a loved ones death… a child…….shame on you
I thought they solved this one.
His mom has been thought ugh pain So if you know where He is or what happen to him please have the decency To let this family know what
I will bet any amount of money that the black lady was killed by a white person and probably was impregnated by a whiteperson I lived in Clinton for sometime and encountered a lot of racism! If you don't want to be associated with anyone black, keep your Dic* in your pants!
Somebody knows what you need to know what happened to freddy or where he is at and nobody has the guts to say what they know where he is or if anything happen to him
Ok Fredrick is still missing his birthday is next month and he will be 21 yrs old and still haven’t heard anything on him so I am going to put mu number up here so if anyone has any information on him they can contact me..641-9199780 so I can get my son home…in about 3 months he will be gone 6yrs and I can’t get noone to help me put this to rest and the closure we deserve..so please if anyone knows if anyone knows anything please get ahold of me…thanks…we miss and love my son..
great news! now.. lets hope justice prevails!
In a decade where race was fierce I do not discard some racist killing her because she was apparently dating black boys.
She dated one black guy, not multiple.
Wayne,
My condolences on your family’s loss (I’m assuming you’re related to Paula given your mutual last name).
I read the white paper you referenced; good read. I’ve also read passages from the Susan Chehak book. I always had an interest in this case as I’m also from Cedar Rapids
Keep these updates with a few more clues coming if you don’t mind! I’m following along trying to figure out who you’re alleging committed this cowardly and tragic crime.
Mr. Oberbroeckling, you have made some serious accusations in your comment. I’m not sure if your information is yours or from someone else’s research, but if you have proof of what you say please take it to the Cedar Rapids police department. Otherwise, have respect for the family. Speaking of rape, murder, disposing of her dead body is just hurtful.
Where do you get these ideas? How did you get these names? Go to the police if you have proof. Otherwise, let my sister try to Rest In Peace!!!
First of all, I never said that Paula died at 810 5th Street. That was speculation that was communicated to me via others, but there is no evidence that that was in fact the case. You are making a lot of statements here as if they are facts, which they are not. They are speculations and they are not backed up by evidence that I have ever seen anywhere. If you do have direct evidence for these statements, it would be helpful if you would share them with us here. Otherwise, we must see them as your own speculations and opinions, which have nothing to do with the truth of what might have happened to Paula. We also have no evidence of rape. And we don’t even know whether it was murder, or accidental homicide. So yes, I do disagree with you, Wayne. And I hope others will take what you are saying here with a grain of skeptical salt. It is unfortunate that innocent folks here have been called out and named in an incriminating post that is not based on objective (i.e. uncircumstantial) evidence or fact.
Thank you Susan. I have asked this man to back up what he says with facts or to stop commenting. And if he has proof of this to go to the police with it. I have never heard any of the things he is talking about and I don’t know why he thinks he has to put himself in our lives. I just wish he would let my sister Rest In Peace’
Lynn, I have asked the moderators here to delete this thread.
Thank you Susan!
Again, your version is speculation. You are free to create theories for yourself, but here you’re naming names that you have connected to a scenario that you have put together from second hand information and rumor. Though you share the name, you must admit that you’re not personally acquainted with Paula’s immediate family, who are finding your speculations unnecessary and painful. I’m glad you took your theories to the police, and it will be interesting to see what they do with them. But we need to be clear that these are simply your own personal theories, not objective proven truth.
Would finding her with her hands tied behind her back and her feet bound together qualify “beyond a reasonable doubt” that a crime has been committed?
Please be quiet, this happened over 50 years ago. Nothing will ever be done!
I would like it known that this man is not a relative of my family!!
Did the police or investigators checked who was the people that cancelled the room? Can we assume the killer was already inside the locker room awaiting for this people? Killed Burket and Atkinson by mistake? Even if the killer saw them as not the targets he would must probably carry out the killings because they saw his face. And the word THIS were to meant THIS WAS A MISTAKE but some noise or else prevented him to write it and escape? Maybe he sat and carve in desperation after the murders to think about the blunder he had made? Very intriguing story indeed.
I found your comment on the room cancellation, and possible mistaken identity.
What do you mean? Who was the people that cancelled the room?
I’m sorry, I did not complete my thought. I found it interesting. On the other hand, I believe that intended victims would be identified to a hired killer.
Sheriff Pratt had primary jurisdiction. He did in fact have deputies trained in basic forensics i.e fingerprint lifting. Every academy class is taught that. The truth is he thought it not important to equip his deputies with basic field equipment to lift prints. You, the people, voted him in…vote him out if you think he is’t doing his job. It is not accurate nor fair and equitable to blame Officer Farrens, he was simply following the sheriff who apparently mishandled this incident and more than likely many more. Remember, politicians engage in politics.
People complain that big cities like Chicago have corrupt courts. I've found the complete opposite to be true. Assistant states attorney Robert Bush of Jo Davies was in the the process of being disbarred but dropped dead of a heat attack in 2011. My condolences to the families of victims who are victimized a second time by the "good ol' boy " regime.
I WATCHED THIS STORY AGAIN FOR THE SECOUND TIME LAST WEEK AUG. 2015 ANDTHE FIRST TIME A FEW YEARS BACK AND I WAS HOPEING THEY WOULD FIND JODI BEFORE HER MOTHER DIED, BUT SHE WASN'T THAT LUCKY BUT I KNOW WITH MY FAITH THAT MOMA AND JODI ARE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN WITH JESUS IN NO PAIN AND NOTHING BUT LOVE AND PEACE. AMEN AND GOD BLESS JODI'S FAMILY AND GOD BLESS JODI'S SOUL !!
Brent, After filing a Civil Rights charge in 2010 to get the 1993 through 2010 well test reports that are still being withheld from me, I paid about $1000 to get a list of well tests again done on about 10 wells Downstream from Bradley Johnson’s Sinkhole drain including my farm’s new 2004 well in the plume that included results at the highest I’d seen for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer. Adam had told me to get the copies of the Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) well test reports on 7/12/2008 before he came home from Poet and took off chasing that Chevy Impala harassing me on my farm. There is no known filter for Anhydrous Ammonia and it is a deadly combination when mixed with the Chlorine the IDNR says to shock our wells with when bacteria levels from the CAFO fertilizers are high. Your average housewife as well as a farmer knows not to mix Bleach and Ammonia. But I needed my well test reports in 1993, to know about the Anhydrous Ammonia levels and the Nitrates and bacteria levels that were building up to the highest levels I had ever researched. I am still trying to get the IDNR and Mitchell County Sanitarian tests for Bacteria and Nitrates reports done between 1993-2004 and Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) and other tests – test reports from 1993 to Present in this On-Going Pollution Plume, so people Downstream can be warned to not Chlorinate when their Source Water contains both the bacteria from CAFO fertilizer and high levels of Anhydrous Ammonia that the EPA says is not supposed to be in our drinking water at all.
Adam was trapped in his rolled truck that night, and the people he was chasing were probably the ones who first called the 911 call in of his ‘accident’ but left him there, and then 7 hours later some other 911 calls brought Judge McKinley and contractors and farmers Adam and I had testified against in the 2007 trial the IDNR said I had to file and they proceeded to chain up Adam’s truck and lift and drop it crushing Adam’s arms and legs and finally taking his head off at the C-2 and C-3 vertebra which was the cause of death but about 8 to 10 hours after the first 911 call that is one of the subpoenas still not answered by Mitchell County authorities. And if Adam had had that neck injury on the 12th they wouldn’t have been able to do the breathalyzer test that was what they were first saying that he had caused his own death because he was drinking, and the breathalyzer even though the breathilizer showed the ethanol exposure level from his work at Poet and it was done after they got to the scene on the 13th and proved he was alive. So Mitchell County’s Coroner Dr. Haganman, refused to answer subpoenas and give me a report of Adam’s breathalyzer test or his autopsy report that was also subpoenaed.
At least other county sheriff’s and deputies and even Highway Patrolman in these other Cold Case files seem to have some concern for our Civil Rights whether its to good safe drinking water (or the IDNR’s maybe giving me my well test reports,) or the answers to court ordered subpoenas or autopsy reports to the family when Insurance Companies or the family demand it.
No. Stop. You’re being redicoulous to believe that an ethanol plant would leave it’s employees to work in a facility that when they left work they had a recordable BAC. I can’t believe how idiotic and radical you sound
Brent,
A couple weeks before Adam was killed he was to have had a day off and instead Poet officials from SD called him to go back to the Hanlontown plant to drive the then Hanlontown plant manager to the HealthWorks Clinic in Mason City for a spot drug test in a Poet Company truck, so Adam did and Adam had been trying to start getting a Hot Ferm through to production so he had been exposed to Ethanol fumes at that time. As both Adam and his Poet Plant Manager flunked the drug tests, Adam was directed in a phone call from SD to drive his Plant Manager back to the Hanlontown Plant in Poet’s truck, where that Plant Manager was ordered to clean out his desk and was fired by SD Poet Officials on the spot, but Adam was ordered to do the Poet Operating Procedures for possibly getting that Hot Ferm through to Production, after Joe Rowe the Poet Safety Official at Hanlontown refused to do those Operating Procedure’s since it was dangerous. Adam was trying to switch to doing economic planning consulting work for Ethanol Plants and Poet had refused to let him do that under the not to compete issue of his signed Poet employee contract. So he was planning to go back to college and get his doctorate in Math.
So for the next several weeks Adam worked on those POP’s while getting that Hot Ferm through to Production. Adam had tried to keep the employees who worked his 13 hour shifts out of the worst fumes, while he was exposed. Adam had to take a tablet and a pen with him to write down the valve changes or test readings, as he told me he could not remember what he had done (if he had turned a valve a quarter turn or what the temperature or pressures were)after he got out of the fumes. He said it was like he Blacked Out. But on Saturday the 12th of July, 2008, after Adam emailed the Poet Operating Procedures for Getting a Hot Ferm through to Production to the SD Poet Headquarters (the first time that had ever been done at an Ethanol Plant, the Head Office in SD promoted Adam to an Office job where he would be out of the fumes. But also requested Adam email the Operating Procedures for venting the emptied Hot Ferm tank that was warped and needed the dangerous fumes vented before workers could enter it on Monday. Adam did that at my dining room table and said he was going to go back to the plant to check on a new piece of equipment that measured those fumes but had not been calibrated. Plus he was going to drop off his utility payment in Nora Springs. I asked him to go to a doctor but he said he would sleep it off as he was not to have to clock in until Monday. He left his computer open and accessed when he left, and it was still running when Hintz showed up and told me Adam was dead and Hintz refused to investigate after I told Hintz about the tannish Chevy Impala’s ring tail-lights coming on and taking off, with Adam in pursuit as he came back to my farm home from the west.
Weeks after Adam’s funeral I called Tori, one of Adam’s shift Poet operators and told him about Adam’s concerns about his calculations not being accurate in regards to that calibration not having been done before Adam had sent the POP’s for venting the warped tank to the SD Poet Headquarters on Saturday 7/12/2008. Tory told me it must have been okay as they were using Adam’s POP’s in all the Poet plants and no one was hurt.
Brent, That was another item the Mitchell County authorities had refused to answer a court ordered subpoena for, Adam’s pair of jeans that had the Poet Ethanol Exposure Patch sewn in them, that Adam is wearing in Highway Patrolman Palas Graham’s pictures taken on 7/13/2008, before Adam’s femur was crushed and broken. Poet’s Insurance Company ING had asked for that exposure patch too. Adam was still wearing Poet’s pair of jeans he wore to his last scheduled shift at the plant when he was killed. Adam never got his chance to further all types of renewable energy and keep the US less dependant on Big Oil Corps, he was hoping to promote Solar, Wind and other renewable fuels besides Ethanol and biodiesel.
Lonnie Bierbrodt also allegedly had his truck – quite similar to the truck seen by the witness when they went past Tammy’s car – steam cleaned and sold several days after the murder. The small DNA sample of her clothing was too poor and small when it was retested in 2004.
The police consider the case closed, which tends to mean that they have a strong belief in who the perpetrator was. While Fisher wasn’t a saint personally and had involvement in drug culture, this comes across as a domestic murder, a lot of anger and vengeance seems behind it. In no way does it come across as a “hit” to get back at a petty dealer or smuggler. Sadly due to the perception of the jury (there’s no way to know if it was the case here, but too often juries fall prey to the erroneous CSI mentality that DNA is at every crime scene), the families of Gregory and Fisher will not see the murderer held legally culpable, but hopefully in the court of public opinion this person is ostracized and shamed for the horrible act that she did.
Sounds like that whole family is white trash. As well as their MURDER abetting white trash friends. Sure glad I don’t have to live in an area with those scary B!tches!
Oh best believe, that Daddy-O Carlos Supino was definitely involved, not only in the murders, but drugs as well. I knew there was something NOT RIGHT/DARK about the whole family. It’s called INTUITION. And to think I was around this evil family, not knowing at the time who they were until many years later when the story surfaced. Carlos, fabricated an alibi for his murdering monster of a daughter. Shame on you, Dad. Hope you didn’t set an example for your grandchild.
was Jayme being poisoned… sounds like she suffered from a lot of ailments.
Were you born white trash or is it meth induced?
No I’m a farmer who was raised on a dairy and a farm southwest of Charles City in an area polluted by Bradley Johnson and other Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa polluters, that dump their runoff into Downstream Iowan’s and my present farm’s Source Water NW of Waverly. Bradley Johnson is the one who had Anhydrous Ammonia tanks sitting on his dad’s farm year around. He may have been the source of the meth you refer to as when he was seen driving a tractor we always referred to him as the Rocking Chair man. You could ask him your question.
You are all very naive to believe any of this garbage. For someone who is raised a “farmer” and can’t type very well because of a shake you seem to be very vocal and in depth with most of the nonsense you put on here
Worse yet it’s true and Adam and his Dad, Gary were killed by the ones who planned and helped build the illegal flood channel to drain most of Cedar (W) Townships’s Wetland down a line of huge sinkholes in a Aquifer Recharge area of a Designated National Wetland. That on-going pollution affects a large number of Downstream Iowan’s health including mine. Do you live Downstream? Please test your well’s Source Water, if you do.
Do you know Bradley (Brad) Johnson who farms in Section 10 Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa? He’s been driven by greed to illegally drain his chemicals down into our Downstream drinking water to make lots of money growing corn on corn using the sinkholes as illegal outlets.
Brent, did you know my disabled husband Gary or my son Adam when they helped me farm our 200 acre Mitchell County Section 11 Cedar (W) Township farm? The Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation Chair, Bradley Johnson, and James Hyde, Mitchell County Engineer, and James Urbatsch Township Trustee, Dean Sponheim and William Brandau did not get any permits or permission from me or Gary to take 42 acres of my farm to build a mile long 320 foot wide, 6 1/2 foot deep flood channel through my first farm in Mitchell County. The legal but very limited Corps of Engineer’s Drainage permit for that farm was recorded on the abstract for my farm (which both I and Gary had signed). I could not add even 10 more acres of drainage from my farm to the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland on James Urbatsch and Martins and Johnson’s and others shares of the Designated National Wetland, so I or Gary could not give them permission to dig through my farm if I had wanted too. But since my pigs had died from tumors in large numbers in 1998 and I had to stop feeding them to market weight that same year, that Gary got his first cancer, I was again pressuring Dale Adam’s to give me the test reports on our well’s water. But he lied and said they were fine for both bacteria and nitrates. L G Wagner, Mitchell County Sanitarian, did the same with all the tests I had him do, but in 1998 he finally sent me a report from a Manchester lab that stated the water was safe from nitrates and bacterias. But as my vet Doug Loften after posting some of our dead pigs was pressuring me to have the well tested again I asked Dale Adams, IDNR to come out and test it again in 1999 and again he even refused that test report, but when FEMA employees saw and smelled the water coming out of our faucets they said to install a chlorinator so we thought the water issue was just the manure from Bradley Johnson’s feedlots down the sinkholes in 1999. So I did have a chlorinator installed. I did not know the very limited soil depth area, the section 10’s aquifer recharge area was being drained of its CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers and Atrazine down the section 10’s huge sinkholes into our source water we thought when Bradley Johnson was forced to close his sinkhole north of his house after I complained to the IDNR in 1993 that our water was safe and that is why we had had Dale Adams come out to take more samples, but the only test copies of the test reports I finally received in 2009, after Gary was killed in January of 2004, was one 1993 Test report that was bad for both Nitrates and Bacteria in 1993 from the U of I Hygenic Lab.
Brent’s last name is probably Johnson. That’s why he’s being so defensive and calling you a liar. I’m so sorry for your losses and all that you have gone through. I have seen corruption coming from Mason City.
Roni, your response to the above comment showed great character and class. Given the volumes of documentation you’ve carefully and legally procured, beware of pots who erroneously think they’re calling out to kettles. Personal attacks — particularly those whose only purpose is to pummel another’s character without so much as addressing the real issue at hand — should be taken with a grain of salt and a warning label: Consider the Source.
Did her friend Cindy know the people Valerie was talking to outside the pool?
She never stopped to talk to anyone on the way in. This account is not accurate. We went into the pool together. And she left alone. I am Cindy Newgren Begg
In 1987, Mary Ann Green resided in a home at Oskaloosa’s Spring Creek Mobile Park on Highway 23 South.
The 59-year-old widow did not live lavishly, so few people other than friends and family knew she was a wealthy woman.
For many years, her deceased husband Herman Green owned and operated a successful back-hoe business in Oskaloosa; when Herman died in June of 1987, Mary Ann inherited a large estate.
Mary Ann and Herman had no children of their own; but they raised her nephew Jackie as a son, and Herman had five sons from his first marriage.
On September 27, 1987, Mary Ann Green was found in her home stabbed to death in what looked like a personal and up-close attack.
When she tried to defend herself against the knife blows, several of her fingers were slashed nearly off.And in her last moments of life, Mary Ann managed to get to a closet door mirror. With her own blood she wrote the letter “N.”
Those two guilty, murderous idiots probably wanted money from that dear lady.
Just found this post. Our father, Randal Clyde Pate, believed to be the last to see Aaron, has never been questioned about their last encounter, as he has been unable to be located. He is currently awaiting trial in the Fayette county jail on unrelated charges. Hopefully he will be questioned about Aaron also.
It appears he has been released. Was he questioned?
Diana i would like to talk to you and see if we cant get more help to the family
Ian Pate do you have an opinion to what you think may have happened? And do you know why your sisters obituary changed?
In 1995 after I had gotten my first IDNR permit to do my ECP repairs after the 1993, so called 100 Year Flood, in my 0.6 acre piece of the Huge Designated National Wetland on my farm Bradley Johnson had yelled at me that he had fixed me for my complaint to the IDNR in 1993 costing him $20,000 for having to close the sinkhole he had drained his feedlots down north of his home. The IDNR’s Dale Adam’s had gotten Bradley Johnson a new well paid for under the Program to Prevent High Animal Loss Numbers from High Nitrate Contaminated Wells (I found out in in Paul VanDorpe’s letter in 2004) but Dale Adams, IDNR, and L G Wagner, Mitchell County Sanitarian had withheld my well tests Downstream because I had complained about the ditches Bill Groskurs, Mitchell County Engineer, had dug for Brad behind two feedlots, draining their runoff down the sinkhole north of Brad’s home. So in 2004 when Mark Ross, new Mitchell County Sanitarian, brought the very high lead test into the Mitchell County Board of Health Meeting, which I had gotten Paul VanDorpe’s, IDNR, letter on the agenda, I was not surprised even though I had not tested for heavy metals, but the rumors had gone around that Brad or contractors had dumped batteries and old paint cans down the sinkhole to fix me, when the IDNR forced Brad to close his sinkhole as it was found to be the cause of his and Dean Sponheim’s piles of dead animals in 1993. All Dr. Ross the Board director said was he could not write a well test warning letter as it would scare the people.
The tests that I had not seen yet, said the lead was so high and was far over proven cancer causing levels. My animals had died or got docked at IBP after only 4 months of drinking our water Downstream. My husband was having to be treated at Mayo for two separate terminal cancers, high blood pressure, and a fourth condition which was hyperkalemia. The treatment for hyperkalemia is drink more water to flush the high potassium out through your kidneys. I had filled Gary’s Hawkeye mug with water over and over not knowing the water tested so high in Nitrates that included high levels of Atrazine, the very high Lead that caused Gary, Adam, and my blood pressures to spike and was at known cancer causing levels, and included Anhydrous Ammonia and at times when the sinkholes were taking water high levels of bacteria from Nitrogen fertilizers. Yes, Gary may have lived only another 6 or so months but we will never know, because he was killed on 1/14/2004 and, we had not been given our well test reports since 1993. And people Downstream did not pay attention to my letter in the Press News in October of 2004 to try to warn them Downstream from Brad Johnson. As Dr. Ross refused to warn the people Downstream in that Board of Health meeting in 2004 saying it would scare them. Before I’m gone, I want people to know to test for the Anhydrous Ammonia that pulls other contaminants into our ground water or Source Water and drew the lead into our water and also when the IDNR told us to put chlorinators on our wells for the CAFO bacteria run-off to the sinkholes we were mixing the Chlorine with high levels of Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer and Bleach and Ammonia don’t mix well and when you inhale the fumes coming out of your shower head it caused asthma or worse as well as burning your skin, lining of our throats, intestines, and eyes.
I’m a farmer, not a writer, so please read, though not written well.
Howard and Renee do have an older son named Justin Jones. I see that Debra and William divorced 01.09.2001.
Debra= born 9.17.1961
William H Jones born= 1.1.1962
Blanche Marie Jones born = Oct 29 1942
not much information here at all… very sad… in the past he has also lived in Los Angeles, CA.. he has relatives in Des Moines, IA…
This was my uncle. He was a harmless old man that never hurt or bothered any one, and kept to him self.It's sad that some one had to take his life for a can of dimes.nickles.and pennys.
Dennis G. Farver, 63, of Newton died on December 7, 2012 at his home. Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at the First Lutheran Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home in Newton. Memorials to the Dennis Farver Memorial Fund may be left at the funeral home or at the church on the afternoon of the service. Memorials may also be mailed to the funeral home. He is survived by his family including his wife, Diane of Newton; children, Adam R. (Tara) Farver of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Cari L. Farver of Macedonia, Iowa, John J. (Hilary) Farver of Des Moines, Iowa, and Jarod W. Farver of San Diego, California. Dennis G. Farver
.
Published in Topeka Capital-Journal on Dec. 11, 2012
– See more at: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/cjonline/obituary.aspx?pid=161644844
sounds to me like that boyfriend killed her…
I think so too she was and will always be my best friend he was very mean and wasnt nice to her at all
What??? Who was boyfriend
not many details listed.. no picture… tried to google his name too… not much out there about him missing… very sad
Most of the other relatives of the cases I read had some investigation or search done by local authorities into the deaths of their loved ones. But in the deaths of my husband and son the local authorities were involved and did everything they could to hide the Good Old Boys group’s killing both Gary and Adam. After I took the Inspection and Appeals Office 25 pages of Citations and investigation and the Board of Nursing’s signed charge and notes and the AMA notice of the warning letter about Dr. Paul Royer to Sheriff Younker and Mark Walk, Mitchell County attorney, and pointed out where the kayexalate was obtained by Linda. Mark Walk refused to even investigate or even say why he would not stop The Prescription Shoppe in Osage from letting nurses like Linda just get a scoop of that drug that should only be given with a doctor’s prescription and in a hospital under a doctor’s care and pharmacist mixing it up with sorbitol and instead allowing Linda to take 4 times the Mayo Clinic’s doctors prescribed dosage and she mixed it in a cup of water and made Gary hurry up and drink it even though he said it tasted so salty and not like root beer like before. Gary’s Mayo doctor ordered prescription for the drug he needed to lower his potassium level set in the Charles City Medicap Pharmacy until two days after he was dead when the killers removed it without signing for that drug but I was billed for it and the investigators recovered a list of other drugs that included two of the three drugs Gary’s Mayo Clinic doctor had ordered. But instead of closing the Prescription Shoppe Pharmacy, Mark Walk said Gary’s life wasn’t worth a dime in court in my Request to Prosecute. And then the Medicap pharmacy that had the Mayo prescription and that had mixed up the drug correctly was closed instead of the one where Mark’s wife worked.
In Adam’s case the local authorities refused to give answers to why they would not investigate or answer court ordered subpoenas or give me copies of any of Hintz’s ‘accident’ report or Adam’s autopsy report which was one of the things subpoenaed, why Deputy Hintz made those statements to me that it wasn’t the mean one since they had put Vera Lack’s name and address down on the next of kin to notify on Adam’s accident report, I assumed they thought Adam was the mean one for giving eye-witness information about how Venz abused his wife to the Nora Springs cops, when Gary Venz, Vera Lack’s nephew was being suspected of shooting his wife in the face with a shotgun. Adam’s standing up for others, was the only thing that got him in any trouble. After they told me Adam was dead I told them about the car Adam had chased, they have still refused to give me the copy of that report I made on 7/13/2008 and why after he refused to investigate like they had refused to investigate Adam’s Dad’s murder. Why did they just leave me in the kitchen alone on my farm as I had collapsed, with my broken leg and no aide was given Adam as well as me, after Hintz told me Adam was dead?
Sherriff Younker had waited over 6 months after the so called Transitioning of the huge Flood Channel and my second trespass charge to send Deputy Hintz out to investigate, after I had finished over $100,000 in repairs. Those repairs and more after the 2008 Floods I was being forced by the Osage’s Charlie Heiderscheit FSA and Ray Frana NRCS and Bradley Johnson, Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation Chair, under threats I was going to be charged with Farming in the Right of Way for their illegal channel and at the same time threatening me with not being in Compliance with my legal drainage permit from the Corps of Engineer’s. And I was required to get the necessary IDNR permits each time I entered the Designated National Wetland to do repairs. In 2006 after the digging done illegally under the Bradley Johnson’s MCSWC Chair’s direction using his USDA-NRCS 1991 Proposed Drainage Ditch Survey that documents some of the sinkholes they were using to drain the Designated National Wetland down into our Source Water, and others they were planning to dig through to dump more Wetland ponding water down bigger sinkholes in the Designated National Wetlands huge sinkholes.
After the illegal transitioning in 2005 I had to again get permits to close a sinkhole in the 0.6 acre Designated National Wetland in 2006. As Adam and I were working I fell and broke the plate in my right leg where my bones had not healed from a farm accident in 1999. Adam finished that work alone as I could not get a contractor to help. The illegal transitioning had opened that sinkhole by digging through the 1700 foot long 15′ long Designated National Wetland strip on my farm between the larger sinkholes on James Urbatsch and the Martins larger sinkholes. They did the transitioning by trespass and without getting any permits and the IDNR attorneys said I had to sue the group but I could only sue Mayer’s Digging Company (Roger Mayer and David Mayer and Mark Wagner and William and Barbara Brandau who had hired the Mayer’s to do the Transitioning without any permits or permission from me, and as they were the only ones we caught and I took pictures of them starting to do it.) The transcript for the trial in 2007 that Adam and I testified in cost me about $2,000 to have transcribed, so investigators could read the lies under oath by the above group of people.
Sheriff Younker withheld my trespass charge against Dean Kleckner the former Head of Farm Bureau on 4/15/2003 and the Disposition of that trespass charge on 4/16/2003 when Dean Kleckner came out to my farm in an Osage police car and agreed with Gary and me that he would have Mayer Digging Company restore our soil to the grade it was prior to Mayer Digging Company, digging it away and replace our joint property line fence. I had told him the karsted limestone was very close to the surface where Mayer’s was digging and we were not wanting more sinkholes dug open. We had agreed the trees that Mayer Digging Company had also removed were of no significant value but we wanted our topsoil back to the grade it was prior. I was threatened by my attorney that I could not say anything about Dean Kleckner’s visit or Disposition of that Trespass charge as Sheriff Younker would not give me a copy of the Disposition until the Spring of 2008 about a year after the trial where Roger Mayer, Mark Wagner, and Mr. and Mrs. William Brandau testified under oath they were there together at my farm on 4/16/2003 (instead of Dean Kleckner in that Osage Police car) and they all swore Gary my dead husband who was killed on 1/14/2004 had given them permission to come in after he was dead and finish the Transitioning (with no legal permits). But my legal 1995 Corps of Engineer’s permit for drainage did not allow me or Gary to add even 10 more acres of drainage from my farm to the Designated National Wetland so neither of us could have given permission to add 3000 acres of Flood Water to be dumped through our farm to the Designated National Wetland’s huge sinkholes. And I sat there in that courtroom but my testimony and evidence was sustained by Judge McKinley whenever I tried to say anything about them not getting permits or my having refused permission for them to build that mile long 320 foot wide 6 and a half foot deep flood channel through my farm opening more sinkholes as they dug.
I was told by IDNR attorneys John Tack and Randy Clark and another IDNR attorney I had to sue as proof I had not approved of, or accepted, this Flood Channel to Sinkholes Drainage System for Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa and if I sued them I would not be held liable by the IDNR for the future polluting and flooding by all the illegal ditching and Flood Channels to sinkholes Brad Johnson and the Cedar (W) Township farmers had planned in the map up on Jim Hyde’s Office wall in 2008. That suit I filed at the suggestion of the IDNR got to court in 2007 and cost me my son Adam’s life as his testimony was the most damaging to them, it also cost me $47,000 in attorney fees. Meanwhile I and Adam were doing the repairs after getting the necessary permits in 1993, 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2008. Now they were going to wait until I am dead to record any of my testimony or get Adam’s death investigated.
Investigators should read the the 2007 trial transcripts where Adam and I testified and 4 transcripts of Adam’s Probate Hearings to try to get Adam’s death investigated (especially the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd transcripts where I entered the evidence I was able to get access to, as Adam’s Probate Administrator). No I don’t believe Hintz will investigate my death either as he assured me he would after he refused to investigate Adam’s, but I need this blog group to ask me and others questions, as it’s the only way I can think of, for information not being lost. So we might some day stop the On-Going Point Source Pollution Plume mapped out in the Well Testing Warning Message in a blue box above the picture of Adam’s Tombstone in this Iowa Cold Case File.
Kid was guilty as hell, he told me he did it
Amber , were you a witness? If so, then you were not believed.
I signed the Declaration of Independence, There, I told you, so therefore it must be true.
My father and I were the ones who discovered her body while antler hunting. Her death still haunts me and I still see the scene in my mind. I hope they find the monster who did this and justice is done.
Notified by the Iowa State Parol Board that his release date is 5/31/2017. The letter further stated that he may be eligible for work release or parole prior to the May 31st date. If you feel an injustice in his only serving five years, please join my in writing the Parole Board and demanding he pull the ten year sentence his was given for the brutal beating, sadistic rape and ultimate murder of my sister, Marijayne Jones. Thank you for your time .
Maryjayne, sorry for your list as well as this unbelievable sentence this sick POS received, I don’t see how someone can take the life of a beautiful human being and get out of prison in 5 years . I lost a father in law and my best friend both to murder. My son is a police officer and it sickens me to see and hear what he sees. As a victim family member are you made aware of his parole information and his whereabouts? My father in laws murderer died on scene, but my best friends muderer received life without parole and the 2 men that aided in the murder only received 15-20 years .
Someone needs to take that WORTHLESS out
So sorry for all your loss! Have it re-opened. Time for justice. God bless.
I don’t know her… wow she was a beautiful woman… Just wondering… those who found her said she was laying in a fetal position… to me that would indicate she was harmed in that area… unless she had water in her lungs… possible she was in the creek… stil alive, got out, got in fetal position…
Prayers are with the family. I also loved Layne he was like a son to me and really enjoyed sitting around camp fire with him. Was a gentleman where ever I saw him. Missed so much. God Please let the truth come out and all can be at peace.
Jody, is there no more info available for Lillian
what information would you like ? when she disappeared my mom was 2 Amy Jackson and her sister Kathy Jackson was 4 Martha was 6 ….was sure if she owned part of the carnival or just worked there …I’ve been told her and i Believe shorty owned part of it …..she was never reported miss because great grandma didn’t want to lose the girls……They did do the paper work and considered her legally dead …but as my mom and her sisters get older I know that they want closer …I know I do and I never met her…..Her brother Judge David Alan Huff born august 17th 1939 passed March 22 2012 tired to put her to rest but never could ….Please help my family
Jackie cAn you please call me 9088218834
Sorry I haven’t been on here in awhile I will send u a txt hope u still want to help
more information she did not just leave
theres lots
I pray this case gets solved. May your soul be at peace Lynn.
Darleen’s two older children are Kathy and Lanny. Ellen is Mother’s younger sibling.
My God! How much more did the police need? Even without a body the circumstances surrounding this scream guilty of murder. A five year old could add this up and tell who did it and why. I cannot believe this man was never arrested.
Yes thank-you, my Brother is on the Cold cases.
Denese, that reminds me that I need to finish the update-in-progress on Gary’s case. This is what we have there now, but I’m working on an updated piece. Jody at ICC https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/gary-sebek/
I was so in hopes this case would be solved, With the main suspect now dead I am afraid it will be very difficult if not impossible.
Awesome!
Thank you for getting involved with iowacoldcases.org. that means alot to so many of us. Thank you so much, I speak out for all of us. God bless you.
Thank you so much, Penny! Jody at ICC
I know that my family is not dwelling on Pam’s death. They just wish new information would come forth. I wish I would have gotten to know my aunt. My mom and my aunt’s and uncles still share stories about her. One day I hope we get that call. More than 30 yrs I hope we find peace n justice for Pam.
Was Colleen Seiberling ever questioned? Is she still alive? Hopefully Darleen’s family discovers more information.
Colleen is dead. Her daughter was interviewed by phone. Colleen’s daughter believes she witnessed the burial of Darleen Fitchett late @ night in the steps of the apartment house owned by Lance Fitchett and occupied by her Mother.
I may have information about a homicide. I do not know the date. Elaine (Daisy) Hauser-Griffiths was doing community service through the courts where I was office manager. She told me of a murder that she witnessed. I did go to the Ottumwa Police Dept and told an officer who took down a report. Later a "private detective" called me. The police had released the report to him. He was investigating a missing person that he thought was murdered. "Daisy" told me that Clifford Collett had murdered the man over a drug deal of some sort. The detective wanted more information than what I knew such as the color of the car…she was too frighten of Clifford Collett to tell me any more details than she had already told me. The detective told me that he thinks the man killed may be related to a couple from Albia that their son was missing. She told me that his body was put in a car at the Rock Quarry west of Chillicothe, Iowa. I guess there is some type of deep water that the car with the body is in. She is now deceased.
Kind of remember this same story ish.
Veronica,
Have you considered doing a petition on change.org and or contacting Dateline or another show to see if they will look @ this case? The more people that know about your case; the more likely to be heard.
Connie,
I am an older farmer who was not raised with the internet and with my present condition typing is a chore because of my shake. I don’t tweet or text much let alone know how to do a petition on change.org even though I have signed many. I’ve tried contacting the Globe Gazette after my husband Gary was killed.
And the young reporter that came out and wrote a story and took pictures of some of the sinkholes that were being used to drain that Wetland was refused the right to print her story by the Globe’s attorneys. There is alot of pressure in Iowa to support only the chemical companies and the groups doing the polluting (farmers), but not all farmers are polluting and some of us have spent time and money to prevent it while the polluters like Dean Sponheim are named Environmental Leader for 2014. He was the one who had the first ditch built to the sinkhole in the Designated National Wetland at 320th Street, just SW of my former Mitchell County home and farm. That young reporter took pictures of that sinkhole as the soil around was caving in.
If others could help spread the word please at least warn the people Downstream. Even my renters well by Waverly in the Plume Downstream is testing to high. Veronica
I will help you then :)
Connie,
I want to warn the people who use the Source Water in this Plume so they can know what to test for and about the Chlorine forming the bad decontaminants that can kill when the Anhydrous Ammonia combines with the Chlorine that the IDNR says to add for the CAFO fertilizer runoff that is being channeled and ditched to the sinkholes and into our aquifers.
So it’s the area of the map in the warning letter but also can affect the cities Downstream, like Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and even Iowa City. Can you get that petition to direct people to the warning in Adam’s file above?
By refusing to answer the subpoenas for the investigation of Adam’s killing, the Mitchell County authorities were able to hide the suspects behind the illegal channel being built through my home farm, then when Mark Walk cut me out of the division of some of the assets from my father-in-law’s estate as Harold had taken a sudden unexpected turn for the worse and died in the Osage nursing home 3 days after Adam and my testimony in the 2007 trial that at least proved the Flood Channel was not there before the IDNR had charged me with Blockage of Water. The Osage NRCS agents had been sending my farms paperwork like NHEL determinations and CRP information to Vera Lack and just months after Adam was killed she died in 2008 rather suddenly. On Adam’s accident report Vera’s name and address was entered as next of kin to notify and the NRCS and FSA office personnel were the only Osage agents that had addressed me as the wicked witch of the west (Vera’s family nick-name) and they had sent my farm records to Vera, after I had refused to dig that huge ditch that Dean Kleckner had also refused to dig through his farm. In 2009 when I was in the Osage NRCS office to get the permits and do the ECP repairs for the 2008 floods, as I walked in there were audible gasps and the teasing about being the wicked witch of the west as Ray Frana had done in the past stopped. I felt the group had killed a bunch of my relatives because they thought they were the obstacles to getting my farm instead of just killing me. So I had to sell out as they did not value my other children’s lives and now I don’t own what I couldn’t legally give them (an outlet down the sinkholes into the Designated National Wetland’s sinkholes on James Urbatsch and other Cedar (W) Township land).
About a month ago Waterloo had to stop using water from one of that Iowa town’s wells as it was found to be very high in Nitrogen fertilizer. Our aquifers across Iowa are in danger, but especially in this documented Pollution Plume.
Connie I tried to do a Petition last night but don’t think I did it right as my shaking is worse at night. But have mistakes, it starts out something like Iowans are drinking Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer because Iowa’s 20 year Governor has not enforced the Clean Water Act or Iowa’s 16 Drainage Laws. Wish my feeble attempt to go. Veronica
I knew Ann Rucker is her case still open? I think of her often . Is there any new leads in her case ?
Dawna, Willie Ann Rucker’s case remains open. I’m not aware of any recent developments in her unsolved disappearance. Police had a suspect, but without a body it would have proved difficult to prosecute him.
Whoopie !!
A Eileen Higdon married a Stanley C. Higdon in Elko, Neveda, have one minor child when they divorced in January 1975
Many more case like this are in the same process-Amen.
thanks wendell. we love and miss him dearly!
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.
In the first hearing to try to get Adam’s killing investigated, Judge Bryan McKinley failed to recuse himself but admitted he was at the scene and again claimed Adam’s breathalyzer test was positive for alcohol. Those pictures had time and date recorded including Judge McKinley’s image long after he claimed to have left the scene. So Adam did not have the injury yet that killed him about eight or more hours after the first 911 call. After his death, blood work showed Adam’s high exposure to the fumes from the Hot Ethanol Ferm Adam had been working to get to production at Poet. At the end of that hearing in late November 2010 Judge McKinley gave me permission to investigate myself, and even though I was refused answers to subpoenas, in the third hearing in the Charles City Floyd County Courthouse to get Adam’s killing investigated, all of the evidence I was allowed to receive, including the 26 pictures of the groups chaining up Adam’s truck and while Adam was seatbelted in the drivers side with his feet trapped under the dash, they started tipping, lifting, and dropping Adam’s truck on its drivers side. The third hearing in 2011 over 4 months later I entered the evidence I had collected.
Adam’s crushed body could not even be put to rest because the Mitchell County Attorney had withheld the deeds to my and my husband’s cemetary plots and other assets from my father-in-laws estate (our family farm). They had stolen our soils off 42 acres of my farm to build a Flood Channel that dumps into a Designated National Wetland and then the Mitchell County Attorney takes the deeds to the soil my husband was buried in.
If any investigator looks into this they should read the 4 transcripts and especially the third hearings transcript and exhibits that include the unanswered Request to Prosecute form, my Adam’s Voice File Notes, the 28 questions I was trying to get Judge McKinley to answer, and enlarged copies of the 26 pictures the highway patrolman took while they strung the chain across a ditch and started tipping the truck. What I did find out was worse than knowing how they killed Adam, most people that are murdered in Mitchell County have their death certificates falsified, as cancer for Gary and severe dislocation of neck at C2 and C3 for Adam because of motor vehicle accident. The new sheriff is probably reading what Sheriff Younker and Deputy Hintz recorded to cover up what was done to my son and husband. The investigation or reports were denied me in Adam’s death but I did get access to my husband’s. The Mitchell County Attorney’s only response to my Request to Prosecute form was Gary’s life wouldn’t be worth a dime in court.
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.
u must be on some other planet corey…
I'm so very sorry . It is so heart breaking. My heart and thoughts and prayers sent to the family and friends.
I just realized there was no mention of the husband on the headstone.
Why is everyone dancing around thename and obvious perpetrator of this crime…
Who said Robin Latham???
If you don’t mind my asking how do you know his name??? Do you know anything about this case??? We were wonwho you are….
You said Robin Latham. Come out from behind your stage name and enlighten these people on what you know. You obviously have some reason to believe what your stating. You don’t have to tell us.Tell the proper authorities. If he really committed this crime then share what you know. It could be the one piece of information that closes this case. If he didn’t do it then the family needs to know just as well. I don’t know if it will do any good. I heard a conversation a few years ago between Robb Shwabb(not sure on the spelling) and Miles Latham and offered to go under hypnosis to retrieve the entire conversation because there might be useful information obtained from it and I have never even got a response back from anyone. Not even a thank you so I don’t know if they are trying to solve this case or not.
I’m confused who are you never clever. I guess I am missing parts of this whole conversation please enlighten me.
I am Josh Latham’s wife and I am begging anyone who has any information to come forward if you think it will help or not. You can contact Jody at Iowa Cold Case and remain anonymous but this family needs closure as today is the 30 yr anniversary of their mother’s death. Thank You to everyone for not giving up on this. I feel very strongly that this case will be solved soon if people do the right thing.
If you know anything about this step up and make the call please.
Thank you Jody for adding this story to your long list of cold cases.
Don’t see Guzzie Blackwell
My mother was murdered Oct 25, 1963 by Edward Miller he only did 9yrs I would like to know what ever happened to him,
I pray someone comes forward. And prayers sent to the family and friends.
We love you Paul you are always in or minds and Hart love you always wendell
Raymond,
I am not here to be “right”. I spent an enormous amount of time researching DBLN. The woman who created these Iowa cold case web pages did a fantastic job. Your deceased wife had a composite photo attached to the crime at the time of the murder. The face that was sketched turned out to be that of a man who was a very prolific serial killer. He was also known to use the telephone to create misdirections, ruses, scams, ransoms. He was also known to use the kind of language suggested on the crime page related to prank calling the family. in other cases related to him he was known to call neighbors as part of his crimes – as again suggested in the follow up notes where a former neighbor of yours reported that his family too received prank calls of similar nature.
As you stated your deceased wife did not know DBLN – and that was likely true as far as she knew – He may have tracked her in some psycho-sexual way as has been documented as part of his crime behaviors in relation to his desired victims. The overwhelming majority of the known DBLN crimes were stranger crimes – that is the victims had no connection in any way with him until being victimized.
As a rule, the victims of serial killers often times have no connection with their killer prior to the crimes perpetrated. If you read the book by Stephen Michaud “Beyond Cruel” on DeBardeleben and or watch the 100 minute A&E documentary on DeBardeleben you will come to know that DBLN had many many murder victims. I recommend reaching out to Michaud who saw all of DBLN’s evidence from trials related to DBLN’s 1983 arrests. Also Michaud may help you have contact with the retired FBI profiler Roy Hazelwood. Hazelwood was filmed going through the evidence in the A&E documentary – he handled and consulted on all the evidence in the DBLN cases.
I reached out to both related to a different case. Both may be highly responsive to you because you are a direct relative of a victim. I am sorry for your loss. I appreciate and respect your skepticism about the veracity of the suggestion that DBLN was the perpetrator of heinous crime. I hope that you get closure.
to all that may hae somethin to say so do I I kow you may not like thins oin the way they do ut Steven Killher her and it may have taken many years or al to come to Light but i am very satisfied that he will now pay for his action and takin the life of a beautiful person and a reat friend o mine that helped me through a very rough time in my life so i hope he ROTTS… Karma is back to take from him what he took from Susan and the hell he put her children throuh .He may not be killed but he will suffer one hell of alot atleast i hope to god he does
What??
Adam,
Thanks for your prompt and thought full response.
Re:Eric Redinbo this is his mother Carolyn Robinson if you have any questions here is email address carrob21@yahoo.com
Mary, I have looked for you and your family for years. Also your Aunt. How are you doing? Steve and Nedra Ehrenhard, Belinda, Sheila, Jeff and Brian.
Thank you so much Alice, and I sure will!
Dad Peoria trooper homicide task force triumps as old folks talk around camp fire with yachts in distance weapons of war
Homicides in ft worth Texas solved to bones a time a dozen me lester Lee lohman ran out there racket s central Illinois under Joe Abraham s and Teresa baume around lime used prob guys still around great sleeping bear where shall I sleep I were lime but a fifty pound bag where would I be Murphy Riggs McGowan guard wolf polatti spears John great uncle Garry coons two personally owned juck yards k mole Harry coons thea and den Koontz i f I were his body where would I be twenty fucking bullets to the victor.a Price is is discussion
1982 September 5th… Jonny Gosch was reported missing after he "disappeared" while delivering mail. This happened in Des Moines but just hang in there. He's wagon of mail was found a block away from his house. He was reportley being followed by a blue car.. The case remained could until 1977 when he allegedly visited his mother, she claimed her son told her that he had escaped from a child abuse ring by prominent Iowa businessmen and politicians .. This may be the same people yet I don't know why the would kill them but this could be a lead idk
johnny was delivering newspapers on his route not mail
I was a close friend to you're mother sorry for you're loss.she will never be forgotten I loved her like my sister I pray you will get closure tell David Alice said hi thanks
My sister & brother in law use to live in Albia Iowa for 18 years. My sister had said thah Harry’s brother use to work for the Monroe Police Department..I’m not sure if he still is in law enforcement or not..But I was reading this and I was thinking how could he just vanish like that into thin air.? He was seen with friends downtown on the Albia square and then people seen him drive off to head home..So u know he had to vanish in between uptown and his route home…Another speculation that I have is that he either picked someone up and met with foul play, his car could be in a quarry somewhere or that Lake outside of Albia(cannot remember the name of it now).. If drugs where involved in some way, maybe he could have been an informant and is in a witness protection program…It just seems real odd, and the fact that none of his friends have any clue where he could be…….Hopefully someone will come forward with information on Harry and then his family can have some closure….
I was friends with Harry, and with him the night before, along with a lot of other people… All was good, then no one could find him after that!!!
Praying for the families!
I pray that someone comes forward. God be with the family and friends.
Prayers sent to the family. I pray someone comes forward.
I am amazed that DCI is unwilling to investigate your leads Tom. It would appear to me that someone at a high level is controlling this investigation. Maybe it’s time to bring in the national media to push the authorities to reopen this case.
Jody’s assistant was here, I also have name, new info, etc. The Register is doing a series of articles and I am going to call then and ask them to bump this on up as two of the.principles
are dying. More soon,
Thank you, Tom! I agree that time is of the essence here. Please keep us posted. Jody at ICC
Tom: Did the Register ever run this article?
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources from their reports and pamphlets claims to protect our Water Quality and I had thought they would enforce our Iowa Drainage Laws as I was threatened repeatedly and spent thousands of dollars and since 1993 was made to get permits to be able to do unfunded repairs on my farm. Mainly to stay in compliance with my very limited Corps of Engineer’s Agreement for Drainage.
In Mitchell County a legal drainage outlet was an asset that was even more valuable than CSR as to gauge value of a farm. In 1990 the farmers without legal drainage outlets started changing land without legal drainage outlets, to corn and soy bean production. So I was glad to do the unfunded conservation practices so that my renter could rotate corn and soy beans. My cash rent went up, and we used low till and no till practices on that 90.36 CSR value farm. I fed feeder pigs to market weight and spread their dry waste that included the straw they had bedded down in, on those fields.
Now since the Section 10 Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County group of farmers illegally dug the Flood channel to sinkholes through Section 11, first through Dean Kleckner’s and then into my old farm (getting no permits like, I a woman farmer, was always required to do when doing repairs) or them channeling to and in a Designated National Wetland, the on-going pollution Plume is documented in the well tests first on the wells Downstream in Mitchell County and in the research in part of Paul W. Johnson, a former Director of the IDNR.
Paul Johnson published, Groundwater Quality Response To Closure Of Agricultural Drainage Wells In Floyd County, Iowa in July 1999, back when the labs did not have storage of well test result data. So the data is usable to document the spread of this plume, that Paul VanDorpe said was traveling at the rate of 1 to 2 miles a year since 1990. Now the data of well tests is stored so other later Plumes can be tracked and stopped before people and animals suffer and die.
Stopping these Point Source Pollution Plumes is crucial to our Iowa Water Quality and especially with the Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers, as well as the herbicides and pesticides.
The Plume of the above Warning Letter
Just as Paul Johnson was doing in his position with the IDNR in the late 90’s we need to close all sinkholes and legal or illegal AG Drainage wells that are causing these Point Source Pollution Plumes. And definitely require permits for legal drainage outlets that prevent farm chemicals to be drained illegally into our Source Waters. The legal drainage outlets for surface water and tile outlets from each farm should be considered an asset and increase the value of farmland or limit its use as to no chemical applications that pollute.
Russ Tell said in 2009 that pretty soon the state of Iowa would not be able to document a Plume, because everybody (farmers) was Point Source polluting with the French Drains.
The purpose of my 1995 Corps of Engineer’s Agreement for Drainage was to not allow me to add anymore drainage from my farm to the Designated National Wetland’s huge sinkholes. I could not legally give permission for those farmers that had no legal drainage outlet, so they just stole and dug out 42 acres of my topsoil after they got the IDNR to charge me with Blockage of Water, to build a flood channel to those huge sinkholes that now drain chemicals off 3000 acres down those sinkholes into our Source Waters.
Now that the two very water soluble Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers are testing at ever increasing levels in our Source Waters we who live in this particular Plume and others may have had our health and our incomes as well as the health of our animals affected by farmers who are draining their land and chemicals illegally with no legal drainage outlet. Since there is no feasible filter for Anhydrous Ammonia we need to keep it out.
How very sad that another human being could do this in front of children an with technology these days open this case up an reinvestigate
I pray that someone comes forward, prayers to his family and friends.
This case does not seem to have been investigated much…a man lost his life horribly in front of his children and no information ever released and no further search mentioned.
No they really didn’t. They were convinced Mary did it and followed her and made her life a living hell. They would stop her with her kids and Mom in the car, and harassed the hell out of her. She loved Dennis, she could never do something like this. The cops dropped the ball on this one real bad.
His case is still cold as tomorrow (-50) someone knows something. Please come forward.
Thank you all for your support. I have hope after Michelle’s case may be solved.♡
Omg you girls have been through. So much. I was hoping that you had new info. So sorry she was awesome. Tears and prayers for the family God bless all of you. Think of you guys every time I see your names on Facebook. Don't give up hope.
Wonder if it is/was same offender.
This man could be it oldest brothers father. Looks so so alike. Cindy colgin message contact-mikeekberg46@gmail.com
Agreed, I was not aware how many we had in CR until I counted all from 1950 to now. Holly cow I have lived here all my life and now moving next year. We have way too many here!
Terri please look at and print out a copy of the Well Testing Warning Message Roni Lack worked with Russ Tell to get out to the people in the On-Going Point Source Pollution Plume. The IDNR so far hasn't warned you but she is still trying to get them too. It's in Adam's above Cold Case file information just a Paragraph above the picture of Adam's Cemetary Monument.
It seems like so many of these cold cases are from Cedar Rapids or the surrounding area. They are all so very sad and tragic, just noticed it seems like I see Cedar Rapids listed a lot.
Whoops typed those in the wrong area.
The little girls name was linda williamson. Very sad . I went to school with her for a few years.
The man that killed 13 year old linda was william carr. He was sentenced years ago and admitted to abusing her. Court records can be found on google.
That was a horrible night.
My heart just thumps really hard every time I get a email from Iowa cold case in hopes they got some kind of lead!!! 2016 please gives us answers ????
Lindsay,
I gather you were either in contact with Eric or were there that fateful night (based on Carolyn and your comments).
I implore you to inform the Keokuk PD if you haven’t already. You may have already but I felt compelled to mention that. I apologize if you already have or this comes off as obtrusive.
It’s very clear the two cases are connected. I hope they’re both solved for the two families’ sake.
Dear Stay Strong and Fight for Justice,
The police have been told everything. I had been in touch with Eric at lunch time that day and we had plans to go out that night. Even 21 years later, I often wonder if things would have been different, had planned my time better and picked him up after work rather than he hang out at the house where he was shot.
Thanks for reading about Eric and I hope that you have gotten closure for the case that your screen name reflects.
Sincerely,
Lindsay
IOWA cold case you should contact Michael Walton and Lindsay rouge Mickey they were very close contact to Eric on this horrible night
Can they still get DNA to see if they can find the parents ?
I lived in the home she had lived in some time after the murder and learNed about it from a neighbor. I always wondered about it. I heard stories from different people. One was Geneva day who did day care for my son and who's children said they went to school with her. I also ended up working with a girl who knew the father of the son and said she thought the child's father was involved and that the man who killed himself before he could.be questioned knew about.the abduction aND was.so scared of what the person would do to him that he took his own life first. This was all.hearsay of course and really is.all i.remember.from back in 1996-1997 when I lived in the home on Amherst
Gidget, I heard the same things about the person whom killed himself. I was not in Des Moines during those time ,but in reality I went to junior high with Johnetta Jackson.No she did not attend Hoover High School.She attended East High.I think the correct direction maybe would be whom ever she was hanging out with and the person whom killed himself friends during that time? Maybe the family of that person that killed themself…Someone knows Des Moines is too small..But this has been buried for such a long time.
I know it was cold the night this happened but … it’s strange both the girlfriend and friends cars wouldn’t start, sounds like someone might have tampered with them. I hope this family finds justice soon. It doesn’t matter what your lifestyle is, murder is murder, I think ” law enforcement ” dropped the ball here, if they can’t do their job right … find another line of work.
I hope they can finally put this at rest! This still saddens my heart even after all these years! Carolyn your always in my prayers!
How can Michael Walton’s comments be time stamped @ 2:44 pm on July 20th, 2015 – when it is 10:52 a.m. on July 20th, 2015???
Family
Wow I’m crying my eyes out, so glad to see you are investigating this, my only wish is to see these cases solved so both families get closure
one day ill see you again and i can tell you what you have missed in life so you can kick my ass. i love you grand pa -jacob
Scott was harassed by gang members while managing the night shift. They were consistently hanging out there demanding "free stuff".
I hope the truth comes out for you. It's sad that you won't be able yo put things to rest until you know. My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your son. He looks like a wonderful young man. Rest in God's peace Layne.
Poor little girl! People can be so evil!!
I think they have finally arrested the correct person for these 3 murders today. May god have mercy on their souls.
RIP Bonnie
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.
I have lived in Bedford my whole life. I've never heard of Colleen Simpson. But Boyd Novinger was an awesome human being. He would give you the shirt off of his back if he thought it would help you in any way. Everybody knows everybody here and I can't imagine anyone from here doing anything like this. Please help catch whoever did this terrible thing to a wonderful man.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/investigators-prepare-announcement-in-1975-missing-girls-case/2015/07/14/2ca2e68c-2a2f-11e5-a250-42bd812efc09_story.html?utm_term=.9b387ca64c50&noredirect=on
Is there a chance that the Eugene Martin case and this missing sister's case are related? It sounds like Welch (the man in the article) had an accomplice. "Instead, police grew more interested in another possible suspect: a man said to be about 50, dressed in a brown suit, who was seen talking with the girls while holding a briefcase and a tape recorder."
A clean cut man was seen talking to Eugene on the morning that he disappeared.
When Eugene disappeared… the Iowa State Fair was in town. Well… " Welch worked for a traveling carnival operating rides."
"— Welch’s criminal history, including the Maryland burglaries, a possible robbery in Iowa, the molestation of the 10-year-old girl in South Carolina, the sexual assault of the other 10-year-old girl in Delaware."
Welch may have been responsible for a robbery in IOWA!!!! I don't know where to find out which city/town that this robbery had taken place.
There is also no timeline for Welch after he was released from his sentence in the mid-1980s. His arrest record doesn't show up again until 1992. Where was he between lets say, 1984 and 1991/1992? Traveling with carnival?
Perhaps, I am just reading too much into all of this…..
Are you related to Daniel Becker who is on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry? Both you and Daniel Becker.. look as if you are related. Anyway, I am sure that you are only trolling…but I figured that I would ask you about Daniel Becker.
https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/10524 This John Doe is the only likely match I could find in the missing persons database.
The murder of this young woman. DNA is worth it’s weight in gold. Her killer is not fit to live among civilized citizens. The sight of him turns my stomach. I’m grateful that the family has sought to put that animal where he belongs.
Does anyone know where Tim Davis is I went to school with him at St. boniface and Heelan hope he will come to the reunion in September 2016
Rest in peace Donna Sue Davis
Anybody know anything about Joe Grandinette’s death by fire? Joe and I were very close at Dowling, class of ’69, hung around some at U of I for a while, and then I lost track of him after I got married.
I loved Joe. He was always friends with the guys that didn’t quite fit in along with being friends with the jocks and popular guys.
Via the grapevine, he died while smoking crack
I’ve been thinking of them often latley as summer is now here and how heartbreaking it is that their family still does not have any more answers and that justice has not been brought.
I am sad, so sad for these families. I hope and pray for information leading to an arrest. SOMEONE know a piece of information that would help break this case. Do it for those girls.
Adam Lack’s case is not only one of THE most heinous crimes listed on ICC, the details we’ve presented barely cover the tip of a monstrously deep and deadly Midwestern iceberg. Veronica “Roni” Lack is one of the strongest, most courageous women I’ve ever had the privilege to know, and despite the “You know you have five other children” threats, she keeps pressing forward in her efforts to warn the half-million Iowans at risk and pursue justice in her husband’s and son’s murders — both of whose lives swiftly ended at the hands of tyrants posing as public servants.
What do we need to do for dateline, 20/20, etc to do a national show on this story???
Looks like I better get to writing and putting some things together. I’m am not related nor did I ever have the pleasure of meeting this young man, but what happened to him is wrong on so many levels. The law enforcement corruption in this case makes my blood chill knowing at any given time these “people” could do this again to somebody else…..
Kae Pullis, you could either send them a link to Adam’s page or forward to them a copy of “Adam’s Voice” written by Veronica Lack. I agree that this is one story that needs national exposure in order for there to be any type of resolution or justice served.
Please let us know if you get it on the show.
Photos showing the murder in progress and still nothing is done. Worthless bastards I hope you rot in the depths of hell. I miss you, Adam, you’re never far from my mind. Rest peacefully my friend.
So sad! This young man had his entire life ahead of himself!
I worked for this man. Spent time with his family. It is a great loss! R.I.P. Adam, you will have justice one day my friend!
Three years already. Does not seem like it.
How sad that these two people were murdered for other people’s gain
Can not believe this is unsolved!!! Obviously there are crooks in charge !!!
How does something like this happen? How can one, let alone dozens of supposedly soul bearing humans do this. To murder and cover it up in a mob mentality? The movie Hanabal is a childrens nursery rhyme in comparison to this real life nightmare of a story and in Iowa. Why can’t the FBI step in since locals are completely inept and more than likely guilty of several broken laws.
Heartbreaking..i hope they find.out who did this to them .
This one seems like everyone knows who did it, just can’t get the right authority . Those standing around truck watching Adam die should be named and prosecuted
STAY AWAY FROM NORA SPRINGS OR LETS GO HARRASS THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES….
Our address was Nora Springs but our farm and home where we were harrassed was in Mitchell County and our harassers were mostly Mitchell County male farmers and their male contractors with no legal drainage outlets.
Adam was murdered by a cemetery in a soybean field just east of Carpenter about 20 miles north of Nora Springs as shown in the 26 pictures. He had started swerving at the sign that warned of a T intersection and had no brakes to slow for the S curve with the car slowing in front of him, he had his seatbelt on and had to avoid running over the Chevy Impala. So he was forced to take the ditch. The 911 call that Younker and Rourick refused to answer court ordered subpoenas for I have again requested a copy of from the attorney general’s office as part of my Civil Rights charge since Mitchell County authorities had refused to answer the first 911 call before midnight on 7-12-2008, and left Adam trapped for 8 or more hours before coming back and finding he still wasn’t dead so they killed him.
I know exactly where that is as I grew up in Otranto Iowa……
I lived In a horrible town where the officials were criminals
Did you live in Osage or St Ansgar?
Kate Laura Melissa
Sickening.
Brad Ferneau u should read this
I hope the so called people (actually I think “animal” is a better word to describe them) that tortured Adam Lack rot in hell someday (and very slowly too)!! Once again the justice system has failed a person (Adam). My heart goes out to his mother. I’m not very proud to say I’m an Iowan right now. Shame on Mitchell County and the Iowa DNR!!
When people with power want something they will buy off anyone to get what they want…..This poor family …why wasn’t the FBI called in on this??
I like the updates. I’m surprised someone hasn’t let it slipped as to who did this. No closer for the family. So sad.
You mean like a door closer? What kind of closer? Buying a house?
Did you come here just to troll people? There is something wrong with you.
Maybe call in a physic. Praying for justice.
I believe they did that.
I hope it was a renouned one.
Is that one that they describe with a noun, then they do it again?
Terrible :-(
This needs national tv coverage!!!
I am just heart broken….disgusted….and ashamed of what this family has had to go through. Corruption is every where…every county…every state…..I hope that there will be some relief for Mrs. Lack…..the FBI needs to step in….or hell even the President….farmers and big companies do not care about the damage that they cause…..I would like to force them to drink that same water daily……I bet things would change then……..Mrs. Lack, I am willing to help you in anyway that I can, I am not an attorney, or rich, but I am willing to help in anyway…This situation could have happened to anyone…..I think you are a strong woman who deserves answers and peace for your family.
Thanks for your support, but helping me get people to read the Well Testing Warning Message in Adam’s above file would be a Blessing for me. This July 13th is the 7th year anniversary since Adam was killed after he chased after the people harassing us. If you have a well or live in a small town in the Midwest please add the tests results of the test for Nitrates and the test for Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) and if they total over 10 and your water also tests positive for bacteria don’t Chlorinate until you are sure your Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) test is 0.000. Drink bottled water until your Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) test is safe especially if you have corn fields near you they now may have Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer applied on land being illegally drained as Point Source Polluting is how Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer gets into our Source Waters not by Non Point Source according to ISU researchers.
I am a woman farmer who has always tried hard to follow the 16 Iowa Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act even though George Bush took away all of the Iowa DNR’s enforcement funds (according to Russ Tell), I was forced to keep in compliance with my legal Corps of Engineer’s Drainage Agreement for my farm’s drainage. It cost me over $150,000 of my own funds and the government agencies that forced me a woman farmer, under threats to try to limit the damages of the illegal channel that was built by trespass, and theft of 42 acres of my soils to drain thousands of acres of Wetland down sinkholes in a Designated National Wetland. But the group of male farmers had the IDNR charge me with Blockage of Water, and had the NRCS survey my land for the Flood channel and sent the information to the Mitchell County Assessor’s Office to devalue my farm’s CSR value for the over 40 acres of area for that flood channel on 4/15/2003. The agencies did not feel I had the right to my farm and took those 40 or so acres with no compensation, and then threatened me with saying they were going to charge me with farming in the right of way. But they never were made to get the necessary permits for what they were doing and now cause the On-Going Point Source Polluting that endangers Downstream wells. All farmers whether male or female should be made to obey the 16 Iowa Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Acts Anti-Degradation Laws. And after I was pushed off my family farm all of the expensive conservation work and even the GRS were removed by the group of male farmers that are channeling even more runoff to the sinkholes in the DESIGNATED NATIONAL WETLAND.
We need less Republicans in office as what does our state’s Secretary of AG, Northey do? In the Des Moines Register on July 7th, 2015, he says $3.1 in state funding will go to four projects to increase conservation. The first one on the list was a wad of cash for the Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation District, formerly chaired by Bradley Johnson the Renegade farmer (according to Mike Hayes) that had harassed me and Gary and Adam and was the farmer that had gotten the USDA-NRCS to do a survey through the line of sinkholes on Dean Kleckner’s farm in 1991. Dean Kleckner was powerful enough, that his saying no to a channel through sinkholes on his farm stopped the Section 10 Cedar (W) Township’s from digging a channel to bigger sinkholes to drain their chemicals down the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland. But I said NO over and over and Mark Wagner’s testimony in court was that I was a woman and didn’t know anything.
No permission or permits were needed by those male farmers, from me or the IDNR or the Corps of Engineers that had refused them an outlet down the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland after the Corps saw that 1991 NRCS survey. Then they had taken about 42 acres from me with no compensation and now that same group is being funded for doing conservation practices that do not stop any of the Point Source Polluting that their new Flood Channel causes in this Karsted Limestone, very limited soil depth, sinkhole laden, aquifer Recharge area.
They should never get permits for the application of CAFO or Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers that are now polluting our wells Downstream. The Mitchell County Engineers Bill Groskurs and James Hyde built some of the channels and installed some of the culverts to drain about 3000 acres down into our source waters downstream. Our tax dollars should go to supply safe drinking water to the Iowa farm and town families downstream. And the Point Source Polluters need to be stopped and we need the IDNR and the EPA to enforce Iowa’s 16 Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act.
Good Water is Life. CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia contaminated Water is slow death and the contamination is growing because our agencies are concentrating on non-point source pollution and are ignoring Point Source Pollution which is the only way Anhydrous Ammonia can get into our ground water according to ISU.
Corey Alden…you talk like you know something and your words are that of a guilty person. What do you gain by covering this up?
99% of iowa cops need to get there heads out of their asses and help people not leave it be
It will never happen , there are people probably telling them to look the other way and shut up and do so because they get paid better than most people. I lived in a small town and if you didn’t have the name or the money either the cops would mess with you or they take their jolly time getting back to you on crap.
I live in a small iowa town to…. I get the they take there time crap it’s sad that people can’t feel safe
Wowwww. A very interesting, but extremely frustrating read. It could be made into a movie.
So horrible.
This is one of the most horrifying things I have ever heard in my life.
I pray for justice, for this little Angel. And for her family.
Their are two.
“Their” is possesive, as in it is their turn. “There” refers to a place
I’m sorry I’m still sending prayers. And for justice.
This happened not far from where I grew up. I can’t believe something so heinous took place in a small town. This beautiful girls deserve justice. Somebody knows something. I hope they do the right thing.
So sad :(
Did your information help? I can’t find any newspaper articles on him.
Looks like Dan Bilzerian
So sad for the family!
Who did they think it was #IowaColdCases
One of the saddest stories I've ever read.
It would be odd that no one had seen this man whether stranger or not, or a friend or family member visiting in the neighborhood because the guy knew exactly who his victim was and where to find her. Someone knows who it is. Maybe their conscience will bring them forward with this article.
So sad. I had not heard this story before.
The care people have for one another. Also this case helped shed light on mental health issues and the need of dealing with sex offenders.
I am amazed at this. Look at all the neighbors and strangers who promptly reported anything they saw or heard that seemed suspicious. While in this case Donna Sue didn’t survive and her killer has not been caught, it still put investigators on the right track and helped this baby to be found sooner rather then later. We are a communities eyes and ears and can help solve cases. Also the generosity of others for putting up rewards for tips shows th
Very heartbreaking.
Anna Shields
Senseless
Who ever did it is probably dead.
did a search on this and found no information. I remember it because the baby was born and found around the time my son was born. I remember being in the hospital hearing about this. I always remember this baby and wondered if the baby was ever identified. How sad. I remember every year in March.
Somebody commented on another page she spoke to the sister and she said they know who did it but can’t prove it.
I went to school with Tim Davis I lived right across the street from Saint Boniface
There is a page here on Facebook dedicated to this story.
the whole story is like watching a terrible movie, only real, God bless her soul! and those who lived through it.
There was also a book written about this case by Miller called "Sex-Crime Panic: A Journey to the Paranoid Heart of the 1950s"
Sandi, the book written by Neil Miller was actually the horrific story of 20 Siouxland homosexuals who were sentenced to mental institutions following the Aug. 31, 1954 murder of 11-year-old Jimmy Bremmers of Sioux City, and then the subsequent kidnapping/slaying of 21-month-old Donna Sue Davis on July 10, 1955, even though none of these men had anything to do with either homicide. Neil’s book focuses more specifically on Jimmy Bremmers’ case, though Donna Sue Davis is referenced insofar as when the “sex-crime panic” really began.
In what I consider an ironic twist of fate, I worked as a feature writer at the (Sioux City-based) “Weekender” at the time Neil’s book came out, and I interviewed him as part of our “Author Interview” series. The story ran on March 21, 2002, back when I’d never even thought about writing about Iowa’s unsolved murders. (The Weekender’s articles from back then are no longer archived on the Weekender’s website, but I’d saved a copy and it’s available on my personal website.)
In his book (and at college readings), Neil spoke about the Sexual Psychopath Law of 1955 (which lumped homosexuals together with pedophiles), and its relevance to today. The law wasn’t repealed until 1977. It is indeed a good read about Sioux City history and how gays were viewed/treated back in the ’50s.
Ernest Triplett, an itinerant music salesman for Flood Music in Sioux City, was questioned by police in September 1954, and on Oct. 5, 1954, appeared before the Woodbury County Insanity Commission with no legal representation. The next day, doctors injected Triplett with 80 mg of the amphetamine Desoxyn and three grains of the barbiturate Seconal, even though Triplett hadn’t eaten since the previous day. By days end, Triplett confessed to killing Jimmy Bremmers, and was formally charged March 3, 1955. Seventeen years after Triplett’s life sentence, U of Iowa law professor Robert Bartels challenged Triplett’s conviction. On Oct. 17, 1972, Triplett’s conviction was overturned in Jimmy Bremmers’ murder and Triplett was released from prison the following day.
The “never knowing” would be the hardest part for me!! :(
They had the funeral so soon. Only a few days after he went missing. Very sad story but after reading it idk… Seems like the searches should have gone on longer.
After reading this article it seems to me that someone in this family knows for sure what happened to this little guy. All the searches and experts doing what they could to find him tells me that he did NOT fall into the water, but that he may have been the victim of an angry parent who killed him.
Curious on what kind of fishing happens in a creek that’s about ~1-2 feet deep (based on search pictures) even with flooding…? What seems odd is the father mentioned that the kid would come out to the cattle barns on Saturday mornings, but he slightly cringes when he says that… Also, he uses the word “accident”… They search a wide area, and if a car drove by they should have heard it, being most of the roads are gravel around there… Sorry to say, but this doesn’t completely add up to me… Sorry if I’m off-base, but I would almost guess it was a farming accident where the kid got severely injured, and they made up a a story about fishing a creek as a cya…
That is sure something to think about.It would be hard for the family to keep a secret like that,though.Maybe they should question the family again and see if their stories are the same or different 13 years later.Murder has no statute of limitation.If the little boy died from a farm accident,I doubt if anyone would be charged with murder.There are other crimes like consealing a death or false reporting of a crime,though.
Farm accidents happen alll the time. What reason would they have to lie of “cover up” and accident?
You would think someone would have heard a splash if he fallen into the water. Such a sad story. Prayers his family finds information of what happened that day.
Very sad that her father lived under suspicion all those years and endured such harassment from others who didn’t know anything. I believe that it was probably the man who was arrested for killing the 10 year old. either way I hope the family finally gets some answers and justice for Patricia.
What 10 year old?
The guy who took the girl from the YMCA.
Your policy is right but it is unfortunate that more often than not these missing children are victims of those who are supposed to protect them. I would say that is the case here.
Really, her family was ruled out! I called bs!. I hope to god they find justice
So sad :( prayer to that boy and his family. Could only imagine
It seems it should have been solved. From the older comments I’ve read there were suspicions around Uncle Roy and another relative who was a police officer.
My daughter is close to that age. I can’t even imagine.
I don’t understand why this hasn’t been solved!! What a nightmare for this poor family!! Hope justice is found for this poor girl!!
What a horrible story. Our world is filled with monsters who look human. Did the Nebraska authorities ever run the license plates ?
Yes she did. We had a phone conversation. There are legal certainties – that will never be established in this case – and there are other kinds of “knowing”. The Camp family had the worse most senseless psychopathic violence lived out on them – I wondered, wished, hoped that naming DeBatrdeleben might create some kind of possibilities in healing.my heart goes out to Brenda and the Camp family.
Adam,
I’m Raymond Camp, Leota Camp’s husband, and Brenda’s father. I recently looked over what you presented as identifying the individual. Nothing here that I can see ties this individual to Leota in any way. Certainly the individual was very crazy but if the sketch and the fact that he was in Iowa at some point in time is all you are looking at, that is nuts. Might as well use a dart board. Do you have something you have not provided?
I know this is a random question, but was there anyone having brick work done in the neighborhood?
Kristina, not that I’m aware of but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t? Why do you ask?
My sister and I was trying to piece together some childhood memories.
I am so very sorry for your loss!
Praying that the killer is found!
Story haunts me!
Such a sad story!
I.remember this like it was yesterday Kim was a good friend I hope u get the answers you ate looking for God bless your family
This is such a sad and horrible case. Rip little darling.
I brought her roses today, such a truly heartbreaking story…
What a wonderful act of kindness. A sad, sad story, but you put a smile on my face when I saw your post and picture. Kindness goes such a long way, thank you.
That is so sweet of you!
Thanks, I just felt so awful after reading her story and she was such a pretty little girl..she didn’t deserve anything like that at all. I left one for her parents as well they are right next to her up there. I hope one day they find out who did that but trying to remember God has his own plan.
God Bless.
Natasha Marie Nash, Can you tell me where in Calvary her headstone is? I would like to take flowers too.
Yesterday I took her two roses, and one for her parents as well. I cried for her. My heart feels so much pain for this whole family for a little baby to have to go out that way feel those feelings and to be a mother to lose a child that way I just can not imagine. I think of her a lot and I just wish and pray she will get justice.
I met Big Earl in 1981 when I lived in Des Moines when he had his record shop. He drove that car with those big bug eyed headlights. He was an amazing person and friend. He is very much loved and missed by many. Condolences to his family.
SLAPPED WITH WHAT LAWSUIT COREY? THIS is all true..Look at all documents & records..I live in Mitchell County & there is alot of corrupt and crooked bullshit going on here..I know.because my hubby Gary & I have gone through almost rhe same things since we moved here almost 18 years ago!!!
You people are monsters. You have no idea who that old man was or what he was like. Yet you act like professionals and just declare he did it based on your own arrogance. None of you know anything. And this article is extremely painful on this man’s family. He begged for 14 straight years to reopen the case, passed several lie detector tests, and his entire family, who would know him better than any of you, know he couldn’t have done it. His dying wish was to know who murdered his wife. I hope you all suffer something this tragic just for the world to turn around and point fingers at YOU. Maybe then the definition of “empathy” would creep its way into your vile minds.
Who the hell wishes something like this on somebody? This is my family, and as much as it hurts when people point the finger at Gene, I would NEVER wish this upon ANYBODY. Losing somebody like that is the most traumatic thing. It is devastating. I don’t want anybody to ever have to suffer like our family did. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Remember, these are just ordinart people reading the story and making their own inferences. They do not specialize in this sort of thing. They are not professionals. They are simply people reading an article and drawing conclusions based on what they read. They do not deserve to have somebody taken from them in such a horrific way. Grow the hell up.
Mongo- You should be ashamed of yourself.
You didn't hear of any of this is because it's not true. It's her way of coping with his death. She's lucky she hasn't been slapped with a lawsuit.
Corey, she hasn’t been slapped with a lawsuit because she has official reports and documented statements and a 25-page report from Medicare’s investigation, not to mention copies of the “26 photos” and lab reports from the Mayo Clinic and the University of Iowa (who tested her water samples). Veronica is not some grieving mother trying to cope with her husband’s and son’s deaths; she is an educated woman who has provided necessary legal documentation for her every statement every step of the way in her long pursuit for justice.
Corey,
The contractors in the pictures that damaged my farm and dug the Flood channel to drain thousands of acres down a line of sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland on Urbatsch, Martin, and others’ land put up braces so Adam’s truck could only drop on Adam. They did nothing to protect Adam, and they knew you couldn’t control the weight of Adam’s truck. At least one of the contractors in the pictures had even gotten the Tea Pot Award. And after the breathilizer they did while they let Adam suffer, they knew he was alive and then they started dropping the truck on him. Supposedly, because he tested high on Ethanol (from his work exposure) they thought they had an excuse to kill him. That is what the pictures show me, and the accident report backs that up with some of the injuries Adam had that night not shown in any of the pictures yet.
Judge McKinley claimed in the hearing in 2010 that Adam was drinking or had tested poisitive for alcohol like they had told ING (Adam’s Poet Company Insurance) so that I would not receive his life insurance or be able to fight the on-going pollution, but Poet knew what Adam had done for them — risking his life to write up those POPs on the 12th and being exposed to the fumes from that Hot Ferm.
Even after Mark Walk’s causing the loss of my family farm and home and the 1/3 share of my husband’s family farm, I do still have some funds left to fight this on-going draining of an Aquifer Recharge area down a line of sinkholes because Poet’s ING paid the Life Insurance after getting the x-rays, blood work, and Mercy Hospital reports, even though Mitchell County’s Coroner, Dr. Haganman, has refused to supply the Autopsy report ING wanted in answer to a court ordered subpoena.
After all the damages to my farm I used all of my husband Gary’s life insurance funds to try to keep in compliance with my Corps of Engineer’s Agreement for very limited drainage to the Designated National Wetland, but when the Mitchell County attorney Mark Walk claimed to have the deeds to my husband’s and my burial plots after he helped Jim and Margaret divide up my father-in-law’s Lock Box assets without me being involved, he took me to court and wanted me to sign off on Gary’s share of that farm.
He had filed life insurance claims for Jim and Margaret and left my children and me out of the division of assets. So I had to fight that alone as no local attorney would go up against him. Mark Walk then had used the cemetary plot deeds as leverage after Adam was killed. He wanted me to sign an affidavit or agreement that my husband Gary had died of Colon Cancer instead of drowning in his blood after a fall where Gary had hit the door frame of the bedroom on the night of 1/13/2004.
Gary had been administered drugs he had no prescription for from The Prescription Shoppe pharmacy in the Osage Hospital on 1/12/2004, and that salty drug burnrt his colon and he fell. The nurse admitted that she did not do a report of his fall or give him any aide, and then she did write in her notes his vomit was blood but did not tell us. And then she administered some drugs she had taken from Ray Power’s home after he died on 1/14/2004. Linda administered 4 mg of Haliperidol and two tubes of DBR gel that she brought from Ray’s, and Gary’s throat closed and he drowned in his own blood.
Dr. Paul Royer called in a 1mg dose prescription for that drug to the Medicap pharmacy in Charles City after Linda had already administered the 4mg dose. Gary was dead within about 4 hours of her giving him the last drugs and within a day of her not reporting a fall (because she then would have to do a plan of care and then get Gary to a hospital). When she called and informed Dr. Royer, who had never seen Gary alive or dead, he called someone to have the Champion funeral home employees turn from their route to Osage from our farm and take Gary — who had not yet been seen by a doctor — to the Crematorium in Mason City. He wrote on the death certificate that I had said Gary had died of Colon Cancer.
Then when Adam was to be put to rest I asked Mark Walk, the Mitchell County Attorney, again for the cemetery plot deeds, and he refused but offered to give them to me if I would sign that agreement that Gary had died of Colon cancer. I refused to say Gary died of Colon cancer because it was the fall and the internal bleeding. Mark Walk didn’t want me to have any funds to fight the pollution with, and so $91,000 of Gary’s accidental death life insurance was not paid. Also I think he wanted to cover up for his wanting Gary cremated so statements like ‘you can’t prove that Gary died from the on-going pollution’ would hold up, even though more people and animals were dying in the plume. So I wasn’t able to put Adam to rest by his Dad until I purchased new plots in the same cemetery and had our stone moved and had Adam’s stone installed. They now rest together.
Veronica Lack
So did a UFO or Bigfoot abduct Jodi Huisentruit too? This article is completely irresponsible and is surprising how far they've pushed with it risking a lawsuit.
Corey, are you related to the Mitchell County Attorney? Or worse yet Bradley (Brad) Johnson, who blocked my Trailblazer on Echo Avenue and yelled, I got your kid, about a week after Adam’s funeral?
No. Wrong town. That was MCPD.
All of these people involved in his death need to be held accountable now! Everyone in the sheriffs needs to be fired and sentence there job is to protect and they did the opposite of that.
S J Curby,
An election to clean out the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff’s Department, Mitchell County Attorney’s Office and Mitchell County Coroner’s Office is a good start, so there could be an investigation into answers to why this on-going Point Source pollution Plume, that only financially benefits a few, can be allowed to kill animals and people Downstream.
Adam is dead, I will never get my son or husband Gary back. I have dealt with those losses and have gone on living. I am not brave, like Adam and Gary were, and I was threatened repeatedly by the Mitchell County Attorney before I got those pictures from the Iowa Highway Patrolman the year after Adam was killed. After seeing what they did to my son and getting a copy of the Inspection and Appeals Office Investigation into my husband Gary’s murder, Mark Walk answered the Request to Prosecute for Gary’s murder by saying Gary’s life wasn’t worth a dime in court and threatened to sue me if I said anything.
Yes, they can sue me and have repeatedly threatened to, and have also had the IDNR charge me with Blockage of Water. Would they want to have all of the recorded evidence be looked at by another Judge and Jury? Maybe the jury might have relatives that had their health affected before they found out their well was polluted.
I realized they did not feel a woman had any rights in Mitchell County. I feel I have property rights in Bremer and Johnson and Dallas Countys so I am suing to protect those Rights Downstream and to demand they not keeping withholding our well test results from me and let me warn the others in this on-going Plume. The State of Iowa has a Program to Prevent High Animal Loss Numbers, which paid for the worst of Adam and my harassers to have a new well in 1993 under that program, but refused to even give me my well tests done by the Mitchell County Sanitarian, LG Wagner and Dale Adams IDNR in 1993 and later years.
At least vote the Bad Acting Good Old Boy Republicans Out. Don’t ever vote or consider electing Bradley Johnson (who resides near Meroa) to any Office as he should never have any control over another’s Life.
Veronica Lack
Julie, There already is a documentary film that the Farm Bureau and Big Oil industry banned from being shown on Iowa's IPBS but is in most libraries it was produced by the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History and is titled, Troubled Waters, A Mississippi River Story. I took a course and got permission to have it shown on a small public station in Iowa City after Adam was killed and Iowa City's water tested positive for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer. Check it out as the farm family in this documentary got their well test report, unlike me, but was not told to test for Anhydrous Ammonia but they did take the correct precaution and drilled to a deeper yet safe aquifer. Since there is no feasible filter for Ammonia Nitrogen as (N). Farmers need to be applying for legal drainage permits like I was required to do all of the years I farmed in that Aquifer Recharge Area. And those sensitive areas of Karsted limestone, sinkhole laden, very limited soil depths, should have never gotten ROSOL II permits from the government for CAFO or permission for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers to be applied there in Mitchell County's Cedar (W) Township. Veronica Lack, on Adam's old Facebook
On my LinkedIn Profile is a copy of the Warning Letter I’ve been working to have Russ Tell who is the IDNR employee over all the Iowa County Sanitarians like Jeff Sherman in Floyd County, send to users of this Point Source Pollution Plume’s water Downstream. As July 13, 2008 is the day 7 years ago that Adam was killed, I was hoping more people would at least see the area that Russ and I had mapped out in 2009 and would understand what tests they should do on their source water as the IDNR and the EPA have not stopped this Point Source Pollution Plume.
What a heartless corupt bunch !!! these kinds of people think they're above the law they should all be held accountable for their actions, I hope this family can get justice for father and son. Your in my prayers.
Lorrie, Thank you for your concern and unfortunately more Iowan’s are isolating themselves and think they are above the laws. No one can replace or make up for my husband or son, but I know I need to warn those that live Downstream in the On-Going Plume of Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers and herbicides and pesticides. Please encourage people who live in Floyd, Butler and Bremer Counties to print out the Well Testing Warning Message in Adam’s above Cold Case file. And if you live near large corn fields that have the tanks of Anhydrous Ammonia applied on those fields it would be advisable to test your Source Water too. Veronica
I remember this but always heard of it as an accident. I never knew much. I do remember her though. I will share this and hope someone comes forward with something to help. God bless and wishing you luck.
I pray they find him.
was the river checked for his body? so sad? no closure for friends or family.
man i hope so. I pray for closure for her friends and family.
I hope that one day the murderer will be found.
Prayers for the family. I pray for justice for them.
My cousins work at Knickers, makes me worry
I pray for the family and friends.
There are no words….this just should not happen. Bless Adam and his family and know that all responsible for this will get judged in the end, just like in Jodi’s case.
There's the windup. Here's the pitch. Another birthday gone by and all we can do is think of you and the "what if's" your life hadn't been cut so short. Another year of watching mom get into a "crazy" mode the week before your birthday and she don't even realize it, but her heart misses you. Her maternal instinct kicks in. I still have hope that someday, someone will answer for what they did to you. Til then sister, I love you. I miss you. Happy birthday and I hope you have a beautiful day!! (P.S. Say hi to Dad, Davey and all the family.)
I remember both Crystals & Tammys like it was last week. Sad for the families. Someone plz give them closure!!!
Yes I think there is. I read somewhere that there are 50 or so serial killers active in the USA that have not been identified yet. Tammy Zywicki’s murder has always bothered me especially when they thought the truck driver guy did it.
Don’t some of these cases make you wonder if there has ever been a serial killer in IA?? I mean, even just passing thru?? I know the case of Tammy Zywicki still haunts me to this day.
I was only three when Tammy went missing and then found. My grandmother actually broke down a mile behind her that same day Tammy broke down. When my grandmother was picked up they went right past Tammy’s car but she did not see her or anyone else there. My grandmother contacted the authorities the next day once her learned that Tammy was missing, She also has been in contact with her parents since its happened and still stays actively involved in Tammy’s case.
Well its sept 2020 and bar basement checked out i beleive a story i was told by a man investigating on his own who is a friend of the family .. i think she is buried in leisure lake somewhere .
Oh come on, y'all HAVE to know the skank did it. Everybody knows juries get it wrong a LOT of the time…look at Casey Anthony. If possible, this heifer is even a bigger skank.
Looking at this site I’m wondering if someone should edit the postings and make sure the photos match with the cases.
Bill, would you care to provide some examples?
What is the case number?
My Iowa Civil Rights case Number is CVCV046761 It was filed in the fall of 2010.
My USDA-NRCS Discrimination case was in Remediation and then put on hold just a few weeks before Adam was killed. Adam had helped me file that charge in February of 2007. This charge has to return to Remediation some day, it would be nice to get this dealt with, by these two federal (USDA-NRCS) and state agencies (FSA and IDNR) both together, this fall.
As Adam’s Probate Administrator I tried in four hearings to get Adam’s death investigated but the Mitchell County liability attorney told Adam’s probate attorney that they could not answer the court ordered subpoenas for Adam’s autopsy report, or the names of the people killing Adam in the pictures that Pallas Graham took while they did it, or the Poet Bio-Refinery Exposure Patch that Adam is wearing in the pictures. My timely filed but unanswered Request to Prosecute form, my Adam’s Voice notes, my 28 questions, and the enlarged copies of Pallas Graham’s photos were entered as exhibits in the third of those 4 hearings. I think one could get copies of those hearing transcripts and exhibits from the Floyd County Courthouse of those 4 hearings. I’ve paid the transcription fees so copies should not be costly. I was trying to get Judge Bryan McKinley to answer those 28 questions after he refused to recuse himself and the court recorder identified Judge McKinley in the photos in that first of the 4 hearings. Probate Hearings November 2010 and about six months into 2011.
The reason the Mitchell County liability attorney Rourick, gave for why not answering the court ordered subpoenas was that I would sue them.
The USDA-NRCS Discrimination on Farm Program Benefits Charge has a Case number of 08 1022 and Carl-Martin Ruiz was Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights who answered questions.
The USDA-NRCS has failed to go back to Remediation thus allowing the illegal Point Source Pollution by a group of farmers in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa to continue into our Source water for drinking water in this particular Pollution Plume that affects the health and lives from Charles City, Waverly, Cedar Falls, Waterloo and down through Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
It’s not just my loss, its over half a million Downstream that have their Source Water being polluted, that is why I refused to take the $2,000,000.00 the Iowa NRCS mediators were considering to give me for the continuing damages to my farm to allow this flood channel to sinkholes they built through my farm and flooded out my home, with it’s occasional tidal wave of redirected flood water. That was why Adam’s paper that he was given an A+++ by his U of IA professor angered the polluting farmers so much they waved it in court in 2007, saying you proved the channel was not there before, but we are going to get it Grandfathered In, as they spit on me and Adam as we walked out of the courtroom. I could never sign those IDNR after the fact permits for the polluters Charlie Heiderschiet brought out to my farm in the first week of May 2009 after they brutally killed Adam.
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/328ufca.html
This may seem like a long shot but I thought that this Jane Doe looked similar to her.
Thanks for the reference. Erin didn’t have porcelain caps or a old nose injury.
Just in case you happened to be wondering. A medical examiner or even a 3rd year medical student would be able to tell the difference between a caucasian individual from someone who clearly was not regardless of how much damage was done to the remains. The skull shape, jaw line and orbital sockets which are the openings with in the skull that hold the eyes in place alone will prove that.
I’m from davenport n never heard of this!!!!
How sad for his family. I have to wonder though if maybe he had an accident and has not been found. It seems to happen more often than I ever thought. He could be in a body of water, over a cliff or somewhere that cannot be seen from the road.
Sorry for your loss. Keep fighting.
That’s exactly what Dean Lines FSA said, he had helped me in the past try to limit the damages Downstream. Dean said I needed to (after the Floods in 2008 almost took out my GRS and when I was trying to do the repairs ECP to keep in compliance with my Corps Permit for Legal Drainage Agreement), “keep fighting”. But I was not able to risk another of my children and I traded my home farm for a lesser one Downstream in this On-Going Plume. I told Dean about Mark Walk’s threats. So now my fight has switched to protecting or at least getting the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources to warn users of this contaminated Source Water Downstream. Veronica Lack
Dean Lines FSA and Dennis Sandee NRCS Charles City Floyd County agents had helped me plan the ECP repairs in 2004 and 2008 after the new illegal Flood channel was built by the group of male farmers who used Charlie Heiderschiet FSA, Ray Frana NRCS and Mitchell County Engineers Bill Groskurs and James Hyde to plan this illegal channel that damaged the Upper Cedar Valley Group Aquifers and brought more Flood damage Downstream to Charles City. They are some of the good guys and thanks go to them for their continuing work to protect our water Downstream. The Best Fourth of July, to all, we need the 16 Iowa Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act enforced and we need the EPA to be given the funds to do that enforcement as the State of Iowa does not enforce those laws against point source polluting farmers in Mitchell County. Veronica Lack
The good FSA and NRCS agents I dealt with were Dean Lines and Dennis Sandee.
You can go to Veronica Lack’s LinkedIn Profile and if you know of anyone living Downstream in the On-Going pollution Plume from Mitchell County into Floyd, Butler, and Bremer Counties, there is a copy of a warning letter to Iowan’s who use that Plume for their drinking water source. It tells what water tests need to be done as you cannot taste most nitrates in your drinking water. But they kill as Brad Johnson was given a well paid for in 1993 after he had ditches dug to the sinkhole north of his house in 1991. That program is called To Prevent High Animal Loss Numbers from Nitrate Contaminated Wells, but the IDNR withheld my well tests in 1993 when I first complained about the ditches-to-sinkholes drainage plan in Mitchell County. My animals died or got docked at IBP, then Gary was killed in 2004 and Adam in 2008. Even in court and under oath Mark Wagner, said she’s a woman and doesn’t know anything, when he was asked if he had asked permission. My Adam’s Voice file notes were written as I was trying to stay in compliance with my Corps of Engineer’s legal drainage permit, Yet the male farmers were never required to get 401 or 404 permits for their taking 42 acres of my farm to build a huge Flood channel to dump down the huge sinkholes in a Designated National Wetland in Cedar (W) Township Mitchell County Iowa.
This is so chilling that something like this could happen here!! Can’t the FBI look into this???? We obviously need to go above the local law enforcment!!
Jeannie, The agents I have spoken to won’t get back to me and I assume they never researched any of the reports or evidence. Our Republican governor has given over 100 Million of our tax dollars to an Arab Oil Corp to build a Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen Fertilizer plant in Iowa so I assume that is why the IDNR is hiding the on-going polluting and our well tests from Iowan’s. Take the profits and drive the small farmers out and make more profits and install CAFO’s on Aquifer Recharge areas that are called sieves because they have so many sinkholes. Just thousands of acres now a chemical drain.
No that is $540 million in tax incentives yet the EPA only fined Orascom E and C $80,689 for not having runoff erosion controls for their Stormwater leaving the site. Yet the $1.9 Billion Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer Plant is still under construction while Point Source Polluting. There is No known way to effectively filter that man-made chemical fertilizer out of our Source Waters so why does Iowa give so much money to an Arab Oil Corp to make it and sell it to farmers who apply it and don’t get legal Drainage Outlet Permits for draining their farms into our drinking water?
This is horrible & my heart goes out to you Veronica! Keep up the fight you're an amazing woman!
I remember this happening. I didn’t know Kim well, but knew who she was. Many of my cousins knew her and have many family members that still live in Blue Grass. Today when Kim’s picture showed up on my Facebook page I still remembered her and hope your family finds answers and closure.
I pray the family gets justice!
I pray the family finds him.
He was such a nice kid I can't believe someone would do something to him. I have wondered for years if he is in a pond somewhere as it is hard since him and his car dissappeared.
His brother is now the head of southeast iowa drug task force i pray for answers for the family.
I was wondering if his brother was still in law enforcement because my sister and her ex husband use to live in Albia for 18 years and she had mentioned to me once that Harry’s brother was on the Monroe Police Department..
I didn't know he went missing. Wow. I pray for his family. Miracles can happen.
I have skimmed through this quite fast and will go back tonight and continue this research. Very INTERESTING! And with all the comments about Cancer not being HIGH in Mitchell County is simply… CRAP! Each Team of Doctors that my personal Family, not to mention many friends have spoke with at Mayo each time asks “from Mitchell County” and they all look at us in sorrow and shake their heads. THIS IS A PROBLEM and Mayo knows. It is about time this County comes to grip. TOO many lives lost and battling. I hope this gets resolved for everyone involved and those who choose to ignore. I am saddened how many People had the ability to stand up, announce or report findings that chose to keep things hidden. It creates more questions and lack of trust. GOOD LUCK!
~
I just watched this show again and every time I watch it I get sick to my stomach. I hope someday they do find Jodi and she can have a decent service. I cannot imagine that she would still be alive and her family and friends have to still be devastated with how she disappeared. This is a scary world we live in and I hope whoever did this to this innocent woman gets his punishment if not here when he leaves this world if he hasn’t already. There is a special place in hell for people like this.
Wow, we knew Adam, he lived by us in Floyd and yet never knew ANY of this! This is sickening to think this kind of CRAP could happen in IOWA. Please someone who has connections somewhere hold those accountable for their actions! How could emergency persons not respond for that length of time? How could they treat a human being (either dead or alive) in a manner that he was treated? Someone somewhere can get the answers. Please help this family!
Weird huh! You would think someone in this small town would know something??
On March 27, 1974 a couple boys found a dead baby wrapped in bloody sheet
Umbilical cord attached was near I-29 hillside in west Sioux city
It is buried at logan cemetery in the baby heart. On the stone it says ” unknown baby boy” god have mercy on my parents! My sister and brother are buried up the hill from it. I remember the story welk
What cemetery is that in?
Sr. Phyllis Ann Hackman My prayers and Sympathy are with your family. Peace be with all of you.
I agree, it’s under water somewhere.
Have they checked lakes in the area he went missing?
And ghost hunters
I remember when this happened wish I knew what happened to her and I hope u find out so u and ur family can have peace of mind
Where was her car? Any damage?
Hopefully not forgotten. How sad no neighbors heard or saw anything. Someone who never hurt none and kept to herself to become a victim.
I remember this.god bless your family. I hope you find the answers.
Julie, I do pray that you n your family will find answers… I have never forgotten about you n your family… Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you for never giving up. I know you knew from the beginning that Kim’s death wasn’t right! Prayers that the family finds out what happened! <3
You should try and get a hold of the two ladies that are on the show cold justice and see if they can help you they work on trying to solve cold cases.
Tawna I agree..I think they have already done 2 cold cases here in Iowa, and they seem to do great work.
I remember this like it happened today.my thoughts and prayers go out to kims family.i hope you get all the answers you so deserve.
I hope your able to find the truth and peace. I still remember Kim and its a shame the world was deprived of her sweet contribution so early.
I am so sorry to read this and had no idea when I was going to school that this had happened to your family. I went to school with both Larry and Steven. Larry my brother and myself used to walk to school everyday. Steven was and always has been one of my favorite memories in high school. When he would talk to no one at school he attempted so many times to talk to me. I have often talked about him throughout my adult life and wonder how and where he is. He was an amazing kid! I hope your family finds the answers you are looking for and I will share this to my page. Prayers are with you.
This was so sad back then and still heartbreaking today. Someone knows something as it is clear things are not adding up. I hope you get answers and justice is served!!!!
Prayers that you, and your family get the closure you need! And hopefully justice for kim!
This is very heartbreaking.
life sucks when hey think about it every day what really happened
RIP Kim, I really hope you and your family gets answers. I never knew that both deaths were related. (((((Hugs)))))
and I hope there lives
Somebody knows they have all the people
That rv park is way to small people talk back in the day I knew just about everyone and I didn’t live there
We were so young back then, It much easier to except the simple answers. Bless your heart for looking for closure for your family. Praying for answers.
Julie Loose , I am so sorry for the loss in your family.
Sounds to me like somebody knew something, and that somebody was pushed off a bridge late that night and drowned .
There has to be a connection somewhere with the sheriffs office somehow to cover up the crime.
I remember both you and your sister very well in school… Kinda quiet both of ya!
I hope someday yu’all get answers! God bless
Shared hon. {{{{Hugs}}}} n hope sent too <3
RIP Kim! I knew some of those things but not all of them Julie. I never forget playing with all of you growing up. I was closer to Kim because of our age. Beautiful girl..very sweet!
I didn’t know any of that! I hope people come forward.
I hope you get answers..
It is so sad that her remains have never been found.
I have vivid dreams about this. It haunts me. :(
Remember this.
I remember that day she disappeared too
Praying for the family!
I want people to know that my son's death was not caused from a auto pickup accident,
Ed, I think most people know by now this was murder and not an accident, and I applaud you and your family for pursuing justice in civil court. Grief-stricken families don’t care about financial compensation, but civil court is at least one way of making those responsible be publicly held accountable for crimes they’ve committed. I will be doing what I can on this end to get other attorneys involved on a pro bono basis. We already have a couple of them committed to taking on another case and I’ll be working with them in efforts to recruit others across the state. I believe this is a case where truth will prevail because there’s simply so much evidence that totally contradicts the “accident” theory. All my best to you and Susan, and I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Have we gotten anywhere?
I have followed this case for as long as I can remember. I was 15 when this happened and have never forgot about Jodi. I still have a weird feeling that someone that lived in that apartment complex is guilty of this crime. I'm sure everyone was picked apart that lived there, it just seems like the ultimate crime of opportunity. The red flag this case presents is the fact they found the key bent in her car door. This tells me someone came up from behind and attacked her as she was putting the key in the door, as evidenced by her bag on the ground, and the screams her neighbors heard. I think this person(s) lived in her complex, knew she was on the news, and what schedule she kept. I think they saw their chance in a young, petite, attractive blonde. I think this person was in their 20's and is a white male. This person lived in that complex, or had close ties with someone that did. Of course all this is speculation on my part. I hope someday we get a break in this case.
Actually they never found the bag. Not in the house or outside. That’s the really weird part.
A friend of my father, from Austin, MN was a person of interest. He supposedly was dating a woman living in the key apartments. He also owned a white van, which as I recall was identical to the one seen that day. He was a very creepy guy. I remember my dad warning my sister and I, to be cautious of him. I also remember him showing up on foot, claiming he had ran out of gas. My sister has similar features as Jodi, and when he realized I was home also, he seemed like he was in a hurry and quickly left.
He is now dead, but would have been in early or mid 40’s at the time. His initials are E.M..I’ve had multiple people who knew him, tell me that he was somehow involved. His name never comes up in anything I’ve seen though. He was an alcoholic and drug user.
I’m interested in this persons full name that you mentioned. Do you remember or know if his van had a bull bar on the front?
Earl Mudra
Pray the parties responsible for this get their deserved due….
This is just unbelievable !!! how can these people have a clear conscious with their unlawful acts. Prayers to the family and may they get long deserved justice soon.
Amen ! Lindsey Linda McKinney. They work very hard.
Thank you, Linda! That means a lot to me! :-)
I agree with Linda, thank you.
So very true, Linda! I can’t begin to imagine the grief these girls’ mother and family went through.
You’re right about the math not making a lot of sense, Diana Wilson, but that’s what the newspapers all reported, and Traci’s gravestone also shows date of death as June 21, 1997. There’s an article here with a paragraph where Lt. Ken Washburn says Evenson died “in the 36 hours before the discovery of her body, placing her death sometime after 9:30 Saturday night.” The keyword might be “in” the 36 hours, meaning it had to occur “within” the past 36 hours but no later than that. https://iowacoldcases.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/1997-6-23-two-deaths-probed-crg-2pgs.pdf
Thanks for the article. Love reading these. And the owner was growing pot!!!!
That’s quite possible, Sarah.
That is absolutely beautiful! What a priceless memory.
It will let me edit text “above” the photo but not the text below. If anyone knows how to do that please let me know! Thx in advance! Jody at ICC
Oops! My bad! The caption under the photo is generated from the “description” on the case summary page, and I’d erroneously put in his birth date instead of date of death. Sorry about that. I’ll try to correct it here (already did so on his ICC page.)
I have no idea, Chris. He might have been homeless, but apparently no one had reported him missing.
Thank you, that’s really sad.
I would like to thank you for the work you do. The worst thing for all these victims and families would be that they would be forgotten.
This family has been through hell. It’s always a fine line between reporting info in the hopes of generating leads and the story becoming just that- a story. These are real people from every walk of life
I pray for someone to come forward. Justice needs to be served for the family.
We need answers. He deserves justice… what I want to know is how they got away with murder. We know who did it, we’ve always known.
Everyone knew then as well as now who did it. Many of us were very close to the perpetrators, including Muscatine Police Officers & the Hispanic community in Muscatine. Not to mention those that actually sat in the bars on Mulberry Ave. watching “Primo” being abducted that night. TOO SCARED OF THOSE THAT WERE INVOLVED!!
I agree with Diana Wilson.
I pray for justice. For the family and friends.
That’s what I was wondering Chris Pierce Moody.
This is my brother. I would give anything for him to be here right now.
Arianna Roberts-Jones, I’m so very sorry for your loss. One of the saddest things about your brother’s death is the reminder that some communities have grown so fearful of crime they’re not even willing to open the door to offer needed help or assistance to someone whose life is in immediate danger. If you or any of your family members have any photos or stories you’d like to share on Tyrone’s page, please feel free to email me at jody at iowacoldcases (.org). My heart goes out to all of you. Jody at ICC
Yes, sad that no one was willing to help him, I understand the fear, but just very sad, maybe he could still be here today. Thank you. I appreciate you keeping his story alive through posting this. Knowing he’ll never be forgotten.
I finally got this done yesterday.
Don’t forget to mention the the DCI destroyed (by accident ) some evidence from several crimes that occurred in 1997. Look it up. Traci’s murder took place during the time frame of the evidence that was destroyed. That’s why the FBI never was able to do the test.
Thanks
could it have been retaliation?
I was just wondering if it was a mistake
If she died Saturday night and was found the next morning, how could that be 36 hours????
Why did it take so long to identify the body?
It probably has something to do with the geography of Cater Lake and which state has jurisdiction.Due to the Missouri river changing course over the years,Carter Lake is now surrounded by Nebraska,not Iowa.I remember reading about this anomaly back in the 1960’s.It seems that both Nebraska an Iowa wanted to or didn’t want to claim ( I don’t remember which) Carter Lake as part of their state.The case finally went to the United States Supreme Court and the court decided that Carter Lake belonged to Iowa even though geographicly it was in Nebraska.If i remember correctly,neither state was happy about the Supreme Court decision but were resigned to live with it since there was no court left to appeal the decision.At any rate,I’m of the opinion that both states were disinclined to pursue the case despite the Supreme Courts deciision of 30+ years before.But,I could be wrong.Or not.
Mike, thank you for this interesting piece of history! I did a little bit of research on it, and it appears Nebraska wanted to claim it after the 1877 flood, but Iowa wanted to keep it and “cried foul,” which led to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Here’s an article about it published in the Omaha World-Herald last August.
https://www.omaha.com/living/what-s-the-deal-with-carter-lake-aka-the-only/article_f16ae5e0-6a26-11e6-ab73-2b9ac4ed8a67.html
Well,it’s been 50 years since I read a different but similar article about Carter Lake,so please excuse me for not getting the facts correct.Don’t ask me what I had for breakfast this morning because my short term memory isn’t as good as my long term memory~;)
Mike, no apologies necessary! I was quite intrigued by your June 19 comment, especially since I had no idea that Iowa and Nebraska had gone to the U.S. Supreme Court to determine what state actually owned Carter Lake.
I drive down to the Eppley airport at least a couple of times each year, and while waiting for a plane to arrive, frequently park across the street at the Levi Carter Park, where one can walk out on the wooden docks and enjoy viewing all the lily pads floating in the lake (not to mention the beautiful views up and down the lake).
You hadn’t gotten any of the facts wrong — you simply pointed out there had once been a fight between the two states over the lake’s ownership. It gave me the opportunity to learn more about an area not far from where I live. Thank you for that! :-)
he was born in 1955
Sarah Rushton, where did it say 1955.
Wait. Did this happen in 1955, or 1992?
surely, but they are never forgotten
It must be hard to leave cold cases behind.
Thanks!
Thank you for keeping people informed on this difficult subject. I was wondering about a case I vaguely remember about a newborn that was thrown from the bluff by the veterans bridge. I believe it occurred in the 70s but it could have been the early 80s. Thanks again Bruce Gunsolly
I remember when that happened. It was on the Bluffs at the end of South Leonard Street.
This is heart breaking !! I wish the person who did this would come forward and give this family what the what ANSWERS! I pray they find this person !!!
The evil killer will burn.
Praying for the family
I love to read about cold cases. Not happy someone had to die….
Praying for his family
So sad, I went to school with him!
Been looking for him he is my oldest brother.
He was a nice guy my brother knew him and I knew him hope they catch the coward that shot him take care
Jimmy was my big brother he took care of my brother and I after my father passed away. He was a good man funny and very intelligent.
Brad have you seen the names Wade Tolle – Jimmy Merchant or Larry Sullivan? They were mentioned in a post on the “wolverines” facebook page. Story is, Wade Tolle was talking about it at a house party awhile back.
Don’t be talking shit about wade , I’ve know him an ran with him most my life and he is a gentle soul.
Excuse me…(I) wasn’t “talking shit” on anybody. If you’d read the post correctly…it says that “someone” on the Wolverine Facebook page posted those three names. I was just making sure that the info was passed on. No apologies from me in trying to possibly help.
Tread lightly bud.
What is your full name Doug?
I worked with Larry Sullivan in the early 90’s right after he got out of the joint he was a mean drunk and would brag about the people he beat and gotten away with so it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he knows something.
I was a classmate of Linda at west high. I don’t have any info on what happened to her, but i just wanted to say i still & have often thought of her over the years. I myself think there was foul play despite what any medical examiner says. i want to say my prayers are with Linda’ s family then & now. don’t ever stop hoping or looking for the truth.
Dr.corrden was a well known quack in Sioux City for years. Not the first thing he’s screwed up
I feel for your family and your son, I my self named Kimberly Wood, and I also have a son named Branden , we live in Naples Florida.I just went through a situation with my son going on a work trip in MN, it went bad, quickly, i knew he was in danger and jumped on thr first flight out to find him, fortunately, my son was ok, he learned of a work scam , were the man i knew for 30+ years had convinced him to go and he would make more money doin instalations of internet boxes, when his bank account started missing the sum of $1440.00, i always check his account, he called i told him to pack his stuff and get out of the motel and go somewhere else, i never heard back. So my son tried to leave and called the police to help him get his luggage and rental car keys, he made it out side to the car, and then after about 20 minutes the police decided to take him to jail, based on false charges from the man scamming him and other kids there. They took his belongs and rental car, they destroyed the inside of the car and wrecked it.. I my self worried sick didnt know any more than what he told me and he didnt call back, i jumped on the first flight out, set on my phone looking up where they were staying, no one would help me find him or what happened. The police would not help. Then finally my mother called me and told me were he was, I went back to the police station and told them and the detective asigned to the case that i was calling internal affairs due to how everything had transpired, finally after another 24 hours, the told me they didnt have a case and were dropping charges based on information i had collected while i was there. When my son got out of jail he was never more greatful to see me there all the way from florida, he did not know i even new what happened, he cryied in my lap, he was always a straight A student and had never been in trouble for anything. He said i am so ashamed mom that i fell in to this mess, i just want to go home. I set him down when we finally got home and told him some how by the grace of god you were safe, that things could have been much worse, and i was glad i listened to my intuition and jumped a plain to go get him. The thoughts that were going through my head, horrible thoughts, what if he wasnt ok, what if he was just in the wrong place at ghe wrong time. Tonight i write you to tell you my motherly tears are with you and your Brandyn, i pray that he is watching over you and some how god will give you enough peace till you meet again. I never take a day for granted with my son. I can never imagine your loss and hope i never half too, but i will show your sons story to him, and together we will pray for you and your family. Chrish every memory, energy, etc, they never go away, no one knows why these awfull things happen, but some how we have to hope that threre is some reason for every season as it says in the bible, even the bad ones. Again my prayers are with you, is you ever want to talk feel free to email me at Kimberleywoodrpm@yahoo.com, I do come to Tampa often, we could meet for coffee and prayer
God Bless you always and for ever.
Angry father! Died without serving justice
Not sure when Ted Bundy actually started his ‘reign of terror’, but I read something one time (sure wish I could find it again) that hinted that he may have spent a short time in IA. I believe it was around 1978? if i remember correctly. I would have been 16…and I was definitely his ‘type’…long brunette hair and blue eyes. Gave me chills to my very core. What I read stated that the belief was that he had crossed the country at least one time. :( I will also add that another reason this got to me was that at that time, my small hometown had a ‘discotheque’…(sp?).
Waverly is not far from Cresco, wondering if there is a connection to Connie Kraft’s cold case which was around that time as well? I would start with the end date of the death’s and look at suspects that moved after that time, was incarcerated or died. Moving is the probable change though. If murders across the country with the same MO, can be timelined with the movement.
Ted Bundy??
scary. but why would they follow a,stranger??? maybe,they knew their assailant.
why?
some serial killing f**k should get their a*s kicked and jailed.
Always makes you wonder if there were any other murders connected to these, doesn’t it?
I agree!
They do tours and I believe overnights. Ghost Adventures did an episode there too.
haunting murders.
Kayla Ceniseros
Kalli Lyman
Joshua Allan Felkins
Loved doing a investigacion on this place!! Got tons on evidence back!! Going to go again this year!!
Mike Wilwol
Heather Cramblit Whitmore
I think it was Jeremy Draman!
People still call it the Villisca Axe Murder House
Tracy Walbert
Anna Bierman De Leon
Wasn’t me.
My son was 10 days old when this happened. I think of this baby every December. I used to pass by the place where he was found nearly every day……
I remember this…if I’m correct, a friend of mine was there when they found Amber… :(
Crista Davis
Karisma Sullivan
Isidro Gomez JR was my cousins boyfriend for 8 years. They have a beautiful baby boy together. I hope they find d the basterd who did this
It would be nice for her children to know what really happened to her.
I have read about this case (very interesting) and have a couple of DVD’s about it.
Interesting!
Wow
Lorie Nash Hawks
?
Deb Dailey
Someone should set a "go fund me" page for this case to help pay for DNA testing and other forensics. I know I would donate. So sad for kids to chase the sister with doll heads. I sincerely hope those children grew up to be more compassionate adults.
I pray that you get justice someday <3
This is horrible for any human being to endure yet they leave these sick,twisted bastards back out on the streets again!!!!
My heart goes out to the child and the heartbroken family.
This is coming from a Mother who buried 2 Kids out of the 3 God Blessed me with. My heart is torn over this
This one always breaks my heart. Hoping for justice.
This kinda looks like a younger version of my sister in law amy Chris Sisson
maybe david wasn’t using his own truck. maybe that’s why they didn’t find anything in it.
Maybe they should dig around the peacocks old farm/farms in Cuba City Wi
So sad. Who can do this!
I’ve known Mary, Amber’s mom, for over 30 years and Merisa you’re wrong. There’s not a day that she hasn’t grieved the loss of Amber. I will pray for you and your ignorance. The first and only thing anyone needs to know is everyone KNOWS who killed our sweet baby girl and I pray that God will bring justice to them. Truly the fact that evidence is “lost” and that justice hasn’t been delivered to the extent it should be is the real travesty. Shame on all of you have participated in the negligence and continuing pain of Mary and Barbara!
Mary and Barb I love you and pray that you will get the justice and delivery of justice you deserve and so that your beloved Amber can finally rest in peace <3
I think Cold Justice needs to be called…..
Love you too!!?
I am her sister and I am a mommy of 2 little boys and I am a nurse
Read this on cold cases the other day. This poor little baby was obviously murdered by that man! All evidence pointed at him! Now , I believe, (I read more then just this one, but think he is dead now)… May never know what happens to this sweet baby! I also read she has a sister whom is now and mommy and a nurse now.
So very sad!
It says he lives around the Columbus Junction area and has been arrested many times, very sad case.
Couldn’t agree more Dawn! I pray this poor baby get justice!
He is not dead and and he still is walking the streets as we speak. She is my sister and I am a nurse and I have 2 children.
This is one of the most disturbing cases I’ve seen on this site. How absolutely horrible.
Rip little one, you didn’t deserve this!
I find it hard to believe 12 people 5 are women could not reach a guilty verdict…..
That’s terrible he got away with it and worse that the cold case funds ran out to further investigate.. What a joke
Rest in peace sweet angel, I’m still praying the guilty will pay, all of them.
What kind of a person does that to a baby?!?! How sad
So sad i hope someone kills that bastard.
How could anyone do this to another person, let alone a BABY? :(
His story sounds fishy!!!!! I think the boyfriend did it.
Oh, dear God. Who can do this to anyone let alone a tiny baby??? I can’t even comprehend this.
Tears…..so sad.
No words…
travesty of Justice!!!
R.I.P. little one. I hope you get the justice you deserve baby girl xoxo
Poor baby…
Somebody needs to pay for this!
That’s horrible.
so sorry for the families,god bless you.
Charles was my cousin
Tammy Zywicki cold case
If you’re so sure the reverend did it because “There was no possible way he could’ve known all that information without being there”, you’ve obviously never lived in a small town where everyone knows everybody. The reverend may have been perverted and mentally ill, but that surely doesn’t automatically make him a killer. In all honesty, we have the technology to find out who truly committed the murders, but we never will because they’re too busy making money off of the house, the case, and the story. The way they look at it: if they leave the case unsolved, it keeps people interested and gives them more time to make more money. Just saying. Mason is right: Unclean, Unseen, Modesty. The killer was more than likely brought up in an unsanitary/unclean environment, and was surrounded by abuse (it doesn’t necessarily mean he/she was the one abused. It could just mean they were forced to witness it). The covered mirrors, being unseen…This could mean that maybe he/she had a deformity or was shamed and forced to stay hidden from the public.
He probably just forgot to take the bacon with him when he left, as to the covers over the mirror that was a common practice when there was a death, as well as stopping the clocks. They would not be restarted until after the funeral. Henry Moore, not related to the family was a transient who rode the trains. He was thought to have committed similar murders by creeping in while the owners were sleeping and killing them in their beds.
I thought covering mirrors was a Jewish tradition as they sit Shivah after a death?
According the time frame, Kelly left and told people on the train, before anyone went to go check out the family. So how would he have known about it before anyone else in town knew?
He could have taken a confessional from someone else in town on the evening late that it happened before leaving town the next day.
This had been disputed and the elderly couple who made the statements later stated they couldn’t remember, as I recall.
I still lean towards Henry Lee Moore as the suspect.
I agree, Makayla….covering the mirrors was customary, to keep the soul of the departed safe…but in this case, the windows were likely covered at the time the windows were closed and blinds were pulled. It is likely, too, Lena was made to look at all the people who were killed because she told Sarah the secret behavior that they feared, if they walked home with their brothers that night.
I’m confused so when was Sarah Moore told anything about secret behavior and who would have known about it if she was murdered too. I don’t argue if that’s the case it might very well have been the brothers who committed the crime and being youth of the community were protected and harbored from being suspects.
wierd we went bye there when the police were there at the lake i was 6
she was one of my good childhood friends and I can’t believe her case was never solved.
She was shy, but said hello to me everyday. We had some classes together. She stood out one year when we had a sit in at school, she sang why do fools fall in love. It was the most courageous thing in our years together I had ever seen her do. And she had a voice like an angel. I had the seat next to her in personal development class and was devistated to see it empty that Monday, as I had already read what had happened, she was nice, and kind and I regret not knowing more about her. I hope one day she can rest.
I knew Keith when i was a little girl. lived on the same block. He said he was gone 5 hours with his toddler fishing. how do you keep a toddler occupied for 5 hours? He put himself in Bever park that day and i am wondering if Lynn’s remains may be there. If he did do anything to her, he may have gone back there to see if anyone had found her or seen him later with the boy. He said he took him swimming there after he came back from fishing. the park has a lot of wooded areas to hide things etc. also we lived very near that park as children and he had to know every inch of it. also the park had a little zoo that had bears and even alligators. may have helped his interest in alligators etc. We drove by the house they lived in 1972, a few months ago, and there is a newer house there now. built in 2000 by the realitors info. if he had not done it, if i were him, i would have taken a polygramph test just to prove it. i would not want to be suspected of something i didn’t do all these years. Then again the bike was supposedly left in the yard and someone might have followed her and grabbed her when she got home. it is a area where the houses are a ways from each other sort of isolated. we have several unsolved old murder cases in this town. this one is a little different because she was never found.
Faceboo.com/donwellington1 looks like the same guy possibly
Lillian was my great aunt…so sad after all these years of no answers! :(
dear Nancy, I have never forgotten how your mother reached out to me & stayed in touch for several years. she was a very compassionate lady.
so crazy…
I remember this like it was yesterday……..
I pray for someone to come forward. Prayers sent to the family and friends.
Was “Curtis” not a suspect?
He has been questioned several times. CRPD doesn’t claim anyone is a “suspect” because they don’t acknowledge that this is more than awhat they have labeled as runaway case.
One thing really worth noting here: the IDPS Missing Person Information Clearinghouse states that Erin was last seen “leaving in an early 90’s model black Chevy Cavalier,” but that information is based solely on what CURTIS PADGETT told authorities.
Padgett’s account of what happened was released to the MPIC and subsequently reported in the news media and even reported here on ICC — all based on Padgett’s statement.
The truth is, Padgett is the last known person to have seen Erin alive and there is no evidence to support his claim that she ever got into a black Cavalier. This in no way faults either the MPIC or media or others who reported the Cavalier connection; news media make every attempt to help solve these cases as quickly as possible by providing all known details about the case. Those details are subsequently reported by other news agencies, and there are instances where years pass before the original source (who may or may not eventually become a suspect in the case) is ever questioned.
Who can answer one simple question: Where was Erin last seen alive after leaving her home with Curtis Padgett?
Adam’s actual time of death corresponds closest to the time recorded in Palas Graham’s camera file for his 26th picture at Adam’s accident scene, over eight to eleven hours after the first 911 call. But in that picture after they dislocated Adam’s head, Dr. Haganman was told to write down the time the accident happened as Adam’s time of death so he wrote down the time of the 2nd or third 911 call on the 13th, because they were trying to say Adam’s mashed body was from the accident and that he had been thrown out of his truck and it had rolled on him, yet he is still in the truck with his feet under the dash and the seat belt and the cab of his Dodge Truck.
The air bag had protected him until the Mitchell County group Adam had testified against showed up about seven hours, after the first 911 call. They refused me, Adam’s mother, the court ordered subpoena for that first 911 call — probably by the people harassing me – the ones Adam chased in that 2004 tannish Chevy Impala — so those two men would not be charged with leaving the scene of an accident or the 911 response team could not be charged with not responding and not giving Adam aide, plus being found guilty of torture and murder.
I’m Veronica Lack, Adam’s mother, and I’m still waiting for a federal investigation of Adam’s and his Dad’s murders to cover up this illegal draining of about 3000 acres of Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizer, Atrazine, high lead, and very high Nitrates, and also bacteria into our aquifer or Source Water for our wells Downstream. Veronica Lack
Ivan ivusic was involved in the murder of Jared parks.
??
if you have information go to the police!!!
I have actually emailed cold case about this, what seems to be tip. I also called crime stoppers with the name the anonymous person said. There is more than one comment about that name from anonymous person. Sounds like a cry for help from the anonymous person.
Sad
Stevie rest in peace. Hope they find who it was that took you from us too soon. The Reed family misses and loves you with all our hearts. Your smile I can still see. Love you cousin.
Shirley
Pray for the families!
Praying for the family!
Hoping for justice.. Love you John RIP
Thank you, Penny and Samantha!
Manson, Iowa.
It was his wife!!!! Easily solved!!!! Lol
terribly sad that our lovely state has many people who have blood on their hands but time hasn’t revealed who they are.
This case must have been kept fairly quiet at the time. I do not recall having heard of anything about a suspicious death.
I too would like to read the books written by the Loy woman. How sad she has had to carry these tormenting memories of her parents behavior.
I will keep praying for someone to come forward. Prayers to the family and friends.
I’ve been to the Hossack murder sight and also to his grave. There is definitely the presence of somebody watching over this area. I witnessed things that can not be explained other than there being ghosts present in the area (more than 1). I’ve continued to do research on this case … and I am definitely not welcome in the area, although the intrigue of this case continues to stir me after years of researching it.
where is this place located in Warren county?
Ana, it’s about 12 miles south of Indianola.
Do you know the exact adress? I live in medora and I would like to visit some time. Or drive by because my understanding is people live there right now.
I would like to visit the area of where the Hossack farm is. Does anyone know exactly where it is? Visit the cemetery today.
I just sent in Ila Veronica Maynard as a possible match. Who knows if they can match her as the UID as there were insufficient samples for DNA and no prints or dentals processed either. :(
I remember a close friend being one of the first responders and always believed that the husband did it!! Just too convenient
I remember when this happened. I too thought it was the husband.
That is terrible. I’m betting it was the husband. He waited quite awhile before calling the police and he knew quite a few too many details…
Ila Maynard went missing in December a few months before the UID www found matching the postmortem interval. She was 17 years old and married. It is believed her husband murdered her. She was 5’3″ and 125 pounds. Was this the NC connection they tried to follow?
Please look into Ila Maynard. She is the only match I’ve found so far. Sadly her husband and likely murderer died in 2004, but I’m sure her family would like to have closure and have her remains.
Annie, I’d first thought Ila Maynard was an excellent match, too, but the August 6, 2001 Quad-City Times article — which said police had followed leads all the way to North Carolina — seemed to suggest they’d already ruled Maynard out, even though her name wasn’t specifically mentioned in the story.
Who knows, though, with today’s forensic technology? NamUs indicates DNA collection is complete but insufficient for profiling, but it may have last been tested (and ruled insufficient) prior to 2001, and forensics have come a long way since then.
I’ll be interested in any updates Tiffany might be able to offer after her recent submission. Thanks to both of you for your interest!
I pray someone comes forward.
i don’t know anything about this case or about the guy Greg all i know i am originally from California and from my experience to see drug dealers cases on the news at least this man had to have a cell phone and were they found his car should have maybe looked in that area to see at least if the body was found ? And kinda wired for Maybe a really evil smart drug dealer not to get caught if murdered him i say go back look and see if he had a cell phone record of numbers or text and maybe find out who did maybe killed him ?? If he had contract like us cellular or Verizon bingo number found you found the killer probably? ?
Shared to my family and friend in Iowa.
What town?
This report was wrong Lilian was never married to Shorty Thompson from what is great nephew said that i met yesterday He never married. So who was the Stewart that was Related to Shorty or lived In Texas because she was marred to a Stewart …..?n Help any small clue would help ….just trying to find more family
Shorty wasn’t related to any Stewarts.
there was no stewart related to shorty my granma lillian edith was a stewart(maiden name) unless mom used the stewart name she didnt know shorty until 1946 to 1952
I believe he died in mc9
Can anyone help me was this the Carnival the Shorty Thompson owned
no he didnt own a carnival
This nice young kid was murdered. Someone knows something and I hope that they come forward. If they don't, I hope it haunts them for the rest of their life.
So was anyone charged with this ? how is Reggy Morehouse doing now ? Sad.
So sad.
I pray someone comes forward. I pray for the family .
I am Penny McDonnell fiance. I knew Charles very well, and spent a good amount of time with him over 4 yrs.
I have read every Police report, the Autopsy report, seen every Picture taken of this crime, and listened to every Audio Witness reports.
Without going into great detail, I can say without a doubt the police certainly did not do a crime scene investigation properly. Also the corner report is contradictory to a suicide and the bruising that Charles had on his body was explained off by the corner as normal when a person is taken by an ambulance to a hospital. I can honestly say all so bad the police treated Penny very poorly, lied to her consistently about several items, including having possession of Charles’s personal belongings. Some of which was needed to have Charles buried. The police even went to the extent of allowing some of Charles personal belongings to be given to two of the suspects believed to have been part of his murder.
It would be very easy to write page after page after page of all of the things that went wrong during this investigation of his murder, and all the people involved that either lied or withheld information.
Everything has been given to a lawyer that has reassured Penny that justice will be served and these people responsible for the murder of Charles will be brought to justice. my prayer is that it happens soon, and brings Penny and the family some peace with justice being done.
My uncle was killed in 1961 in a hit and run accident. They have not found the person that killed him. How would I go about getting his case listed as a cold case?
Thank you for writing, Allyson. Please just email whatever details you have on the case to me (jody at iowacoldcases.org) and I’ll check into it. Please try to be as specific as possible — things like his full name, date and location (address) of crime, circumstances surrounding the hit and run, and names of any investigators you might remember having worked the case.
I’m so sorry for your loss and look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Tina Carroll, they still don’t know what happened to him. They searched a huge area by land and also the creek but weren’t ever able to locate him. Jody @ ICC
Prayers they find what truly happened to him. So sad
Prayers sent to all the family.
Prayers
Maybe he wandered off Into a forest? Or someone took him along a road?
I live very close and there are no forests around. The only trees really are one every 20 yards at the most
prayers to his family.
prayers!!
are they thinking he didn’t drown?
horrible
this should have been solved by now so sad
I would like to know if the ex boyfriends alibi could be someone that was there with him to do the deed! Could it have been a lamp or towel bar from the room that was the weapon? Was there no fingerprints? Footprints? Did Marcella know her husband was having an affair? Could she have recruited the serial killer uncle? Did he ever get found and questioned? How does the hotel employee’s not know who was let into that room? Do they think the couple let the intruders in?
The supposed weapon used to kill these two people was decor from the hotel as there are lots of old farm tools and such hanging on the walls of the hallways..
Did the police test any of the items matching the description hanging on the walls of the hallway, or were any of them missing? There are just too many unanswered questions!
I remember that night. I had seen them cruising up and down main street on his motorcycle for hours. Very sad.
The Bacon represents Unclean! The ccovered mirror means Unseen! Which means the whole exsposed girl means modesty
shared
I would have assume that the two would have been reported missing. That would have included the vehicle information. So, it should have been checked the identify the owner.
Mark Becker, how do you know this?
True.
Mona Brice, the victim and killer’s children and/or grandchildren could still be alive and may know something. It’s never too late to close a case.
Did anyone search the crawl space?
No I don;t Sarah. Not at all.
Rip johnetta
Diana Hilton do you remember this?
Very strange case.
90 yr.s? Really? Who’d still be alive with a memory that old.
You would be surprised what happens. A ten year old will suddenly recall an argument at the dining room table about whether Uncle Fred really did shoot that officer while riding on the railroad car.
If given a chance i would look into these cases for free!
Anhydrous Ammonia nitrogen fertilizer is not supposed to be in our ground water or drinking water at all, according to the EPA, and there is no known filter for it. Iowa State U researchers claim this fertilizer can only get into our drinking water by Point Source Polluting, (like Johnson, Urbatsch, Sponheim, and the Brandaus are doing in Cedar (W) Township, Mitchell County, Iowa). So to cover up the on-going pollution the Iowa DNR employees hid this one Woman farmer’s bad well tests from her and claimed to others Downstream that their well tests were fine when they were actually testing very high in Anhydrous Ammonia nitrogen fertilizer and also Nitrates.
Jeff Sherman, Floyd County Sanitarian, wrote to 20 of the well owners in this Plume, that my Mom, this one woman, was just concerned about a neighbor’s work around a sinkhole. So others’ health suffered and her friend, Ruth died this past year and the Plume spreads Downstream at the rate of 1 to 2 miles a year since the sinkhole was opened by a former Mitchell County engineer digging north of Bradley Johnson’s home.
Ruth had her new well drilled to a deeper aquifer in 2004 just after Scott Lindley and then my Mom’s new well were drilled and all of the other wells when we did our own nitrate test reports in 2004. But the IDNR went on hiding the Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer test results from my Mom on her new deeper well and the older Nitrate and Bacteria tests. Mom and Ruth and Scott drilled to the same good aquifer in 2004. In the 2007 court case I and my Mom testified that the IDNR 401 and Corps of Engineer’s 404 permits for my Mom’s farm did not allow for adding the huge amounts of farm chemical runoff to the six huge sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland. Yet the group of polluters with NRCS employee Ray Franna and the Mitchell County engineer sent paper work to the Mitchell County Assessor’s Office to downgrade my Mom’s 90.36 CSR value for her 200 acre farm on 4-15-2003 for their planned transitioning of a huge flood channel to drain the thousands of acres that had no legal drainage permit and had been refused 401 and 404 permits in 1991 by the IDNR and Corps of Engineer’s. This was after Bradley Johnson’s 1991 Proposed Ditch Survey, and the other Section 10 farmers had tried to form a Drainage District but were refused a drainage outlet. So they illegally dug out 42 acres of my Mom’s farm to build a huge flood channel that dumps into the Designated National Wetlands huge sinkholes and more will die so those Section 10 Mitchell County Iowa farmers can grow corn and soy beans on their Wetland that still has no legal Drainage Outlet.
My Mom refused to sign after the fact 401 and 404 permits for those polluters, ever since 1993 when Charlie Heiderscheit had claimed this huge ditch to sinkholes would all be paid for but denied her ECP help because she refused. She has still refused to sign them after they killed me. It was illegal but our government agencies here in Iowa the IDNR and the USDA-NRCS federal agencies claim they don’t understand how the Anhydrous Ammonia levels are increasing and the Nutrient Reduction Strategies only address Non-Point Source Polluting. Point Source Polluting with French Drains, and building ditches to sinkholes are actually being promoted by the USDA-NRCS as my 2005 Evironmental Science Paper was trying to Point out. Veronica Lack
In May of 2009, Charlie Heiderschiet, brought a IDNR and Corps permit for the Section 10 polluters already dug out chemical drain to the Designated National Wetlands huge sinkholes. He was pressuring my mom to sign them under threats of taking away her right to farm her farm, and of him refusing to sign her Compliance Letter, for all of the Conservation Repairs she had been required to do for her 2008 ECP, and then she would not be even able to sell her farm. She explained and showed Charlie the work she had done. He still refused, so she showed him, the enlarged pictures of the group killing me, Charlie started crying and said he knew them better than my Mom, he said he would sign her Compliance Letter so she could sell her farm and get out.
I have felt so bad about showing those pictures of my son being killed but there was no way I was going to sign those permits to give a legal drainage permit to the still very illegal on-going chemical drain into our drinking water built for the six to eight sections of farmland in Cedar (W) Township in Mitchell County Iowa. And I was hoping someday the IDNR and the USDA-NRCS would stop this one O]n-Going Point Source Pollution Plume. My family wanted me safe and out of our family farm because of all the vandalism, property damage, and I had to agree to Mark Walk’s threats and sign off on the sale of both my home farm and my husband’s 1/3 share of his family farm at 1/2 their value because when I got those pictures in 2009, Mark Walk, threatened, you know you have 5 other children.
With my Civil Rights suit, I’m trying to get the State of Iowa to protect and warn the 1/2 million Iowan’s at risk in this one Point Source Pollution Plume.
And I still want copies of my old well’s test reports and the well test reports for my new well’s Nitrates and Bacteria and Anhydrous Ammonia or Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) tests from 2004 to 2010.
In those 26 pictures when they were killing Adam are some of the contractors and farmers and of course Judge Bryan McKinley. He was the Judge in the case Jon Tack and Randy Clark had encouraged me to file or the IDNR could charge me with accepting the channel that the group was harassing me and Adam (and damaging our property) to build. But filing that charge, that I was told to file because my legal Drainage Permit from the Corps of Engineer’s did not allow me to add even 10 acres of drainage to the Designated National Wetlands Sinkholes. This turned the anger of those farmers and contractors, that the IDNR had refused a Permit for a Legal Drainage Outlet, onto me and Adam.
Some of those in the pictures could be the contractor that almost killed my youngest son in 1998 (he only got 5 years probation for it). Smith would brag about his clubbing Adam’s brother to taunt Adam after Brad Johnson had set up those false charges of assault against Adam. But Adam’s asthma was so much worse from the fumes coming out of our shower, because of the IDNR’s Dale Adams telling the Section 10 farmers to dump extra Bleach down to make up for their manure run-off. Bleach or Chlorine and Ammonia Nitrogen as N don’t mix well in this Plume. Adam could not risk being put in jail again as they had taken away his inhaler when he was arrested twice on Brad Johnson’s false charges.
The reason they won’t give some of the names of the people at the scene in answer to court ordered supeonas was because it may include Ray Frana, Heath Smith, Judge Bryan McKinley, and others that were harassing us because the Corps of Engineer’s and the IDNR had refused those farmers and contractors like Mayer’s Digging and Popp’s Excavating which was the company Smith worked for then. Adam and I had found Popp marker flags along the edges of the area on my farm dug away while Adam was at the U of Iowa taking courses and when Adam had written the paper they waved in court in 2007. I think the FBI has facial recognition software.
Veronica Lack
Jack Toomey, knowing her name would definitely help, but as far as I know, officials never released it to the public. (Not even in the Nov. 5, 1976 long article that spoke of her relatives in Norwalk, Calif.)
So what is her name? Wouldn’t that help?
so sad, wish this could be solved! prayers to the family.
What was the guy name that she refuse to work for
I just found out today that Lisa was my father’s cousin.It’s makes me sick that they did not solve her murder. Why do people want to kill another human being?? Oh i know because they are sick people. Well who ever killed her may of got by with it for now but come judgement day they will be judged. Until then may she rest in peace.
everyone knew at the time of the crime that the main pimp in Burlington did this. the police were told several times that he did it. she refused to work for him and he killed her. he suffocated her. the police have known this all along. but the pimp was also an imformant so he got covered by law enforcement. this was all known by all young people and THE POLICE. the pimp bragged about it and used it to intimidate girls for years.
Who was the pimp then do u know ??
the police let a child pimp get away with murdering an innocent girl? who did he snitch on? hitler? sorry, this story isn’t believable. there were no crimes in burlington that were serious enough to allow a child-murdering pimp to get away. this is why you didn’t name the supposed pimp even though “everyone knew at the time.” please stop.
He worked out if Burlington hotel when it still had rooms and he was under protection of police chief benne (not sure spelling) money talks.
I swear to God on everything I love it was the truth. Chief benne was as corrupt as they come and no one was going to cross him or this pimp. I wish I could remember the pimps name because I would sure blast it. I was only about 13-14 at time. It’s been. 40 years but he was the only major pimp in Burlington. Then
“the police let a child pimp get away with murdering an innocent girl? who did he snitch on? hitler?”
Thanks for the laugh.
Oh and…..
“Gerald Miller said he last saw his daughter at supper time on Monday, Oct. 3, when she came home with a note from her boyfriend breaking off their relationship, he said.”
There’s the story…start there…it probably ends there…regardless of all these supposed pimps in downtown Burlington.
Did u know her
Who saw her alive on oct 7th? Must be missing where it says that in the article somehow.
Falon Gire..this is ur dads cousin…sad story but not alot of info missing.
The 22nd picture of Adam still trapped, taken by highway patrolman Palas Graham at about 11:45am on 7-13-2008 according to the recorded file his camera made. Adam was still alive but the group he had testified against didn't give him a chance, after refusing him aide and making Adam wait for help since his first accident 911 call at just before Midnight on the 12th.
I pray for justice. And prayers sent to the families and friends.
I wish I knew, Katy. We've been able to find little information except that his death was treated as a homicide.
So what happened to him?!?
Was Carl Maynard poisoned. That might be. Should exzom. The body for a forensic team.
He died on the operating table. his wife had signed the permission papers for them to replace a blocked artery. She became depressed after his death thinking it was her fault he died. She and her husband were very close and always traveled together. She never had a diver’s license since he was her main means of transportation. She did buy a bus ticket that took her as far as Colorado. After that, she disappeared. Social Security wouldn’t give out any information as to whether she was receiving benefits in another state. She did have a brother living in Texas and that was where her son, Ed, thought she had gone. She never showed up there and she never surfaced again.
The house she and her husband lived in has not been razed. It’s still standing and as a matter of fact, the letter ‘M’ is still on the screen door.
The house is said to be haunted
As current occupant I can say the house is haunted, but in a good way. My husband has seen her twice sitting on the edge of the bed looking at me. Although I’ve never seen Norma I credit her for keeping our children asleep at night when they were younger. A couple times I would walk into their bedroom and the rocking chair would be moving. I always said thank you Norma and went back to bed.
And yes, we left the letter “M” on the screen door since her presence is still there. Both cats that we have owned seem to see Norma. Our first one used to run into walls chasing her. Our current cat seems to follow her around the house.
God bless this family
I still think of him and what happened to him. Can’t imagine the culprit not getting caught. May God bless your family.
Investigators have been searching the grounds of a farm near Ely with the help of a forensics team that specializes in finding human remains. They have not said yet whether anything has been found. Link to Cedar Rapids Gazette article here:
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/forensic-team-searches-at-home-linked-to-missing-marion-man-20150507
Iowa Cold Cases you are most welcome…this a.m. I spent with Ronnie and her cousin and my friend, Phillip Lack…what a lovely way to spend an a.m.!!! She mentioned this was happening…i was only too glad to mention it to you. Thanks for jumping on this so quickly.
Julie was a sweetheart of a person, I sat next to her for many years in home room. We shared many smiles and laughs. 18 years it has been since she was taken from us and I hope they find the criminal that took her from her family and her friends…
Miss you everyday JB…..you haven't been forgotten. They will be brought to justice….soon.
(((Hugs))) Jody!
Very heartbreaking I hope they catch the person or persons who did this. RIP EARL
Heartbreaking… Surely someone has an idea of who committed this crime.
Pam was my best friend ever I gave birth 2 my son Jacob she was so excided 4 me when we were growing up that girl made me laugh she just loved people n had a heart of gold she never leaves my thoughts n prays I love n miss her so much I think of the times we had n could of had God bless u Pam her mom call pam Connie 2 n call me Pam 2 her It has been 33 years that much time with out her will keep praying
Learn how to type. This message is confusing as hell to read. Maybe try some punctuation. Maybe try putting a proper sentence together, moron.
It may be hard to read, but this is no place for that behavior or name calling. If you don’t like somebody’s comment don’t read it. Pretty simple. But being disrespectful to somebody mourning and remembering a friend is especially awful.
no one is talking to you. Shut it
It’s ironic you’re chastising a poster for sentence structure and then you construct that written reply.
LOL!
Blow me. Is that better?
Yes, from an English syntax perspective only mind you. Not that there is anything wrong with that; just not the way I roll.
That was good response. Well done
Hopefully authorities speak to you
It may have been a bit hard to read but honestly not that hard to figure it out. Don’t be so nasty to people!!
No one is talking to you. Get bent
You seem very angry. I hope you have a wonderful day and a wonderfully happy life :)
Stop being so rude to people that is the way u want to be treated so treat other how u want them to treat u sitting here down grading some that is mourning the lost of a loved one and just telling there story on one of the memories they have with there friend and crying y doing it can make it hard for people to read or understand them so no reason to being rude ill definitely being praying for u…
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Praying for justice!!
I think it was the same person that committed both of these robberies.
I actually have found information that may be helpful, waiting for return call
was he mentally impaired
15 years and it still hurts to know I never have any memories of him. Not only that but my brother never met my younger brother.
ask hoopy….
Like he’s gonna tell ya..I grew up around rhe family as well as so many people knowing her as we kive is a small community..my prayers have always been with you inbhopes you will someday be able to put her to rest and the family can heal to a certain point…love and light to the family and friends
What was Robert Davis’ aliby? Why didnt the police look at him? Wouldnt suprise me if it was him.
It has been said that it was Robert many times. I was only 2 at the time but I remember it like it was yesterday. They had thought he Buried her on my grandfathers farm, but never found her body. I believe she out there still
Lindsy. You are in my prayers and I hope soon you can put your mom to rest. I remember this. I was a sophomore in Woodbine.
Thank you. :)
Prayers to you Lindsay..Hopefully someday you can find the answers your looking for and find some closure & peace….
You all need to shut your mouths
What are you gonna do about it?
Mommy’s a murderer!
Davis
Robert "Hoopy" David
This story is really sad…..
Who was her boyfriend at that time? Again, was he a suspect?
It was a “well to do” family in a small town. Heard he was on military leave and they shipped him back out early the next day. That’s the “story” anyway.
Angela and Jody – you probably can’t get any closer in revealing this person without actually mentioning his name – which I suspect you and the community seems to know, but after nearly 45 years no one will mention. The suspect walked away from vehicle homicide right under the purview of law “lack of enforcement” who share a greater responsibility to the family & community than the unscrupulous and “Prominent” family. May God bless their souls!
My question is then. It was reported they had long Hair. If they were in the Service they wouldn’t have long Hair. So disgusting 2 or 3 men in the truck and NOT one did the right thing afterwards and decided to be cowards. They will get their punishment.
if they sold the vehicle to the dealership why wasn’t there a paper trail?
There was a paper trail, Sarah. The case summary provides further information about what happened once the truck got sold.
thank you.
I always wonder when I may see my cousin being on here for his cold case. Thomas Mather was brutally murdered in his own home. I would like to see justice for him.
Carol, Tom Mather has been on our site for years. His case summary profile may be found at: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/tom-mather/
I’m so sorry for your loss, and as you probably know, his wife, Dawn, has never been “ruled out” as a suspect.
Did they ever contact the male friend for any information?
Yes, when the Polk County, Florida detectives came to Iowa in 2005 they interviewed the male friend but no charges were ever made. Family members have our own suspicions as to who may have committed this crime, but no proof.
How is the investigation going ?? My prayers for the family and friends. And may God help law enforcement find the guilty.
Did they suspect oscar ray bolins in 1986
Certainly possible. Lakeland is only 35 miles from Tampa. He’s dead now. Awww.
I have no idea about the reading and smoking cigarettes, sorry
As for the submission of the information to law enforcement, I never heard anything about this until I stumbled upon it here. I am curious. I wonder if I can call DMPD and ask where to ask about cold cases?
That was my uncle
why did he kill the family
Jack Toomey, sadly, Edward Leeney’s case resembles far too many deemed cold cases even in recent decades; officials may feel certain they know who committed the crime, but for whatever reason have never filed charges. (As many in LE have told me, “knowing who did it” and “proving it in a court of law” are two very different things.)
Jodi Frye, there are different ways officials can determine if a victim was killed and dumped elsewhere; one example is when the cause of death would have resulted in specific amounts of blood loss that’s not found at the dump site. Another example is lividity; after death, gravity pulls red blood cells downward, leaving a purplish red discoloration beneath the body where the blood cells congeal. So if this discoloration is found on the victim’s backside but he/she is found lying face down, coroners know the victim lay face up in the hours after death before later being moved.
They don’t look like prison tats. Prisons do, however keep really good data on prisoners tats. It may be a good place to look for tattoo data.
It was 1983/84. Not too many records from prisons for tattoos yet, but they may have taken some of him if he was arrested somewhere…. I think everyone who is assuming this man was incarcerated is jumping to too many conclusions. Lots of assumptions on this site. It’s best to start at facts and work from there to find things that support that fact. We don’t know many facts about this case at all.
Guess they know who did it if he shot himself!
I remeber this very well my husband was asst police chief and he worked this case.
Prayers they find who did this.
Every one knows who took them..The group of homosexal pedophiles based in Nebraska and Colorado. Martin was killed in Colorado for not cooperating. Gosh died at a man boy event..
That is so weird of you to say.. how would you know that
How would you know all of that
Are u serious? How do u know this? Are u trolling?
Read!! The Franklin child sex ring. Goes all the way to George H.W. Bush and the midnight tours of the whitehousse. Yes, there are plenty of Democrats involved also. Clintons are part of the Bush extended family
Hey Mark, please please please tell us more, if you are being serious. My email is danielhuerta603@gmail.com if you want to be private about it. How do you know this? How old were Eugene and Johnny? How did they die? Please respond. Thanks
I thought I had read through nearly all of the stories on your site. I somehow missed this one. So very sad.
I do not remember when this happened.
Her and her brother went to Corydon school and were a couple grades younger than me?
Very sad.
Sad. They didn’t find forensic evidence to link anyone?
I knew Denice vary well was at party she went missing from. what are the odds that exatctly 32 yrs later on a full moon I would run into a woman that looked just like her? strang
Ran into a girl today that looked just like her,I thaught I was in a epasode of the returner it was so strang
<3 :'(
How do they know he was shot in one place and dumped in another?
How can someone live with themselves after taking anothers life? Sick people out there! Thanks for keeping their stories out there! Ur doing a great thing!
What about the Fort Myers, Florida John Does
After reading the account of the death of the officer I too wonder why anyone would consider this a cold case? Obviously they knew the name of the streetcar conductor back in 1926 and for some reason chose not to charge him. It’s not a “cold” case. It’s a case where no charges were filed.
I don’t believe the street car conductor would have any culpability. The person who could be charged would be the driver of the car Officer Leeney was chasing.
Greg, you are exactly right, and I apologize to Jack for not addressing this earlier. The streetcar conductor wasn’t responsible in any way, but Officer Leeney would *not* have been killed that night if not chasing a fleeing vehicle. Leeney died as the result of another committing a crime (fleeing law enforcement), and it’s only listed as a cold case because the fleeing driver was never apprehended or charged.
Obviously, given the number of years ago when this happened, there’s no possible chance this could ever be “solved,” but it’s listed here as a matter of respect for Leeney’s family because there “was someone” out there at the time who caused Leeney’s death, and got away with it. Hope that makes sense.
xoxo
<3 you Kay
I, too, remember when your mother was killed. So, thinking of you now and in the days to come, and remembering all the good times we had at Mankato!
thank you Lorrie, you are such a sweetheart
My dear Wendy…..I too, was 16 when your mother died .I remember your mother as being kind and gentle and a very loving mother. I’ll never forget staying at your house when you and I were both 10 years old. Betty and I took the Greyhound to DesMoines for our sweet baby neice, Elizabeth Lorraine’s baptism who we lovingly called Beth. You and I were both so excited to be aunties at age 10! I remember Howard…..quiet and not friendly, unlike your sweet mother. God bless you, Vicki and Hank with constant healing, comfort and peace.
Sarah Oelke McGill, I agree that this is such an extremely sad case, and these photos haunt me. The faces radiate with happiness and love, and even though I didn’t know them personally, I can’t imagine what his wife and daughters (and numerous family members and friends) and even dogs Annie and Joe endured following this senseless murder. This is one of the cases I followed in the news and hoped I’d never have to add to our site. Someone in that community knows something, and I hope Chuck’s family isn’t forced to wait another year for answers. The look in the dogs’ eyes just breaks my heart. Where is “Dad?” I see a little gray on the muzzles, but hope they and Liz and the girls have, together, learned to feel safe again. My best wishes go out to all of them. Jody at ICC
Thank you, Wendy! Not sure why a photo didn’t show up with the excerpt. Here’s the one I have on the ICC home page now.
my friend Dianne’s mother Marian & Lillian were neighbors & best friends in Bennett Wisc
Dianne remembered Lil made her “Peter Pan” shorts – only kids from the 50s know what they were ;)
breaks my heart to think of this.so sorry wendy. sending a hug for you.
Wow, Wendy. I’m so sorry. ::hugs:: your mother sounds like an amazing woman. And this shows where some of your amazing strength and compassion comes from. Love you and praying for continued healing and resolution.
He can rot in hell!
This just sucks. I am not always thankful for God’s wrath but this is one situation where I am.
Oh, Wendy, I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry, Wendy.
This is so sad. I used to babysit for them. Such a nice family.
That is just tragic.
Wendy we love you and praying for you, !
Praying and believing they can find something that will give you some closure. Love you bunches <3
Thank you Wendy for sharing this. Your amazing strength comes from the Lord who is just and faithful. Keep on keeping your mom’s memory alive! It’s a sweet and loving gift to her.
Oh my gosh. So heart breaking. Pray you guys will get justice for your family
Wendy, thank for sharing this part of your life. I can’t imagine living with something so tragic and trying to get justice all these years. I am hoping you will continue to post information and updates on the case. Let’s see this closed and guilty party prosecuted even after death.
THANK YOU, AUNTIE for posting this. I know it’s hard on you – but the more people know, the more hope for an answer! I love you!!!
Wendy, when I see your mom’s picture I thought she’s not forgotten, she still lives in you.
Betty, Iowa DCI can still find Randolph guilty even tho he’s dead
God is prosecuting him right now
I was 25 years of age and I remember well. Devastating to all who knew and loved Lil.
thank you dear Jody!
maybe Howard Randolph will finally be charged & Lillian’s case closed in 2015
Wendy
Elizabeth, a lot of information has been added
My dad was friends with Big Earl.
You can be friends with young Franklin on Facebook he loves new friends
this statement was made in anger by john franklin he is tried of this and wishes to be left alone the matter is closed
This matter is closed here on earth but it’s not closed when he has to meet his maker. He will be found quilts as charged and off to the firie pit. He then will have a chance to look his father in the eyes again but this time he Won’t have a shot gun or a club to beat him
Bently you stated:”This matter is closed here on earth but it’s not closed when he has to meet his maker.” My response: That sounds real close to a Calvinistic statement,are you a Methodist? You stated:”He will be found quilts as charged and off to the firie pit. My response: Are you a drunken Methodist? You stated:”He then will have a chance to look his father in the eyes again but this time he Won’t have a shot gun or a club to beat him My response: You seem to be a very challenged person or a Luthern that is full of pot luck. potluck
Let’s not go after people’s religious denomination. Irrelevant and low.
Here is the full story:
http://www.fathersfight.org
I hope they find closure for Jodi’s family, I know at this point they will possibly not find her alive, maybe just remains and my heart goes out to her family and friends! I would never want to live something like this. Jodi, I’m confident that the detectives handling your case will bring you home one day, maybe they just need a different set of eyes! God be with you guys that are family and detectives handling this case. There will be justice Jodi!
My prayers goes out to all the families, friends and to those who are missing. I can’t imagine what or how you feel. The best I can do is to pray that all who are missing be found and for those who are left with that empty place in yours hearts be healed. God bless.
Thank you for telling Holly’s story. The Iowa justice team did an amazing job with her case and I will be forever grateful to and for all of them!
You are most welcome, Heather, and thank *you* for sharing the information and photos with us! County Attorney James Burger, the DCI and Judge O’Grady indeed did an amazing job and reminded Iowa the justice system can and does still work.
Please stay in touch and let me know if you ever hear about the whereabouts of your brother, Shawn. Thinking of all of you!
Jody
We did find my brother Shawn end of 2020 at the height of the pandemic and we convinced him to come home. He is living with my older sister Dana, as is our mom.
Heather was your brother Shawn ever found? Prayers to your family.
@CRC …I was wishing the same thing…I would like to see Cold Justice review the case. I read somewhere else that the cold case investigators actually were able to get DNA which, if true, is amazing for such an old case & considering how evidence was handled that long ago…an even better reason to get Cold Justice to look at everything. Whoever did this is up there in years but I’d still want to see him caught.
I didnt read all of these replies, enough WAS enough. For all of you that claim this site is basing their information on “hearsay” and “rumor”? Your opinions are are hearsay. The “facts” (ie; what is currently known) are being presented here. From news stories, quotes etc etc. YOUR opinions are just that – opinions. For you to rush to the defense of this man clearly indicates you are not willing to “hear” what is being said. Shame on all of you, for bashing these people who work hard for many many people, who have lost loved ones…You are no better than….
Good heavens she was killed in DM on Woodland –she was from Moravia. — the most likely perp is now deceased —PD was fairly confident of his identity . RIP mall town girl RIP
Who was the most likely perp?
Moravia apartment? She was FROM Moravia. (I know this because I have relatives who grew up there, and knew her. :( )
Sarah Rushton, that is why we distinguished that she worked as a secretary in Des Moines but lived in Moravia. This is definitely a very sad case. Did your relatives ever have any suspicions as to who might have been involved or had motive to kill Ramona? Thanks for your input.
Pam was one of my closest friends and her parents were my 2nd parents. I still pray they solve this case one day. The family deserves to have some closure. Love all of the family and pray for this everyday.
Don’t forget the obvious– the last sighting of her by someone *other* than a member of the Beets clam was at work on Friday, April 10. The fact that she didn’t go to church on Sunday indicates to me that she was killed before then, and that Colbert’s claim that he’d seen her driving around was a lie.
So did the Cedar Rapids police ever even bother getting and then checking alibis for each and every member of the Beets clan from the time she left work on Friday, April 10, to the time she was reported missing?
Have the Cedar Rapids police even requested that Colbert submit to a polygraph? Have they looked at his violent (sexually and otherwise) son Tony Lee Beets as a suspect? Have they ever requested that Tony submit to a polygraph?
I agree, his story about driving past her several times doesn’t make sense. She wasn’t in church that day because she was already dead :(
Thank you I appreciate it.
She was in Alan’s high school class.
Which of Wendell Beets’ sisters was involved in the Paula Oberbroeckling murder? The ‘What Happened to Paula’ site only says it was a sister of his, but doesn’t identify which sister. It’s very interesting that Wendell’s sister Lavernia was the mother of Naomi’s former husband Bennie…
I wondered the same thing Nathaniel,. Thanks for clearing that up Jody;)
A bit more digging today reveals that Wendell, Paul, and Colbert Beets had brothers named James Oliver Beets, Thomas Lee Beets, and Alvin Roland Beets. Alvin Roland Beets was convicted of First Degree Murder in Nevada. Here is a link to the court case: https://www.leagle.com/decision/19781166575p2d59111161.xml . Science knows now that there are a number of different genes associated with increased psychopathy and propensity to commit violence. If this isn’t evidence that these genes run in the Beets clan then I don’t know what is. Murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, batteries, forgeries, you name it, they’ve done it.
The fact that DNA was taken from Lonnie Bierbrodt was no help at all, as the detectives had no DNA to match it to. The whole crime scene was botched from the beginning. They didn’t even search for evidence for 3 days after her body was found. Her car was dusted for prints but, so many people had been inside and touched just about everything, no prints could be matched. She was found wearing clothing, she would not have picked out for herself. She was stabbed with something like a pen knife. No weapon was ever found. Poor Tammy suffered a slow death of internal bleeding. Interesting fact that, when Bierbrodt’s wife came with him fro questioning, she pointed out a watch he gave her that, played “Raindrops keep falling on my head”. That was the exact watch that was missing from Tammy, that she owned. There’s no doubt that L. Bierbrodt was the killer. A nurse that saw him clearly helping Tammy with her car, identified him. I believe that the Illinois investigators are not disclosing vital information. Their reason, I believe, is that Brierbrodt died from AIDS and they just don’t care anymore. Pressure needs to be put on them so, the Zywicki family can have closure, even if the guy is dead.
Yes Dan, That is my Grandson “Mikey”
Kathryn Grafton
Comments have been deleted from here, but yet it’s supposed to uncover a cold case. Doesn’t make much sense to me.
Nathaniel, I just recently upgraded ICC’s website security from http to https, and once the pages were converted, I realized the Facebook comments had disappeared. The “Facebook Comments for WordPress” plug-in (which we’d been using) is now deprecated, so I’ll be installing a new FB Comments app. Once it’s up and running, the previous FB comments that appeared on pages & posts should be re-imported and available for viewing/commenting on the respective pages.
During the transition from http to the secure https, I’ve also had to reorganize some files, and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you or other readers. The end result — having an https secure site — will hopefully prove worth the efforts. Thanks in advance for your understanding and patience.
Has the the fb comments app been installed? Will the old comments be updated our returned or will that not be fixed anymore?
Thank you Jodi! You’re the best!
I am bawling. She was my sister.
you are not forgotten Angela Buck
Korene, I never knew this and I am so very sorry to learn of it. Keep doing what you’re doing; I think you’re a great mother and you’re making a great life for the two of you.
Thoughts and prayers with u and your family!
I remembered her disappearance but didn’t know her body was found.
Thank you. I’m struggling a bit with it all lately and I appreciate your thinking of me. Please pray for forgiveness for my heart.
Korene C Shelton I seen this on my feed and thought of you❤
Hometown girl, was terrible.
Praying for the family!
We'll never stop looking for you Aunt Dawn!!! Love you
She has a youtube account and it says that 6 months ago she uploaded a video called “husband’s cheating place.” Very weird, like whomever filmed it was engaging in stalking.
The address where this happened was the “parsonage” of the Lighthouse Full Gospel Pentecostal Church. The church building was next door, until it was burned down a couple years ago in an arson attack. The church building was owned by the purported pastor, David Reasby. He’d been allowing lots of homeless people to stay in the church. And Reasby himself has a rather unusual rap sheet.
Here are a couple articles:
David Reasby is nothing compared to the Beets clan (in fact I think that Mr. Reasby does largely have his heart in the right place though he’s made some unfortunate decisions in his life) and I’m not suggesting that he, personally, was involved in the incident at his parsonage. But there is more here than has been reported on by the police.
I’ve owned two separate pieces of real estate in the neighborhood (and still own one) and have, on at least two separate occasions, been inside of that church. The church was a magnet for criminal and otherwise disorderly conduct in the neighborhood. It brought an undesirable element to the neighborhood.
Interesting that she worked as a Younkers Tea Room waitress. Paula Oberbroeckling also worked at Younkers.
paula did not work at younkers tea room, she taught class to disabled kids at a place named younkers
Angie are you about the same age as Judy? I grew up in the same neighbor hood as Alan. My brother and Alan were pretty close back then. I didn’t even realize Alan had an older sister until I saw this article.
Angie, I’m sorry for your loss. My family lived a few houses away from Corbins. My brother and Alan were best friends. I knew Alan had an older sister that passed away but didn’t know she was murdered until I ran across her name on this website.
Judy is my father’s sister. This case has been a huge burden on my dad, the oldest son. I wish I would’ve been able to meet my aunts. They were both, unfortunately, gone well before I was born…but this has created a lot of tension in my family, and we have never had any answers. Justice is probably far off now, but it would be nice even to know what happened so we could have some closure.
Do you know of anyone who has access to Westlaw’s asset locator who could run a search for all of the Beets’ clan’s assets and see if any of them owned a black chevy cavalier at the time? I no longer have access to Westlaw.
Find my aunt please
I remember this…. sad it’s ben 14 years already. Hoping her loved ones get answers soon
I pray her family gets answers someday soon!
Miss her too
Miss her..
I remember this story, she’s my son’s age…
Thank you.
We have a ton of them in C.R. that no one has solved!!
Oops – my bad, and thanks for catching this, Robert J. Riley! Yes, I’d meant to type Council Bluffs, not Cedar Rapids.
Praying she will be found!
So very sorry.for.the.lost.of your.sister. i pray they.find the responsible person so he.can.rot.in prison
Even prison is not bad enough for the evil monster that did this to him. I hope whoever did it is caught soon.
Shared on my timeline
This is great. I’m glad this website is taking the time out to care enough for the unsolved murders that society has forgot about. Their is no race issue, it’s just people helping people
Council Bluffs motel- not Cedar Rapids–but horrible nonetheless…
Very heartbreaking.
Lord, have mercy, *** amen
so very sad~
By any chance do anyone ever considered the case in Ft. Dodge could be related to this one. Angie Marie Altman how died of the same thing something to look into.
Praying for the family
Praying for the family
I cannot believe this happened. I cannot believe there has been no suspect named, no justice. So sad.
I pray for justice and someone to come forward. I’m so sorry. I’m dealing with the same thing.
Happy Birthday big brother! Love you always
I think about her missing every St. Patrick’s Day, and then again May 23rd her birthday.
My mother had three kids one girl three boys
Never heard of this one.
Never heard of this, or the connection to Jody Husentruit.
Well then they need to get on it
No idea it was along time ago but our detectives are much smarter now
Wow. Why aren’t they trying to prosecute him at all? Do they not have “sufficient evidence”?
Dustin Green Bay Bumgarner, they still don’t have a body. Denise’s remains have never been found.
Oh
Oh for sure! His family said the young daughter said mommy is in the water he’s a loser he owns certified pest control in Cedar Rapids
Really? Won’t use them
Reading the story without any background knowledge of this incident, and it is pretty obvious it was David.
Everyone knew it was Dave who did it the investigators are so much smarter now talk to the family I lived by family who knows a hell of a lot
Suicide.
Jack, I respectfully must disagree. The answers are in the details. 1) Why would he drive to town and bring home a new tractor if he just planned to commit suicide? 2) Why were there no identifiable handprints on the gun? (A dead person can’t wipe off prints from a gun.) 3) More Importantly: Pruin’s hands and clothing *were* tested and there was no record of any gunshot residue on either hand or on any of Pruin’s clothing.
The current theory is that someone entered Pruin’s home while he went to town to get the tractor, and then lay in wait until he returned home and shot Pruin using Pruin’s gun.
There is far more information about this case that I can’t include on Billy’s case summary page because it involves nearly a dozen other connected eastern Iowa unsolved homicides. And, I have been “warned.”
Murder and Cover Up
Jody, can you share with us who/what has issued the “warning”?
Cody I’m going to guess something to do with Dustin Honken. He was put to death in 2020 though.
Oh, I was thinking it might have been a certain police department based on her comment (response to me) in Gerald Best page. (God bless his soul).
prayers
the dates on the blogs are not matching up it is only march 4, 2015 and these blogs say differently.. this is disturbing.. but beside that God bless this little girl in the arms ofJesus now and may her family find grace and comfort.. ( blogs are saying march 13, 2015, and march 10, 2015.. )
sorry read the dates wrong and wrote them wrong..
:(
May he rest in peace
connected????
This is sad. My prayers and heart out to the family and friends. God bless all of you! I pray you get closer.
Lisa, James Booher’s case is listed with NamUs (findthemissing.org) but for some reason this case is restricted where one has to have an account and log in to view the information. It’s listed at:
That daughter was evil
She may have been evil but she is not the killer. Your county prosecutor knows who the two killers/rapists/arsonists are. There is in fact an admittance to the event by both of them. They each claim the other one did it all as a burglary gone bad. One is in jail for a different murder committed later but the other is still on the street. His name is McKnight, he lives in Oregon. To see the face of a killer/rapist you can look him up on facebook, he is there. The cold case squad is worthless. The citizens of Rolfe should be outraged. The Pocahontas County assistant attorney is from Rolfe. His office is on the main street. Anyone of true concern should go into his office and ask when McKnight and Kline Geoders are going to be indicted. By the way, they are responsible for other murders as well. The answer is simple….Iowa is not capable. Accept that as a fact until you demand action and do not take no as an answer.
who the heck are you to be making these comments
Do you think she raped Mamie? That is and always was crazy crackhead nonsense. The house was broken into, in fact more than once and things were stolen. The info listed here for this case is bogus based on decades of false beliefs by ignorant investigators. Citizens of Rolfe need to stand up and demand the truth. Go to facebook and look up Timothy L. Hunter McKnight , print his picture and take it to the prosecutor. His partner in the burglary admitted being there when it happened. When confronted, McKnight admitted he was there but claims his partner, Geoders, did it. They are both guilty of burglary/assault/rape/murder/arson/theft. Here is another embarrassing fact, both of these killers worked for the state O.E.O. They winterized her house. She served them snacks and drinks in her home.
Does Timothy now go by Timothy L. Thunder McKnight on facebook??
Did you know Judy, Mamie or Tony? I knew all three. My mom was one of Judy’s best friends. She would have never killed her mother. Judy was at our house th day after it happened-totally distraught.
I also knew Kline G. He was never anything but kind to my mother and I. I will never believe he was involved till it comes out and is proved.
I wondered the same thing.
This poor old women!
Praying for justice!!
Unfortunately, we don’t live in a world where we can “let is rest and just hope he’s o.k.” If this was your brother, son, uncle, friend, could you really do that?
I’d say, let’s bring as much attention to the story as possible and not leave any stone unturned.
What a monster!!!
you are correct, Timothy McKnight is a monster. He stabbed an old woman to death in her own home and burned the house down to hide evidence. His x-wife took police to the place they hid stolen antiques, some were still there 25 years later. Old town Rolfe. A monster may be an understatement. They beat her and raped her. For years the dumbass cops blamed and harassed family members. Now you know more than the public has ever been told. Keep asking for justice until we get it done.
If Aaron is alive and well, he obviously doesn’t want to be found. His childhood may have damaged him to the point that he’d rather live a new life under a different identity. I’d say let it rest and just hope he’s ok.
Beth – I’ve been reading about your sister’s case and I’m so sorry for you and your family. Not knowing has to be the worst kind of torture. You mentioned that your sister filed a police report on 09 October, was this another sister that reported Viola missing? It’s a shame that you never knew who she came down to Florida with. Do you know how many people? Were they all female or men and women? I’m a member of a group called Websleuths and we try to help bring attention to unsolved crimes. I’m going to check and see if your sister’s story is on there. Good luck!
I’ve been following this case for years. Still think all 3 are connected.
did they have suspects
her case still open
That doesn’t make sense. Since he did shoot her.
You are very welcome, Carol Kean! Don’t feel bad about not seeing it earlier; you’d be surprised by how much I miss simply because there’s always so much going on and being shared through so many social media platforms. Trying to keep up can be mind boggling at times! :-) Jody at ICC
I apologize for the narrative confusion. I’ve learned so much more about this case through communications with the victim’s family members, and also have received copies of police reports, FBI reports, and other documentation. I’m currently working on a rewrite for Darleen’s case summary page, but just received a lot of the info in the past 2 days and didn’t want to put off acknowledging that today would have been Darleen’s birthday. Police “are” aware of the actual burial location, but said they had to start at the Pleasant View St. home first because that is where the murder occurred. I will be checking with them the first of this week to find out if/when they have plans to excavate the site where Darleen’s body was actually encased in concrete.
I bet there is a lot more to all three of these missing boys “now grown men” than we will ever even know. So sad and also scary.
Wow! I read Trifles in and then the true story… Powerful story based off the power that was given to men during this era. Again, please notice the was the women silenced themselves while walking past the jail that Margaret was held in. You have to understand that not only was the odds against her for being the wife of a murdered man, but she was a female during a time when females had little to not rights. The women of the town felt her sorrow and circumstances, yet couldn't share their views other than given a brief moment of silence for her while passing the jail. Powerful !
Officer Stephens, I took my mom, your half sister to your gravesite today to lay flowers. We hope your case is left opened to be solved. I am doing my best in contacting who I need to contact, but no one seems to want to help. I hope someone remembers something or someone and comes forward with info. Please know we think of you often.
Officer Stephens, i just took my mom to your grave site to place flowers and say a prayer. We continue to pray for justice. I just wish someone could help me since i dont know where else to turn. Please know my mom, your half sister always talks about when she first met you.
So sad that husband got away, thank goodness the children were cared for by the grandparents.
The children were raised by the same dysfunctional people that the murder victim was raised by. Our Gram barely survived the domestic violence she endured, and set the stage for her daughter’s murder. Why our Father didn’t murder we three with Mother is a mystery. Wouldn’t it make more sense that Mother left Father with her 3 children? The conclusion of my law enforcement husband and son points to the real hate that Father had for Mother.
Jody, how did I not see this until now?? Thank you!
And Anna Shields son as well sounds fishy all these teen boys missing from DM. Js
Maybe they should try waterboarding his flewsie! What a sad story.
I find it strange that the article said she was stabbed. How do they know this if the body was never found?
Do not think it strange- if you would read my sister’s statement your blood would run cold. She was awake, and somehow locked in her bedroom when Mother’s murder occurred. She and her brother Lanny were startled awake by Mother’s screams and her fight to survive. No gun shots were heard, and when Father finally allowed Kathy out of her bedroom to use the bathroom she walked through congealed blood in the hallway to get there. Strangling of a victim does not produce a blood trail.
Agree. The narrative is confusing. Also, what were the police doing for 50 years? It sounds like everything pointed to the husband from day one.
So sad
How does anyone know it was later moved and encased i cement?? If this is known, why did they dig up the basement? Story doesnt add up!
I think about Linda often. I remember she had just had her babies. I really hope her killer will be found and brought to justice. RIP Linda, you are missed
Praying for answer!
Where members checked out?
have any family members done any investigating on her? any info at all…
Tina, some of the family members must have gotten involved because NamUs now shows that dental charting information has been entered, and that tests are also complete on a submitted DNA sample.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they have the victim’s DNA on file, but that either siblings or the victim’s parents provided DNA samples for comparison should Eileen’s remains ever be found. Mitochondrial DNA (which comes from one’s mother) is passed down to all her children, and testing the sequence of mitochondrial DNA in siblings will show if they are biologically related via the maternal line. With nuclear DNA, a person inherits half from his/her father and half from his/her mother, and those samples can also be used to verify whether unidentified remains are that of one’s son or daughter.
Either way, the DNA sample on file could help identify Audrey Eileen should she or her remains ever be recovered. Her family is to be commended for making this possible.
Lindsy, u ever find anything out?
Sorry for your loss Dana. Sounds like you loved him very much. This is something nobody should have gone through. Hope they find them.
I had those same questions, Jack Toomey, but this must be one of those cases where they have additional info (that only the killer would know) so may not have released those details to the public. Jody at ICC
Apparently, however, Ed Edwards had also confessed to many, many other murders. Not sure what to make of this.
Serial killer Ed Edwards?
Excellent finding Sue. It is worth to check. The Police can check the missing report for his last wearing clothes description to match those of 2UMIA. However, it seems police treated this unknown white male as a drifter – “The individual may have been traveling from Ohio to California. He had a one dollar bill, pink blanket and a match book in his possession.”
Corey Alden, the Des Moines WaterWorks is suing over similar Point Source Polluting by three counties' Drainage Districts along the Raccoon River. The CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer levels are causing issues across Iowa but so far none, I know of, as bad as in the Upper two Cedar Valley Group Aquifers down to about 300 foot deep in this particular Plume. If you know of people especially children drinking water Downstream from Bradley Johnson, Dean Sponheim, James Urbatsch and Max and William Brandau, ask them or their parents to have their wells tested for both Anhydrous Ammonia and Nitrates. Veronica
I would have checked out the guy who got her pregnant.
absolutely!!! agree
edwards did it out of revenge
Such a horrible tragedy for this Mother and child, and also the Boy Scouts who witnessed the ungodly scene. It most likely was “burned” into their memories all their lives. Very, very sad indeed. She was a very pretty woman….with so much life taken from her. God rest their souls.
The late 60s and 70s seemed to have a few murders in or close to that area that are still unsolved. I believe at least one other was pregnant. Another, rumored to be.
Was the DNA of the baby collected? Bet their is a lead there.
Chances are, it wasn’t, because nobody would have anticipated the technology we have now. However, if the person/people who did this are ever caught, they will also face the charge of nonconsensual termination of a human pregnancy.
I wasn’t there but it’s puzzling to me how this case was classified as murder. This could have easily been a case where the victim accidentally set himself on fire with smoking materials. Odd that this was not classified as accidental.
More often than not, PD tends to apply the homicide label when they either know something or have a suspect in mind to keep the wheels moving on a hard to prove case. It’s more of a flag in NCIC for down the road investigation than a quick bust
Tom says: If you go to Des Moines, email and I will come out there and give you more information. What is your connection to Oskaloosa? Do you live there? Your interest in the murder? Do you know me? Do you know CK? Did you know Ed? Please let me know. Also, let me know when you are here. Thanks. TomNeuleib1@gmail.com
This one really made locals angry when a few men bragged about doing this. No one ever knew of they were questioned. One of them has a kid who says his dad did it. A lot of locals just assume this guy did it. Unfortunately, he just died a few months ago, but they could still question his wife at the time, his friends, people who worked with him at Clow, etc. Does law enforcement ever check sites like this and follow up? His name was Greg Roberts.If you bring it up in some circles, they just refer to him as the guy who killed the old man down by the river.
Greg was also being sought at the time for drug issues. There were officers involved. And I know a couple people that were never interviewed. But I wouldn’t be so set on the fact that Greg Roberts did it. Just saying….
What about the abandoned coal mines and quarries in the area? The car must be hidden from view. I say that because the DOT would have about every car found, sold, crushed, abandoned, auctioned, etc. in its database. Those databases could be cross referenced to other states, so if that car was/is on the road, it probably could be traced. Perhaps no one has tried since, we didnt have all the data at our disposal back then. If someone could get a VIN from the courthouse, his famliy, the police report, etc. even a simple Car Fax might pull some records. I have found info on cars back to 70’s. If it was found abandoned in another state back then with no plate, they may have documented it, then finally sent it to a crusher. That’s the kind of thing cold case people should be re visiting. A 21 year old man and his car in a small town don’t just disappear.
Does the DOE Network automatically cross reference the Iowa Missing Persons and Cold Case databases and vice versa? I saw one DOE case where they list who it is not ( Not Jodi Huesintraut (sp.?) specifically), but do they all do that? Case 2UMIA seems to fit this one..
I looked up the two cases and it appears Case 2UMIA is of a approximately 33-36 year old male and this kiddo was 21.
If there was major dirt work being done in the area the car could have been buried
Does the DOE Network automatically cross reference the Iowa Missing Persons and Cold Case databases and vice versa? I saw one DOE case where they list who it is not ( Not Jodi Huesintraut (sp.?) specifically), but do they all do that? Case 2UMIA seems to fit this one..
Has case 158UFCO DOE Network been checked out? Also, as many follow the DOE network, were there ever indentifiers released like color of tote bag, dental characteristics, scars, clothing, jewelry, etc?
I contacted local law enforcement and was able to obtain the following information.
Aaron was a relatively quiet youth, not one to be in trouble. There is evidence however suggesting he stole a vehicle which was later found on the Kewash Nature Trail. The vehicle was located, but Aaron was not. He was reported as a runaway near this time and law enforcement spent time looking for Aaron. Because he was not found he was then later officially entered as missing. These circumstances lead to the lapse in time. The Sheriff at the time was Ron George. Doug Conrad, another officer who worked the case, still remembers Aaron’s disappearance.
Lastly, it’s important to point out that law enforcement was helpful and ready to entertain my thoughts and concerns regarding this case.
Diana, I am curious if you are associated with any other government agency, as in this one contact with those departments, you were given an incredible amount of information from an agency that has been unwilling to return a phone call to me, a direct family member.
Regardless, thank you for your accurate and respectful comments.
Ian,
No, I am not associated with a government agency, however, I am a freelance writer who has deep interest in bringing truth to this case. Months ago I called several times to speak with you, but you did not wish to speak with me. I have spoken with law enforcement in as much depth as possible regarding this case and they have helped me as much as possible. Because it is considered “open or active” they are not able to give me the file, but have answered my questions. It was, is, my intent to write an article regarding Aaron’s disappearance and be the “squeaky wheel” so to speak. Many people have asked me why I am interested in this case. Perhaps I’m old fashioned, but I’ve lost a brother, understand the pain and I believe in peace and justice. If you are ready to talk, you can post here and I will contact you.
Humm this should have been closed years ago,husband cashes her check tells her empolyer she isn’t coming back ,selling household goods says he put her on a train to her sisters but she ends up murdered and burned in a dump near Madrid,did I miss something in this story or should the spouse been charged and convicted many many years ago!!!!
It appears from this photo that he or someone else may have slept in the basement? Not that unusual, as it was probably cooler down there. If that is where his body was found, I’m guessing someone may have known that is where he slept? Also sounds like he was a sexual predator and quite possibly someone took care of him…jmho.
I believe the possible link to the Sheila Foley murder near Oelwein and the Waverly 3 needs to be explored further. A convicted murderer within a 30-minute drive of Waverly, a nude body found along a country road and the hopes and dreams of another young woman snuffed out. Tragic.
You point out the man who still remains to this day, one of the main suspects in this sad affair. Only a few days apart, in a very close geographical area, two terribly similar crimes, with the same kind of approach. Owner of a Ford pickup truck, Gary Lynn Frazer is not afraid to visit public nightlife venues (bars, strip clubs) to find an isolated target; On this evening after Thanksgiving, nothing rules out that Julia, who has just started her work day, has just found herself outside the Sir Lounge and at the mercy of making this kind of bad encounter. A witness (credible or not?) said that a fight broke out that evening when Julia was collecting the money at the main entrance of the club. The same witness said he saw Julia collapsed in the passenger seat inside a pickup truck. I am suspicious of the tendency of some witnesses to extrapolate, so I let you make your opinion on this testimony at the end of the article (source: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/investigations/2015/07/27/iowa-cold-case-murder-benning/30714443/ In short, the process is similar to Oelwein’s murder, except that Sheila Foley’s murder did not go exactly as Gary Lynn Frazer had planned. Indeed, if Julia’s murder left very few witnesses and clues, this is not the case with the one about Sheila Foley. According to my theory, I think Sheila even managed at one point to escape from her assailant’s grip to get out of the vehicle, forcing Gary Lynn Frazer to hit her and run her over with his car. Unlike Julia, he rushed to hide Sheila’s body, which was found a few days later. In both cases, the killer has the same obsession with naked bodies. (Source:
Delphine, thank you for your interest in my sister’s case. Gary Lynn Frazer was ruled out, but EVERYONE ever questioned in Julie’s case was “ruled out,” and we know the killer was hiding in plain sight, and likely tampering with the case files himself. (Carol)
Justin lass is on fb he is one of the twins, Jared is not Im assuming because of his sex offender statis
One is a REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER
http://mar.stparchive.com/Archive/MAR/MAR06072012p18.php
I stand corrected. They did have twin boys and here they are
Tim Kenyon is the attorney for Union County. His email address is…
trkenyon@iowatelecom.net
Again, I’m encouraging everyone on this blog and beyond to rally and email, write or call Sheriff Piel or Tim Kenyon for help with this case.
I’ve emailed them both a letter. If I get a response I will share it.
Diana, thank you so much for encouraging everyone here to get involved! There is definitely strength in numbers, and with the solid evidence documented by the state fire marshal’s office, there’s really no reason this case can’t proceed. Rachel even admitted to investigators that when she was outside “cleaning out her car” she had NOT seen anyone enter or exit the home. The fire marshal’s office made it quite clear this was not a “faulty electrical wiring” fire or any other type of accident; it was ARSON and started by an accelerant that burned alive a child locked in an upstairs bathroom.
In addition to Nancy Grace, another contact person would be Daniel Slepian, a producer with Dateline NBC. His contact info:
daniel.slepian@nbc.com or daniel.slepian@nbcuni.com
https://audienceservices.cbs.com/feedback/feedback.htm
This will take you directly to the 48 Hours site where you can enter suggestions for investigative reporting.
Sarah Stuelke, unfortunately, I think it happens in a lot of states. Homes get broken into and people are killed all the time for less than $50.
I have a feeling that the Susan Hagen homicide and Ky Van Luong homicide are related. On the surface it would not appear they are related due to the age difference and different backgrounds, but not everyone knows what goes on in peoples private lives. There are several women who are on this site that were murdered or missing and drugs and prostitution may have played a role. People may not think Susan used drugs or was into prostitution, but something tells me drugs. At that particular point in time, the Asians were big in the “underworld.” I think Susan knew Ky and he was the one that killed her. I believe someone who knew the both of them did their own justice by killing Ky for what he did & how perfect for him to be found and discovered the same place Susan was found two days later. Maybe I’ve watched too many crime shows, but that is what I think happened based on my education & experience in the “underworld.”
Why does this happen so often in our state?
Kevin Crowe, Did you get my emailed question last year about why the first 911 call to report Adam's accident at about midnight on July 12, 2008 and a copy of its tape was denied in response to the court ordered subpeonas? Adam was left trapped for about 8 hours before some of the group he had testified in court against arrived and later killed him. Veronica Lack
Even after all these years it would be great to solve this horrible injustice!!!
Why did this take a year to be reported? Did the father give a statement?
Those are both great questions.
And if you are truly looking for an answer, then you’d likely have to contact the Keokuk County Sheriff’s office to find out. If those facts were available, I’m assuming they would be posted already or that there is a reason they have not been? Looks like this one has been cold for a while.
Special Agent in Charge Mike Motsinger at (515) 725-0030.
For informational purposes, anyone can contact the Nancy Grace link and propose the investigative idea of Ricky’s case. A civil suit would be for the sole purpose of finding her responsible for his death and the peace associated with it. A civil suit may draw truths from anyone who may know more than they’ve shared.
At any rate, I fully understand the monetary issues related to such cases and would suggest a fundraiser/s or continuing to look for someone who would take this case pro bono. It is possible.
Until then, don’t give up hope. The Bible tells us all dark is eventually brought to light.
Carole: Some very interesting information in this case. I was a student at Drake when this happened, and ironically acquired some of Ed’s business post cards at a sidewalk flea market in Oskaloosa a year after his death. My theory is the motivation for his death was financial, and they hired someone to do it. That seems to match the information you have. I’ll be in Des Moines in April and might do some more investigating.
Have you ever looked at this again?
Have you contacted the special agent in charge at DCI?
Yes, I am step-mom. I will talk to Rick about Nancy Grace because ultimately it is his decision. We have contacted newspapers and tv stations before. A couple newspapers did articles. We have not contacted the DCI agent because we did not known one had been assigned until recently. Also, we briefly considered a civil suit, but she has nothing to sue for so I don’t think any lawyer would take the case unless we paid a rather good amount upfront. And that’s just not possible.
My last conversation with Rick Piel (unioncosheriff@iowatelecom.net)
Rick: “As you are aware then, I was there and to my knowledge no new evidence has surfaced to look at the case again. If there was something new to look at I would be more than glad to take another look. Rick ”
Me: “Well, that is upsetting. I always thought you had to investigate to find new evidence. Perhaps talking to Reggy since he does remember that night. But I see that you won’t. Sorry I bugged you about it. Guess I know now if you kill someone in Union County you will get away with it.”
I do not know who the current county attorney is unfortunately. I did have several friends who submitted Ricky’s story to various television shows; sorry I do not remember all of them. The main thing with all that contacted us was that unless Rachel was interested in being on the show/talking they were not interested in profiling the case. Also, Senator Nancy Boettger of Iowa personally sat down with my family and assured us she was going to look into the case and get something done about it. Nothing ever materialized from that either.
Just this past Sunday Reggy asked me “why do you hate my mom?” I said “Reggy, I don’t hate your mom; I just don’t like some of the things she has done. Otherwise she would probably be a nice person. Then Reggy says “well why did she kill Ricky?” I said “That’s a question you need to ask her, but don’t expect an honest response if any.”
Okay, so you are step-mom, correct? Please go to the Nancy Grace site and fill it in. It can’t hurt :-). When you are done, encourage someone to be #3.
I have drafted a letter to Rick Piel, but waiting for approval as I’ve used some info from this site. When I receive a response I will post it.
In addition, I have a friend who is a homicide investigator. She specializes in familial homicide. Once I speak with her, I’ll post her information. Anyone who’d like to contact her should.
A letter to the editor of surrounding newspapers dispelling the injustice in this case and the fact that it appears to be “sitting” would be beneficial. I don’t believe there is a statute of limitations on murder so any factual evidence brought to light, all the people involved highlighted (again) at this point is beneficial. So too is the fact that voters new to the area might take Rick Piels work, or lack of, into account when voting time rolls around.
Has the family thought of a civil case against the mother?
Poor Reggy. He is in my prayers. To be linked to such devastation at the proposed hand of a parent, so sad!
such a sad story. :(. prayers for the family.
There was an announcement on 103.7 this evening about all this.
Yes, and the full story on Fox42! Little Ricky’s case is starting to get the attention it deserves…We still have a ways to go though.
https://www.crimeonline.com/nancy/
This is the website to send a email to the Nancy Grace show. It’s quick and easy. If enough people email, perhaps she will look into this and highlight it.
Yes, I emailed her! Who will be 2nd?
http://unioncountyiowa.org/?option=com_content&view=article&id=55%3Asheriff&catid=44&Itemid=62
Above link will list take you to the Union County IA Rick Piel page. On that page is email, phone, address etc.
Anyone truly concerned in justice for Ricky please choose to use one of these methods of contact and write Rick Piel. Encourage him to use the evidence he does have.
Writing the county attorney as well.
Would you post his email?
Do you know who the current county attorney is?
While you feel you are getting nowhere, there is encouragement in numbers.
The county attorney is kenyon. Remember they said she was the niece of the county attorney in adjoining county? Thats why nothing has been done. Look at the Stewart kid story. Its who you know and who you blow around here.
Who is the current sheriff and county attorney?
Everyone on this thread, including myself, could make a chain of phone calls, letters, emails to these individuals encouraging an arrest with the “evidence” available. At minimal the dust could be swept off the case and it be brought to the public’s attention again. Wouldn’t be the first time a conviction went through on circumstantial evidence, and 14 years later, seems worth the risk to me.
Rick Piel is the Sheriff. I email him all the time; it does no good. His responses have always been when there is new evidence he will actively investigate again. I have told him several times that he needs to investigate to find new evidence. It seems it’s a Catch-22.
Patrick william Hill,78 of Modale, IA aka patrick clark aka patrick j hill
Connie was friends with my sister when they were growing up. .. I was thinking of her.. o the amazing power off Google ; ) n I found this. U resemble her. :) we loved her alot. I just wanted to say that. She’s far from forgotten.
Prayers
Prayers for the family
Was Matt an avid book reader? Did he smoke cigarettes?
Mr. Friendly, your post/question is very odd. What are your reasons for posting that question?
I pray for her family
Bc it was overturned. Which is a polite way of sayinf we screwed up so ur verdict is t true
carl dewoody here. still waiting to hear from anyone at the DCI to tell me that they are still trying to work on my son’s murder case. you would think they could call at least once a year and update us even if nothing new happened.
Mr. DeWoody, I am so sorry for your loss, and also sorry that officials haven’t kept you posted on a semi-regular basis about any updates (or lack thereof) in your son’s case. Losing the funding for the DCI’s Cold Case Unit was one of the greatest setbacks for many Iowa families who still await answers in loved ones’ deaths.
I’ve sent you an email offlist and am hoping we can generate more interest in Lance’s case as soon as possible. I would hate to see the 30-year anniversary of his death come and go this August without any further insight into what might have happened that night.
All my best to you,
Jody at Iowa Cold Cases
If he was arrested and convicted how is it a cold case?
Jack Toomey, I have Sarah listed as a cold case because James Hall’s conviction was overturned so Sarah thus far has never received justice in her murder. It may not be a cold case per se (because there’s no active investigation taking place) but we’ve received emails from family members of other victims who felt it was important his/her loved one was recognized on the site b/c justice was never served. Same with the recent Terri Supino trial in the Copper Dollar Ranch murder; Terri was acquitted, but there’s no proof she committed the crime, so the killer(s) could very well still be out there.
I’m so glad that there has been a conviction in this case.Maybe now this family can find some kind of closure.As a parent that has buried a child I can feel this families pain.My son was an adult when he died and he wasn’t murdered,but I still feel the pain of the families of any child that dies,no matter what the reason.Parents are not supposed to bury their children,It goes against nature.
Too bad he got out and killed again. :(
Double jeopardy, can’t be recharged but sounds like they got it right the first time. :(
Is that the case here? I thought that if the conviction was overturned, they could re-try him if they still think they have a case (i.e. evidence and stuff). He wasn’t really found “not guilty” in a trial.
Who was the iowa city police chief in the 1970s
Sounds like James Hall needs recharged!!
I have discovered considerably more info about this case in the past couple of weeks. The reason the ground radar detected anomalies beneath the basement’s concrete floor is because her body was temporarily hidden/buried down there before her husband had the opportunity to move it and bury it at another location. The body is encased in concrete and police have been provided the address of where Darlene’s buried, so I think it’s only a matter of time before her remains are recovered and her sisters and children can properly lay her to rest.
Thank you ! This is Ellen Montoya’s daughter, and we the family want to know everything. Please keep us updated. Ellen just passed away.
Verdict is in GUILTY!!!!!!! rest in peace beautiful angel!!!
I agree with the OP. This article has stink all over it. Mitchell County isn't the only place with high incidence rates of cancer. It can be argued that much of the cancer in North Iowa can be attributed to the pockets of strontium-90 and iodine-131 fallout from the Nevada tests.
well, corey, if you are aware of that factoid, then why discredit the truth of the Lack feature?
commit to help or get off the page.
This article along with the posters are nothing but a joke. You all are conspiracy theorists at best and are just embarrassing yourselves. Not saying pollution doesn't happen, but to try to pin his murder on landowners and county/state officials is just ludicrous. Shame on you all.
paid by those who are guilty to discredit the truth of this matter.
any comment by corey alden, if he’s real, needs to be ignored.
I knew her briefly when we moved in next to your dad. She worked at Randall’s grocery store. I don’t think she lived there more than a year next to us. I don’ t remember her much, she wasn’t mean, but not overly friendly like your dad. He was a gem. I still miss his smile.
Beyond the maiden name Janet Katherine Bates, I can’t confirm another name.
Hi all- we have not been able to determine is she is still alive, after she left Dubuque..she never returned not had contact w/ her family. I have tried searching FB. If anyone has more info we would love to see justice and just feel like there are many unanswered ?s about Janet.
R I P
Sarah Rushton, the last I heard the mother’s name was Janet Katherine Bates, but I’ve not been able to determine whether or not she’s still alive. (I could only find one from Wisconsin and do not believe it’s the same person.) I’ll check with Lisa.
Tina Knebel Haskenhoff, it is a cold case because officials never had enough evidence to charge the mother and the case remains unsolved.
Oops, it used the first url I included, so here it is again: https://defrostingcoldcases.com/introducing-the-case-of-the-month/
Audrey Haverkamp, Tess Hilt’s case (very sad indeed) was the first “Case of the Month” featured on the defrostingcoldcases.com blog at: https://defrostingcoldcases.com/introducing-the-case-of-the-month/
??
Corey Cumpston, Keira Steinwart Cumpston would this be your relation?
When I saw this on my news feed, you were the first person I thought of.
Lose ur life for $50..so sad.
I wonder if she has a Facebook? Anyone try looking her up on here?
Seemed like every couple of years a boy or young man would vanish in Des Moines.
what a terrible thing to never know what happened.
This case has some similarities to the murder of Tess Hilt who was found murdered in her apartment at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri in Aug., 1973, another cold case.
This is sad did they ever find the ex wifes boyfriend i wonder
Prayers for the family
I know there are people out there with information, if you have a conscience or a heart please come forward and share with the police what you know and let our family rest. Please do the right thing and I know you will be blessed for it. By telling the truth you will not be doing anything wrong, please let our family have closure. I pray for these things! God bless you.
So heartbreaking. =( Them poor kids.
Why is it a cold case? Sounds like they know the mother was behind it and probably the death of the first child.
He is at peace now with 3 of his 5 daughters and wife. I can’t imagine the pain and heartache he must have lived with. Many blessings to the remaining sisters and God Bless you
Very sad that no charges were filed. We’ll just hope that Karma has taken care of the murderer. Poor little girls. :(
Poor little ones. Praying justice is someday served.
Does anyone know if the “mother” is still alive?
Poor babies <3
R.I.P. Sherrie Lee, Victoria Lynne and Deborah Ann. I hope you will get justice xoxo
what was the reason she was struck, accident or intentional? did her killers have a personal grudge against her?
She was a child, how could 3 grown men possibly have a grudge against her? Evidence indicates that yes, they did hit her on purpose. It’s disgusting that the people who know what happened and know who did it never had the guts to come forward. In my opinion, remaining silent and allowing a murderer to go free is the same thing as doing the deed themselves. Cowards.
thanks for clarifying. maybe a grudge against her family, perhaps she was rich and that pisses them off? or blonde, maybe the 3 men were black?
so did they struck her as a fun thing?
It’s hard to say what the motive was, but the individuals had no reason to have a grudge against the Peterson family. The men in the truck had been drinking at a local bar, and not only was their reputation at stake, but possibly the (military) son’s future. The fact that they made so many blatant efforts to cover up their involvement (immediately washing and then selling the truck, putting the son on the plane, going back to the scene after investigators left and trying to add “brake” tread marks on the road) clearly indicates they felt no remorse.
wow. coward for sure… that family… involved… covering things up… should be ashamed… ashamed.
I highly doubt if they did it on purpose. They were probably drinking or telling a story and the driver looked over to one of the other guys and swerved by accident. Yes an accident but to leave the little girl lying there is the work of a low life mf.
Or were they intoxicated?
So sad
Oh my god!!!
Take the 10K and Hire a private or of duty police officer, The only information I have was provided to me about this, But for what it is worth, Here is what I believed happened.As I stated earlier we always believed it was My aunts husband, But after being told about this family member, and being told he was at the party, I have changed my mind.
Here is what I believe may have happened.
The famly had a dinner party the night before the murder, there was a relative at this party who I was told had tried ot molest another little girl in the Veach family, He was a police officer, As a police officer he would Know how to make it look like an inside crime by cutting the screen from the inside, he also could have made friends witht he dog, so the dog would not bark. He may well have drugged the parents last drinks of the evening, so they would not wake up, He may have pretended to leave, but slipped into the basement with the dog, until the parents went to sleep, a very small house, so he could probably hear every thing that went on.
I was also told within a short time of the childs death, he quit his Job and moved to colorado, taking a job there as a police officer. I do not know where in colorado, but I have often wondered if it were Boulder co. the Veach murder makes me think in some ways of the Jonbenet Ramsey case.
I do not know this mans name, or if what I was told was even true. But there you have it. A good investigater would not have a problem finding these things out.
Why hasn’t Gary Holland told what he knows?
Who are you Adam? Are you a crime researcher, have some connection to law enforcement? Why are you following this serial killer and these crimes? You seem to have a lot of knowledge about this….I need to know you’re not some crazy person!
First of all Brenda – my heart felt sympathies for you and your family for having suffered so much in this senseless crime.
This is me: adamklein.net
Please call the Maryland Board of Psychology to verify my good standing as a licensed psychologist in the state of maryland.
Then contact me through my website. You can email me through the message board (although yahoo email addresses are somehow blocked from transmitting to me right now – VCita is clearing that up soon hopefully). If you have a yahoo email account then call me on the listed numbers and I will call you back.
So what happened….did Brenda contact you Adam?
Here’s 1 of their kids. Someone said he was charged w impersonating an officer as well as the sexual abuse. Someone inherited mom’s evil.
Amen! Hazel Shepley and Casey Marie! You gotta love people who like to talk smack about shit they know nothing about!
I love terri we worked together and she was an amazing friend to my sister in law to the end and to our families after Val passed on
She’s a good friend to have. Shed give the shirt off her back, always worried about everyone and never herself. She doesn’t have a violent bone in her body but shed kick ass on the debate team. She’s got the mouth with nothing to back it up, I on the other hand must take from my mom and dad cuz there’s a few bitches that have done her wrong that I would a made sure walked away with an ass kicking. Not her. Never. Shell raise her voice not her fist. I have teased her for years telling her the chicken wants his legs back and her mouth is too big for no bite. There are people that know her and know all of these things just as I do.
WTF are you talking about? What the hell does “the chicken wants his legs back and her mouth is too big for no bite” mean?
I think the chicken comment is referring to chickens/roosters fighting with their legs and razor blades being attached to rooster legs in cockfights, and the mouth comment is referring to the idiom “she’s all bark but no bite,” meaning she’ll run off at the mouth endlessly but never actually bite or take action. Terri’s mouth is big and she talks a lot of shit but doesn’t bite.
Give her a big hug from all of us
Will do thank you. What a nightmare. I see this junk everyday. Don’t know why I even bother commenting sometimes but oh well. It’ll get dreadged up every year, and every time some dumb ass is gonna throw in the 2 ¢ they have. Even if she was convicted I’d still be here defending in her honor. I told the sheriff they’d have to prove it to me and I’d gladly accept it. They failed miserably. As a matter of fact that trial left me with more questions than anything. Items missing from the crime scene between the first and second set of photos taken, unknown male DNA that will hopefully be matched someday, just to name a few. Drugs, confidential informants, the many stories a couple of the witnesses tripped over and changed. I literally sat in court and watched an individual tell 5 different stories and didn’t seem to realize she was doing so. That’s a huge red flag. Too many other options and the fact that the DCI disected every vehicle my family owned. Not a trace of blood anywhere. I have eavesdropped in on thousands of conversations of hers over the years. Never any inkling that she had anything to do with it. Theres so much more to explore. There’s one person that could set the record straight and that person is in witness protection. I will probably die wondering what really happened. A cloud I’ve carried my entire life, there’s always a storm somewhere. It never really goes away.
I know we don’t know one another but if you need someone to talk with just message me
Yes, I pray for that.
Casey Marie is absolutely right about the conflicting stories, and I hope that by remembering the victims each year on the anniversary date, someone will eventually come forward with what he/she knows and/or that the unknown DNA will eventually find a match thru CODIS. Even if the person is dead or in witness protection, exposing the truth would at least give your mother and family some peace.
People need to stop judging what they don’t know if you don’t know terri then you have no right to say anything yes these families have went through a lot and I only pray that they do find the guilty party
I have to agree, it sound like the father -in-law.
Has any “reward for information” ever been offered? I will “put up” 10K for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest/conviction of whomever did this. I’m Lincoln 80′ and did not know Patricia; her name came up on a facebook thread.
You will see that I have recently made a post regarding Patricia Veach. She was my second cousin on my fathers side. I have provided the Des Moines Detective unit with the name of a person I heard threaten Patricias life prior to her murder and other related information that convinced me of his guilt. He is still living in Altoona Iowa but they refuse to do any investigation or testing. If they really cared about this cold case they would pursue this lead. They would rather label me as a nuisance and to quote one dective,” I resent you!” Yes, this is a current detective in the Des Moines Criminal Investigation unit. We are all at their mercy.
What a mess they made in the investigation of this case, sounds like it was his father-in-law.
Dear God – who does this? Smh
This lady is a damn psychopath. I find it hard to believe she was ever “shy”. She obviously thrives on attention. All that other sh*t she made up on top of it? How can a jury not convict? I don’t care about reasonable doubt. That goes out the window when u have TWO babies that died..one mysteriously & the other brutally murdered & have been caught lying about a supposed rape. How in the hell did her son survive?? Why? Why not kill him too? Did she figure she could never get away with it again? Why have anymore kids even? Strange that they’re still married. Both share the secret. Sick, sick, sick!!!
Psycho b*tch needs to burn.
So sad ….how can they sleep at night justice will come…
U you never know if u have the right lass either!!
Aww
Wtf is wrong with people!?????? Rip little one!!!!
I remember this…..I can’t believe she is still free!! Where were the detectives???
Lisa, do you remember this?
Yes, I remember. How horrific. I am sad to hear that the killer was never caught.
Very sad.
Wtf that should have been enough for a conviction!
Susan Moore
That is one of three in our area. Sad.
Corrine Perry and who is the third? I can’t believe this one was so long ago.
The one with the sheriff and county attorney were associated with, Konence was the victim I believe
And there’s a murder of a young man in Corning that is a cold case for Adams County
Chad White
Oh yeah. I was looking for that book.
Susan Moore, yes, Doris Elaine Konecne murder still unsolved and attempts to exhume her body have been unsuccessful thus far. Don’t yet have a picture of Elaine. Anyone have one? https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/elaine-konecne/
The Corning case is that of Chad White. https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/chad-white/
I truly wish Chad’s would be solved. He was an amazing young man.
Poor little guy. Hell has a special place for whoever did this.
Poor little guy. I hope he gets justice and i hope whoever did this rots in hell
Poor bub. I hope you get justice little one xoxo
Poor little one :( Praying justice is served! How can people live with themselves when they do these horrific things?!?
Hmmmm, I haven’t seen anything about this, but how hard for the families not knowing for sure if the wife did it or not. Either way, it’s awful
Judging by Terri’s recent comments, it appears she likes to get revenge. I bet she did just that in 1983. This was a crime of passion. She had motive. End of story. Another jury screws up. Shocker.
I agree. She could have left her trial without making any comments. She Instead has an attitude, talks about suing, and makes plans to eat a bunch of fast food. Definitely kept it classy.
You’d have an attitude and be pissed off too if you sat in jail for an entire year for something you didn’t do. And suing them is the least they need done to them. They had no case from day one. And revenge, no. Trust me she’s caught every boyfriend she’s ever had cheating, some red handed and hasnt ever laid a finger on any of the women. If you only knew her, and you clearly don’t.
No one wants her. No one ever has. UGLY old psycho.
Tell them Casey. People are so easy to judge when they don’t know all the facts, only what they read or see on tv. Lord knows the media doesn’t exaggerate anything to make it look good for their story.
Sad reality is as long as she continues to live in Iowa she’ll deal with the court of public opinion, but from the sounds of it she has been dealing with that since the beginning. At least now she can be like O.J. Simpson and “work to find the real killer.”
Casey, I’m glad I don’t know her, thank you very much! It really is sweet how you feel the need to defend your mother every chance you get. I mean, if she’s innocent, there really is no need, now is there?
Genetic failure. Total validation for Eugenics.
Casey you have every right to defend your momma any one with a heart would do the same and Debbie Buck I only pray you never have to go through what this family went through
I care more about what the victims’ families have been through.
Little do you know the facts same in the one
Awww another defender. Cute. Really.
I’ll defend her until the day I die. Shes one of the least violent, most kind hearted people I know. Easy for you and the rest of the world to pass judgment on someone you know nothing about, and clearly a trial you weren’t inside for. If you.knew the details inside the case you’d know why the decision was unanimous. You know just like everyone else, what you’ve heard. I’ve been hearing things for 25 years or better. You know nothing and the people close to her know what a blessings it is to call her a friend. I could go on about facts that came out in court that would make you all wonder what’s really going on, and ask why is this woman here but I’m sick to death of talking about it. When the dateline that were working on airs you may change your mind. Think what you want. Only god gets to judge her in the end. I’m thankful for that.
The murdering hag has had 25+ years to concoct her stories. Now that she has her stories down, she has the audacity to attempt to “Write a book!”. The woman is a jealous dog. And a murderer.
And I’m not a victim as well?? It was my dad. Wow.
Hmmm correct me if I’m wrong but Casey Marie is the victims family. Her mother has been put through the ringer for her father’s murder.
And yet articles state your last name as Supino, not Fisher. Interesting. How old were you when this happened? Too young to know much about what really happened, that’s for sure. You were raised believing what she told you. Look I’m done arguing with you. I am entitled to my opinion. See ya! lol
Yeah well most people don’t stop to realize that.
Debbie buck needs to shut her fucking mouth. Who the fuck are you anyways. Leave Casey and her family alone. Shit talkin haters. Yall are just mad cause she is innocent and all these years and now u still try to convict her. Time to let it rest.
Stephanie Van Zit needs to shut HER fucking mouth. Before she and her lesbian murderer meet similar fates as their own victims.
Anyone working for this clearly neglected website want to do something about the **literal death threat** here in your “respectful” comment section?
Still raised with no father and if you looked on my birth certificate you’d see my name is Casey Marie Fisher. Shows how much you know and I have been raised with what EVERYONE has had to tell me not just her. Believe me there was a time when I questioned it all. Opinions are like assholes, everyone’s got one. I respect them everyday. My point to you is if it was your mom, sister, cousin, aunt, friend or family member at all period how would you feel. Now I have yet to be this nasty, but you can shove your opinion straight up your ass and if our savior allows you into the pearly gates one day you’ll be surprised when you see her there.
FWIW, a close (media) friend of mine was there every day of the trial, and when we spoke after the verdict, he said had he been a juror, he also would have voted Not Guilty …said the evidence simply wasn’t there and the pieces didn’t fit. If Terri wasn’t responsible, it means the killer is still out there. Sadly, in cases with vast amounts of circumstantial evidence, it’s easy for one to deduce that a particular individual was responsible when in fact someone else may have been the true assailant.
Bullsh!t.
There are people out there who know what happened, they are cowards for not coming forward!
I think the jury really messed up on this one..
Cold Justice needs this case!!! How horrible.
There was not enough physical evidence for a conviction. Although it appears she’s guilty, I’m not convinced.
The only thing I’ll give her credit for is staying in the area even though she had all this public opinion against her. Unfortunately there are too many cases like this where the most likely person gets off and you’re left asking “If not them, then who?” I have a feeling this will always be a cold case now.
She probably stayed in the area to keep tabs and keep spreading the lie that Steve and Melisa’s murder was a drug hit. Maybe she began to believe it herself. She was going to write a book about it at one point. I didn’t hang around these people but had a friend who did. She kept up pointing the finger at Hal S.,owner of CDR. Why would he do that, it’s a case of “don’t crap where you eat”. And why Melisa as back then he really liked the pretty ladies and girls. People were afraid of Supino back then, she was some kind of crazy. Still many should have come forward, it’s the sin of silence. I know she’s admitted to Steve’s murder to people. Not to Melisa’s though. Maybe it’s too disturbing to remember. Steve’s murder was quick. Melisa had to be chased in the trailer. Did she cry out for her mother? Did she beg? You are right, this will always be a cold case.
It’s entirely possible she killed Steve and Tim killed Melisa, and that’s why she only admits to killing Steve.
what an angel he was then, and now
Isnt this the one that was on the tv show? so how did they came to this conclusion and now we are hearing they were not right?
How the?! I watched the Cold Justice episode that covered this case. So sorry for the families that are still left not knowing who killed their loved ones.
Sounds like it was the mother!
someone needs to get her drunk and get her to confess. always honest when your drunk. than she needs to be set on fire. horrible to say but a TWO YEAR OLD!! Sick and twisted human to do that to a baby!!
This is beyond sick, the worst way to die and it happened to a 2 year old?!
There’s no statute of limitations on murder, when they get more evidence, hopefully, he will have justice.
Wtf
why cant they re open this case???????
WTH. Why wasn’t she charged? This is BS
Ashley Schmidt this is the one I was telling you about. Sad
So heartbreaking :(
OMG poor baby
This makes me so angry. I hope the truth comes out.
What drives people to kill innocent people. My gosh he was so young and had his life ahead of him. I will never understand.
God Bless anyone that is willing to work at a convenience/gas station as I wouldn’t be willing to do it for any amount of money. Hope they get justice for this young man and his family.
hideous crime , they cut his throat in the bathroom. Two black guys were seen driving away…oh yeah it wasn’t a hate crime….
someone out there knows something about this, they are cowards for not coming forward!
WELL I BELIVE THE POLICE AT THE TIME DIDNT DO THEIR JOB HARD OR LONG ENOUGH EITHER SORRY FOR UR LOSE MAY HE RIP AND SOME DAY YOU AND UR FAMILY WILL BE AT PEACE TRUST IN GOD HE IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AMEN
an old Garfield Elementary friend….so sad….RIP..
This is one I will never forget, so sad ….
So very sad, thanks for that info Kris.
One of my best friends worked there at this time with him. The people working there had exchanged schedules, and she would have been working that night. She also said at that time, that they would stack the extra inventory against the back door of the little store. She said they were told they shouldn’t do that, as it was a fire hazard (escape route) but they continued to do it. I believe he was found near the back exit like he was trying to get away.
So sad :-(
Nobody should be killed at all but especially while working. He was just an employee and nobody deserves to lose their life over 8 dollars an hour. I pray you get justice.
Back then, it would probably have been $3.50 an hour.
Iowa had just hit $3.35 per hour in 1989. This case is simply horrific in every imaginable way. My heart goes out to Brian’s family for their incalculable loss.
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/shane-lass/
Are there any new developments about this case?
She worked at sears credit, just after i left to raise my newborn, couldnt believe she had been aquitted, she is lucky i no longer worked there, I would have loved to have a little chat
Would love to see this case brought back out into the spotlight. There has to be something in the evidence that could perhaps be retested with today’s technology, that holds a clue.
Even if they find the person, there will never be an answer to why…..Brian could never have done anything to deserve to die the way he did.
Schappert family…..you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Every time I drive down Mt. Vernon Road, I ask Brian, to please send a sign from above to let someone know what truly happened.
So sad
Everybody knows who did it.
Since everyone knows…who did it?
I can’t say for fear of lawsuit.
Are u serious rt now? Was it mom or dad or someone else?? Either way they know something. Just sick.
Wow. Just horrible.
Those are not prison tats…not all of them… Not even most of them.
Without seeing photos of the tats, I have to agree with you. If these are true versions of the tats, then I think he had most of them done by someone that used him for practice/random bad decisions. One was likely done by a tattoo shop using a stencil-the old school flash-the bird/banner with MOM and DAD on it. The butterfly on any dude is weird back then, especially on his back shoulder, my guess is probably a girl talked him into doing that somehow.
There prison tats no color n they look homemade.
I knew her as a kid and showed horses with her. She was always so quiet and shy. Can’t believe she turned into a cold blooded killer. Shows that still waters run deep.
I can’t believe that someone doesn’t recognize this guy especially with all the tattoos? I mean in 1983 there couldn’t have been a lot of people who were “covered” in them. :/
I can’t believe that she has a job as a patient care advocate!
My phone was taking forever to load :/
Mark lass and Teri lass
their actual names. She has no profile photo up but her husband does.
Me either
What are the names under? I cant find them.
That really is a little o coincidental that they lost two very young kids to murder….wonder what happened that helped her get acquitted?
Crazy! Thanks for commenting. Sometimes I wonder how some of those guys can sleep at night. I wanted to be a lawyer growing up and it was always a prosecutor but I know that can be tough too if u are prosecuting someone who is innocent….double edge sword I guess
Sorry, posted my response under different comment. Her acquittal was based on “good lawyering” (she had Alfredo Parrish as her lawyer). He’s the best criminal defense attorney in the state (perhaps the U.S.) and can raise reasonable doubt in jurors’ minds despite mountains of rock solid evidence.
Yes their son just got married. I pray they don’t ever leave their future babies with these murders
They have 3 sons. Steven, Jared & Justin. Snooped a little but there’s not much to see.
I agree I’ve seen their pages and they have one son who I think is lucky to be alive and grown how can any parent kill their own child
If she didn’t want those babies, she could have put them up for adoption.
It appears they have 3 sons. Why they were spared is beyond me.
This horrific lady and her husband are both on Facebook and it is absolutely disgusting the things they post on their walls. They have gone on to live happily ever after while two of their babies lay in a cold snow covered graves. There is NO doubt in my mind that God will be their judge, jury and executioner. Hell bound they are.
She’s not a lady.
Her profile even has a video of her doing the ice bucket challenge… Guess she’s not worrie about staying under the radar
“Good lawyering” (i.e. Alfredo Parrish)
I haven’t seen anything disgusting on their wall?
Ether biker tats, military or prison. Very sad there are so many.
I’m thinking military. With the types of tatts and the pins in his knee. I feel gang or prison member wouldn’t bother with the surgery. He could of been injured serving.
He could of also been in foster care since he was a child and may not have anyone who misses him.
Its sad really.
How sad….
shared, hope you find out who he is..
Even though trial is over and she was found not guilty I still don’t believe she is innocent just that the evidence just wasn’t there for them to convict.. I feel for the families of these victims and still hope one day the truth and the whole story will come out…from what I’ve read and seen on TV this crime appears to be very personal.. I think if it was a drug thing the killer would have just shot or stabbed them not bludgeoned repeatedly that sounds like something much more personal… one question I do have is in the pics posted it shows on his headstone 3-2-83 and hers says 3-3-83 why is that???
May, I think a lot of people may have noticed the differing dates on the two headstones, but it’s likely because Steven and Melisa were killed either shortly before or right after midnight. Based on court testimony, it appears Steven was killed first and Melisa shortly thereafter. Medical examiners can often pinpoint a specific timeframe (i.e. sometime b/w 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.), but without an eyewitness, it’s uncertain whether they were killed late March 2 or early March 3. The victims’ family members would have made the decisions about the inscription dates for headstones. If nothing else, it goes to show that both families believed the crime occurred right around midnight.
I don’t like that a under this listing a picture of the wrong home is here! Was a picture added so people would click and read this case? I lived at 1523 walker when I was a child. My family lived at that address 1992-1995 and 1525 Walker no longer existed then. It was a vacant lot. Google street view is wrong. The picture shared here is of 1517 Walker. I remember as a child the neighbors said the house 1525 Walker burned down. I don’t know when in time that happened. Just knowing the neighborhood during the 1990s, the neighborhood was well on its way to being empty. I remember the house that was next door to the vacant lot was empty. I don’t know how long. Knowing there was a murder in that neighborhood makes sense why it always felt really eerie. There are not may people left in that neighborhood who lived there during 1978, but whoever wanted to investigate might check also into the neighbors. Check into microfilm of property records from that period.
Amanda, thanks so much for bringing this to our attention, and I know what you mean about the problems with Google street view pictures. I’ve since removed the house photo from Johnie’s page. We don’t just add any photo to a case summary, but rather try to provide our readers with as much information as possible (including relevant photos) with hopes of sparking someone’s memory and/or conscience so they might contact the appropriate investigating agency with what they know or remember.
I’m sorry to hear about your old neighborhood, and thank you for your input.
Between the tats, pin, and dental records or DNA you would think this one would have been solved long time ago.
Mike, Vesta and Don, I also would have thought someone would have stepped forward to identify this man a long time ago, especially given the tattoos and surgical pin. The only info we have, however, is what has been released by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This person’s page is on their site here. I’ve often wondered if the victim wasn’t from out of state, where family members may only be searching the home state’s databases.
It’s a rare instance when someone doesn’t have at least one surviving family member somewhere — a mother, father, brother, sister, spouse or ex-spouse or child — and most families seldom give up searching for lost loved ones. This case leaves all kinds of unanswered questions.
The pin in his leg might give a clue also. I don’t know why, but the first thing I thought when I first read this was that he could be a Vietnam veteran.
That was my first thought, that his approx age at that time could be a Viet Nam vet, and they still have his unclaimed remains so they do have his DNA, in 1984 very little DNA was being taken from criminals in the U.S.A. to be used for NCIC database yet so even if he had been incarcerated they wouldn’t have taken his DNA. Most states started around 1992 and the first case to ever use DNA to convict anyone wasn’t until 1987.
Our hearts remain very heavy. Brian was 22 when this happened and March 2, 2015 he
would have been 48 years old. Probably married, a college degree or two from Coe
college, a good job. I can honestly say one of the dearest guys I ever knew. I hope,
pray and thank the Lord that we had him for 22 years I pray that yet in our life
time the vicious person or persons that killed him so violently will face justice. It just
doesn’t seem fair for all the people that this has affected, but we know God is good and
there is a reason.
I heard Aaron Johnston knows all about it he lives in the homeless shelters on SE side grew up in Rompot (Cedar Valley Neighborhood) right down the road from this Kum and Go Lived there until flood of 2008 he is like late 50s or 60 by now
If there’s any kind of info please Contact me, this is my great uncle. His Brother Norm is my grandfather and we still are looking for closure.
I wonder if there are any similar incidents anywhere else in the country. Also did the offender know that this baby was there. Also what information if any was gained from the license plate
Well it hardly matters now what any of us thinks. She’s been found not guilty. I personally think that she and her brother both were there and killed them. I believe her brother killed Steven while she killed Melissa. I also believe that eventually we will all face God and have to answer for whatever we have done in this life.
I think it was just her. I live in Newton and back then there was a culture of “don’t be a narc”. I really wish the people who knew her very bad side would have come forward then. DNA was just a scientists dream back then, law enforcement wasn’t aware of how to collect certain evidence, or how fast to collect it and etc. I’m disappointed in the jury, there was enough circumstancial evidence. Well, she’s going to sue Cold Justice, and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and is “going to get even with someone “. Hell, if I’d been found not guilty of a double homicide I’d have been happy and kept my mouth shut. “I’ll get even” is a typical response for an angry, violent person.
I heard her say she was going to get even too and my first thought was she is obviously a person who can’t wait to get revenge on anyone who she thinks has wronged her. Now I am positive she killed them.
How do we post this to her page
Nicole Corey Hall, I imagine one would have to be FB “friends” with Teri in order to share a post on her page.
Or send it to a friend of hers or a group in her area.
He’s in Chicago
Wow, all three woman knew each other and there is a male, Steve Klein that knew all of them? Did all three of these woman like to go to the dances? How did they know each other?
This is unbelievably horrible!! :(
Very sad
She has posted THIS on her page sick!!!
Candi Rowe Gerritson I felt sick when I read Teri’s post, but thank you so much for sharing it here. She thinks if she repeats often enough that her first dead infant died of SIDS people will believe it’s true. State Medical Examiner Thomas Bennett not only called Tamara’s death SUSPICIOUS but REFUSED to rule cause of death as SIDS — instead ruling it “undetermined.” Teri is well aware of his ruling but continues to propagate an outright lie that Tamara died from SIDS. It’s a slap in the face to parents who’ve “genuinely” lost babies to SIDS.
I could be wrong but when I worked at Immc hosp rumor had it she had a set of twins,hopfully not but it was going around the hosp.
Sherri at the time of her court hearing after she was found not guilty she announced she was pregnant with twins. As far as I have read there are no “twins” only the one son born at another time
Candi Rowe Gerritson, she did in fact give birth to twin boys several months after the trial ended – Jared Jay and Justin Ray Lass. They both graduated from Norwalk HS in 2012. Jared was later charged with impersonating a police officer and is also on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry.
Teri Lass, her husband Mark Lass & their son Steven Lass (probably lucky he lived) are all on fb & appear to have gone on with their lives. National Guard should be ashamed!
I hit Like for the “lucky he lived” part. You are probably so right
I looked at her page we should post this to her page some how just to remind her of how evil and disgusting she is as a person and that she will have to answer for what she’s done sooner or later how could u live with doing something like this even once much less twice
Nicole its things like what you want to do is harmful. Remember what harm you could do to innocent people.
Innocent people? The innocent people are those babies,Tamara and Shane!
Prayers that this little one is truly vindicated one day. Such a senseless and barbaric crime.
Hope this is one we hear about where forensics catch up to her.
She was found not guilty so even if they could prove she did it now there is nothing they can do about it..
But they could have a whole new case with the daughter that died. So awful, so sad.
She is a SICK TWIST…..where is she now?
So sad..
I think DNA should be documented at birth of every new born and that EVERY adult should be required BY LAW to submit DNA starting ASAP.. yes people will fight it and say it’s a violation of their privacy and other rights BUT…
if your innocent…
1. it is in the best interest of the public.. and for the Rights, Welfare and Protection
of the innocent public..
2. Identification of Suspects and Unidentified Victims as well would be automatic..
no more waiting and hoping for a possible match..
3. A Deterrent..
I am a Death Penalty Advocate but I believe that Mandatory DNA Testing Truly
Would be a Deterrent to Future Criminals Knowing that their DNA is a matter of
Record and the smallest Touch DNA or Hair or minute Blood or Skin Cell would
lead to their Arrest.. people would think differently knowing their DNA is on file..
4. Only the guilty will mind providing Mandatory DNA New Born or Not..
5. Decent Law Abiding Citizens should have no problem providing DNA
(providing they are Innocent, Caring and a Non-Treat to todays Society)
6. It would save lives!! even if just one life it would be worth it..
7. and then there’s the A.C.L.U..
Babies are born everyday, why not simply record their DNA and enter into a data base ?
it would also clear up the baby mix ups in the Hospital for people taking home the wrong baby.. there’s a million good reasons to make DNA mandatory and not a single bad one.
Also for New Immigrants.. and anyone entering our country for that matter.. all’s it would take is a simple poke.
Young Kids growing up with the knowledge knowing their DNA is Recorded AND on Record would have a different mind set..
except for the suicidal.. and in their case they execute justice on themselves.
DNA is taken from every child born in the US since 1966.
It’s called the PKU/Guthrie card.
A few drops of blood is taken to screen against a disease, then cards are filed away for X amount of years.
They are eventually destroyed in some states, kept in others.
What’s needed is for what’s contained in this record to be kept indefinitely on file.
The cards are used as a new born screening tool. They were not viewed as dna samples back in the 1950’s. After several federal court cases, it’s illegal for the long term storage without consent. There’s a lot of issues regarding logistics, ethics, fiduciary, legal and questions informed consent that surround the cards.
While it’s absolutely correct the cards have been used and blood samples taken, they were not taken for the purpose of dna sampling and certainly not for the purpose I believe he’s referring to. I don’t want to give the impression that there’s years of infants dna that can be accessed for the purpose of dna comparison.
Mr. Laif Fjeldos, who tells them he has “a suspicious man cornered” and needs assistance. Before police can arrive, the man flees north through the alley and Fjeldos gives chase. Fjeldos chases the man across W. 14th Street and into the next alley, which leads north toward W. 15th. The man — described as about 31 years old with a slight build and wearing a white T-shirt and khaki trousers,,,
Sioux City resident Sid Goldberg drives through the nearby town of Elk Point, South Dakota, and near a motel sees a man in a white T-shirt and khaki trousers standing on the road beside a black Chevrolet 2-door sedan with Nebraska license plates. The man in the T-shirt and khakis holds a baby in his arms, but Goldberg — unaware of what has transpired back in Sioux City — thinks nothing of it…
Goldberg says he remembers the license plate number… Police follow up on the license plate number in hopes of discovering the owner and getting a lead, but nothing pans out.
BECAUSE…
The Nebraska Motor Vehicle Bureau won’t be open until the following morning.
What happened after the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Bureau opened ?
What about the Plate number ?
And how can you reach Elk Point from Sioux City in 25 minutes in 1955? My primarly thoughts about this story focuse on an sick, pedant petty thief who sought the opportunity to steal something but instead stole the baby girl because he was also a sexual deviant.
I’m glad someone is paying attention, my question as well
Thank you! That was never mentioned again and definitely required follow up!
I pray that they catch who did this to this young man. Prayers to sent to the family and friends.
This is sad. I dont understand how this was not open and shut if his roommates were also in the house? Somebody surely knows what happened and i hope this young man gets the justice he deserves.
Prayers for the family.
TY Jody for posting this.. if ONLY someone would come forward.
It’s still not too late, Laurie. The suspect is likely still very much alive.
Poor kid :-( What a waste of a life. I hope they catch the person or persons that did this!
Prayers to the family
Thank you Meghan. I dont know if you’d call it justice as he took the cowards way out and committed suicide. I did go to school for criminal justice as I wanted to get into forensics, and wanted wanted to be a crime scene investigator.. its only my opinion as well but i think she did it .. the overkill at the crime scene suggests that it was highly personal, the amount of blood at the crime scene says that the killer spent a considerable amount of time inflicting pain on the victim. If it was done because of his snitching more often then not it would of been quick and less messy. She’s known to have a temper and be violent, she had motive, and given the interview with her brother and his statements, her statements always changing… like they say its not hard to remember the truth…On the other hand unless they havent released the info. it seems as though they have no physical evidence to put her in the trailer other then the fact that she says she was.. Would not like to be sitting in on the jury in this case !
hmmm…sounds domestic
how unfortunate.
That is brutal and personal…someone who knew him, most probably. Sad.
So sad this man who never bothered anyone was killed, wish they could solve this case.
Prayers for the family
Hmmm…the fishing buddy???
Am I related to you??
She lived in keokuk Iowa at the time I her death and when she a member of he thunderbird society not Portland
I feel bad for the people who read this and who write this. The people who knew my grandmother should have known how much she loved her “adopted daughter” and her family, and known how much her family loved her. It is funny how ridiculous rumors, spread in small towns, and how no one cares about the Truth. I was only 14 when this happened, but I know the real story that you won’t find in small town media. It was not our family she had the problem with, it was in fact her brother and half-sister, that she feared. I heard her say multiple times how all they wanted was her mother’s money, and they thought that they deserved to be the executors of her estate. She had originally planned to leave the end of October, however I asked her to stay for my birthday on Nov. 5th, and she did. So not only do I feel responsible for her death, but I feel the blame for the problems my family had gone through as well. As far as her last dying wishes about her land and how she wanted to be buried, that is a joke. The lands were first offered to the leasee of the land, then once he purchased what he could afford the rest was offered to the public. Regarding the cremation, i was next to her the entire time of my Grandfather’s funeral, when she requested many times that she wanted to be cremated and her ashes buried next to his. As for us being millionaires that is a joke! We sold the farmhouse after we couldn’t handle the fact, that we were living place where she was murdered. We also did not push her out of her house, she wanted to move into the trailer home because she was 81 years old and did not want to have to go up and down the stairs of the farm house, and we moved into the house to be close to her and help after her husband (my grandfather) died. It didn’t matter where we went in that podunk state everyone knew what was said about my family, and all those small country folk believe what is on the tv. So I say shame on those who believe this garbage, and those who create lies about my family, you didn’t know her and you don’t know us. We loved her with our whole heart, as she loved us. A part of us died the day she did! I grieved at my wedding, at the birth of my children and at each event that she should have, and could have been a part of! Even though her blood doesn’t run through our veins, a Part Of Her is with us, every time I sew, or cook, or bake with my children. I just hope where she is in heaven she can’t see this, because her heart world break! Even though my mother was her adopted daughter, she loved her and us like we were blood, and even though she never had a harsh word to say about anyone, I know she would be disgusted about the lies spread here today. If anyone wants the truth about her, contact me and i can set you straight!!!!!!!!
This is asinine. You seriously can’t be this dumb. If Marcia didn’t do it, then she hired someone to do it (her husband perhaps). You’re being foolish Lacey. Stop kidding yourself. Marcia is a murderer and I sincerely hope she succumbs to the same fate. Idiot.
It is now 2018. Has the case been solved as of yet?…..
I’m in no way trying to be a smart-ass Lacey,but y’all lived REALLY CLOSE BY This PRECIOUS Mother/Grandmother, (ANGEL)and say “The family was close” …. What has bothered me after reading this article is that if y’all were so damn lovingly close to her,then why the hell did it take 2 Friggin’ Days for SOMEONE to find her dead just feets away from your house? I kno if My PRECIOUS Grandmother LIVED THAT CLOSE TO ME …. I would of been over there EVERY SINGLE DAY… EVERY NIGHT to kiss her and tell her I Loved Her and Goodnight!!!
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
SWEET MILDRED 💜
What about Richard Bond Homicide
Dana, I’d read that Richard Bond’s autopsy reportedly indicated a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but I’ve contacted Sheriff Tschirgi asking for confirmation as to whether the death was ruled a suicide or homicide. Will get back to you once I hear from his office. All best, Jody
I dont think youll find any answers there. Other than clayton county having the most corrupt police force ive ever dealt with, there have NEVER, not even once solved one homicide, so being as they have no concience nor one entire working brain between the 100+ people working there, they find it much easier to just leave things as they are, and go for donuts and a cup of coffee. Dont take my word for it though, please let me know me know what becomes of your inquiry. I notice this post hasnt been added to since Feb. 15th though. . .
I’m going argue that Fayette County is the worst and most corrupt. It sure looks like they go out of their way to cover up murders so they don’t have to investigate, Layne Schneider, was beat to death in his own home, Josh Brayton shot dead in his driveway and Kaiden Estling, killed by a hit and run driver.
you’re spare parts bud.
check with black ops….just saying
I do not understand why this person is not listed in the national missing persons database. Every person that is missing in IA should be listed there, but many aren’t. ANY member of the family can enter a person into the database!! If he is presumed deceased and his body is found in another state’s jurisdiction, he could be matched to the unidentified person much faster!! http://www.findthemissing.org
Lisa, not sure what happened to the link I’d posted on my April 3, 2015 response, but you probably already know that findthemissing.org is now NamUs.gov. Melissa Gregory with NamUs wrote me May 11, 2016 and said she was finally able to get his info published on their site, and would be working with LE to enhance his case. The link to Booher’s NamUs page was added in the Sources section on Booher’s ICC page once Melissa added the case. You can find it at: https://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/27721
Thanks for your dedication to this case, and hope you have a nice Easter weekend. All best, Jody
Janet Sue Stier, this gal was from newton the article says, went to school there too, she was found in des moines,
http://www.tributes.com/show/Adrian-C.-Reuwsaat-87807746
Love you ❤ she’s not forgotten.
Im not going to pretend I know everything about this case. She deserves a fair trial whether she did it or not. You can’t say a person is guilty because they act nervous, i act nervous when i go to the dentist or a dr. apt.. does that mean im guilty of something? That arrogant look on her face may be confidence because she didnt do it, or she may just think “I’ve gotten away with this for over 30 yrs there’s no way they have anything on me” The facts are Terri did have motive to do this.. Police just done arrest someone after 30 yrs for nothing.. Also we shouldnt judge people for supporting their loved ones, thats what family is supposed to do. But unfortunately her family may need to come to terms with the fact that their mother, grandmother, friend, etc committed this crime. Sometimes good people make bad decisions. I say this from experience as my grandparents were murdered by someone i would never had thought would do something like this. Statistics prove most people who are killed are done so by someone they know…
You make some very good points. I just think it’s sad the family even feel they have to come on here saying she didn’t do it when they do not, can not KNOW for certain what she did as they were not there. Call it Intuition or whatever you want, but I believe 110% that Terri Supino is guilty of double homicide. As such, she should never have been allowed to walk free all these years, affecting and influencing people….it’s just sad….those kids deserved better that’s for sure. Something like this should never have happened.
I’m sorry for your loss…I do hope you got justice for your grandparents.
:(
Desiree Zeman
I can not remember the name of the murderer of the lady they found at a north Des Moines baseball field along interstate 80-35, or the time frame. But she was also a victim who was burned. These are all such sad and horrible cases. I pray they solve these for the family members who are left with so many questions.
Was that the Patricia Howlett case?
Yes that was Patricia Howlett case
I’ve always thought those two cases were linked.
Yes Nicci, it was. I’ve always remembered her name and just drew a blank, Thank you for knowing it.
I looked, the guy convicted of Patricia Howletts murder would have been in jail. Sad that there’s/was more than one so cruel out there. Patricia’s murderer committed suicide in 2012.
Howlers murderer died in prison in
August 2012, wheee he was serving a life’s sentence.
Are you fucking kidding me? He admits to doing this, leaves that same morning and tells people what happened BEFORE anyone knew it had happened, and he STILL gets acquitted TWICE?? Get the fuck outta here. He either did it, or the police did, and tried to pin it on him for propaganda. It WAS election time, smh.i hope whomever did this,dies. Im suspicious about this coroner who denied sexual assault to Lena, even though she was exposed. FBI/cops do so much dirt, i believe they have alot of blood on their hands
There was no FBI involved. There was a man named Henry Moore who is also considered a likely suspect. He is accused of at least two other murders with the same MO. There is a paper written by relative of his.She believes he was the killer. Check it out.
Really? You hope who’s responsible dies? No shit Sherlock! The murders happened over 100 years ago! It might be safe to say they’re dead! God, I hate stupid people!
Prayers for the family
This us hurting me.
It looks like Jennifer Tweedt is no longer missing:
Andrea, it may (or may not) be the same Jennifer Tweedt, but we still show her name on our Missing Persons page b/c she’s still listed as missing on the Iowa Dept. of Public Safety’s MPIC site. http://www.iowaonline.state.ia.us/mpic/Controller.aspx?cmd=personDetailCommand&id=27500
Says she was reported missing to the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office in Osage on Feb. 3, 2012. The Jennifer T. on FB is in Waterloo (just a few counties away), but either she or the reporting person needs to contact the Mitchell County sheriff (641-732-4740) to verify she’s been safely located.
Thank you for the heads up! Just last night I removed Alfredo Rodriguez from the MP page, though haven’t yet switched his status over to an unsolved homicide b/c officials haven’t yet publicly released a cause or manner of death.
The article says they dug up the basement and found nothing. The article also says they were told she ran off to California and in 1960 a Darlene Fitchett was reported deceased to ssi, but they have yet to confirm if it’s her.
Hi, Shelly-Mother was not reported missing for weeks- until our Gram and Grandad came to our house in Des Moines and Father explained that Mother had “run off with her boyfriend to California.” My Grandparents urged Father to go to the Des Moines Police Department and file a missing person report. In fact Gram and Grandad were with Father when he did just that. The ssi link is after we three were given to Gram and Grandad by Father and Gram was trying to get some type of financial assistance to raise us (Father contributed nothing, he and Colleen left for California) She was denied assistance because there was no body- no proof that Mother was dead.
Was the basement ever searched?
I pray they find out. And the thruth comes out.
If anyone can find out where to get the books let me know my dads family is from there and I’ve always wanted to learn more about Creston
He has a drivers license. It was mentioned somewhere he drove and had a job. If Brian Zirtzman has such a low IQ, how did he get a drivers license. I find a drivers exam is not easy for a lot of people . Was he off his meds for a while in jail when they came to that conclusion, therefore going through withdrawals. It is always easy to play dumb. RIP brother and niece
I lived in Palo as a kid during the late 80s and early 90s. A few times we went fishing and hiking in the area he went missing. There were a lot of large snapping turtles that would hiss at us, which was pretty scary. Also in a lot of areas there are steep river banks that give away easy. I always thought the most likely scenario is that he fell in. Back when I was in the area the river was very muddy and had a lot of debris.
It was said previously in the comments, but I too would like to know what the other scouts had to say. What was Guy’s task during the game, where was he supposed to go?
During the game, his role was to stay to the side of the base in the trees and come out when opposing team players approached to guard it.
Todd, if you remember anything else we woyld appreciate hearing about it. Im Guys coysin..his mom is my Aunt Nancy…we are still trying to find any informationwe can. Thank you !
When the police, dectectives whoever, drop the ball on something as important as this, it ALWAYS makes me look at them like they had something to do with. They do so much dirt, like murder and never get caught. Did anyone notice that this pepperdine chick has no fb from 2002 to 2007. I bet those years are significant to this death…Gods speed in finding these punks
A.j. Gaddy, God will bring your family justice, for He knows what coward did this
I believe it was the kkk, or maybe even the police who did this. A young black girl in iowa during thr early eighties…things like this happened alot back then.
I am from Des Moines. Went to Tech. Left 1984. Never heard of this case
if this was so common name some other cases that are similar “cheda” otherwise quit race baiting.
Agreed Cheda. Its Iowa …
Fuck off. Her and her brother Curtis stayed with me and my family. She was like my sister
I graduated in 85th from Tech, I never heard of this eaither.
I dont know what state your from, but trust me, I live in Iowa and not that far from where this happened. I have never heard of cops or KKK in our state doing this shit. Quit race baiting. This is about a young ladies life cut short a year older than I was at that time. That neighborhood not considered a nice place to live. One of Des Moines Ghettos.
Ahhh STFU I am FROM here and this is my family. I said wtf I said PERIOD!!
Thank you all so much for your support for my family and I. Some people have no respect for the deceased!
Prayers for the family
I hope they burn in hell
Only a psychopath could do such a thing. That man was to noble to did like that. I bet he cherished every moment of his life knowing what his sacrifice meant to his family. We need more selfless people like him in the world.
Sabastiano Dattolico~ Thank you for clearing your comment up. I am, however, a very compassionate person which is why I accept your apology. No worries.
Sad that one of the honorary bearers died an unsolved death as well.
it was under as you can clearly see his wheelchair was outside where he was nowhere near hmm duh that is a perfect reason to know it was
This is so sad, but those names mentioned more than likely had something to do with it. Drugs are evil and will make people . Do stupid ridiculous crap to cover up bad stuff. I Bletchley reopen and start from scratch and catch these idiots.
I’m Praying for your family and they need to reopen this case and punish the ones that caused this to your brother. She is already involved in the double murder so why not start with her prayers for your family that they solve this case
I would love to share this and post but since it has false accusations about my husband and I in it I will not. I just got off the phone with Osceola PD and they said we have NEVER been suspects and the information you posted about us is a complete LIE. I want justice for Cecil too but don’t accuse the people that tried to HELP ur brother and listen to the woman whose husband is most likely the one who did this. There is a reason the police looked into Bill and not us! Furthermore I have spoke to this website about taking down this post unless our names are removed. Every single thing said about us is a LIE. Cecil was our friend and we loved him, we would NEVER have done anything to hurt him. And I cannot believe you would dare say otherwise.
I’ve corresponded offline with Lecy but would like to clarify semantics here so there is no confusion. Nowhere in Cecil’s case summary did it accuse Lecy or her husband of being ‘suspects’ in Cecil’s death. The OPD may have told Lecy she and her husband were not considered suspects, but the second half of Lecy’s second sentence (…and the information you posted about us is a complete lie) were Lecy’s words and not something said by the OPD. I felt this distinction worth noting, but nonetheless have deleted the recent reference to the Gorslines on Cecil’s page summary to prevent any confusion as to their relationship with him. Lecy and I are engaged in a civil conversation offlist and share the same goal: to see justice served in Cecil’s senseless death. Jody at ICC
You think his sisters husband did this?
How cruel can someone be?!
Shared
Hey people…you can help by sharing this on your page.
Get it out there again.
I have a page for my best friend who is also a homicide, cold case victim. I will be sharing this story on her page. Justice for Rosie. I pray u find justice also.
Shared!
Heartbreaking. .I pray someone finds the courage to speak up if they know who did this.
Hey all, thank you for your kind hearted words…he was an amazing man and my family misses him so very much. I am disgusted that nobody has the courage to speak up but I pray and pray someday they will. Thank you all again and god bless!
Cowards to pick on the defenseless
I remember reading through cold cases a few years ago, seeing this story and just smh. I don’t understand how some people can live with themselves. I hope that if there’s a connection here, justice is served. Thoughts and prays for the family.
All of these cases are horrible, but this is one of the worst things I’ve ever read.
It has been 11 years today since my big brother was called to heaven. After all these years, hope that justice will be done for Cecil is never lost. He was an amazing man and true to all those he met. I pray that anyone with any information at all can find it in their hearts to come forward. Although we are patient, our family and friends deserves closure. Thank you all that take the time to write kinds words and encouragement, our family greatly appreciates it.
Alicia, you and your family have been on my mind all day. It’s such a painful reminder of what happened to Cecil, but I think “B” nailed it with the comment: “This case is completely solvable.” It is absolutely solvable. There are too many people who know exactly what happened, and they just haven’t realized the difference between them “voluntarily” contacting officials with what they know, versus them waiting to talk until they’re “asked” by law enforcement to come in to answer a few questions.
I strongly urge anyone with any information at all to voluntarily come forward now. If not, he or she may want to read up on Iowa Code, Title XVI (Criminal Law and Procedure) and pay particular attention to Chapter 703 – Parties to Crime (includes Aiding and Abetting, Joint Criminal Conduct, and Accessory After the Fact); Chapter 706 – Conspiracy; Chapter 707 – Homicide and Related Crimes; and Chapter 719 – Obstructing Justice.
Alicia and her family deserve answers, and Cecil deserves justice. Make no mistake: This case is not going to just disappear or go away.
One of my favorite analogies is the stitched, framed verse that hung on the wall in Warden Norton’s office in the film “The Shawshank Redemption,” which read: His judgment cometh, and that right soon … but that in this case, the one who cometh will be bringing handcuffs.
What kind of horrid person would do this? Very sad! :(
What a horrible thing todo to someone. Somebody knows who did this. Be a decent human being and come forward.
So horrible
This is heart breaking
I hope there is a connection, Cecil deserves some justice.
sick people out there.
I think there’s got to be something in the genes..the mothers 5 infant siblings also died , but she lived and so did her son.
They weren’t all infants. Again, lies in the obituary that obfuscated the truth. Each of Helen’s siblings who died did so on a weekday, while, presumably, in the care of Helen’s mother. Three were newborn infants. One was 7 months old, past the age for SIDS, and his death certificate reports no cause of death (I wonder if the authorities were getting suspicious of her by then). Then a five year old sister of Helen died (I have a copy of the death certificate) and it said “said to have worms of stomach.” Interesting how no other Texans were dying of “worms of stomach” in the 1930’s. The doctor just took the woman’s word for it. Munchausen By Proxy in two generations.
PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP ON LINDA! I WON’T I JUST HAVE TO GET MORE PRACTICE
ON HER.HER SPIRIT HAS NOW ASENDEDMAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO REACH HER.YET WE PSYCHICS ARE DEVELOPING NEW “TECH” TO REACH FARTHER INTO THE MORPHOGENTIC ENERGY FIELD ,WHERE WE CAN OPEN/LOOK INTO HER AKASHIC RECORD.
FIND A FIST SIZED QUARTZ CRYSTAL(10-20 BUCKS) PUT IT IN DENNIS BEAVERS’ HAND AND THEN ASK HIM TO TELL YOU WHAT HE KNOWS. LET HIM HOLD THE CRYSTAL FOR A WHILE. EVEN IF HE DOESN’T TALK MUCH IT’S OK. NOW TAKE THAT CRYSTAL TO A GOOD “LOCAL” VOLUNTEER PSYCHIC TO “READ” IT. THAT TECH IS CALLED “PSYCHOMETRY” GOOGLE IT! PLEASE POST THE FINDINGS. THANK YOU, GOD BLESS.
AJ CARIAGA
PSYCHIC,INVENTOR,DESIGNER,MECH ENGINEER
CARIAGA DESIGN CONCEPTS
LOS ANGELES
so sorry…my prayers for you
Thats what you get for being mean to me in the 6th grade!
Fuck you piece of shit im her son if you have sonething to say get at me 4024199059 hit me anytime i meet u or youre family whatever u want to do
Nathan do not let the shallowness of that individual bother you. I went to school with your mom and she picked on me to. I can’t think of any reason that your mom deserved that! She was rough around the edges, but not bad. I was your counselor once and got to talk with you and your grandmother. I think you are good kid . Keep your head up that sick individual that did that to your mother “will pay” for what he did! My religious beliefs backs that up. If not here, then in eternity. And that’s a mighty long time. My belief also tells me you will meet your mom someday. Head up!hope that puts a lite at the end of the tunnel.
I would strongly advise you to reconsider your post. You can’t hurt Terri at this point. Only her loved ones get hurt by your comments. By the way, can I remind you we were at age “12” at that time.
Char matousek
I just left you a message on facebook.
Jody, you really should dig deeper into the Linda Bentley case. My husband was involved in her case and went to his grave knowing she had been murdered. He kept her file and handed it off to an attorney friend when he retired from his job. Had cancer not moved in on him I believe he would have worked with all he had to find her killer. Her autopsy was botched so bad that the state had to agree with the local coroner.
Wasn’t Dr Cordon the local coroner then
So sad, Beth!!!
sad
This cold case bothers me to this day. I guess it’s because she was only a year older than me. I was still in high school when she was murdered. :(
I pray for the family members.
Whoever would commit such a horrible act of violence is a VERY ill human being.
God, please rest the soul of this little boy, who didn’t get to live his life out. Amen.
R I P willie ann you would be so proud of your children today,but iam sure u know this, as you have been watching from heaven all along!!
Boy Scouts in Illinois did a very thorough background check on volunteers. VERY thorough! And misdemeanors completely unrelated to children or violence exclude
people from having any chance of volunteering. However, parents if Scouts might not be checked as carefully, or other states’ requirements might not be as stringent.
Me too. Justice needs to be served for the family and friends also. My prayers all the way.
I hope this poor boy gets justice soon.
Awful.
Chris Taylor
Wow… he was quite the fella! Involved in all kinds of weird things.
Whoever would kill a 90 year old…..has no soul…
Just sad! And it’s a cold case SMDH
Poor dear. :(
Sarah -were the names of the cub scout leaders ever made public? If the leaders were interview, were the results of the interview made public?
LeaAnne….
We were all interviewed by local authorities and the FBI. I don’t remember if they were made public or not.
I’m sorry LeeAnn, I’m just seeing your comment now. I have no idea if the names or interviews were made public. I wasn’t even born yet and have not done much research on this case.
You could try looking up newspaper archives if you want to try to pursue that line of research.
It’s good to hear that every one was interviewed. I’m sure the police did their best. I wish they could find him though :(
If you’re looking for information about the night Guy disappeared or about the boy scouts and staff that was there I’ll be happy to tell you everything I know.
yes, please. how can i contact you?
Jeff..if you have any informationwe would truly li e to know. Guy’s mom is my Aunt Nancy..we would all appreciateany informationat all.
HAVE YOU FOUND OUT ANYTHING YET MATHEW?
no
Why focus on cases where the killers are most certainly dead. Work on cases that your able to bring the killer to justice.
How can You ask such a thing?The focus here is because George Cleary and others here on this site were Human beings. George was A Father, Husband, He was Somebodies Son. Maybe a great Friend and Coworker. He and his Family deserves justice. Noone deserves that.
It seems odd that ithis would be the one and only statement You have.
YOU WILL FIND HIM ON (IOWA COURTS ONLINE), COURT SEARCH WITH A LONG LIST OF CRIMINAL ACTS AFTER THIS HOMICIDE TOOK PLACE
JOHN BURTON NIEHOFF
Please know I care, you are in my prayers . I pray that some day you will have answers.
Very sad
I pray for her family
Iowan's drinking either well water or treated surface water Downstream from the huge chemical drain built illegally through Dean Kleckner's farm into mine in 2003 should be testing for Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) as it is testing at the highest levels I have ever seen (1.0 through 12.0 Downstream from this on-going known point source pollution Plume).
The Iowa DNR continued to withhold this specific tests' results from me for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer. The EPA says one should do both a test for Nitrates and the Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) tests and add the test results. If the total of the two tests is over 10 it is not safe to drink according to the EPA. Our Nitrate test results that were withheld until about October of 2009 after Adam was killed ranged from the lowest in the mid 40's in 1993 to 78 to 95ppml in 2004. If one was to add those two test results in our well test total of the two tests was definitely the cause of our health effects. We could not taste the nitrogen fertilizer and our three filter systems only lowered the Nitrate test from 95 down to 78 in 2004. Veronica Lack commenting on Adam's old facebook page we keep open to keep in touch with his friends, I'm Adam's Mom in the photo he is down front and center, up until he was killed at age 33, he was urging me to get the copies of our well tests that the IDNR refused to give us, covering up this known pollution Plume from Mitchell County Iowa Section 10 and surrounding Sections in Cedar (W) Township just north of Rudd/Nora Springs in Iowa. In 2010 I had a Sierra Club attorney apply for them and the test results were horrifying as there is no filtration system I had that could have made our water anywhere close to safe. Veronica Lack
A well just Downstream from my new well tested even higher for Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer. It was the well shared by Mr. and Mrs. Lavern Olsen and Mark Gast and his family which tested at 12.2 for Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) or Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer it could cause scaring to eyes, skin rashes, loss of hair, throat erosions, and burned the linings of colons at this and lower levels. The EPA says its just not supposed to be in our water at all, and claim it can only get in by Point Source Polluting. Veronica Lack
When Bill Groskurs and James Hyde were Mitchell County Engineer’s there was a huge map up on the wall in the Engineer’s Office of Mitchell County where they had magic markered where farmers were wanting channels to drain wetlands. In the areas into Cedar (W) Township of those big 320+ foot wide magic marker lines there were huge sinkholes in that Aquifer Recharge Area and the Corps of Engineer’s Office refused an outlet to the Designated National Wetlands for draining thousands of acres of farm chemical run-off down those sinkholes. After Bradley Johnson had gotten NRCS to do a 1991 survey across Dean Kleckner’s farm and into the Norby farm which was later mine, that refusal later infuriated the farmers in Mitchell County with no legal drainage outlets when in 1995 after doing a lot of conservation repairs at my own cost I was given a very limited legal drainage outlet for part of my farm’s 200 acres to the Designated National Wetland, but I could not add more than 10 acres of drainage than had already naturally drained to the Designated National Wetland and had to maintain the grade of the Designated National Wetland and keep it grassed. And couldn’t add more acres of drainage than had previously drained to the Designated National Wetland sinkholes on the James Urbatsch, Merle Johnson, older Christiansen/now Martin and others who owned land in the Designated National Wetland with huge sinkholes. At that time there were no sinkholes on my farm until after the group dug through my and Dean Kleckner’s fenceline on 4/15/2003. I had to charge Dean Kleckner and Mayer’s Digging Company with trespass and removal of fence and my topsoil. That same day the Mitchell County Assessor’s Office had gotten a copy of the part of that magic markered map from the NRCS Office to downgrade the CSR value for about 40+ acres of my farm for a new drainageway. I was not told of this and when Dean Kleckner the former Head of the Farm Bureau showed up in a Osage Police Car the next morning on the 16th of April 2003, he agreed in the Disposition of my Trespass Charge to put all of our soil back and to rebuild our joint fenceline to the prior grade at least 4 foot up from the Echo Avenue Box Culvert floor. Even though we trusted Dean Kleckner the work wasn’t completed properly by Mayer’s Digging Company.
In the later part of 2004 after two floods carrying Farm run-off to the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland came through the new spout dug across Dean Kleckner/now William Brandau farm. Dean Lines had mapped out the mile long erosion and feet deep erosion soil loss and a ripped out sinkhole under the floor of the cement double Box Culvert on 325th Street. I had to spend well over $60,000 in Conservation repairs to try to stay in compliance with my Corps of Engineer’s very limited Drainage Agreement.
Then the IDNR charged me with “Blockage of Water” for the polluters new channel which I could not give an easement for on my farm. When I asked David Allen, IDNR to come out to investigate, he said I could be charged with the on-going flood damage and pollution of the aquifers the sinkholes fed if I didn’t sue the group that had dug into my farm since the IDNR had no enforcement funds.
So I filed suit at the beginning of 2005, but the first good attorney, Bradley Price, set the case up according to the former IDNR drainage attorney James Hudson’s guidance, but the two groups of attorneys paid out of the L and P insurance both used by me and William Brandau and Mayer’s Digging Company maintained I had hurt their clients drainage by not allowing more drainage to the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland. And they claimed I had hurt their drainage by closing the sinkholes their new flood channel force opened on my farm in 2004 and 2006. Bradley Price had to back out because he did work in the past for that big insurance company, and he handed my case over to another firm, Yunek and Isacson, those partners got into a disagreement and Isacson got kicked out of out of Yunek’s Office and my case files got stored across the street in the Esser Law firms basement and Issacson committed himself to the 5th Floor of Mercy Hospital for treatment. I couldn’t get ahold of my attorney as Yunek refused to take over Isacson’s cases and I did not know where my files were at that time.
I filed a request for delay of court date to be able to get another attorney and when it got to court my Request for time to get another attorney was sent by the court and Isacson signed it and submitted my Request that he had failed to do, so I could hire another attorney.
The last attorney that I paid the most of $47,000 in attorney fees to was Thomas Lipps of Algona, he had finally started to understand what I was up against as when he was asking for the last $2,500 at the last day of the 4 day trial he said this group of Good Old Boys, (meaning Judge McKinley and the farmers and contractors and their two teams of insurance company attorneys in court that set over to the right) would not allow any compensation to me so he needed his last costs up front. I paid and paid another over two thousand for the transcription of those 4 days of that kangaroo court proceedings giving up our Right to Clean Safe Drinking water for the well owners in parts of Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and Black Hawk Counties, Adam’s testimony was clearer and better than mine so the group spit on him and me as we left that last day saying, “you proved the channel wasn’t there before, but we are going to get it Grand-Fathered in as time passes. Judge McKinley had addressed the jury to make sure if you answered Thomas Lipp’s ten questions a certain way and they could all go home and have their Picnics and celebrate for the Fourth.
My and others property taxes were raised to cover the increased flood damages for Cedar (W) Townships channelling flood water over roads and taking out some culverts and bridges, and farmers and homeowners downstream have to pay the increased damages and loss of income and health from the on-going increased channeling of Mitchell County Flood channels built to drain farm run-off down into our aquifers. This one Plume affects the health of half a million Iowans and their animals Downstream from this particular Karst Limestone Aquifer Recharge Area of Huge Sinkholes.
The IDNR attorneys John Tack and Randy Clark had refused my request for help in filing the suit against the polluters after David Allen
had said I needed to file it. When I lost or the Big Insurance Companies were off the hook for having to pay for any of my 1/2 Mil Damage to my farm or any of the damages to the roads and bridges continuing to be damaged by this illegal Mitchell County Drainageway, I paid for the Court Costs and Transcript of that 2007 trial to have a record along with the Depositions that prove the farmers like James Ursbatch whose testimony proves he knew they needed to get a 401 permit from the IDNR and a 404 Permit from the Corps of Engineer’s Office and a Environmental Impact Study done by NRCS before they could enter a Designated National Wetland and Dig a New channel that the Corps of Engineer’s had already denied them a Drainage Outlet for in about 1991.
So now the pollution Plume from Cedar (W) Township has spread taking out one of the City of Waterloo’s wells in October of 2015, because of the high Nitrogen Fertilizers, more lives are affected as Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer draws Lead and Arsenic into our groundwater according to Russ Tell at the IDNR.
IOWA’S DNR YOU CAN’T TRUST THEM. PERIOD. I called them to come out investigate the 3 foot high hog shit dumped in my fields by magistrate’s husband at the time. Now she’s a district judge, DeDra Schroeder. She calls county attorney and they file phony charges on me – $6,000 Cash Bond. Then they steal the $6000.00 money posted. About time to pool money and hire these CRIMINALS taken out. My Past Sick of All these Crooks. They Own The Courts. They Stack the Jury’s in Their Favor. How you Ask. They Type Cast Selections. They Pretty much know How to Make Most People on a Jury Vote. Everything is Calculated. Hand picked Juries. They Know how Most People Think. Church you go to. I’ve Spent $30,000 Fighting these Empowered Assholes.
I feel Sorry for You. Not Worth owning Land in Iowa anymore. You Have no Rights here unless the Good old boys Say So. Well there’s other ways of dealing with these Good old Boys. About time they All Move or GO to Jail! Guy that Ruined your Land Should have Been put into Jail for ILLEGAL Trespassing. BUT HERE IN IOWA YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH THAT IF YOU’RE RICH FARMERS AND KNOW POLICE AND COUNTY ATTORNEY MARK WALK. HIS DAYS ARE COMING I CAN ASSURE YOU. HE IS A CRIMINAL THAT NEEDS TO BE LOCKED UP. We have filed complaints. You can file complaints with the Ombudsman Office too. Written complaints only. GOOD LUCK.
I filed a complaint with the DNR – then the problems started for me. POISONED WELL. I believe MR. LACK was poisoned by KELLY ROSS, same doctor that’s poisoned me with bad drug combinations. Prescribed LISINOPRAL that took my legs out then gives me INDOMETHACIN – take aspirin for the pain. I complained says keep taking meds. I did drove myself up to ER in AUSTIN, MN. THEY SAVED MY LIFE. I should have been dead. Dr. Ross gave me a cocktail of drugs that should have killed me.
If you put everything together these empowered assholes of Mitchell County are as crooked as can be. Russell Hintz warned me there are powers that be in Mitchell County, that I need to stop complaining about pollution. I was surprised. I couldn’t believe what he was telling me. We need to file a big lawsuit for wrong doings by Mitchell County and State of Iowa in Federal Court. Understand the Ricco Act, we can all file a class action lawsuit. They are jury tampering – it’s why you lost in court. Just something to think about. They have destroyed my life. I can’t tell you.
Gary and LuAnn,
It took me years to get a Letter of Right to Sue the State of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and then it took me almost two more years to find and hire an attorney to represent me. So now I’m concentrating on getting this suit addressed and if I am still able to financially and healthy enough I will join you and others who have been damaged by Mitchell County’s illegal Point Source Pollution Plumes. Count me in. Veronica
One thing that I found interesting is the senator at the time had taken the ax and left it at a masonic temple and a fake one was in use at the trial
Interesting to know… Masons seem to leave their calling card behind many dark events. I believe they are also connected with the non-Christian
cults. Hmmm!
btw, when I say “disappeared from” I’m talking about Karen Streed, whose body was found in the Mill Stream near Amana, but who was last seen alive in the vicinity of 6th St and 16th Ave SW — near where she lived.
Forgive me if this question has already been posed, I’m not sure I’m caught up on all the comments, but does anyone else see a pattern here? Paula and Maureen Farley’s bodies were found within 13 months of one another, essentially just across the Cedar River from one another. Karen Streed, whose body was found just 1 month after Maureen’s, lived just a few blocks from Paula. I don’t know that there were striking similarities in the killer’s MO for each of the murders, but it seems to me this shouldn’t rule out the fact that three young women were disappeared from or found dead in essentially the same small quadrant of CR all within just over a year of one another. Anyone else share the same inkling? Or am I just the latest in a long string of serial killer conspiracists?
Sounds genetic health issues
No. Munchausen by Proxy based homicides.
Yes, In fact the Low Lord Fauntleroy courts sided with David in the custody battle. A poor little silly paranoid, drunk who couldn’t handle narcotics even if he tried, over my grandmother Nadine, who I must add is the most loving and caring person to all people I’ve ever known. Moreover, David obstructed every attempt to see or contact Haley Jo, my understanding is he projected us as villans to her…basically we were Persona non grata. At one point maybe 1996 my grandmother contacted David and told him, “David, I know you did it, as do you, and I forgive you, it’s not my place to judge you that judgement will be made by God’ she said it was the hardest thing she had ever done she also said he heard her out and didn’t hang up . Fast forward to the the age of social media. Haley Jo was contacted by her aunt and arrangements made for a meeting and as I’ve heard they had a beautiful time. It gives me alot of happiness to see me family intently listening to my aunt and grandmother excitedly telling of their meeting, two old ladies looking like perfectly happy kids, Oh Haley Jo this and Haley Jo that……these were the last memoirs of my grandmother Perhaps we’ve all became a little stronger, whereas David’s probably just a little weaker.
Kassandra McKown, thank you for your input. I haven’t seen any reports about the arsenic, but know the girls’ mother was not incarcerated at the time of her March 17, 2009 death (at age 59). None of the girls’ obituaries mentioned whether or not they’d been cremated (the practice wasn’t so frequent back in the ’70s), but even if they were, arsenic can be detected from cremated remains. Would love to hear more if you have further information about the four sisters’ mysterious deaths. Jody at ICC
I thought it was found that arsenic was the cause of these murders
Unfortunately i am to afraid to say anything more. I believe it was an inside job….like family……i pray with all my heart and soul that I am wrong…..but ….well i can’t say more than that.
Jody, Did you ever write that book about the Donna Sue Davis case? I just ran across that case the other day and well remember it, even though I was only 12 when it happened. I can still remember the attitude of fear and rage that summer.
Mary, I’m not sure if the title will remain the same, but I do have an agent now and rather than write the book in third person (from a journalistic viewpoint) my agent proposed I tell the story in a more memoir-type fashion about how my obsession with Donna Sue Davis’ unsolved murder catapulted me into a whole new lifelong journey I continue to passionately explore. The book will profile a few other cases, but the overall theme addresses the lessons in life I’ve learned along this journey. The book should be finished by September and I will keep you posted as to its status. Thanks for asking!
Jody is this book out and where can I find it
I was born and raised in Sioux City. I was 12 when this happened about 4 blocks from where we lived. So SAD. I still often think about what her poor mother and the rest of the family went through–and the ones still alive are probably still going through. The perpetrator was probably caught in a similar crime, but even if he was never caught, God’s wrath will finally consume him.
I hope God does Justice for them too
Marlene Padfield’s mother, Ethel Elizabeth Padfield Walker, aged 83, died 12/29/1998, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was buried in Harrison, Arkansas. Survivors were: a son Raymond E. Padfield of Yellville, Arkansas; Patricia M. Armer of Alpena, Arkansas; and Barbara J. Quiggins of St. Joe, Arkansas – – all siblings of Marlene.The foregoing info. was obtained from Ethel Padfield Walker’s obit.
Harry, thanks so much for the additional family info for Marlene Padfield.
Murder is usually from one or two things. Money ( which can mean drugs ) these two things go together, or love. Revenge over a lover. To get rid of some one to be with some one else, or to get back at some one. In a revenge killing it is usually close to home so it will be brutal, as in what O J Simpson did. Its personal and brutal. This case has all the markings of revenge over a jilted lover. This woman they arrested just acts guilty. I turned off the sound and watched her. Overacting in her defense is what I see. Then to hear her. I couldnt be on the jury. She is guilty of this.
I agree. She looks and acts guilty and nervous. If she was innocent why has she not taken a voluntary lie detector test? She owes that to the families she destoryed, her own family included. It’s sad to see them on here saying she is innocent. They deserve to know the truth. I watched that episode of Cold Justice and one thing you realize is that there was no one else who had a motive to kill Melissa and Greg except for her. They could tell it was a small person and she is the right height. She’s guilty as all hell and needs to be punished for what she did. Living free all these years and affecting people who should not be defending a cold blooded murderess.
Don’t judge untill u walk where those family stood.it can happen to you.you could be in the same place those family went through.you did’nt know either family so keep your thouht to yourself .we might be reading about you or a friend or family .non”t judge anyone.learn how to pray for traggest.pray it don”t be at your door tomorrow.
It seems to me that Jesse Lynch you know a lot about this to but are only giving few statement’s about things. Like you saying that Dr. Michale Clover knows more than he is letting on; he might even be involved. How and why do you say this stuff?
Why would a person dwell only the past, in some cases more than 30 years ago? Why would some people who prefer to dwell only in the past refuse to even acknowledge the events in more recent times, like the 30 years since? There is a reason for it.
Kevin Crowe,
Please look up the 911 calls both under Michael Adam Lack and Adam Michael Lack as I was able to get some information about the first 911 call off the North Central Iowa AM-1300 KGLO or http://www.kribnews.com web site on 2/19/2013. The date was 7-12-2008 when Adam came home after working horrible hours at Poet, he had gone to check something and saw that Chevy Impala sitting in the front east side of my farm's home U shaped driveway. It was about 11:30 pm and he took off after it, as someone slammed the passenger door and took off. That was the last time I saw him alive as he drove after them under my yard light. He had chased the vandals before and I sat back down to wait. The first 911 call came in just before Midnight according to Palas Graham, probably by one of the two he was chasing, but as usual no help or aid was given us and the polluting vandals did not even call me just the Mitchell County 911 Response system. Years later after being denied even answers to supeonas for that first 911 call, in order to protect the vandals Adam had chased, and who left Adam trapped for about 7 hours, others called Adam's accident in to 911 on 7-13-2008. Later supeonas for one of the later calls were answered. But not the first, second, or third or forth and a Chevy Impala like the one Adam chased set at the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office after Adam's later being killed and his being killed was not even investigated and I was even denied his autopsy report and his Poet Bio-Refinery Exposure Patch that he is wearing in the pictures.
Kevin I know its too late to help Adam but those pictures haunt me and I've been advised by my Mayo Clinic counselors to try to warn of the on-going pollution Plume that caused my family's and our Downstream neighbor's health issues and what had prompted Adam's checking into if the Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer in our well water was also why Poet's bio-digester enzymes were not able to successfully produce ethanol from switch grass or corn stover because of high levels of Anhydrous Ammonia in the water not only affecting us but also those bio-digesting enzymes. Before noon on 7/13/2008 Deputy Hintz showed up and told me Adam was dead, it was just a Big Mistake, A Big Mistake he said looking down at his shoes, and I begged him to investigate. (I told him about Adam chasing the Chevy Impala, and he refused, saying, it wasn't the "Mean One"! I asked where Adam was and he just repeated Adam was dead and I should call the Rock Creek ladies to help with the funeral). I have not been able to get a copy of the sheriff or deputy Hintz's reports or of their refusal to help me as they left me alone in shock.
Hintz knew we were Catholic and did not attend the Rock Creek church since they had had my husband Gary cremated even before he was seen by a doctor and I had not given prior permission and I was chewed out by our priest in front of Adam and Tom Bucheit at the Champion funeral home. When the priest asked how much of Gary's estate was I going to give to the Catholic Church to make up for having him cremated before the funeral, Tom Bucheit showed Father the papers Tom was trying to get me to sign to approve the after the fact cremation of Gary. Father went on saying don't you know you could just rent a coffin if you don't want to spend the money for a decent burial. I broke down crying thinking how I was going to have to explain to his grandchildren how my loving husband was in a little box of ashes. Now after the sheriff and county attorney Mark Walk would not investigate Gary's murder admitted to by Nurse Linda in the Board of Nursing investigation and the Medicare investigation's and 25 pages of citations and now they were refusing to investigate Adam's death….
Please help me get all of the information you can, I heard their was a big shake up that changed the group that was in control of the Mitchell County 911 system and fire department after Adam's being murdered. And I believe you were not part of it and that most of the regular employees are good people. But the power held by Judge McKinley and some of the people in the pictures as Adam was killed takes control even of good people. Veronica Lack
When Deputy Hintz said, “it wasn’t the Mean One”, I thought he was referring to other than Brody Mitchell, the Mean One – Bradley Johnson that I had filed complaints at the Sheriff’s Office, or other than Gary Venz who Adam had given information to the Nora Springs cops in the investigation of Gary Venz’s wife’s suspicious death.
Adam had chased Brody out of my farm field where he had been spinning and damaging seeding but Brad was the most damaging. The car Adam chased on the evening of 7/12/2008 before he was killed the next day looked like Brody Mitchell’s Chevy Impala. Deputy Hintz, refused to investigate, and the Mitchell County authorities and the Mitchell County Liability Attorney Rourick in St Ansgar refused to answer the Court ordered subpoenas for the first 911 call before midnight when Adam’s accident was first called in on 7/12/2008 by probably the two in the car Adam was chasing…
Mitchell County authorities still refuse to answer Adam’s probate attorney’s Floyd County court ordered subpoenas for even Adam’s autopsy report that ING Adam’s Life Insurance Company had first requested.
this link provides a sketch of a woman with very similar facial features and is within 2″ in height, something to poss look intohttps://identifyus.org/en/cases/11020,
Sarah, it's worse Downstream in Floyd County and along the West side of the Cedar River as the Aquifers that carry the deadly Plume from the Mitchell County's Cedar (W) Township On-Going pollution that the USDA-NRCS's Ray Frana helped the Cedar (W) Township farmers dig through my farm illegally taking 42 acres of my soils to dig an drain flood water from Section 10's huge swale down a line of sinkholes carries Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO fertilizer and other chemicals like Atrazine and the lead from batteries dumped down a sinkhole to fix me after I first complained in 1993 about Bradley Johnson's sinkhole north of his house taking all the flood water and manure off those two feedlots. Test your water for Anhydrous Ammonia and Nitrates and add the two test results in Des Moines those test results are not to total over 10. Veronica Lack
Sally Chapman, I suggest you sign up for the Citizen Police Academy Class which is now open for enrollment and begins February 5, 2015. The class is free and very enlightening. I believe you will change your mind about the “top notch” police department we have. Just saying . . .
people…drive around this coming spring and watch the water runoffs coming off the fields…last year i reported a bright yellow color and immense amounts of frothing in the east ditch on primrose ave, less than a mile from the 9…i was assured it was a farmer testing his 'tiles'…well…have you seen the new drain field and concrete wall in the same ditch? AND…the burr oak creek behind my folks place had RED MULCH-LIKE material in the bed of the stream…called about that too. i've walked that river for decades and NEVER seen it with red shit on the bottom of the river. some woman from DNR called me back assuring me that it was normal and natural…i don't believe them anymore. not with that hog confinement upstream.
let me tell you a little somethin' somethin'…when i was sick in saudi arabia in the 90's, i mentioned i was from mitchell co. iowa. the drs there…IN SAUDI ARABIA…sat up and took notice and started running tests!!!! now, if THEY are aware of our high cancer rates…don't you think YOU should be aware of your high cancer rates? GTS…and get your information and research in order. for you or anyone to deny this woman her reality is nothing less than arrogance on your part. karma, in the form of cancer, is never far off…just ask ANYONE from mitchell co. who's fighting it now.
and Laura Meirick Wynohrad…you call yourself a 'health worker'?
ray, how DARE you deny her the reality she KNOWS…LIVED THROUGH…YOU KNOW of the pollution in our rivers, streams and our groundwater system. anybody with a NOSE can tell the smell of SHIT before they get near it! there are MILLIONS OF US OUT THERE NOW, RAY…MILLIONS…who know the smell of SHIT when we smell it…and your post stinks to high heaven! if you are an instructor at iowa western cc…you really need to take a class in spelling, or at least use spell check…alas, men like you think they know everything…even how to spell. lying isn't your forte either. none of us millions believe you or monsanto's shit any more.
Gabi Meninas i am so sorry…how does anyone live with such a knowledge?
The first 911 call was just before midnight on the 12th of July 2008, Adam was caught and had to wait about 7 hours for the group to come and take another two hours to kill him. Check the accident reports that were filed at the state offices. It wasn't just 45 minutes that he had to wait. Adam's Mom, Veronica Lack
Re Boyd’s case, I’d also contacted the DCI and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office on May 31, 2014, re an email I’d received from an individual whose family had been longtime friends with the Novingers. It concerned a statement heard (at the funeral home, before Boyd’s death) about the perfect hiding place for a weapon. The individual who wrote wondered if there might be a gun hidden in the casket of whomever was a client at the time of Boyd’s death. It would be near impossible, however, for officials to follow up on this theory b/c of the # of disinterments that may be required to search for a weapon that may or may not have been hidden in a casket. Boyd’s son-in-law/business partner, H. Keith Taylor, died in October 2001.
Jordi Faber and Jack Toomey, neither ICC nor Boyd’s daughter, Christy, were told why four death certificates were issued in her father’s death. It’s one of the questions she still has. I contacted the DCI about this in Feb. 2014 but did not receive a response. I learned of the multiple death certificates through Christy, and it’s just one of many unanswered questions she has in her father’s death.
Janelle Turner, hopefully the “sharing” will also produce some new lead or some type of small tip. What might seem like an insignificant detail to one person could make all the difference to investigators. Thinking of you and yours over this holiday season. Jody at ICC
I knew Boyd and he was a really nice guy!
Family? ???
Sounds like someone was trying to collect on some life insurance…
RIP.
I would be interested in knowing why four death certificates were issued
I can’t imagine how this family functions knowing that the person that committed this crime will never serve time .
Why were 4 different certificates issued?
Thank you to those who have “shared” this on their Facebook pages. My family appreciates the kindness.
Sold at a police aution! Wow! How was it not searched when it was found! Terrible!
I thought the same thing. Top notch police work right there.
exactly what I was thinking Jodi.
odd …
I agree Jodi.
Peace for their families.
does anyone remember 3 children getting murdered in downtown des moines in late 60 or 70’s if i remember right they were tied up and shot
Jean, is it this case:
http://murderpedia.org/male.M/m/munro-daniel-russell.htm
Daniel Munro, a drifter and prison escapee out of Alabama, shot and killed Gerald Hoffman Jr. (15), his brother Geoffrey (14), and their friend Jeffrey Beavers (14) on February 19, 1978, in a downtown Des Moines office building the boys were cleaning. Munro was also charged in the same-day murder of William Baldwin (30), a clerk who worked in an adult bookstore just around the corner from the office building where the boys were shot. The charge in Baldwin’s death was later dropped due to lack of evidence. Munro was found guilty in the deaths of the boys and is serving 3 life terms.
Dear Ben, on this anniversary date of Phil’s disappearance, your information comes as a relief and brings the possibility of hope to finally know what happened to my brother, and to have justice for Phil’s death. If you have not yet contacted Mike Motsinger at the DCI, please take another courageous step forward and call. You are in my prayers.
Virginia Terrien
RIP
RIP
Rumor was…., President and all his Secret Service were in town staying at the Sheraton. She attended a Christmas Party for a short time being held there as well. She was seen using a pay phone and being hit on relentless by a Secret Service guy! But we all know Secret Service do no wrong.
If she didn’t want him and couldn’t take care of him, she should have put him up for adoption. And even if he was stillborn, he didn’t deserve this.
Thanks Brandee, I think Laura is referring to my step-daughter, who I helped with child support after her Dad, my husband, was disabled. Gary tried to be as good a Dad as he was able, the costs of our multiple cancers and other health conditions limited our being able to afford college costs for our six children. The two step children were the only of our children who complained about my costly fighting of the pollution channel being dug through our home farm, they claimed I was pouring their inheritance down a sinkhole. I just didn't want others to suffer as we had. Veronica Lack
Ray Franna,
Bradley Johnson testified under oath in the 2007 trial about the illegal transitioning of the illegal Flood Channel through my farm that he said you had done a survey for, on my farm. This illegal Flood Channel that I could not give an outlet for, continues to pollute more wells and more lives of Iowan's and their animals are endangered Downstream. The only drainage permit for my former Cedar (W) Township Section 11 Mitchell County farm was my very limited 1995 Corps of Engineer's Agreement for Drainage recorded on the Abstract for that farm. Yet you Ray helped plan the illegal Transitioning of that Chemical Flood Drain down a line of sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland that the Corps of Engineer's had refused a permit for Jim Urbatsch, Dean Sponheim, and Bradley Johnson or Section 10 farmers in the early 1990's. You could at least warn Floyd, Butler, and Bremer County residents since Ruth Morische lost her fight this last summer. The high Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers, Lead, Atrazine, when treated with Chlorine cause deadly disinfection byproducts. Tell the truth, Ray. Veronica Lack
Someone out there knows what happened to my Grandfather. Please help so those who love him can rest.
I believe me and my sisters wittnewit a murder cover up when we were children in souix city I remember a car being hid remember his hooks and I believe he new my father carol willis2405221997
Carol, hello. Was he shot and where was the neighborhood?
Wally & Rashad were like brothers. R.I.P
Yes they was
Lu Eggers You are right…. why? and Raymond Frana WHY did he have dirt in his stomach, a crushed arm, skin scrapped off his face and a large HOLE in the top of his head? At the time of the accident he was pinned in the truck with the air bag deployed AND wearing his seat belt…. Now you tell me he wasnt murdered…
This still makes me sick..poor baby being tossed into the trash like that..I hope the person who did this never finds peace EVER!
Right!!
I hope she hears the cry’s of that baby & sees his little face forever!!
This is NOT TRUE! Veronica Lack unfortunately does not know what she is talking about. While I worked at NRCS, I was involved in several and I mean several conversations with Ms. Lack about the pollution discussed in the article. There are producers that do pollute the environment however none of her neighbors do. Dale Adams has retired from the DNR however he was not someone that would say "You don’t want to take this test. You will get your neighbors in trouble.” He is not that kind of person. The fact is Ms Lack is not willing to accept the deaths of her husband and son. In my opinion Veronica is blaming anything she can to make since of her losses. Her son was in an accident and unfortunately passed away. NO ONE WAS CONSPIRING TO KILL HIM in fact all the people Veronica blames for her family members deaths were deeply saddened for her loss. The author of this article should be ashamed with them self for writing such crap. Veronica I truly pray you find peace in your hart, life and move on.
Dale lied to me about water tests.Safety he says. I took same water to Mn. Cause I had heard stories. My Suspicion was Right Can t trust. CERTAIN Iowa Workers.
there is a facebook site dedicated to this crime: Michelle Martinko Cold Case 1979—has links to videos, friends comments, archives of Newspaper articles…
Sounds personal…a crime of passion. Bet they have a good idea who did this.
Laura, I think you had better re-read the article, because your mini rant has incorrect statements and facts, and while your at it, your own stated website for cancer rates. Mitchell County is surround on all sides but those in the deep orange and in the red. You don't think that 378 reported cases of Cancer in 4 years is high? That is one in every 150 people. That means in any given elementary school, 1 to 2 children will have cancer PER GRADE LEVEL. That doesn't bother you? It's not enough? How about the fact that 2 people in the same household developed 3-4 combined types of cancers…you don't think that odd at all? The article listed Nora Springs as where Adam operated a business as well as grew up, as he did in Rockford before moving out west as a freshman in high school. If you had paid attention to the article, you would have noticed that all incidences occurred AFTER the Lack children had grown and Veronica and Gary moved back to a family farm. After Gary's passing, Adam moved back in with his mother so she would not be alone and to help her with the physical and legal battles her farm ownership entailed. I HAVE actually taken the time to read Adam's Voice as well as the environmental reports, and I grew up in Floyd. I worked for Adam when he ran the Floyd Y, and if you knew him, he was not the type of person to talk just to hear his own voice. He only EVER spoke if he had something important to say but otherwise was quiet. Rarely did the haunted look leave his eyes. The family photo captions do not state that all those in the photos are her children except the one, one is of her 6 kids, and the other is missing one of her children, but the other "girl" you know could have been a significant other of one of the children – ask your friend. Again, if you had bothered to read the article and the photo captions, perhaps you would actually comprehend the statements being made. I hope you don't carry over this lack of attention to detail to your professional life. I also know some of the persons named in the reports on a personal level. It's very disheartening and caught me completely by surprise.
SHIT…GO UP TO THE MAYO CLINIC AND GAZE UPON THE MAP ON THE WALL THEY HAVE THERE.
Mitchell Co. IOWA has the highest cancer rate in the NATION.
IT’S ALSO, THE WHITEST COUNTY IN THIS NATION…there’s a statistic that all of us need to be even more aware of!
Truth to power…speak it.
I’ve seen that Map Mentioned When I was at the Mayo Clinic. They keep track of all cancer reported.where person lives. NORTH IOWA EXTREMELY HIGH RATE. Bad Farming Practice. WAY TOO MANY HOG FARMS. WHERE’S ALL THAT MANURE GOING?? THE SUN DOESN’T DESTROY IT. IT RAINS SEPARATES
CHEMICALS IN FIELDS IT ALL FILTERS DOWN THROUGH GROUND OR RUNS OFF INTO RIVERS LAKES STREAMS. POISONS IN THE CROPS WE EAT. INTO ARTISAN WELLS UNDER GROUND STREAMS. HOW STUPID CAN SOME PEOPLE BE? WHEREADER DO YOU THINK ALL THAT HOG MANURE GOES?? I’M FROM MN. ORIGINALLY HELP MY GRANDPA AND UNCLE FARM 1,000 ACRES.THE CRAP FARMERS ARE PULLING IN NORTH IOWA IS BAD FARMING NO T GOOD FARMING NO RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE. THEY ARE WILLING TO KILL PEOPLE AND POSIONED THEM TO HAVE THEIR WAY. GREEDY FARMERS PAY ATTENTION OR DIE FROM CANCER BEFORE YOU TURN 60. OH I’VE GOT A RARE FORM OF LUNG CANCER SO YEAH I DO KNOW. MY LUNGS ARE FULL.DO THEY GOT ME. BLAME IT ON THE RAIN.IT’S GOD’S WATER!! QUOTE FROM EUGENE MERTENS IN COURT. HE TRIED TO DO A LAND GRAB ON US TOO.
Someone needs to keep investigating her “husband” seeing as how she was found so close to where he worked and the fact that he did everything to interfere with her search.
Link to KGAN’s story about Michelle Martinko:
Robert and Kim, thanks so much for the link — I’ve got it added to Michelle’s page. A very poignant interview with Janelle and John. KGAN did a great job with this piece, and I hope someone is inspired to come forward with new information.
I don't buy it. First of all, Mitchell Co does NOT have a high incidence of cancer – check the facts at https://www.cancer-rates.info/ia/index.php
Second, I know one of the girls in the "family photo", she may be related to the family, but Veronica is not her mother. Just saying that if some of the facts are not right… you can't believe the article. I also find it funny that I have lived in the area nearly my entire life, including when this accident happened, and I didn't hear a word about it. That seems pretty odd to me. PS – Nora Springs and Rockford aren't even in Mitchell County!!!! Looks like he never even lived in Mitchell County…….Something smells funny here……
mousey used to tell me “the fox smells his own hole first”…if you think something smells funny here, youuuuuuuuuu might be smelling your own shit!
who paid you to write this drivel?
anyone with a BRAIN knows the powers that ‘be’, whether small town thugs or huge corporate conglomerates, pay people to discredit those who speak, write or sing the truth!
it’s called truth to power, bitch!
get some!
or, you walk in the shoes of Ronnie Lack for ONE GODDAMNED HORRIBLE DAY, and remember how your son fought for the clean water we are all supposed to have the right to, but these farmers around here instead are given, by the governor who’s ruled by money, preference over the rest of us!
we are (what dick cheney called the first 3000 people killed in the WTC disaster/inside job, leading up to his bombing raids through the afghanistan mts for oil pipelines to be laid, using our Air Force,) “collateral damage”.
THERE’S A CONSPIRACY THEORY FOR YOU…and funny, how it’s NOT!
Laura, go up to Mayo. They have a map. Tell them you are from Mitchell County. After a blank stare and a sigh it will change your mind. . An eye opener!
how horrible.
My thing is look at what he was involved in and the people and those who were angry with him or would gain something from his death. It’s always those you wouldn’t think. Also if they had issues with meth heads, hunters etc. Sympathies for the family, hope one day it’s solved.
I completely agree and was just thinking the same thing Joshua. Somebody had a grievance against him. I simply cannot imagine! I think LE needs to dig deep and take a look at this again…I remember when this happened. I was born and raised in Wapello Co.
You are very welcome, Shelly Ann Vincent Dillon. Julie was such a beautiful and talented young woman, and I’m certain there are still people out there who know exactly who’s responsible. They may hide (sometimes in plain sight), but at least we can serve as a regular reminder that these victims’ lives will not be forgotten and their unsolved cases won’t eventually just “quietly go away.” For many of these killers, the day will come when they get that dreaded knock on the door. I like to think of the wall plaque that hung on Warden Norton’s office wall (from Shawshank Redemption) proclaiming, “His judgment cometh, and that right soon.” The one(s) who “cometh,” however, will be bearing handcuffs and an arrest warrant.
Thank you for keeping the hope of justice alive for all the families involved in the cold cases.
The Iowa police created a sketched composite of him….So I would say he’s your guy…Also the rest of the crime fits his M.O. too. And the Dorothy Miller case shows him back in Iowa (sketched again) murdering in 1969 – DeBardeleben in 1983 was indicted for murdering two realtors (one Bossier City Louisiana 1982 and another in 1971 RI)…When the Secret Service caught him the 2nd time in 1983 they found a script describing word for word that DBLN wrote about how he did realtor murders. That’s how Barrington RI police connected the dots…He filled out forms at the time of the murders and they connected him through that as well – they KNOW he did identical murders…I have at least 7 more beyond that of real estate agents – that make 10 realtors that I know of…
His Leota Camp murder was the 2nd of a series (that I know of) of what I termed “the good mothers” murders…He would knock on the door and attempt to vanish the mother – but sometimes if it failed – he would murder her in the home…
What did the authorities know and when did they know it? Why was justice not served in this case? Why has it taken some random commenter (me) nearly 50 years later to name the murderer? What is going on here?
Adam, I am interested in hearing what you have to say. However I will not give out personal contact information to a stranger. Please understand my concern for protecting myself and my family. I will consult with Jody Ewing and others on the appropriate way to handle this process.
DeBardeleben is a possible perpetrator. I wasn’t aware he had died.
pls if anybody has info pls email me matthewratliff65@gmail.com
They gave her back to her dad………………………………
My sister, Sena C. Gameros was a victim of a Double Homicide in Omaha, Nebraska. On June 11th, 2000. If anybody can tell me if anybody has tried to even solve our loved ones killings?
Here’s the youtube – again go to 55:25 mark to see the mugshot.
OK – I decided to reveal the perpetrator…
James Mitchell DeBardeleben – here is a youtube – go to 55:25 minute mark of the video to see the mugshot of him circa 1966 – PG County Maryland.
Also there is a book written on him by Michaud ( guy wrote a book on Bundy too) – its called Beyond Cruel.
Leota was not DeBardeleben’s first murder victim ( it seemed the FBI believe he was murdering in 1965 and I believe I know who that victim was) and not his last in Iowa.
Here is sketched again in another Iowa cold case – better sketch because of psychosexual bizarre murders of realtors – the realtors husband actual met the perpetrator before he did the ctime – hence the perfect sketch – https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/dorothy-miller/
Also as you research DeBardeleben you will see his penchant for using the phone to commit his crimes.
DeBardeleben was named “the worse serial criminal in US history” – he was – in my research – the worse serial killer in US history.
Fact: Leota Camps’ murderer very likely could have been identified and indicted and convicted in 1976 – I can show how – again in 1983 and after…
Why wasn’t he? How did he escape this justice?
I can help the family if they care to know more.
Don, I do not in any way mean to frustrate, or obstruct – I see that the family has posted in facebook threads above. Once named many other things will likely unfold – law enforcement arrested him in Maryland in 68 tried him and let him off on a technicality – therefore mugshots of him exist at that time – that’s how I know it was him.
Please know that I strongly prefer to have contact with the family about revealing the perpetrator. I have many reasons for this – one of them is to be maximally helpful to them (if they want that) in unpacking why justice was not served for them in this case. Also as I said in a previous post – perpetrator died in prison 2011.
I think we all would like to know. Can you name him if he is dead?
I am the cousin to my Uncle John’s son Ricky Stephens. Although I was only 8 and the same age as Ricky at the time of his murder, I remember so vividly. I remember my Dad ,Bernard Huey, who was a fellow police officer working so hard to try and find his murderers. I can remember listening to my Dad talking to men in our kitchen, going over all the evidence and trying desperately to solve this tragic murder. I am so sorry that this is still an unsolved case. I wish we had the technology back then that we do now. I know that the case was reopened at one time….what ever came with that? Uncle John was such a cool guy and I have many fond memories of him….he really does deserve justice.
If some of you know who did this, why don’t you just put the names out there? It’s not fear because you’ve already told everyone you know. Please just spit your theory out there
I THINK THAT IF THEY WOULD RELEASE PHOTOS OF THE QUILT MAYBE SOMEONE WOULD RECOGNIZE IT
So sorry. Bless his family and friends.
Prayer for closure to his family and friends.
i miss you grand pa we all do
i think they need to re open the case i want them to find this guy i want this to end with the guy behind bars
Someone needs to come forward. My prayers with the family and friends.
Did lonnie bell drive a red porsche around that time?
We miss you so very much….I love you….you would be so proud of your boys….always watching for a sign from you…..
Jamie Dornbush, this is Jody from ICC, and I’ve sent you a message via FB regarding your brother, Steven. I will be adding a case summary page for him on the ICC website ASAP. I’m so sorry for your loss.
my brothers are on facebook i could not locate you to many simmons
Prayers sent. To the family and friends for justice.
Serial
While the police were investigating this murder they learned that my brother Steve Barrette did not drown but had been murdered in 1976. We had his body exhumed and it did show blunt force trauma to the head. We have our ideas of who was involved or at least knows who did it but the police have no proof for an arrest. We pray everyday that someone will come forward and give our family some closure. Lets hope both of these unsolved murders can be solved!!! The Clinton Police can be reached at 563-243-1457.
Richard Buchanan was my father and to this day I have never heard any details on his murder. I was three years old at the time. Because of his death I have no idea of any relatives on his side of my family.
Steve, I can’t imagine what it must be like not knowing your paternal relatives. In the 1930 Census (your father was about 18) it shows here https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XS11-VZ8 that the household consisted of his mother, Josephine Buchanan, her two sons (Thomas R. Buchanan, 32, and your dad), along with daughter Alice Hartzman (27 years old then) and Alice’s husband, Harold Hartzman (36).
With your dad being the youngest in the household, the others are likely all deceased, but their children and grandchildren are probably out there somewhere. It would be wonderful if you could end up touching base with some of them. I’m sorry, too, you had to grow up without your father. He was simply in the wrong place (visiting a friend) at the wrong time.
In the “Sources” section, I’ve been adding links to the PDF newspaper archives I’ve saved over the years, so you might also find something useful in one of the articles. Let me know if I can be of assistance in any way.
All best, Jody
Thank You Jody. In 1967 my mother remarried to a wonderful man and was the best father I could have ever asked for. Recently my Niece has showed an interest in finding lost relatives (I have not) so I passed on your informationto her. Thank You again.
Steve, I’m so pleased to hear your mother eventually found love again and that this man ended up being such a wonderful father to you. You all deserved to be happy and feel the joy that comes with being part of a family. Thank you, too, for passing along my info to your niece. I’ll do what I can to assist her with any questions she might have. All my very best to you and your family.
What is she wanted for
I knew brian and I asked him if he wanted to sell his snowmobile a week before he came out missing and he wasn’t interested. I think what happened he was maybe driving over the limit, puts his truck in the ditch. Figured the cops might be coming out, he hides out probably in a culvert and dies of exposure. The next year a dog finds a skull in that area. I’m sure that’s what happened.
I tried buying Brian’s snowmobile a week before he went missing and he wasn’t interested. So that tells me he had no plans of running off. They found a skull the next year and an expert determined he was pretty sure it was him. They should run a mitochondria test with the skull and Brian’s mom to confirm that it’s Brian. I’m sure they’re was no foul play, they even had a helicopter searching with infrared and still nothing. I think he crawled into a culvert for some reason.
Wow….just awful…and how coincidental that 2 of her acquaintances were also murdered???
Prayers with the family and friends. God bless.
Yes I have they all know them….do you have any ideas from a lawyer close to here but does cases like this?this has been never ending nightmare. Thank you for your advice
Have you tried contacting the police?
Alot of these just seem odd or to perfect, someone had to see or hear something. Karma will get them one way or another and yes steve, the most important judge they still have to face.
Rip Uncle Melvin! Justice will be served if not in this life, they will have to face a JUDGE of us all and, GOD is Great!
Nobody saw anything? Hmm.
Maybe it wasn’t her real name?
Interesting case! Wondering if the dates of her two births in 1974 are correct.
No clue. I don’t remember anything. Very weird.
Johnny Gosch’s parents were patients of “mine” when I worked as dental assistant. Only months after his disappearance, his dad came in for a cleaning. My boyfriend at the time was very abusive, and I had black eye and bruises. He asked about them and showed so much concern about them. I thought to myself – here his son is missing, and he’s so kind and caring about some stranger’s bruises. I have and will never forget that. He made me feel quite special – which at that time, I needed to.
Becky Chaffee creepy
I knew big earl and his sons, earl jr and dovey ( Melvin) for many years…..big earl got knocked off out of greed. Those of us that were around before it happened know ….
Sad that his killer is getting coverage
Amy do you remember a girl named Seville
I remember Seville very well. Worked with her in Dubuque at River Queen as well as the Cave, BJ Hitching Post and the Grapevine in the 90s
OMG yep that was me
Let’s catch up cadiseville4u@gmail.com
I knew Earl as well. I lived and worked that circuit too. And with Seville. Poppa John and Leslie from the foxes den were my parents. I have been living in Ga for a Few yrs and I was thinking I’m going to go out and visit.
Earl was always good to me, respectful. Guess he was afraid of my Momma. Lol. Gonna stop in and see Dubby too.
See y’all soon. Laurie.
Amy 😪
I looked on Facebook for you can you email me at cadiseville4u@gmail.com
Or hit me up on Instagram: mz.malissa
Facebook: Malissa McGregor
I caught exactly what you meant and agree 100% with that fake ass story about family cooking. 🙄 I’ve relied on Karma for the last 24 years of my life! It will come back around.
It seemed normal for them to keep evidence when they said was suspicious but when he said it’s accident end of story with no reason no documents why would you keep it……
We tried all other people we keep getting told sheriff has all the power and it’s conflict of interest due to he was captain at the time but now sheriff
Have you guys tried talking with an attorney? Maybe not with a local attorney, but someone from another part of Iowa (maybe Iowa City/Des Moines)? I just can’t get past how your family was treated. If I was an attorney, I’d take your case up for free. Something is really fishy with the sheriff, and you and your family deserve answers. I’m so sorry to hear about everything you guys have gone through.
This has been very hard and shocking and the way we have been treated for only trying to get answers
Timothy Jay Vafeades HE MIGHT BE THE ONE ….sounds right…fits his profile…and he was a trucker …i be dammned if he had nothing to do with it.
so i went and investigated the villisca iowa house november 12th 2014 , and im just curious about what all did people catch threw the spirit box or on a digital recorder ,im not going to say what my group caught until i hear other peoples feed back just because maybe someone will hear a name or something we caught and say they caught the same thing and maybe it was completely different, i dont know im really curious so , if your willing to inform me or conversate about your experience or information , anything please give me an email _ brennenhanson@gmail.com . our group is also called TCPRI , visit our website _ tcpri.webs.com. – Thank you.
thank you all good things come at their own time. Looking forward to joining your group.
Emily Toresdahl, I have sent you a message through FB’s Message service.
Tom Fine, yes, the other paperboy who disappeared was Eugene Martin. He went missing Aug. 12, 1984, almost two years after Johnny. Eugene’s page at https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/eugene-martin/ shows the reward poster for both boys. The Des Moines Register pledged $25,000 of the $94,000 reward, which went unclaimed. Both cases are still unsolved.
Why isn’t your department working with Paul Bonacci for finding out the details of where these boys were housed and restrained? You should check into the Boy’s Town for staking out their affairs for someone watching how things are happening with children. I have done a lot of research about this case and this is a huge coverup.
Expressa, I agree that all of this is a huge cover-up, but ICC is not an official law enforcement agency; we are an Iowa nonprofit dedicated to providing the public with up-to-date information about these cases in efforts to encourage those with info to contact the appropriate investigating agency. We do pass along all tips and leads we receive to the respective agencies, but we cannot officially pursue the investigation of any of these cases.
For what it’s worth, I’ve seen the “Who Took Johnny” documentary (now on Netflix), and I believe Paul Bonacci is telling the truth. I don’t understand why, after he confessed to being the one who “snatched” Johnny and chloroformed him in the car’s back seat, that no law enforcement officials ever took time to interview him or get a statement from him. Then again, one must remember that back then, the general public (including those in LE) weren’t familiar with the word “pedophile.” After viewing the documentary, this is the one thing I remembered most. Nobody wanted to believe this sort of activity was actually taking place in Iowa, let alone our own back yards.
Eugene Martin
Julie Jones Elizabeth Gregg
It just makes you wonder?
He was the captain on the case in 1986 now sheriff we even asked for her clothes/evidence back he said he was keeping it in case he needed it….
Is there a way that another law enforcement agency can go in and review the case? This sheriff’s behavior sounds very, very fishy to me. On the other hand, it might be helpful that he kept the evidence (as long as it hasn’t been contaminated) because this means that the evidence could be analyzed again.
My heart goes out to you and your family, Julie. I’m so sorry that you’ve had to live this nightmare for so long. You deserve answers.
I remember when this happened. Heartbreaking.
Google that very interesting case he is alive!!! Ask his mother the story..
There was a young women named Mary Ann Scoval who was murdred in Des Moines in the 1970s. Was her murder ever solved?
Kelly, Mary Ann Scovel’s murder was not solved. She has a page here on ICC at: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/mary-ann-scovel/
Kelly, after reviewing some of the comments on this page, I thought I should clarify something about Mary Ann Scoval’s case. She was killed April 14, 1976, and on April 30, 1976, police did arrest and charge Jeffrey Robert Calvert, 22, in her slaying. A Polk County grand jury indicted Calvert on murder charges May 6, 1976, but the October 1976 trial was over almost as soon as it began and didn’t even reach the jury deliberation stage.
Calvert’s wife and mother-in-law testified in court that he’d been with them “at church” during the time of Mary Ann’s murder. Things went downhill from there when Asst. Polk County Medical Examiner Dale Grunewald wrapped up his testimony, and admitted during a short recess that he’d changed the time of Scovel’s death after learning she’d telephoned her father about 5 p.m. April 14. Grunewald said he’d also changed the time of death because of the undigested food in the victim’s stomach (eaten 30 to 45 minutes before she died.)
After the recess, Asst. Polk County Attorney Donald Starr asked District Judge A.B. Crouch to dismiss the murder charge “because of Dr. Grunewald’s testimony concerning the time of Scovel’s death.” Rather than declaring a mistrial, Judge Crouch promptly dismissed the first-degree murder charge against Calvert and sent jury members home. The “dismissal” guaranteed Calvert could never be tried again for Scovel’s murder due to double jeopardy legal guarantees.
Because the time of death was changed and the case dismissed, it’s possible that new information (DNA or otherwise) might lead to someone else being charged for Mary Ann’s death (which is why she is listed on this site), but even if the DNA or new evidence directly links the murder to Calvert, he still can’t be charged or tried again. Once investigators arrest and charge an individual with murder, LE agencies consider the case closed or cleared even if the suspect is found not guilty after a trial. They are open, however, to following up on any new leads that surface, which could result in the arrest and trial of another alleged perpetrator. Jody @ ICC
If I remember , was not there another paperboy that disappeared a year later in the same West Des Moines neighborhood?…seems like they may be connected
I will never forget this! Still hope he is out there somewhere alive and well. Prayers to his family.
everyone loved Matt..I hope his murder is solved soon..
I’ll never forget this.
a parents worst nightmare..
Sad…
Will never forget ;(
Very sad.
So sad….. Never forget him!
Will never forget this! So sad!!
So heart wrenching.
Very sad!!!
Its just disturbing at how many there are and what about the ones that were missed or we dont know about. Creepy.
This is a very sad story. I pray that his family finds the answers they need to find peace.
Childhood friend, still makes me very sad!
Thank you Carmen Clay and Stephanie Gugliemo Lynch, most people just don’t understand that no matter what else a victim of homicide is they are someone’s son/daughter, brother/sister, niece/nephew lover/friend. My brother meant so very much to a lot of people & 3 very special golden retrievers.
Mary, I’m totally with you on that! It got to the point that I’d wince at every mention of how “beautiful” and innocent so many female victims were, as if being pretty makes her loss that much greater.
All of these bother me. To think of a family member gone, especially murdered with no answers, I just can’t imagine. Add he was a veteran and its even more devastating. He served a country in which he returned to and was murdered in. Just so messed up. Prayers they find who did this. This was 48 years ago, even if the murderer were deceased, to have closure for the victims remaining generations would be respectful and right.
It makes me so sad to read that because of the marijuana, he wasn’t considered a “sympathetic” victim. All murder victims are sympathetic. I hope his family receives justice.
;-(
Sounds to me like the sheriff who called them in recent years needs to be investigated. Everything about this case seems like local law enforcement has been covering something up. I hope that this family is able to get the investigation that they deserve; and I hope that if the sheriff is covering something up and hindering an investigation, he/she loses their job. This is absolutely not acceptable.
Ooops! It was KGAN that reported it.
You’re right, DeeAnn, he’s passed away, just heard it on the news as well. Here’s the link to the article about his death:
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/2014/11/10/john-bloomfield-accused-murder-died/18813301/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
I just now heard on KWWL 5 o’clock news that John Bloomfield has died.
Duh it was the daughter, after reading I could find lots of “motive” why wasn’t this investigated more? Seems like shotty police work to me!
Emily, please feel free to share your Dads case on my friends page. Her case is also an unsolved murder from Iowa. It’s called: Justice For Rosie.
I’m curious. At what point in time does it finally get to where they can release information on cases. It’s been 66 years. Odds are the person responsible is dead. I understand that new leads can be found, but not likely after so long.
Is there a time limit before information can be released? 75 years? 100 years after the crime.
Eric, there is no specific time limit for investigating agencies to release information about unsolved/cold cases. It also depends on individual agencies and how they wish to handle the release of any information. Some departments may be willing to release case files to next of kin after 30 or 40 years, while other agencies may refuse to release specific files even 75 years after an unsolved crime. Each situation is unique, and often hinges on whether or not the release of information will compromise what is “still” considered an ongoing investigation, or whether or not it will pose an imminent threat or danger to others.
The vast majority of states don’t have legislation to legally define what a “cold case” is or how much time must pass before the case is considered cold. Arizona (followed closely by Colorado) leads the nation in addressing many of these questions and organizing cold case task forces.
In 2007, the (Arizona) Attorney General’s Cold Case Task Force held several public hearings to discuss cold case issues. The Cold Case Task Force released its final report on Dec. 28, 2007. A recommendation of that report was:
It is recommended that the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission be asked to continue with the Cold Case Task Force efforts and bring together members from the criminal justice community to facilitate the drafting of such legislation and identifying “promising practices.”
As a result, the Arizona legislature passed SB 1274, which states that ACJC shall “Compile and disseminate information on best practices for cold case investigations, including effective victim communication procedures. For the purposes of this paragraph, ‘cold case’ means a homicide or a felony sexual offense that remains unsolved for one year or more after being reported to a law enforcement agency and that has no viable and unexplored investigatory leads.”
The full report is available here.
Another great reference is a document prepared by the National Sheriffs’ Association, Justice Solutions, and the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. It’s available for download in PFD format here.
Emily, is your father listed in “Iowa Cold Cases”?
Seems pretty clear cut who killed her to me!! the daughter and son in law most likely,
My dad was killed just a few miles away from Kensett and his case is also unsolved. I don’t think any Worth county attorneys have looked into these cases in years, if at all. I know the DCI has hundreds of cases to solve but I hope they look into these two cases again soon.
Awe sad.
any idea where she might be
Kelli the comment was cruel. Jerry was the father of my oldest daughter, she grew up without him, and no man could ever take his place.
Alice approximately ca. 1967
It will be 20 years tomorrow. We all loved Steven and he will always be missed. He touched a lot of people. I pray that justice will serve my son someday.
Thank you so much, Diane, for your comments, and know I’m thinking of you and your family on this 20-year anniversary date of your son’s senseless murder. I’ve sent a separate email to you, and will do whatever I can to help you find answers and see justice served in his death.
All my very best,
Jody
Yes I do
I was 8 yrs old when my Mom told me (or maybe I overheard her telling someone) that my Dad’s secretary at PDM had been murdered by an axe to the head. This has always stuck with me and I can’t believe this crime has never been solved. It sounds like crime of passion. I always wondered if anyone from PDM was a suspect of course not my Dad!
I went to school with Guy, and really liked him. My friends and I set up collection cans at local stores to raise money to find him. At 11, I wasn’t sure what else to do. I think about Guy and his family often…you are all in my prayers. I still look at his picture and remember his personality. May you find peace.
Thanks Carole
I’m sorry for your loss as well!
Jeff Bentson…Thank you for your help in my family’s time of need. We appreciated all of the volunteers. God Bless to you as well.
Your sister went missing the same night as a significant event in my life occurred, and I’ve always connected the two incidents in my head. I just want you to know that 30+ years later, that someone she never met still thinks of her and prays for her soul.
Thank you Rhonda for the prayers. I am Linda’s big sister and just today reading these posts. I will keep you in my prayers going forward too. God bless you.
do you know her
This is the only one from Sept. that fits the profile.Homicide:
William Thomas
70 YOA
1213 Jefferson Avenue
Des Moines, IA
Polk County
Case # 1979-35742
September 9, 1979
William Thomas, 70, was beaten on the head near his home at 1213 Jefferson Avenue on September 9, 1979. He died the next day.
Just noticed as I viewed Iowa cold cases: 1978; July 8-Anna T Miller-57-bludgeoned in her home. August 10-Glenn W Turner-59-bludgeoned and left in van.Oct 19-Johnnie E "john" Clinton-68-stabbed and bludgeoned in home…there appears to be a distinct pattern here…I am currently checking for Sept. 1978 deaths…or if this is serial, perhaps the person was out of circulation for a period.
that was fucking wrong to judge the lady Owen that house she didn’t
make money off if it the thing is u need to be burn to the ground
I agree. It should be burned down.
Has it been 21 years I remember this man I alway went to sleep over at there house with his younger sister and he was a nice man .. miss him pray they find some answers
Sounds like this case could be solved with a little tough justice.
What is even stranger is that the man Steve Klein knew all three victims also??? Why has his life not been scrutinized to the fullest. I truly believe this man had something to do with all three murders.. That’s just my opinion and not a fact.. Too many coincidences for this not to be fully investigated even after 20 years!! Just a blatant judicial error on the police’s part. Then to give the kids to him after he is considered a suspect is mind boggling. The grandparents have not been able to be involved in their lives since the murder. If that doesn’t ring many alarm bells, I don’t what will.
Dear Mr. Snyder – after reading this whole article and the only word I can come up with is unbelievable. How a panel of 12 jurors could come back with a not guilty verdict is just not comprehensible to me. The only thing that should mattered is the DNA found on your sons pajama bottoms. And to hear you say that some of the jurors were falling asleep during the trial just boggles the mind. Why did the judge not stop the trial and replace these jurors?? This man has gotten away with murder. My heart bleeds for you. I can only hope that there is a God and he will receive his final judgment. I pray you find peace and know that there are those of us who absolutely believe you had nothing to do with this.
If Cisneros visited the apartment earlier my Question is WHY? It would be very probable to have gotten blood on pjs at that time. Was it just blood or something else mixed in with it? That was never made clear in anything I have read.. Kind of hush hush about it, really. Exactly how good did they know one another?
I applaud this effort to shed light on the killer or killers of a fine young man, Reginald Renard Bryan, Jr., and I pray witnesses will have the courage to respond quickly.
Where is Arthur charles Scott jr. Now?
https://www.facebook.com/acharlesscott
Holly Durben’s boyfriend, Brian Davis, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in her death. Link here:
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2014/10-29-2014_DCI_ShenandoahFirstDegreeMurder.html
Very puzzling!!
Being choked to death is definitely murder!
This is a very tragic and horrific crime! The question keep nagging at me about them laying flat on their stomachs. Could they have possibly been tied up? After they were killed, they were untied and evidence taken with the killer? Possible. And whoever did this had to of asked the front desk ….better reinterview employees at the hotel. Somebody out there knows something, so don’t give up!
What is your problem? Who are you to judge? And that's nasty of you to say you hope she burns in hell. SHAME on you, jerk
Why isn’t this an actively investigated case? With the obvious tampering and officials involved, I’d think the state would intervene and make this right. At least make the investigation of a murder or possible murder require an autopsy. Also to hold those responsible who moved items in the crime scene area.
This is absolutely the most horrible murders I have ever seen or read about. I hope God will deal with the murderer so the adults and children can find peace.
…my purpose, exactly.
Sue Williams, yes, I think ‘Cold Justice’ could do a lot with this case, but they’ll only review cases submitted by the local law enforcement agency handling the case. Bruce Clemonds, the lead investigator in Laura’s case, is now an administrator with the Missouri Office of Homeland Security. I’ll touch base with him to see what he thinks.
Have you thought of sending this to the show ‘Cold Justice’? It seem like one that they could do a lot with….
Hmm, wonder if there could be any ties to the Tammy Zywicki case?? I’m sure they’ve already looked at this…??
I wonder how many of these cases could be solved if there were systematic efforts to search bodies of water with the new Side Scan Sonar systems.
Quite a few of these cases involve an individual who was last seen leaving in a vehicle, and neither the individual or vehicle were ever seen again.
Jenni, I agree with your comment. However, it costs money to do these searches. Also, there are two couples who have small boats that can do this.
As a former submarine sailor, I am familiar with other tools the military has used to find submarines, that might more useful, and possibly quicker.
I have been keeping track of stories of where vehicles have been found containing the remains of people missing. In one case law enforcement divers recovered two vehicles missing for almost 40 years on a dive to try out some new equipment.
Jenni, I assume you have heard of the dive group Adventures with Purpose. They have cleared about 24 missing persons cases. They seem in a one case to have done what law enforcement failed to do.
There was a recent case from the Philadelphia area, of a man, who disappeared a number of years ago. He worked the midnight shift for UPS, and was a diabetic.
He over slept and was running late to pick up the kids from the babysitter, and disappeared. I came across his case about 40 or five months ago. I looked at my AAA Road Atlas, and figured he ended up in a specific body of water.
Well, that’s where they found him and his pickup truck. It was interesting that there had been some improvements made to a pier of whatever. So, the divers found a pylon that was driven through the engine compartment of the truck. If the contractors had done a underwater survey, they would have found the truck a few years ago,
Patrick yes AWP actually found Ethan Kazmerak who was missing from Hampton Iowa, but if you watch them I assume you know already wish more people would do what they do
Thank you Lois, I am also a Christian. I hope I could help in some way. I would lie to read her book too. Margaret said Roy changed before he passed, and she honestly believed he was saved. She had prayed for his salvation for years. I myself do not know, if he could be forgiven if he commited this awful crime, unless he sought forgiveness from the family.
Only God can see our hearts and forgive us.
Do you realize that Roy and Margaret have living family. I have contacted police with the name of the person who killed Patricia but they will not listen. shame on you for your judgement you have made using hearsay and degrading two beautiful people who are now gone and not here to defend themselves. Who are you to judge their Christianity?
Sorry Linda, I know it is hard to hear things about your grandpa, I am glad you escaped with out harm. As did I, but some didn’t.
What Lois wrote is no supposition, neither were the bloody shorts, or my sister.
Has this case ever been compared to NamUs UP 5971?
I pray for justice .my prayers to the family .
RIP
Agnes the person that took you away from us will get what they deserve and the ones that didn’t help you and protect you of any love or friendship that second minute or hour were evil to the 10 power
You will not see them in HEAVEN until then enjoy all the beautiful colors and happiness we all wait for
Amber is my cousin and would love for her case to be solved
Amber is buried next to my little Angel, we always put something on there, so she is never forgotten.
The case of missing Marion resident, James Booher, is now being treated as a homicide, despite not finding his body yet. Links to CR Gazette articles about the case:
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/missing-man-investigation-leads-police-to-possible-meth-lab-20140624
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/memorial-service-scheduled-for-missing-marion-man-20141017
Forgot to link to the original article about Booher’s disappearance:
https://www.thegazette.com/police-say-marion-mans-disappearance-is-suspicious-20140613
Kim, thanks so much for the update on James Booher. I’ve now got a page added for him with all the updated info at: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/james-booher/
Since his body has not yet been found, I kept him listed here on the MP page but also added him to the Homicides page for the 2000-present cases. I sure hope his family is able to find answers soon.
Thanks again!
What websites Candi Rowe
Could have been an undetected genetic disorder or many other things…
Statistically impossible, especially since there were at least three different biological fathers involved, possibly four. Also, toddlers do not die of crib death.
Marie
Life is strange and the Lord speaks to us in such special ways. I can’t remember how I came across this website. How ever I am studying this book by Stormie Omaritian a Christian woman. It is on emotional healing and each week you deal with different things in your life. I was telling a friend of mine about what happened to me and my sister when we were young in order to deal with the pain and to let it go for ever. As circumstance would have it the lord placed your article in my life. Thank you Marie for helping me to find closure. I remember Patricia’s death well. I believe I was about 19 ys. old. I remember David getting married to a girl I went to school with at Lincoln high however we never knew each other. It saddens me to think of all the lives Uncle Roy affected. I hope they all find peace with it someday.
May God Bless you Marie
Lois Fetters Sears
Lois children don’t realize it is going to happen to any one else, they think it is just them, they often blame themselves, because that is what they are told, they are often to scared to tell any one, and very often they are not believed when they do tell.
Margaret knew what Roy was, she warned all of us girls, As a little girl I stayed at there house with the girl they adopted, Margaret always had us lock the bedroom door, and we were told not to come out of that room at night for any reason. As a mother, and older now, I do not understand my mother allowing us to visit there with out parents with us, or stay over night. I would never allow my daughter to spend any time there.
The killer might still be in Waverly.
she was a wonderful Artist,!! my hearts and prayers to her friends and family. hope you someday find justice..
Ed Kriz and my father Arthur E Hill were soldiers and close friends through and after WW2. We had some conversations pertaining to the murder by Schneider. He alluded jail but it cost a farm! I am not sure if Art was a police officer at that time but he was told by Iowa City Police to stop investigating the case. Ed was a great man!
I made a group called Finding Viola Marie Findley today thank you for your interest. I also updated so info with NAMUS.
Sounds suicide to me.
its is obvious that a member of the church, that was present that night, committed the murder. the Rev's activities and actions were very suspicious but i think a tall man in their mid to late 30s that was present at the church that night, not necessarily having close relationship with the family, was at fault. the attack didnt seem to have been committed by someone that knew the family well… likely a new member of the church that recently joined within the last month or two…
I remember her just like it was yesterday she was such an awesome woman I remember hanging out with her at different times she always put a big smile on my face I would love to see the killer brought to justice and be able to look at him eye to eye and then slap the hell out of him
She is not missing she is wanted.
Shelly, we still have Cari listed here because she’s still listed as a missing person with the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Missing Person Information Clearinghouse. Once law enforcement officials notify MPIC she’s been located, she’ll no longer be listed here as missing. Thank you for your input and information about her case.
Yes I remember Paul what a shame this all happened and no one knew. I’m so sorry to hear that Paul is no longer with us he was always so good to us as kids. Uncle Roy was a pervert just no one at that time talked about it especially us kids. Who would have believed us. I am a christian women and when I found out he had finally passed away I was grateful. I don’t know if he had any thing to do with the crime but it would have been so easy for him… Justice will be made if not in this life time it will be in the next. I’m so sorry if you were affected by this man.
Blessings,
Lois Fetters Sears
9284461707
Don’t give up Tammy, persistence pays off sometimes. Amazing and baffling case. How your files ended burned? Why threatening your quest?
It was uncle Roy
He left friends on the town square and was headed to his parent’s house in his car.
It’s strange that he was reported missing on the same night he disappeared..I think his friends or some other person knows where he is or what happened to him and they are scared to come forward with information..There are so many different avenues here that could have happened to him…His car could have been buried or drove into that Lake outside of Albia….He could have picked someone up and met with foul play, and like I said before if drugs were at all involved maybe Harry was an informant and is in a witness protection program…So many speculations here…but what is also strange is that I posted a comment on here awhile back about what I feel might have happened to Harry and it somehow disappeared…huh..wonder what happened to it??
You are missed Uncle Greg.
Thank you, Audrey Haverkamp, for clarifying that Colleen was from Clearfield. Her home city is now referenced on Colleen’s case summary page and she’s also listed on the Clearfield, Iowa page. After 39 years, our hopes are that someone will finally step forward with what he/she knows. Colleen’s family deserves answers, and somebody always knows something. All the best to you.
i recall when this happed but never heard the out come the hell these family’s must be going through not knowing what and where there love one’s are or who took there live’s
what a shame that some nut would do this to a poor old lady hope God has worse in store for the one who did this
It’s time to solve this case. Colleen Simpson was from Clearfield, Iowa, not Bedford…both towns are in Taylor County. If you know anything, contact the Taylor County Sheriff’s office at Bedford, Iowa.
Such a sad story. I hope that someone speaks up and gives these parents some measure of peace.
Please help if u know anything speak up.
I think of this family often. I hope they find some answers some day soon.
I pray for justice!
Now I’ve recently heard of a guy in Webster Co. that was trying to snatch children. I wonder if it’s the same guy.
I would bet anything it had to do with the drugs n ratting ppl out….makes me sick to my stomach because I was down by the lake twice that day within that time frame..
Steve, am sure you have done so did you see anything or remember anything? Talk to the police about it?
get hypnotized. You saw the killer. You just don’t remember it. Hypnosis will bring it out and we can move on. Then there’s the reward………
Here’s a thought. Marcella uncharacteristically broke down crying the day before the murders. Had her husband called and told her he was staying to finish his job by that point? Some bible thumping discussion about staying married to such a sinful man could have been discussed by Marcella, and inspiring someone to protect Marcella from one so unholy as to have an affair. Her new last name is not allowed to be printed, so where did she meet her new hubbie?
Tammy I agree with this idea. He was hit more times than Rosie from what I can tell makes me think it was about him, she was just the wrong affair when someone had enough of him. just a thought
And I bet her knew Rose from before.
How trivial is Branstadt’s protected status for speeding versus an avalanche of injustices his protection has triggered. I will remember Lisa McCuddin’s case for the egos that felt above the law to shoot an innocent Mom, and the egos that felt above the law to remove someone working towards justice for Lisa McCuddin, and those that love her. By allowing the removal of Hedlund, the system verifies psychopathy for all concerned citizens. With these thoughts in mind I wonder – can true ethics prevail to find justice for Lisa McCuddin, her family, and friends? Lady Justice may be blindfolded, but we the people are not.
Theresa, thank you for understanding my reasoning for including the information about Branstad. I do my very best to leave politics out of case summaries, but given the fact that Larry Hedlund was the lead DCI investigator in Lisa’s murder (and went out of his way to keep the family informed), I felt readers deserved to know why he’s no longer listed as the point-of-contact in her case. Even now, whenever I hear his name mentioned in the news, Lisa’s unsolved murder immediately comes to mind because he was so committed to seeing justice served for Lisa and her family. He’s a good man.
It doesn’t matter how many pressers the governor’s office releases saying Branstad’s speeding vehicle had nothing to do with Hedlund’s firing; the most basic facts appear to suggest otherwise. Hedlund had never before been demoted, suspended, or even reprimanded in his 25-year career with the DCI, and was then forced out just five days after spotting the black SUV with tinted windows doing a “hard ninety” in a 65 mph zone (which neither Hedlund nor the pursuing Iowa State Patrol officer knew carried the governor and lieutenant governor until finally catching up with the SUV and then backing off without stopping them). Branstad’s not-so-discreet retaliation tactics no longer surprise Iowans, and Hedlund was neither his first nor last victim.
In attempts to be fair here … When I worked as a correspondent for the Sioux City Journal, I spent some time with Branstad during his 1983–1999 term and found him quite personable back then. I admired his hands-on involvement in small communities, covered several of his trips to western Iowa (rides on keelboat during Onawa’s Lewis & Clark Festival, his trips to schools where he actively participated in young students’ projects and other local events), and I wrote respectful articles about his dedicated efforts to understand Iowans’ needs. But as Theresa mentioned above, it’s a sad day indeed when something so seemingly trivial — just another vehicle speeding down a highway and a law enforcement official doing his job — bruises an ego and lets loose an avalanche of injustice. Lisa McCuddin’s family, Larry Hedlund’s unblemished 25-year career with the DCI, and the 29 Iowa counties Hedlund faithfully served got blindsided by a travesty of justice. Still, I have hope and believe Lisa’s murder will soon be solved. It’s time to let her family put her ashes to rest.
right.now.thinking,of.you.jenn.hope.you.get.justice,for.lisa
They caught those guys that was my mother I'm law
This is going wIth my gut of course but I think Vicki killed Jamie or at least tried to or thought she did and started the fire… she used zirtzman to cover her tracks possibly trying to use his background since she was told about it when she moved in then she coached him. He wasn’t too smart. That’s why she checked areas she knew the girl wouldn’t be in. Made that weird remark about jaymie. Both fires might have been points of origin. She was hoping the fire would go faster. Eat the evidence but it didn’t since they found the girl in the bath tub. Possibly tried to drown her. Well this is all conjecture. Just a hypothesis.
Darkkan13, there are points from your hypothesis I think need to be addressed, but first I’d like to say I believe this case could have been solved by now if 1) the DCI still had their Cold Case Unit, and 2) if investigators had petitioned the court to exhume Jaymie’s body to clarify a critical detail not mentioned or addressed in her original autopsy report.
I have a copy of Jaymie’s complete autopsy report (including the body sketch that outlines the thermal burn areas), and I’ve read and studied it thoroughly, taking into consideration the fact that firefighters found Jaymie lying fully stretched out (as if sleeping calmly) on her back in the bathtub. In my personal opinion, no scared 6-year-old (if conscious) would passively lie there while breathing in smoke and/or soot. I do not, however, believe Vickie tried to drown her. That said, the other points in your hypothesis are in alignment (to varying degrees) with documentation already provided to the state, yet Vickie, like everyone else, is still innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Disinterring a loved one’s body is not pleasant for anyone, but has the potential to answer overlooked questions and/or even clear an innocent suspect.
As the ‘Types of Burn Injury’ chart shows up above, burns are one of four separate types, yet four different sources may cause thermal burns. What we know and don’t know:
Please keep a civil tone and open mind with any discussions. There’s no doubt many lives were damaged and forever changed by the tragic loss of a father, brother, son, uncle, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and charming little girl nicknamed “Sissy.”
Autopsy reports, numerous interviews, and other documentation is available to official law enforcement agencies upon request.
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
PDM did not make the forked columns used in the World Trade Center, Lukens Steel in Coatesville, PA made them. Your photo even gives credit to the Lukens Historic District.
To blah: I respectfully disagree. PDM “did” in fact fabricate the forked columns used in the World Trade Center. The steel plate was made and rolled by Lukens. The website Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Co. | Medialander | Connects states (shown with the bold print exactly as it appears at the referenced website):
Also, the Let’s Roll Forums page here provides not only some additional information, but a number of incredible pictures and tables listing all the WTC steel elements recovered for the NIST investigation.
I properly provided courtesy photo credit to the Lukens Historic District website because that is where I found the black-and-white photo used in Anna’s case summary.
I guess no unsolved murders for over 30 years is not enough for Sally Chapman.
Just over 20 years actually, but no its not good enough, Clinton is a troubled organization to say the least
Actually it’s been 32 years exactly. 19 consecutive solved murders seems like a good start. Especially since most Clinton Cops were not born when these occurred. I guess 19 solved murders in a row is not ever changing.
32 yrs? What years was that?
30 years? I’m not seeing 30 yrs. What years were those?
There are a lot more over the years who aren't listed. Closure is a good thing.
Top notch Clinton PD. It will never change. How many more unexplained will we mourn?
Thank you Jody for keeping up the cause!!!
Obviously the roommate knows more than he’s telling…this happened in the next room!!! I guess Aaron was too afraid to tell who’d done this to him which I understand but that guy would be in jail right now for murder instead of running the streets very near my hometown of Boone. (about 15 miles from Ames, the big city)
The roommate was my brother Steven cross who passed away in 2012 from a drug overdose he told the cops everything he knew ..that p rock guy did it they just didn’t do good,police work
The thing is Ellis “p rock” has an alibi at 7:40 he was at Hy-vee with someone by the name of Terance Jenkins and then at 10:08 he was see getting on the bus with that said person.
210 S 2nd St and the Lincoln Center Hyvee are a 10 minute walk from each other. CyRide runs all along Lincoln Ave which runs parallel to S 2nd, one block North. The attack happened between 9:30p and before 9:53p when the police were called.
That is more than a big enough window of time for Ellis to go to HyVee at 7:40p and get on a bus a block away at 10:08p
ss for the loss
It seems that guilty people tend to push a subject for continual attention, if it drops, they are not happy, keep pressing and averting the blame in a different direction – cops are not stupid, people need to give them more credit than that – especially due to the notoriety of this case.
Missing and Tattooed, even though Bloomfield is allegedly living under “strict monitoring,” he’s still allowed to go to the grocery store and do the common things everyday people do. His attorney, Leon Spies, boasted that his client’s release “could be the first for a person charged with first-degree murder.” I’m not aware of *any* person who’s ever been released from custody while awaiting a first-degree murder trial (in Iowa, anyway), let alone allowed to leave the state. Spies was one of 3 attorneys who defended Dustin Honken, the first Iowan to receive the death penalty in more than 40 years. Honken killed 5 people, including 2 federal drug informants, two little girls, ages 6 and 10, and the girls’ mother.
They let him loose to go prowl around St. Paul, Minnesota while awaiting trial..they think he killed someone and he’s free to come and go….crazy!!!
Prayers to all the families of these victims, Josh Yoder lived right around the corner from us. Very sad indeed!!
Well Iowa Cold Cases I think you are wrong about a couple of things. Edward Wayne Edwards did commit this crime, Jon Benet’s murder, the Zodiac, the Atlanta child killings and so many more. You are correct that Donna Sue’s killer passed away – Edward Wayne Edwards died in prison on April 7, 2011. You can’t deny the facts as they all fall into place – there is so much more information out there and so many more crimes to be solved and imprisoned innocent people that need justice. The truth will come out.
Beth Cameron, Edward Wayne Edwards was *not* the one who killed little Donna Sue Davis. The reason Edwards is called the “serial killer you never heard of” is because he was so obsessed with being in the media spotlight he confessed to a number of unsolved crimes, including that of Jon Benet Ramsey. People make false confessions for a number of reasons, and can a serial killer be considered a trustworthy source of information? Sioux City police know who killed Donna Sue but the DNA had degraded over the years (before today’s forensics allowed for microscopic replication), and Donna Sue’s killer passed away just a few years ago.
Christal Hills, these anniversary posts are to provide links to the victim’s pages, and yes, John Bloomfield “has” been charged for first-degree murder in his wife’s death and is currently awaiting trial. A judge released John Bloomfield from custody and allowed him to return to his St. Paul, Minn. home *while awaiting his murder trial in Iowa.* The trial isn’t expected to begin until Jan. 2015. DNA evidence linked him to his wife’s murder.
we all remember pam hinrichs, so funny always a smile on her face, these are sad and some are same time frame 1981 and 1982 could be same person
This case has my intrigued, and it even happened right before I was born. If you ever want to shoot around ideas/theories, feel free to send me an email to brianmdarr@gmail.com. I’m not any kind of law enforcement. Just someone interested in details. Incidents like this don’t seem like they could happen today, with cameras all over the place and better forensics, but this case seems to have a lot of strong angles and evidence. It seems to me that it would be solvable if they put the man power into it.
Just a question….if if her husband wasn’t charged, why mention him? If he is still a suspect, say so….but don’t leave him hanging for the public to beat on otherwise.
The one there was solved.
RIP
Wasn't there another at a bar on 4th street ??
To many for this town .prayers to all the families,such a sad thing not knowing what the heck happened and why did it have to be lime that.
He was my grandfather someone robbed myself and my family of having a grandfather.
Danny Burton seems like a legit suspect according to the info in the article. Why was he never pursued further?
I just saw he had an alibi and passed a polygraph, so disregard the previous comment. I wonder who the alibi was. That’s not always reliable and polygraphs can be beat. Interesting that there may have been a conversation and there was no forced entry. If these two were targeted and it was personal, who would even know what room to find them? It’s hard to believe a stranger, or even someone they knew, carried an axe into the hotel, knocked on the door, and was let in.
I totally agree, it makes no sense. It also makes no sense that they just laid their on their stomachs and let someone kill them like that. They weren’t tied up, or they couldn’t have grabbed their heads after the first blow. How would you get them both to just lay there and do nothing. Was there two killers? Did they strike them at the same time? So many things don’t make sense!!!!! The questions just drive me crazy!!!
Since you’ve looked into this so much, based on what you know, do you think it was personal or random?
I truly believe it was personal. I’ve heard that most of the detectives believe it was personal. But I am open to them checking everything out. Wish one of them would just take the case and start at the beginning again. New eyes might see something no one else did. This case was so horrific that it shouldn’t be let go. The killer or killers should not be free on public streets!
Perhaps he was asleep and was killed first while she was out making her phone call(s) and then unexpectedly decided to have a few drinks down in the bar. Maybe they only had one key, and he left the door slightly ajar for her so he didn’t have to get up when she returned to the room. This could explain why she was fully clothed and he was only in his shorts.
happens
Margaret McGovern Kennedy murdered in 1940 Clinton, Iowa. She died in her son’s (Eugene J. Kennedy) arms. She had been married to Kenyon Kennedy. Please contact Pam Kennedy suesue1212@yahoo.com with any details. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
What an ugly thing to do.
What a horrendous crime!!
I hope they catch you. What a man you are to beat a elderly lady. Your a coward and god don’t like ugly.
Ms. Burkert was married, too? She married in 1979, according to the update at the top of the article.
I’m wondering if they ever interviewed his wife….if I read it right, it said he was married. Just a suggestion and maybe I missed something (it’s early). Either way, I hope they find something. Cold cases are so sad; waiting for justice
Creepy!! Ive stayed there a couple times i think
Thank you, Alicia.
SpencerandTiffany Madsen this is what I was telling you about when u were here
Thanks Jodi!
As a member of Rhonda’s family….thank you so much to all of the individuals whose care and concern help us get thru this. We miss her daily and appreciate the support of all of you. Hopefully one day we will be able to know what truly happened and justice is served.
Thanks so much for your kind words. The “never knowing for certain” what really happened (or why) is one of the hardest things to live with over the years. Rhonda will not be forgotten and I still feel confident the truth will emerge one day. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Praying for justice for her & peace for all of you!
If his wallet and his medication were left at home he obviously wasn’t expecting to be gone for very long. Just a short motorcycle ride and while on that ride he just somehow disappeared. I wonder what happened to him.
I know who killed Leota Camp – he was sketched. I would be more then willing to help. The perp is dead – died in prison – the story of his arrest and incarceration and his trail of rape, murder and mayhem defy was unprecedented in American history. I can help the family if they want to reach out to me.
I remember hearing the same thing, that it was a cop, but they could never prove it. Blessings to Rhonda’s family.
This is my son's old facebook page that he opened on my email address and which he used to visit with some of his friends and played Farmville before he was killed. We changed the name after a niece took over tending his farm, and we kept in touch with some of Adam's friends. Thanks, his Mom Veronica Lack
I have seen pics of the KKK in a funeral procession…MANY years ago. In my hometown of Ottumwa, IA. :(
Oh goodness the KKK still exists now in Iowa is what i hear. Pretty sad they have not been able to solve her murder. :-(
The Iowa KKK!!!! I am beyond shocked. I had no idea that the Clan was ever in Iowa.
Regarding Mark and Robert’s comments….please don’t confuse homosexuals with pedophiles.
I’m sorry for your family’s lost but I would have to say local law enforcement and local fire Dept are also to blame for this death as well
What I think it particularly horrible about this case is all of the fraudsters that have contacted poor Maureen. I think one man even claimed to be Johnny (maybe he’s still claiming it, I’m not sure)
I am born an raised in des moines/west des moines, IA….and this is kind of like…a legend to me…I want to say that in the most respectul terms…I remember, when I left the house.on my bike.for the day (those were different.times from now)…but I honestly rekember my mom always saying….you remember what happened to Johnny Gosch, dont you?!? U dont want to end up like that poor lil boy!! We learned about him in school…he was sorta a constant in my life…and then I remember when those pictures surfaced…I was much older by then….but I have ALWAYS, honestly held a spot in my heart for this boy…this man he would be…or hopefully IS today…and…regardless of the turn out…wether it be his return, ir the find of his remains (of course, I’m hoping the prior situation) that his family and friends are FINALLY offered PEACE….I can’t Imagine the day to day living of NOT KNOWING :-/ love.to anyone who is out there, still caring and hoping…bc…I didnt even know him….and I still am!!
I still think about him & Eugene Martin every time I hear about a child missing. I was only 8 when this happened, but still remember seeing his face on milk cartons! I’ve always prayed that they would find out what really happened!
This child’s family and friends need closure. I pray to for them.
Just an up date darius will be graduating and has joined the marines david is really getting his self together they have grown into some real nice you men I know you watch over them we are so blessed we love and miss you always…we will see you again one day
What wonderful news, Jennifer! Thanks so much for sharing the update with us. David would be so proud!
I wanted to say one more thing it’s your birthday you got a granddaughter about the one your son is about to be home and Darius was promoted but 2020 has been okay but a horrible year in the making just continue to keep us safe… no matter the things I’ve done for the places I go or have been you’ve always been number one no matter what people have to say thank you for two of my biggest blessing love always
Hey Jody it’s Jennifer Wilkinson David’s baby mom I was wondering if I was able to get back in contact with you again to give some updated photos David’s kids and his granddaughter if you could reach out to me I would so Lee appreciated my email is Jennifer Wilkinson 309f Gmail
I remember that case, very sad.
I have just been looking at all the websites. I am SHOCKED I had NO idea this is what was thought to have become of these kids
I was young when this happened and grew up with Eugene cousins and have some memories of Eugene personally from bday parties and my hope for there families sake someone comes clean and they find them
The very 1st face ever on a milk carton
Etan Patz was he disappeared in 1979.
Aliens
I think Mark is referring to the fact that the theory is that Johnny ended up in a sex slave/child prostitution ring that supplied young boys like him to Gay politicians, businessmen and the like and Mark may be implying that there could be an agenda on the part of the “gay lobby” to keep that a dirty little secret, even though court transcripts you can find on the site Johnny’s mother has on the web reveal that it very much has and is happening in the corridors of power in these United States and around the world.
It’s important to note that such politicians identify as heterosexual, not as gay.
Mark Becker I don’t follow?
I was 6 when this happened and i was not aloud to ever play out side by my self unless my grandma could see me from the window and its a name i grew up hearing and Eugene Martin we may never know what really happened but i hope one day for the families sake they find out
This is so heart breaking. I pray for his family . God Bless.
Thanks to the gay lobby we’ll never know….but they kinda know where Martin and him ended up. ..
What does this mean
I don’t know if it’s even possible to forget something so scary and heart breaking! I was 7 when this happened and it always is the first to cross my mind when the news reports another missing child! Pray that this is solved someday soon!!
I have never forgotten Johnny and always followed this story. He is 8 days younger than me and I have felt a connection to him because we are so close in age. Since I live in Iowa, there have been a number of stories in the news over the years in the media. I pray that his family can get closure whatever it may be. God bless Johnny and his family!
One that no one can ever forget. I’ve always followed the case. Johnny is one year younger than myself and I live one state away, in MN. I pray one day it will be solved.
She deserves justice and her children deserve to know who’s deprived them of their mother.
A tragic and senseless crime. :( I hope the monster that did this to her is caught soon and punished.
I’ll pray for someone to come forward. My Hart goes out to the family and friends.
A VERY BEAUTIFUL WOMAN – INSIDE & OUT. MISS AGGIE I WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH , YOU ALWAYS HAD A KIND SMILE FOR EVERYONE ,YOU WERE VERY SWEET & LOVING. EVEN THOUGH I DIDNT KNOW YOU THAT WELL ,ACQAUNTICES REALLY ,BYPASSING EACH OTHER ON THE STREET YOU ALWAYS TOOK TIME TO SAY HI & FLASH ME THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE OF YOURS , MISS YOU ALOT. -ROBERT
I hope they find them and charge them with murder.
Thinking of you…
Im so sorry ♡
so sad he sounds like a wonderful person i hope they find who did this and there is justice
Thinking of you! I pray you get answers very soon. ♡
God bless his soul.
Prayers for the family and prayers someone comes forward.
We are starting a reward fund of $10,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction at Go Fund Me.com
Noel, can you provide us with a link and more information about this reward fund? We’d be happy to link to it once we have more details. All best, Jody
Has anyone looked into the Oelwein mayor? He was just arrested for child sexual abuse and the victims were similar ages. I know Oelwein is 30+ miles away but you drive near that area when you go towards Oelwein.
Why hasn’t this been taken to the Iowa supreme courts. There’s plenty of evidence and witnesses from the sounds of it.
I wish it was that easy! There are channels that people have to go to to get to the Supreme Court. We have even asked for a special prosecuted be appointed by the Attorney General of Iowa and that was denied. I think at this point it’s been so long that nobody but the ones closest to it seems to care about justice anymore.
“Someone Who Knew Her”: As a relative of Marlene, I find The choice of the music distasteful. The lyrics are “One Night With You”. Marlene Was a 17 year old kid. The video is reminiscent of a dime-store-novel. Lisbon continues to degrade Marlene even in her death. She was an outcast in your town and bullied. According to Vickie Yeager: http://mvlsun.com/article.php?viewID=9274 “Half the town knew” who killed her. That makes them complicit and accessories to murder, which is exactly why your local Sheriff refuses to reopen the case & use modern forensics. The sins of your fathers are upon you. I hope your town rots in hell. Rest in peace Marlene.
“Someone Who Knew Her”: As a relative of Marlene, I find The choice of the music distasteful. The lyrics are “One Night With You”. Marlene Was a 17 year old kid. The video is reminiscent of a dime-store-novel. Lisbon continues to degrade Marlene even in her death. She was an outcast in your town and bullied. According to Vickie Yeager: http://mvlsun.com/article.php?viewID=9274 “Half the town knew” who killed her. That makes them complicit and accessories to murder, which is exactly why your local Sheriff refuses to reopen the case & use modern forensics. The sins of your fathers are upon you. I hope your town rots in hell. Rest in peace Marlene. https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/marlene-padfield/
Well said!
Thank you, Penny McDonnell!
That’s sad, seems like a lot of these cases happened in the 70’sbefore all the DNA stuff was available…so sorry for the family
♡ you Charles! Miss you more then anything!
Rip…. Binx
So sorry for your loss Penny :( I often see your comments to other families dealing with tragedy-you have a big heart and deserve some peace of your own <3 praying for you and your family
RIP Charles!
I’m sorry for your loss Penny
As any mother or parent that loves their kids, I promise I will not quit fighting for the truth of what happened to my son Charles and for justice!
Thank you Jody Ewing for reposting this. Prayers to you and all the people who are struggling with issues.
May the Lord help us all in need.
I would hope there is DNA retrieved in regard to this precious child Patricia Veatch? Sooo sad to think we have the technology yet it cost so much to use it…let the blindfold on Lady Justice be stripped away once & for all in all of these cases. My heart just breaks having recently found your page <3
RIP aunt Judy.
Joao, thanks so much for catching that typo! It’s been corrected. (Sometimes while typing my fingers get ahead of my brain. :-)
“About Fred Widmann
Friedrich Paul “Fred” Widmann was born July 13, 1978, to Conrad and Mary Dorothy (Koepke) Widmann.”
It is not 1978, it is 1878.
I pray for justice
I pray for closure to her friends and family.
1977? Man, I pray for your friends and family for closure.
I pray you find who did this. God bless these children and family
Please help this family to find out who did this. My thoughts and prayers with the family.
Someone knows something, of that I'm sure. Any bit of info is helpful. Even if it doesn't seem significant, all pieces will come together to form the BIG picture. Please help get justice for Angie. Please give my family the peace we need to be whole again.
One day justice will prevail!
A very good friend of mine was murdered in Des Moines in the 60′s. Her name was Linda Terry and she was stabbed to death by her mother’s boyfriend’s son if I remember correctly.
Yes, Linda was my second cousins. Their parents went on to stay married until they passed in 2012/2015. Wonderful people and Linda was beautiful
Sad my prayers are with the family
I’m her brother and need help finding a movie or a TV show that is based on her death.. someone told me there’s a movie or tv show not sure yet but its based on her.
Hello Segundo, my name is Andrea. My husband is Martin and he is from Ecuador as well. I have not heard of any movie or documentary made in regards to Mariana. But I have heard of a documentary based on the guy they think is responsible for her death. His name is Donald Piper. They don’t have any solid proof that he was her killer. I am still trying to find out as much information I can to try and help solve her case. You are more than welcome to contact me at any given time ok.
Please someone help to find out who did this so there can be justice. My heart with the family.
There is someone out there, other than the person(s) who committed this crime, that knows the identity – hoping someone gets a conscious and reveals who it is.
This case will never be solved as no one will come forward. Considering the nature of the murder and the reason for it, it will go unsolved.
I pray for someone to comes forward. My heart goes out to the family.
Jack was my big brother…..I seen and talked to him every day. He was the one who taught me how to lift weights. R.I.P. bruh…. always miss you.
What’s going on in mason city?
Thank you all for the kind words.
I was following this case and was SO hoping they’d be found and that’s they’d be okay. I was so upset when they were found. May these little girls rest in peace
omg yaaaaasssss
Maria I hope you and your family find out who murdered your father and you get the answers that you are looking for.
I wonder what kind of hospital it was? Such an unusual story. I hope justice is found for Donald soon.
The article states that it was a veteran’s hospital
This jury must have been made up of 12 complete imbeciles. I can’t believe they disregarded the DNA evidence. I hope someday the person responsible for this little boys death receives the punishment they so richly deserve.
I just read the case file. I can’t believe that the jury found Huff innocent. Annie I hope you find out who killed your mother and that you and your family finally receive justice.
You people who are spewing your opinions and pointing fingers at the father need to remember one thing. This was a cold case that yielded an arrest ONLY when DNA evidence was entered into CODIS of a criminal going into the prison system. If he had never gone into the prison system, his DNA would have never been made available and there never would have even been a trial. Twenty years passed and it was DNA that caught the man responsible. DNA does NOT lie! Irregardless of what some attorney says in a courtroom to create reasonable doubt, DNA is complete and total truth!
my heart go’s out to you, r. I. p. lttle john
Very sad story…I have old friends on Iowa cold cases…
Sorry for your loss
Mr. Snyder, please accept my deepest condolences. As a mother and grandmother I can’t even imagine what you have gone through all of these years. I am so sorry that you and your little boy did not receive any justice.
I really appreciate that…since the arrest I truly believed we would. Talk about a surprise ending. Obviously, for reasons of a higher authority it did not turn out how we expected. I feel it is a decision meant to have ramifications beyond this case.
Katrina & Sam:
Obviously, you have never had a child kidnapped from your home, and subsequently murdered. Sam, Jody’s response to your comment is spot on, and what pointed to me? I lived there, and called the police? Katrina, not sure if you were in the courtroom, but what the media reports is solely up to them. It is not always favorable for any party at any point. They are not the jury. What you unfortunately do not realize is that finding out who did this is all I was truly concerned about over the last 20 yrs., and if you are in law enforcement you would know where I was and what I was doing. What I did know is that John’s killer was out there and capable of hurting another person or child. Everything I learned about what happened to John occurred the day I heard the closing arguments. That is all I needed to hear. Whatever the defense was saying had nothing to do with a logical defense for this guy and nothing to do with the case whatsoever. Anyone can randomly throw out what ifs to create reasonable doubt, but Cisneros was in there on the Holy Grail of cold case evidence.
He had knowledge of my apartment, because a friend of mine referred me to a Mike Cisneros to buy weed. He had come over one time when I had just moved in to that place to have me try some weed for when I wanted to buy some. That’s it.
The witnesses (you mean the one who sent me a friend request on Facebook June 22, 2014 five days after I got back to town)?? — I had retained an attorney in May 1994 prior to John’s disappearance and paid a retainer in order obtain sole custody — FACT with proof. Who would ask a barfly to adopt their child when seeking sole custody? Who?? She was in the middle of a divorce when I met her, she moved into an apartment directly below me with two weeks of us meeting (she had been living with her husband in Clear Lake. — FACT I refused to let John play with her son any longer after John was pinched by him who was slightly older. — FACT Our last communication was when she came to my apartment at 6:30am on a Saturday morning after being out all night with none other than the person who in the past few days was found passed out behind a North End Mason City bar. I told her to get lost, and never come over again. She proceeded to smash two glasses on my door. That’s a pretty shitty thing to do knowing there is a little baby living in that apartment. — FACT I then decided to move to 10 S. Adams. Her original statement was that we knew each other (we did not ‘date’…we hooked up) about 3-4 weeks…consistent with what I said at that time and what I said 20 yrs later. All of sudden on the stand it became 3 months. FACT
Enough of B. Larsen’s fiasco…her testimony in one word…PERJURY.
I worked two jobs, and went to school, so for an ex-babysitter to claim I left John for three days on end is another, in any other word, laughable. I have too many family members and others who all loved John. If this were the case I would have caught Holy Hell from them, and where would ANYONE disappear for three days in Mason City? I worked as a bartender and would get off late. This person charged an additional fee for overnight which was convenient for her & me, as to not disrupt her home day car at 12am – 2am when I got off work. Enough about these people since the trial was not about John might have had something to do with it. Both these two now can live with the fact that they contributed to allowing a baby killer to go free out of spite.
My biggest question(s) will always be: How did he happen to end up in the location of the pajama bottoms in the middle of that night, relieve himself (pee), and conveniently was near the pj’s to wipe hands off? Now, the blood was not smeared…it was drops. Wiping causes smearing. Pee, is not blood. There was no urine found on the bottoms. Any man, Sam, can we consider yourself one of these??, when urinating (especially in the dark, in the middle of the night) does not go looking for something to wipe their hands off with… a simple brush of the pant leg does the trick. He fought giving DNA for something he “knew nothing about”…he knew nothing about “a baby drowning in a river”. When I heard that part of the recording you could tell he about swallowed his heart. I ran to the hospital at the beginning to give my samples for elimination purposes. If he had nothing to worry about what was the issue?
We could go on about this ad infinitum, but it will still not change the verdict. I have true faith this guy will end up hurting someone again in his life. My focus now is work to prevent juries from sleeping on the job (yes, a few were seen actually nodding off) and using any probability in the world to combat logic, and pure cold facts.
John, thank you so much for sharing the facts about this case with our readers. I still don’t understand why the jury overlooked DNA blood spots that were “not smeared,” or why they didn’t question the fact that no urine was found on the pajama bottoms Cisneros said he used to “wipe his hands” after urinating.
One question people repeatedly ask us regarding many of the unsolved crimes on ICC is “With so much evidence already known, why hasn’t so-and-so been charged and tried for murder?” Sadly, even with mountains of evidence against the offender (including irrefutable DNA linking the suspect to the crime), savvy criminal defense attorneys have become masters of disguise when it comes to creating reasonable doubt with juries who, all too frequently, are blinded by all the smoke and mirrors.
John Jr., and you, deserved better. One has to wonder — how long before jurors realize they’ve been “victimized” by the defense?
Katrina & Sam:
Obviously, you have never had a child kidnapped from your home, and subsequently murdered. Sam, Jody’s response to your comment is spot on, and what pointed to me? I lived there, and called the police? Katrina, not sure if you were in the courtroom, but what the media reports is solely up to them. It is not always favorable for any party at any point. They are not the jury. What you unfortunately do not realize is that finding out who did this is all I was truly concerned about over the last 20 yrs., and if you are in law enforcement you would know where I was and what I was doing. What I did know is that John’s killer was out there and capable of hurting another person or child. Everything I learned about what happened to John occurred the day I heard the closing arguments. That is all I needed to hear. Whatever the defense was saying had nothing to do with a logical defense for this guy and nothing to do with the case whatsoever. Anyone can randomly throw out what ifs to create reasonable doubt, but Cisneros was in there on the Holy Grail of cold case evidence.
He had knowledge of my apartment, because a friend of mine referred me to a Mike Cisneros to buy weed. He had come over one time when I had just moved in to that place to have me try some weed for when I wanted to buy some. That’s it.
The witnesses (you mean the one who sent me a friend request on Facebook June 22, 2014 five days after I got back to town)?? — I had retained an attorney in May 1994 prior to John’s disappearance and paid a retainer in order obtain sole custody — FACT with proof. Who would ask a barfly to adopt their child when seeking sole custody? Who?? She was in the middle of a divorce when I met her, she moved into an apartment directly below me with two weeks of us meeting (she had been living with her husband in Clear Lake. — FACT I refused to let John play with her son any longer after John was pinched by him who was slightly older. — FACT Our last communication was when she came to my apartment at 6:30am on a Saturday morning after being out all night with none other than the person who in the past few days was found passed out behind a North End Mason City bar. I told her to get lost, and never come over again. She proceeded to smash two glasses on my door. That’s a pretty shitty thing to do knowing there is a little baby living in that apartment. — FACT I then decided to move to 10 S. Adams. Her original statement was that we knew each other (we did not ‘date’…we hooked up) about 3-4 weeks…consistent with what I said at that time and what I said 20 yrs later. All of sudden on the stand it became 3 months. FACT
Enough of B. Larsen’s fiasco…her testimony in one word…PERJURY.
I worked two jobs, and went to school, so for an ex-babysitter to claim I left John for three days on end is another, in any other word, laughable. I have too many family members and others who all loved John. If this were the case I would have caught Holy Hell from them, and where would ANYONE disappear for three days in Mason City? I worked as a bartender and would get off late. This person charged an additional fee for overnight which was convenient for her & me, as to not disrupt her home day car at 12am – 2am when I got off work. Enough about these people since the trial was not about John might have had something to do with it. Both these two now can live with the fact that they contributed to allowing a baby killer to go free out of spite.
My biggest question(s) will always be: How did he happen to end up in the location of the pajama bottoms in the middle of that night, relieve himself (pee), and conveniently was near the pj’s to wipe hands off? Now, the blood was not smeared…it was drops. Wiping causes smearing. Pee, is not blood. There was no urine found on the bottoms. Any man, Sam, can we consider yourself one of these??, when urinating (especially in the dark, in the middle of the night) does not go looking for something to wipe their hands off with… a simple brush of the pant leg does the trick. He fought giving DNA for something he “knew nothing about”…he knew nothing about “a baby drowning in a river”. When I heard that part of the recording you could tell he about swallowed his heart. I ran to the hospital at the beginning to give my samples for elimination purposes. If he had nothing to worry about what was the issue?
We could go on about this ad infinitum, but it will still not change the verdict. I have true faith this guy will end up hurting someone again in his life. My focus now is work to prevent juries from sleeping on the job (yes, a few were seen actually nodding off) and using any probability in the world to combat logic, and pure cold facts.
Mr. Snyder..I am SO sorry for your loss! And I am truly sorry that the justice system failed not only you, but little John Jr. Never once did I think that the jury would actually acquit the murderer. DNA tells the story, and it just baffles me that they chose to ignore the truth. Not once, anywhere in anything I’ve read, did it even cross my mind that you had anything to do with your son’s horrific murder. Not once! I hope that you have been able to move on from this, as best as you possibly could. I cannot even begin to understand the hell that you’ve been through all of these years. I pray that you have been able to find some happiness in your life, and I commend you for handling the outcome of the trial with decorum. Had it been me, I would probably have done or said things I would later regret. I admire you Mr. Snyder..and there is no doubt in my mind that you and little John Jr. would have shared a wonderful life as father and son together. Prayers to you!
What an absolute travesty of justice. I am so very sorry for your loss Mr. Snyder, I can’t even imagine how hard this must be for you. Those 12 individuals let a guilty man go free, and when the day comes that he does it to another child, that child’s blood will be on their hands. So sad.
Love and miss you so much mom
So sad. I wonder is the members of the jury ever feel guilty. How can DNA be on pajama bottoms but they still think someone else could have killed that little boy?
That is so wrong. How can they let someone walk. Cruelty.
I pray someone comes forward. Prayers sent to the family and friends.
Any idea what was he in the hospital for? I’m assuming they don’t know cause of death? Is it really classified as a homicide or is it unknown?
I remember this very sad just wish they found out who did it… And may those girls rest in peace :(
Thanks for posting. Think about him often. I really wish someone would come forward with some answers.
I pray they find that person or whoever was involved and they get justice.
Palas Graham, the young highway patrolman, that was called by Deputy Hintz or Sheriff Younker had finally showed up the next day to supposedly help Adam and was to investigate. So it took him about another hour to get there. When he showed up he was at first I think, told Adam was dead. But Adam wasn’t as his breathilizer result later proved and then Palas walked down the road to take pictures to document where Adam had tried to control his Dodge truck but had over-corrected. Palas was the first person to mention that first 911 call to me and several years later I connected on a local internet news to a mention of that same first 911 call at about midnight of the 12th of July but as Michael Adam Lack of Nora Springs IA and my supeona for that 911 Call information still has been denied as Dr. Haganman who is in the pictures Palas later took of Adam still trapped, wrote on the death certificate that Adam’s death was due the dislocation of his C2 fracture and that Adam had died at 0650 or about 7 hours after Palas Graham had said his accident happened. Adam doesn’t yet have his neck dislocated and other injuries that were written on the accident report and his blood isn’t sprayed all over in the cab of his truck yet in Palas’ pictures. Adam’s vertebra was sitting over on his right collar bone when I got to finally see him the evening of the 13th of July. That kind of injury would have been a quick death. But the injuries he suffered after Palas’ pictures later before they dislocated his neck is what any mother would have a hard time understanding. Why did they not secure the engine and protect Adam? The motor mounts had broke and that is what had trapped Adam the contractors that use heavy equipment and know you couldn’t control the truck on one chain put up braces so it’s weight and that of the rest of the truck could only tip or drop on Adam and then they proceeded as the pictures show to tip the truck up and down repeatedly crushing Adam as he tried to pull himself out the window even though the engine was smashing his legs.
And these pictures were given to me after I refused to sign off on the 1/3 share of the Mildred\Harold Lack farm that I had inherited from my husband Gary Lack. Mark Walk had taken me to court because I refused to sign off on that sale of the family farm Adam and I had been trying to get financing for. Mark Walk had promised that farm to two buyers without asking me. No attorney in the Area would stand up against him in the courtroom so I had to appear alone. And later when they were putting pressure to sell to members of the group that wanted to drain their Wetland through my home and my other 200 acre farm, Mark told me, “You know you have 5 other children.” just after I was able to get those pictures that still haunt me.
I want a federal investigation not a local or even state since it is our state and local governments covering up and allowing the on-going Point Source Polluters to continue to make a lot of money at the expense of the health and lives of people and their livelihoods Downstream. Read Adam’s Environmental Science Paper. We need the strict enforcement of Iowa’s Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act to stop Point Source Polluting of our drinking water.
I pray for justice.
The two littlee girls that were not related that were neighbors We're my bffs family
Me to I want to stay in it with my mom and friends.
Unless you were in the courtroom, day after day, listening to the testimony of all the experts, a person would conclude, the defendant had no part in this crime.
Unless you had the copies of the depositions, reviews of the case facts, reviews of all interviews of every witness in 1994, the defendant was never brought up in any of those conversations.
The DNA was never in question on who it belongs to. How it appeared, where it was, you don’t know the circumstances for how it came incontact yet people wanna pretend they know the facts when they clearly do not.
Everyone is going to have their opinions, favorable or not.
The jury sat through all that yet sided with the defendant.
The local newspapers and television picked and chose what to report day after day and got a lot of those facts incorrect.
I never saw such bad reporting on the part of Globe Gazette and KIMT.
I do however, want to commend the prosecuters for putting their own witnesses up there that did nothing but assist the defense. Their own witnesses pointed the finger at the fake dad.
Lets not forget, john sr. Is NOT the biological father of this child.
Where was he for the past 20 years? How come you never heard him try to find who did this in the past 20 years? As soon as he was able, he put Iowa in his rearview and never brought up the child again. Least of all not to law enforcement.
So bloody what, Katrina, if John Sr. is not the biological father of the child? Your comment is a slap in the face of every adoptive parent who truly loves their child(ren).
Well said, Andrea, and so very true. (Not to mention that John Snyder Sr. didn’t even know John Jr. wasn’t his biological son until almost two decades after his son’s death.) For Katrina to surreptitiously imply “motive” with the paternity issue is, in a word, shameful.
Might be worth checking into
Carol Pike …as in carol kelly pike from austin?
I think this is the Sarah Elliott I knew back then. Did she beat the cancer?
As Adam’s Mom and Probate Administrator, I attended 4 hearings to get Adam’s death investigated and the first of those hearings was in December of 2010 and Judge Bryan McKinley failed to Recuse himself and lied in that hearing about the lenght of his time at the scene, after admitting when he had arrived, and lied about his involvement at least to his being out in the field where Adam was trapped. And claimed Adam had tested positive for alcohol so that Adam’s life insurance wouldn’t get paid. But refused to answer my 28 questions about the people in the 26 pictures (including him). Copies of those 4 hearings transcripts are in the Floyd County Courthouse the 3rd Hearing in 2011 is where I entered the evidence and the 26 pictures as evidence, along with my notes, Adam’s Evironmental Science Paper, and the 28 questions I was not able to get answers for his siblings. ING Adam’s Life Insurance, was not going to pay the claim as they wanted Adam’s autopsy report. The Mitchell County authorities had been trying to say Adam was drinking, but had refused to give me his autopsy report or his breathilizer, or x-rays or blood work. So I signed an agreement with ING for them to get the refused information, as they were going to close the insurance claim. In 2 weeks part of the information was delivered by ING along with a big check. But ING was not able to get a copy of the autopsy report just the blood work and x-ray reports that proved Adam was not drinking and what caused Adam’s death.
The correct date for the hearing above, where Judge Bryan H. McKinley, refused to recuse himself, was November 29, 2010, in the Floyd County Courthouse. The transcript of that hearing I received a copy of after I paid the transcription fees. Veronica Lack
I don’t think Cisneros did it at all. I think John Snyder Sr did it and everything points to him.
Sam, there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that points to John Snyder Sr., and if there were, police would have arrested him years ago. ALL evidence pointed to Michael Cisneros, including the five blood spots on little John’s pajama bottoms that matched Cisneros’ DNA profile. The sheer amount of information left out of this trial is mind-boggling. The defense didn’t even “defend” Cisneros; they simply played mind games with the jury to shift suspicion to Snyder Sr. and create “reasonable doubt.”
Cisneros’ mother had kicked him out of her home the night John Jr. vanished, and detectives placed him in the Snyders’ neighborhood that same night. Snyder Sr. had just recently moved with his son to the new apt. because a woman he had briefly dated had twice smashed glass against his former home’s door after he’d broken things off with her, and Snyder Sr. didn’t want her violent behavior terrorizing his son.
Projection (in this case, transferring emotions and character deficits to another person) flooded the courtroom in tidal waves, carrying away cold hard facts and common sense in a sea of waste. There’s a reason the defense shifted suspicion to Snyder Sr. — because they had absolutely nothing concrete with which to defend their own client.
I am with you on that 100%.
I do not understand how a jury found Cisneros not guilty when his DNA was found on the boy’s clothing. I just do not understand what those jurors were thinking!
http://www.sludgevictims.com EVERYONE needs to read this !!!
It’s distressing to hear stories of deep corruption and intimidation spewing out of our beautiful state.. If local authorities up there in Mitchell county won’t do their jobs, can’t Iowa state law enforcement do anything?
When Adam was killed it was 2008 the year of the last big market crash, my appeals to the Mitchell County Deputy and Sheriff went unanswered and my Request to Prosecute also. OSHA refused to even take my complaint against Poet as they claimed a charge against Poet might cripple Iowa’s weak economy, since they claimed ethanol production was Iowa’s only hope of bringing Iowa’s economy out of the hole. I asked about the others exposed to high levels of ethanol fumes in “hot ferms” was OSHA at least going to make sure they were taken to a hospital? And the OSHA employee mentioned that Iowa was a “Right to Work State”. Later in Cedar Rapids I think a different plant did get about 13 employees to the hospital after an exposure not as bad as Adam’s repeated ones.
My Civil Rights charge against the State of Iowa and the Iowa DNR has already been costly to file, but the charge the IDNR said I should file against the polluters in Mitchell County at the end of 2004 cost me $47,000.00 in lawyer fees and my son’s life for his testimony against the polluters who used the government agencies against us.. I lost with Judge McKinley sustaining my Corps of Engineers Agreement and all of my and the USDA FSA and NRCS records of my farm and it’s on-going damages. While the Polluters waved the NRCS Proposed Ditch Surveys in court along with Adam’s paper that is on this site and the polluters’ teams of attorneys put USDA aerial photos up on the overhead projector that showed the damaged and dug out mile long area in 2005 after I had filed that suit to stop the on-going pollution or the IDNR had said it would charge me for accepting this huge flood channel to sinkholes. And this was after the IDNR had charged me with Blockage of Water because I had refused to have this flood channel to sinkholes dug through my farm by the polluters.
Ron, Unfortunately that very fact of turning a deaf ear to the corruption and intimidation and cover-up of this one Point Source Pollution Plume has allowed the greedy interests of non-sustainable farmers and local USDA employees to outlet their farm drainage down into our aquifers or our drinking water. Even the NRCS agents in Bremer County were encouraging farmers to install French Drains to drain swale areas on their farms. Now Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers are testing positive in our drinking water across Iowa.
We only have to look at our lakes, ponds and rivers to see the green slime that feeds on it. But what has our Republican Governor done, Branstad has taken lots of money from the big Oil interests for his re-election campaign. The Big Oil Corps behind this promotion of Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer influenced our Governor to give about $110,000,000.00 of our Iowa tax dollars to an Arab Oil Corp to build an Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer plant in our state. Now the effort is to hide the recorded well tests for Ammonia Nitrogen as (N) so Iowans can’t find out until its too late like on my well.
The first cancers in adults were hormone feeding tumors, then later colon cancers and most spread to the livers. My stage 4 cancer did not spread to the liver and Mayo Clinic’s care got both my husband’s and my first cancers in remission, but Gary’s colon cancer did spread to his liver like others Downstream in the plume, so now I’m in a research study at Mayo to see if drinking coffee helped protect my liver from my cancer. I went to a seminar to listen to Des Moines Bill Stowe speak about the Water Issues. Afterwards I waited in line to ask him about this ever increasing pollution and if there was a feasible filter for Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer and told him about our well tests. His big multi-million dollar nitrate scrubbers remind me of our old percolator coffee pots. He claimed it was the next (after Nitrates) biggest threat to Iowa’s Water Quality. It already had been in 1993 when I first complained but the IDNR had withheld my well tests, so I couldn’t know all of the filter systems I had installed could not protect my family, pets, or farm animals. Veronica
I am a EMT and this was very hard for me to read I can’t believe some people just leaving someone sit there injured. I am so sorry for what happened to your son. But as EMT side of it if they weren’t call right away there is little us EMT’s can do we are very limited to the stuff we can do and its very hard on us also we don’t forget those things so whoever was on the rescue does remember everything they saw and did I have had a few bad calls and I have NEVER forgotten them. small town places are almost getting as bad as a big city, My prayers are with you that you can find closure and get all the answers you need and I also believe the law enforcement is not set up the right way I have a lot of different issues on things and its not only Mitchell county its all counties I know that don’t make you feel any better but very proud of you for putting this out in the open and I plan on sharing this story also it needs to get out to the public even if its been some years stand up for what you believe in no matter what anyone says its still freedom of speech and its your right just think before you say or do anything. Don’t give them any ways to get out of it, and its your right to see the report. Good Bless you and wish you the best.
Wendy Holman, officials haven’t told us why they chose not to prosecute Howard Randolph, but there’s another similar case right now (the Frances Bloomfield murder – her husband John was arrested and charged) where the trial keeps being postponed bc John is allegedly in “poor heath.” (It’s now continued until Jan. 2015!) Were that not bad enough, a judge released him from Iowa’s custody and allowed him to return to his St. Paul, Minn. home while awaiting trial. Bloomfield’s DNA was found on one of the ligatures used to bind his wife’s body, plus on the duct tape used to wrap her body in two large black trash bags. Like Howard, John will likely die before ever standing trial. It isn’t fair to the victim or his/her loved ones when defense attorneys use the “sick plea” strategy to delay prosecution; the killers do eventually die without ever being held accountable for their heinous crimes. Cases like these will always remain open “in name only,” and there’s nothing more investigators can do bc they know they “had the person responsible.” Detectives who doggedly tracked down evidence & lined up witnesses must also feel an incredible sense of injustice when prosecution/defense negotiations drag out so long the suspect eventually dies. My heart goes out to you and your sisters. Would one of you be interested in writing a guest blog post for ICC about what it’s like being forced to live (the rest of your lives) knowing justice can now never be served? I’d love to get your input on how one learns to live/cope with that kind of knowledge. All my very best to you, Jody at ICC
yeah I heard this story too when I was a kid, I was in the hospital with Victor Moyers wife and she was talking about it. I was scared and my parents didn’t have a phone so I called my brother and Lois Lynn so I would have someone to talk to because I was scared. The nurses then came into my room and took the phone out of my room because It was late night and I guess I was bothering people by being on the phone. His wife told me that they were searching their land because they thought that her husband had chopped the son in law up in pieces and distributed him by airplane over his land and then plowed it under. I was only 9 and I didn’t want to hear that stuff.
Wow!
I bet you he did do that though!
Sarah Elliott In the 80's a girlfriend of mine was going thru the Mayo Clinc in Rochester for cancer. When the drs found out she was from Martin Co in MN he just shook his head and said, Martin Co in MN and Mitchell Co in IA are the highest Counties of the states for cancer, must be the drinking water.
I was reading online about a double murder that occurred in my town in 1978. The murderer, Bryan Barrett, left a journal in an Iowa City restaurant earlier that year detailing multiple murder scenarios and one of them was:
“It describes plans for the kidnapping and murder of a Des Moines Register paper carrier,” the Iowa Supreme Court wrote years later. “These plans include planting false clues for the authorities indicating the crime was committed by some unidentified person other than defendant. They suggest that it is defendant’s intention to convince authorities that this person committed the crime in order that defendant might collect a reward.”
Bryan Barrett was not convicted of the double homicide until 5 years after the crime so he may have been on the loose at the time of the Gosch kidnapping.
Since this information was known to law enforcement, I’m sure this lead was checked, but didn’t think it would hurt to mention it.
That’s a good question, as Sue’s niece we have our suspects but who’s to say a stranger isn’t the killer?
shared/pa/07-14-14
For the haulers its ONLY about the money they have no morrows who they harm.
Dont wish this on anybody :(
semi’s they go all over Iowa ,and they haul late at night so it done with before you realize what happened.. this is a huge, huge problem Iowa.
crap into Iowa. the dnr put there blinders on. Iowa needs to be aware of these
no the dnr from manchester ia office put there blinders on. sad thing about this Iowa continues hauling this toxic stuff on there land.. they say they need a place for it. Other states has it band’. Not IOWA .. Other states bring there toxic
But there were hopes that this case could have been solved if the man responsible for that kidnapping was also responsible for this kidnapping. He’s now been ruled out. :-/
Iowa Cold Cases, can you tell me why Howard Randolph was never prosecuted for Lillian Randolph’s 1965 murder? the state had enough evidence in 1987 & a district attorney even contacted me about testifying at the trial. but nothing happened.
later, I was told the state chose to not waste the $$ because Randolph was dying! if true, what you just said are empty words.
did they ever investigate the waters and stuff after this?
Monica,
I’ve been speaking at Iowa State Democratic Conventions, Going to the Iowa State Public Health, IDNR (who claim George Bush took away all their enforcement funds), USDA-NRCS, Corps of Engineer’s Office, and found the government employees are even in tears because they understand what the Point Source polluting farmers did and are doing but continue to allow this particular on-going Plume from Mitchell County, Iowa.
The laws are on our books but the power of the big AG groups like Farm Bureau refuse to allow troubled waters research by 14 universities to be able to help make Iowan’s aware of the increasing amounts of herbicides, pesticides, nitrogen fertilizers (including CAFO-bacterial and Anhydrous Ammonia-Big Oil man made) being Point Source Polluted into our drinking water. The IDNR has promised me since 2008 after Adam was killed that the IDNR was going to develop a web site that would allow me to see all of my old well tests and the well tests results on the new well I had drilled in 2004, and the well tests on the yet third deeper well drilled in 2010 in Mitchell County. And that this new web site would be state wide, so Iowans could know what AG chemicals were in their drinking water and what tests were needed on their wells.
The IDNR now hides the need to test for Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO nitrogen fertilizers or lead or arsenic or decontaminants formed when the IDNR says to chlorinate your water for the bacteria because of that chlorine and ammonia not combining well. I’m trying, but was escorted out of the Iowa Farm Bureau Headquarters just after starting to write my name at the front desk. Branstad and his brother’s AG interests have allowed our drainage laws to be broken to the detriment of those Downstream.
I’ve been cut down from partial ownership of 560 acres of farmland to 206 acres when most male farmers have went to double, and my remaining acres are in Bremer County Downstream in this on-going Mitchell County Iowa Pollution Plume. Our water there is polluted but the IDNR is not even telling well owners to test for the Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer or lead or arsenic before they tell Iowans to Chlorinate. The web site Adam had suggested in 2008 is not even going to have access to the data that the IDNR is destroying to cover up this huge pollution issue.
After my Deposition on 6/19/2015 for my Civil Rights Case, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office that is representing the State of Iowa and IDRN against me, said in 45 days they were going to have this web site up and running so my Court date was canceled for October, but the attorney general’s promise wasn’t kept and still no warning and the pollution from Point Source Polluting Farmers is increasing.
Very Lethal
Jordi Faber that is a totally different kidnapping unfortunately. That was a 15 year old girl Kathlynn Shepard and her 12 year old friend from another small town in Iowa.
Very sad .
I pray they find who did this. Prayers to the family and friends. My thoughts are with all of you. God bless ! Very sad and heart breaking.
Iowa needs to Ban so other states dont bring there toxic crap to IOWA..
Karen, the laws are on the books, but the State of Iowa is not enforcing our 16 Drainage Laws or the Federal Clean Water Act in Mitchell County Iowa, Cedar (W) Township, except on me a woman farmer before I was driven out of Mitchell County after they killed my husband, Gary and then my son, Adam. The enforcement of those Good Laws would protect us from the farmers that are Point Source polluting like ditches to drain fields down sinkholes or French Drains or illegal AG drainage wells. All farms should have legal Drainage Permits.
raw sewage waste from cedar rapids ia to his farm.. we got very very sick !!!!!!
god bless this family. my husband and i was put in a similar situations. Wake up IOWA u MUST get rules & regulations in IOWA. Our farm neighbor hauled
Karen, the laws have been there (Iowa’s 16 Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act) and would have protected us but not under Iowa’s 20 year Republican Governor who has been instrumental along with former President George Bush and the Big Oil Corps that make Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer, with defunding the IDNR’s enforcement of those laws. I was one of the last farmers to keep getting 401 permits in Cedar (W) Township to do repairs when needed to the damaged Designated National Wetland. My 1995 404 Permit from the Corps of Engineer’s would not allow me to add even 10 more acres than drained in 1995 to the Designated National Wetland’s Sinkholes. While a Cedar (W) Township group of illegal drainage channels to drain that Designated National Wetland down the NRCS surveyed and documented sinkholes in that Designated National Wetland and directly into our aquifers or Source Water in Mitchell, Floyd, Butler, Bremer, and in Black Hawk County wells Downstream has polluted most wells Downstream. Now Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer is building up to ever increasing levels and there is no feasible filter system to remove it and it reacts with the Chlorine added by cities and towns and farmers to try to protect their animals from CAFO fertilizer bacteria causing intermittant levels of Trihalomethanes and other decontaminants that can be deadly. Veronica
Amy Hintz, though your comment about the IA DCI’s Cold Case Unit losing (federal) funding is true, it’s not true that they’re no longer looking into these unsolved cases. DCI Special Agent Mike Motsinger was recently quoted as saying: “Although federal grant funding for the DCI Cold Case Unit was exhausted in December 2011, the DCI continues to assign agents to investigate cold cases as new leads develop or as technological advances allow for additional forensic testing of original evidence. The DCI remains committed to the resolution of Iowa’s cold cases and will continue to work diligently with local law enforcement partners to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice for the victims and their families.” In addition to this Facebook page, the victims’ stories are also told in more depth on the iowacoldcases.org website. While we are not a law enforcement agency, we do work as a liaison b/w LE and those who contact us with known info, and we regularly share those details/tips with the respective investigating agencies. These victims and cases have not been abandoned, as is evident by the number of recent arrests (some in decades-old cases) and trials. The DCI is doing a phenomenal job despite having lost its Cold Case Unit funding, and our hope, like yours, is that funding will soon be restored so they can do even more DNA testing and close even more cases.
What a disgusting group of men up there. Sad story.
I was shocked when I heard the girls were missing and followed the case on websleuths. I was hoping that they would be found alive. The little girls were around the same age as my son. I cant imagine what their families have gone through with thier disappearance and deaths.
In memory of Lyric & Elizabeth!! <3
This case was just a mess! Seems it was all botched or something from the get go. Someone out there knows something…you can bet on it.
:-(
Mitchell County authorities have still refused to answer the court ordered supeona for the first 911 call to report Adam’s accident on July 12th before midnight. They won’t tell me because they left Adam trapped and in pain for about 7 hours before others called it in the next morning. The ones who left him there after calling 911 just before midnight were probably the ones in the Chevy Impala harrassing me on my farm and that Adam chased, they may have cut his brake lines for a third time as the highway patrolman said he overcorrected for the S curve but was going to fast and there wasn’t the tire marks from breaking. As his Mom, I know he would have taken the ditch instead of hitting that tanish Chevy Implala even though they had cost us a lot of money in repairs to our vehicles.
July 13th is a hard day for me, as how could they not answer the first 911 call and instead round up some of those who were in court in July of 2007 including Judge McKinley and then they spend a few more hours crushing Adam so he dies without my being able to even help him. I know it is now six years but someone may come forward someday, Adam stood up for me and others, some may stand up against his killers.
My thoughts are with you, Veronica. You are a good person, and I am very sorry for your losses. I hope you find justice.
She was so beautiful, it just blows my mind! It was a shame that some sick person had to do this terrible thing. Hopefully it will come to justice eventually.
If you want to read a good book about this case and the kidnapping of Jimmy Bremmers from Sioux city who was kidnapped and murdered in the same time frame the book is called “SEX CRIME PANIC Sioux City”
yes, sad
What is the name of the book re this cold case? I would be interested in reading it Thank you.
Ya creepy:(
Pam Dickey Carter, thought of you. Got scared for a second!
How sad.
They haven’t re-opened this cold case Ross Grandanette – the Iowa dept. lost their funding. All there is anymore is this Facebook page to try to help the victims and families. Until they get funded, no one is looking into these unsolved cold cases in Iowa.
Such a strange Coincidence that Rose’s husband ends up dating Patricia’s mother for 28 years…
Very interesting and I’d bet money he killed his wife.
Read the book “It’s Me Edward Wayne Edwards The serial killer you never heard of” Available at coldcasecameron.com
This horrid crime was committed by Edward Wayne Edwards. Read the book “It’s me Edward Wayne Edwards The serial killer you never heard of ” available at coldcasecameron.com
thanks for re- profiling this case.
Prayers.
Its sad book but a good read. I still think the lil boy n her have the same killer. Bk then we had a lot of cattle sales n trucks coming in n out of here. I do believe that someone driving these trucks had something to do with it.
My grandmas best friends little brother was found decapitated before this and they went on a witch hunt its in that book Mandie El mentioned. Crazy nobody was ever brought to justice for these crimes :(
This one has always made me the most upset, that some animal could do this and not be punished. Rest in peace sweet girl.
Prayers
Prayers to her family.
Prayers to her family.
prayers to the Ackerman family
Thoughts and prayers for this family.^^^ I really hope that justice can be served someday for this girl.
What f***ing a**hole could do this to such an innocent child?
Its called sex, crime, panic. Its very sad but will make you question how someone got away with this for so long. My this innocent baby rest in Peace
You should read the book about it
So sad…
Sorry for the families loss .. . Rip
Thoughts and prayers^^^
Happy Birthday, B man. We all miss you and your contagious smile! Love you forever and always!
This one always makes me cry. Rest in Peace little one <3
Same here prayers and thoughts with the family
prayers and thoughts to his family. ♥
Amen to that.
My prayers and are sent to them.
the floods of 93-, will never be forgot, so sorry for their loss.
My prayers and thoughts with the family and friends. Please help them get justice.
I pray for justice. My heart breaks for her and the children. God Bless all of them.
I’m so sorry. My prayers and thoughts with the family and friends.
Are any of the ligatures still in evidence? If so, they can now be tested for touch DNA. I was recently able to identify an adoptee’s birth-father by #1 running his Y-STR values through Ysearch.org and then finding an associated FTDNA Y-chromosome project, and #2 putting together the family trees of his autosomal matches (all like 4th-8th cousins, including myself– I as it turns out am his 8th cousin and we share a sufficiently measurable amount of DNA) until I found the commonality.
It was rather tedious work and it took me a couple hundred hours, but in the end it panned out, to the apparent mortification of the bio-father who evidently never told his wife that he’d had a child before they met and married and who evidently never envisioned back in 1964 that in 2014 his distant cousins’ Y chromosomes and autosomal DNA would expose his secret.
This same technology can be used to ID perpetrators of crimes, and I cannot fathom why only New York and California are the states just beginning to use it. If someone like me (degrees in the humanities, not sciences) can figure out how to successfully ID an unknown person by genetic matches who are estimated to be 4th to 5th cousins, then law enforcement should be able to to it. Heck, I’m running some of my searches on a database where tens of thousands of people have donated, and the service is run by volunteers, operated on a somewhat slow server in a residential neighborhood in Texas. If volunteers operating on a shoestring budget can set up something as fruitful and functional and operational as gedmatch, why won’t law enforcement use it?
If the ligatures are still in evidence somewhere, there is absolutely no justification for law enforcement not using the technology that genealogists/genetic genealogists like myself have been using for the past several years.
Heck, I’d even be willing to donate five hundred bucks toward the Y-STR analysis at a private lab if Iowa Cold Cases would be willing to try to get law enforcement to do this.
Ya that’s true. But then they got to stay focused on the DNA. Instead of skin color
I think mot singer is full of it.
Why a plea bargain.?
Not always a good thing to say anything. My husband just got brought in by the police five months ago. They are trying to sentence him to Life in prison for helping. By telling the police what he knew on a murder on 2003, the police will trick you and say”let’s help the family have rest. We know u didn’t do it; because yr DNA isn’t there no proof; no eye witness.We have a nother man’s DNA not yours; but we know u saw it.so help us have closer for his family. So my husband trying to help. Picking his brain to get him to remember they got what they wanted.and is trying to put him away for life
I was just a small child but I remember this. She has to be found and peace brought to family, friends, and the whole newscast.
If I’m not mistaken, it was said his glasses were in his shirt pocket and not broken.
I always heard that George was trying to protect his foster daughter, Evon from an unsavory suited. Maybe one of George’s brothers was lusting after Evon and George didn’t like it.
suited was misspelled ==should read suitor
I hope someone comes forward. That is very sad.
I pray that they find that person. My thoughts with the family and friends. God bless.
http://www.aisocc.com
Could there possibly be two suspects? One of the articles say that there were “two” chairs facing the bed. Also, could the suspect have already been in the room when they checked in? Have the detectives ever questioned the original people that had rented the room? Just a couple of thoughts.
I pray that this case is solved soon, she was blessed to have you as a friend.
Thank you very much, but I was Blessed to have had her as my friend. She was like my sister. I will never give up!!!
This is so sad. It was right before I started at Waldorf.
This case has haunted me. Partially because my name is Jodi, too! This is one for the experts.
I remember this…soo sad.
Never Forgotten !!
…I meant “James” McIntyre…
Could this John McIntyre be considered a suspect? He seems to want to insert himself into this investigation pretty badly.
so sad we live in a world where this kind of thing happens
This case, along with the other cold cases need solved so these folks have justice!!!
Prayers with the family and friends.
I pray they find her
I am in those towns mentioned and it makes me sick. I know this last name and if she was detained in Hull, the police would have info on that. Ugh.
you aren’t forgotten Jodi Huisentruit
This one still haunts me to this very day! :(
Prayers to her family and friends.
My prayers with the family and friends. My heart is with them. I’m sorry tears like no other.
Eternal rest give unto charles A. plucar O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him and grant him eternal peace. Amen
How sad :(
R.I.P. Charles Plugar
RIP Charles
I pray they find that person. My heart and thoughts with family and friends. So sorry.
I feel for the family and friends. My prayers sent.
Excuse me but do u think bout what or how the family. What if they would read this and seen what u posted. They would probably b devasted. Ppl need to think bout others feelings. Esp. If u don’t have a clue bout the case
The dad knows who did this, but unfortunately, the guy is untouchable. God Bless this beautiful baby!
The little boys dad knows? what the hell
I know his name, where he works, where he lives. I know he’s an alcoholic and has a gift to Gab when he’s drunk. I know he has and still cheats on his wife with his boss. The police know who he is also. The problem is that no one will testify as to what he has said. Everyone in walthill and winnebago knows also but will not testify because they are afraid they will loose everything. I may not live in sioux city anymore but I do have many great friends that keep in touch with me with his whereabouts.
Sounds like the guy is untouchable and he makes me sick…Obviously he has no remorse whatsoever as if he did he would have turned himself in for what he did….Sounds like he was probably under the influence when he hot your son and took off because he knew that he would get charged with criminal vehicular homicide & DUI….He is scum….Im so sorry for your loss of your son Anthony…My deepest condolences to your family..Hopefully someday this piece of crap will be taken down & put behind bars where he belongs and you can find some closure in all of this..RIP Anthony!!
I have heard where the truck that hit the boy is located
very strange there are so many unsolved murders in Iowa. There is at least one serial killer lurking.
I know it’s probably a long shot and someone may have brought it up before…is there ANY possibility that this and the Michelle Martinko case could be related? They were both beautiful blondes, 18 years old, mentions of the mall in each case, both out alone at night and both body’s discovered in Cedar Rapids. Though the murders happened 10 years apart, both are still unsolved with little/no leads. Just my thoughts after reading through both pages. What about that security guard I read about on the ‘what happened to Paula’ website…he supposedly helped her get her car started the night she went missing and I remember reading somewhere there was question about the security guard working at Westdale the night Michelle was killed. Could it be the same guy? Though both murders happened long before I was born, it scares me to think the monster(s) who did something SO horrible could still be living among us. Praying for the families and victims-hope they get the justice they deserve!! <3
~ Jerry Burns would of been 15 or 16 yrs old. highly doubt it
I went to school with this girl and saw her the day before she was killed. They thin her brother in law did it but he was killed in a car accident
Drug dealer who sells drugs to children. ..murdered. .oh darn..
I thought DNA solved this???
God will take care of that person because until he is sincerely sorry and makes amends he will have a great punishment waiting for him.
I am sorry hopefully he us living in hell. Prayers
I believe there is a special place in hell for people who kill children and the elderly. They will pay.
How do they sleep at night?? Accidents happen… but to drive off & leave him helpless in the middle of the street!!
There are people in this world that have no conscious. They do not feel bad for what they do. And there are others who don’t want to take responsibility for their actions.
it makes you wonder who it was or could do this, there are a some i could think of in that area, but who knows.
Amen all the way prayers for this man and family and friends.
I pray that the family and friends find who did this. I don’t know what to say. It hurts like hell. I pray for justice for the family and friends. I’m so sorry. My thoughts and heart are with you.
prayers to this Man’s family, I wish they could find who did it! please know I care.
maybe if they had done a lie detector test on his former wife Mary they would have realized she wasnt the “grieving widow” that she let everyone think she was
Exactly! Had a dumpster at the house that weekend throwing out his belongings.
Mary Ough
RIP
God Bless/
I pray they find that person or who all was involved. My prayers with the family and friends. God bless all of you!
my heart goes out to this little fellow’s family, I hope someday there is justice. please know I care. God bless you all.
so sorry for you loss, I hope that someday this can be solved, please know I care.
prayers to the family, I hope someday this can be solved. please know I care!
prayers to the family, so sorry for your loss.
Very sad. Breaks my heart.
sorry for your loss, hoping justice may be had!
my heart goes out to the family. you have my prayers and I hope someday justice will be had. ♥
U should feel sorry for his family to have to go through this.
No, Kayla, I don’t feel bad for a woman who chose to remain married to a murderer and sex offender. Sorry.
Kevin Crowe, this accident happened 6 years ago, and there is no excuse for taking 45 minutes to get to the scene of an accident. From St. Ansgar to North of Highway 9, no way in hell does it take that long to get there………..plus like Sarah said you were not part of that team at that time…things haven’t changed that much have they???…..Still when you’re called out on an emergency, you get your ass moving as quick as you can….and get there within reason……there is just something fishy about this whole story……no excuse whatsoever of not getting the jaws of life to get him out of the truck and there is no excuse for not putting a neck brace on his neck, plus jerking the truck back and forth with him still in it…That’s just plain stupid, no common sense and then with the constant jerking of his truck, his neck is snapped at the C-2 vertabrae…If he would have lived, he would have been paralyzed…I hope to god that he didn’t suffer much but the sound of all of this it looks like he did…….
Adam’s death was no accident, Adam had his brake lines cut twice in just the prior six months and Adam had them repaired twice at Meitner’s St Ansgar Automotive before he couldn’t slow down and had to take the ditch to avoid hitting that about 2004 tannish Chevy Impala he was chasing from my farm. And those guys that were harassing us about their illegal Drainage called it in on 911 and expected him to be dead but left him trapped. And when they show up the next morning and find out he’s alive they proceed to crush him slowly from the legs, arms, then his neck. Cause of death severe dislocation of neck at C-2 and C-3 vertebra but not until after 9am on 7-13-2008 after his having to roll his truck the night before.
Your right Lisa…That's called NUTS…..and also…getting paid off…F…ing sick bastards……The thing is why didn't they get the jaws of life to remove Adam out of his truck…??? But instead the dumasses hooked a chain up to his truck while Adam was still in it and continually jerked it back and forth snapping his neck @ the C-2 vertabrae…Only idiots that don't have any common sense do something like this…Are these people really trained in their field of work??? To me the answer would be HELL NO..because any fool knows that you don't even try to move someone that has been seriously hurt in a car accident without putting a brace on their neck..Was there a brace put on his neck?? Sounds to me like the answer is no……If I was Adams mom I would sue the pants off these people for wrongful death…because this didn't have to happen…if they would have only followed the rules….Stupid asses….Would it have been too hard to put a neck brace on him, jesus….what it would take a couple seconds to put one on him……I wouldn't want any of these people touching me if I was involved in a car accident, because if they did it would mean DEATH for me as well….Get off the rescue squads because none of you are qualified for SHIT…..
young lack wrote quite the paper!
funny how ISU didn't follow-up on it…while he named names and all…
and who was the iowa governor at the time?
hmmmmmmmmm….
the Ag Secretary?
hmmmmmmmmmmm….
FOLLOW THE MONEY…
Monsanto now owns the ISU Lab and all the research done in it…they determine WHAT they research, HOW it’s reserached, the WHY, the WHERE, and how it’s presented.
Monsanto has also lost another 25% of their stock value in the last quarter.
KEEP TALKING AND KEEP PUSHING THE CLEAN WATER AGENDA!
WE HAVE TO LEAVE A PLANET TO OUR KIDS THAT’S INHABITABLE.
get this, true story…i used to live in saudi arabia! when i went into the Aramco clinic complaining of body aches, i told them i was from mitchell co. iowa. the attending physician from USA started paying attention and ordered all kinds of tests. ALL CLEAR but…his response to where i came from has stuck with me for.ev.er. and, think about this for a minute…the biggest cancer hospital/cancer research team is located in the HEART of the midwest…MAYO knows more than it's sharing about our environment and how it affects our health…that kind of establishment doesn't plunk down in bum-f–k southern mn. for no reason…there's a steady income here due to the constant toxins in our air, water and land. how are we going to fix this? how do we change our situation? how do we impress upon farmers their annual commitment to Monsanto instead of to the future generation? FOLLOW THE MONEY.
Absolutely right Sara…if someone was paid off do you think they are going to endanger theirselves by disobeying the person that paid them off..I'm talking about EMTS, Fireman, Law enforcement..Hell no…so of course the EMT would take their sweet time to get to the accident and it sounds like to me what Veronica Lack had said it took them about 45 minutes to get to the scene of the accident…Come on……From St.Ansgar to where the accident occured, North of Highway 9, no way in hell does it take that long to get there……
I live in Mitchell County & this case really caught my eye as we have had numerous problems with the DNR & the Mitchell County Sheriff’s office, plus with Mr. Walk who my husband Gary & I have dealt with on several occasions. I also know Bryan McKinley as well, as I grew up in Otranto, Iowa, attended St. Ansgar Community Schools, which 4 of my children have attended and 3 are still in school. I live Northeast of Stacyville.
As I was told by my hubby the other day we live on one of the biggest watersheds. We have had problems with a farmer who has tiled on our property, plus his own to the North, & East of us, which has caused our little acreage to be flooded out last year as the water from his fields are pushing towards are acreage. We never had problems with flooding when we moved to our home in October of 97, never had water in our basement either until recently.
Also, this farmer, when we first bought our place, dug a trench behind our machine shed without our knowledge as we were not home at the time. Law enforcement does nothing because this is a rich farmer, and we are just poor people. We have had problems with our water as well. It is not safe to drink. We had asked for it to be tested on several occasions which they refused to do, finally they did test it.
I also think your son Adam was killed..The reason I think this is because he was digging into something that they didn’t want him to know about. He already had the goods on these people and they just took him out so he wouldn’t talk anymore. My husband always said there is a lot of crooked shit going on in Mitchell County, especially with law enforcement, plus I have heard it all over. I know a lot of those officers you had mentioned in that story you wrote, “Adams Voice” and the one deputy that you had mentioned, I was in complete shock because I didn’t think he was capable of saying or doing what he did….It just floored me.
I printed the story out and gave it to my hubby and he has contacted some higher up on it. We would like to get to the bottom of this also because your husband Gary was poisoned by the water and all the contaminants and other people as well. It just can’t go on. Something needs to be done. Your son was just concerned with what was going on and was just trying to protect his family plus other innocent people. There is no excuse whatsoever in taking a human life. These people need to be punished for their crimes and if I have my way, we are going to get to the bottom of this and find out just what the hell did happen and who all was involved because I can figure out some of the people who did this and I think the number one person who was behind all this with your son is Brad Johnson. After what I read, I think he had something to do with it. Time will tell.
RIP ADAM…the truth will come out sooner or later and then your family can find some peace and closure in all of this.
whoa…say it with flowers, say it with drink but never, ever, say it in ink.
be very careful what you print here…you can be sued for slander…and those in power here, would just LOVE some more money and more land.
Yes tis true…I should remember that…..
Can’t be sued for Slander for telling the TRuth! !!
ALL IS VERY TRUE. WATER TABLES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. DNR HAS COME AFTER ME IS LATEST. FOR HAVING 500 TIRES. $10,000 FINE. NO COURT NO NOTHING. IOWA POLITICIANS NEED TO VOTE THEM ALL OUT!,,VOTE FOR SOME HONEST ONS. ONES IMPOWERED NOW ARE FOR THE MOST PART VERY CORRUPT.
Last spring, I walked the burr oak creek behind the folks house and found, to my dismay, a red color to the river bottom that had NEVER been there since I’ve been walking that river (40 years)…called the DNR…they allegedly sent out somebody to check it out….got back to me, claiming it was ‘leaf decomp’. Huh. Since when does leaf decomp smell like hog shit? Funny, same trees all around the same river…this spring, no red color or smell of hog shit at the same spot. Wonder why?
A decade ago, the folks well tested, through Iowa State, was unfit for children under 4 yo.
TODAY, it comes outta’ the hose, frothing…bubbles in the water in a clean bucket…dump the bucket, rinse, refill…bubbles. That’s not a natural occurrence. It’s not the hose. It’s the water and what’s in it to cause that bubbling.
Farmers around us are killing us.
If you have two brain cells to rub together, I’d back the man running for U.S. SENATE, TOM FEIGEN…the man’s an attorney, backs Bernie Sanders, and is a vehement supporter of the environment. He’s on facebook, under Tom Feigen for U.S. Senate…
Sarah, you are right, I,m a farmer, driven off my Mitchell County farms by the IDNR refusing me my well test results since 1993 on my old well that it tested so high in Nitrates and the bacteria from Bradley Johnson dumping farm chemical and feedlot run-off down the sinkhole north of his Dad’s house. Paul Van Dorpe condemned my then well in 2004 after my animals had died or were docked at IBP for miscellaneous masses and tumors.
Gary my husband was being treated at Mayo for the multiple tumors that later spread to his bones and liver.
But Cedar (W) Township polluters like Dee Ursbatch, claimed I couldn’t prove anything after Gary was killed, by snearing at me and saying, “you can’t prove anything because Gary was cremated.”
Now Waterloo lost the use of one well because of their channeling to drain their farms through my old farm in Cedar (W) Township, without my permission, or even my, deceased husband, Gary’s, like was testified by Brad Johnson and the Brandau’s in court in 2007, they claimed Gary had given them permission to come back with bulldozers and scrapers to dig away (after my corn was up) 42 acres in 2005 to Transition the Flood channel they had begun in 2003. But Gary had been killed in January of 2004 and I owned the land and had refused them an outlet or any access as my very limited 404 Permit for very limited drainage agreement did not allow me to give them permission.
Some Mitchell County farmers will break every law on the books, murder, theft of 42 acres to build a flood channel to drain their limited soil depth Karst Wetland down a line of sinkholes in a Designated National Wetland. They apply repeated high levels of nitrates like herbicides and pesticides and very high levels of very water soluble Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO NITROGEN fertilizers draining them illegally through my old farm to the sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland.
These chemicals weren’t enough for the IDNR to hide the well tests from us, thinking we would be dead, and no one would know, so the IDNR hide the well tests for High Cadmium Lead from us Downstream. Bradley Johnson had screamed at me in 1993 when I had first complained to Dale Adams, IDNR, about his manure from two feedlots and farm chemicals from over 500 acres washing down the sinkhole north of his house. The IDNR made him close his sinkhole drain but then all the tile outleted there backed up and he was mad. He solved that by outletting his and other farmers tile straight down into our Source water. So now more Cedar (W) Township farmers wanted us out of the area. So they convinced the IDNR to charge me with Blockage of Water after Gary was dead, and since the Iowa DNR no longer enforces Iowa’s Drainage Laws or the Clean Water Act and instead supports AG polluters they did.
The IDNR hid our well tests for high Lead, very high Atrazine, Very high CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers, even on the new wells Downstream, I and Ruth Morische and Scott Lindley and his family, and the Laverne Olsen’s and Mark Gast and his family and others. We Downstream were told to only test our new 2004 wells for Nitrates and Bacteria not Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers or the other contaminants the IDNR had condemned our wells for in 2004. Then the 2008 Floods and the IDNR said to Chlorinate for the Bacteria levels that were up from all the fertilizers being drained down this Sinkhole Drainage System created to drain this Aquifer Recharge Wetland Area that should never have either of the very water soluble fertilizers applied there.
Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer and Chlorine can form Trihalomethanes, a gas that comes out of your shower head and burns your skin, eyes, throat, intestines, colon, and makes asthma worse and can cause COPD when inhaled. That’s why I still have a hard time singing at church or speaking to this now very huge pollution issue.
I’m sorry but I don’t see any slandering in her statement. She is just putting their names in here and that is not slander. Besides the brad guy she mentioned but in reality she stated that she thinks he had a lot to do with it not that he does have everything to do with it.
Rest on peace Adam, I don’t know you or your family. However the crooked people in the entire equation will pay someday. It’s just a matter of time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Troy don’t know if I met you at Granger yesterday, but thanks for your support. I’m still trying to get the State of Iowa to stop some farmers Point Source Polluting of all our Source Waters (aquifers, rivers and streams) with Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizer that we cannot filter out and combines with Chlorine used to treat for CAFO fertilizer. These two very water soluble nitrogen fertilizers should never be drained by ditches and illegal flood channels to sinkholes in a Aquifger Recharge Area of a Designated National Wetland. Chlorine and the increasing levels of Ammonia Nitrogen as N can form/develop decontaminants like the deadly Trihalomethanes that burnt my family, as we were Downstream from Mitchell County Iowa Point Source Polluters who with the IDNR hid our well tests from us and the IDNR still only tells private well owners in this one Plume to test for Nitrates and Bacteria not the Ammonia Nitrogen as N, even though those in this Plume could be poisoning themselves if they Chlorinate with the Ammonia Nitrogen as N levels high after a big rain event. Veronica Lack Adam’s Mom
Adam used to say, “I like thunderstorms and truth, because they answer to no one.” He would sit out and watch the storm roll in even as lightning flashed. He said truth and two back to back CIA lie detector tests were the only thing that allowed him to get representation against Brown University and Sarah.
Gary’s Chemo made by Astra Zeneca’s price had went sky high and I was already charging his out of pocket costs and the damages from Ike and Bradley Johnson’s sinkhole drain. We had done repairs and installed three filter systems and a chlorinator. We had hired an attorney for Adam from here that had just set and made Adam not even get to respond previously at the University Hearing. Turns out he was a cocktail partier with the Brown employees, and we could not afford the quarter million needed for a good attorney that would stand up against Brown University in Providence, R.I.
But Adam’s telling the truth in those two back to back $10,000 CIA lie detector tests convinced a great attorney to take his case, David Casey.
I agree LuAnn. I sincerely hope you folks don’t give up the fight against these murders and all who have conspired to ignore the truth. Let me know if I can be of any help. I have been fascinated with this case for years and am in utter disbelief that it has not been picked up by a higher authority than the crooked local officials. Don’t give up and God bless you Lack family.
Cynthia how sad. I am so sorry. What do you think occurred and I am sorry for your horrible life.
On the accident report they filed at the State of Iowa they checked No Aide Given and wrote notes about injuries Adam had not yet sustained in the pictures when they were Breathilizing him after he had been trapped for about 8 hours. I supeonaed the first 911 call and all of the later ones but those supeonas were not answered to protect the people Adam was chasing from my farm. TP Republicans in Cedar (W) Township do not respect my family’s Right to Life or property and endanger the lives of 1/2 million Downstream with their ditches or flood channel through a line of Sinkholes.
There was no ambulance in the pictures, just Judge Bryan McKinley, and Doctor Haganman and the group of farmers and contractors and the then St Ansgar Rescue personnel and Highway Patrolman Palas Graham who took all of the pictures and probably more than I was given when the Mitchell County Attorney Mark Walk was trying to get me to sign off on the sale of two 200 acre farms at far less than their value. He said, you know you have five other children.
Mark Walk is a jerk…sorry but my hubby hates him and I don’t think too much of him myself…….Judge Bryan McKinley is also…They all are in bed together and they will all cover up shit to save their own asses……
boom.
the lying and the deceit is mind-blowing!
That’s just a low person for saying something like that….
They didn’t find anything in the basement.
Prays your way
Bonnie Callahan you are not forgotten
I was looking at the Google streets of this address. It was hard to find with the missing East in the address. There used to be what looks like a children’s playhouse in the lawn which has since been removed and it looks like it had a foundation of some sort. When was the play house built, how long had that been there and who built it? I can’t find Detective Whites email on the internet so couldn’t send him this information. I have a missing Aunt in Iowa since 1976. I know these things can bring up a lot of bad feelings. I’m sorry for everyone’s loss. Ellen, I would like you’re email if possible or message me via Face book.
My Aunts case: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/alice-van-alstine/
Ellen passed away, this is her daughter Karla. She waited many many years to find out why her husband murdered her and where she lays to rest. Mamma is now with her sister Darleen
Love you too…
Trish Hall thought of you and the family as I read this I hope you find the truth about what happened love you guys
R.I. P.Bonnie Callahan
I will pray for Aubrey Young family and friends get Justice. My thoughts and heart goes out to all of you.
Thanks for catching the math error, Sean Gray. I’ve corrected it to reflect the 118 years ago rather than 108 years. Can’t believe I missed that earlier. :-)
The civil was from 1861 to 1865. So by my math he would’ve be 21 :)
That is so sad. I grew up there. I have a 14 yr. I cant even image the pain those parents feel. Prayers to the families of those girls.
It is possible he served while he was 10 years old. Drummers were all very young boys, water runners (gophers) whatever you want to call them. I agree that is sad that his family never received the justice he deserved.
Sean Gray, the age does seem strange, but this is what’s listed on the Officer Down Memorial Page. http://www.odmp.org/officer/17150-police-officer-jacob-neibert (And also is listed on the IA Dept. of Public Safety’s Peace Officer Memorial page at http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/ipom/Officers/Neibert_Jacob.shtml.
Whoa. This sounds like a serial killer. :(
So sad he’ll never get justice :/ May he RIP <3
I would look into young men that lived in the area and went away to college. Valerie went missing in the Summer (college break), Julie the day after Thanksgiving (again on break) and Marie was found the day after Labor day (again on break)…check the local high school yearbooks 5 years prior and run the names for assaults since 1971. Bet they get a hit.
Hope they find them and hope fbi gets on my moms case far to long but u not forgot TERRY RAY MCCAULEY R.I.P.
So happy they haven’t been forgotten
Sean Gray I agree. R.I.P. Officer
I wish I could help. Prayers sent to the families and friends. I hope and pray for justice for all of them.
118 years ago today. Not 108. That makes more sense.
That’s odd. He would have been 10 when the civil war started. RIP officer.
So sorry. God bless his soul.
Jane Arenholz
My husband and I stayed the night there overnight and got a ton of evidence that it haunted. Such a sad story
His car has never been found. He was my uncle.
Cathy please see my response below. I feel strongly i know where Paul is…
Paul Knockel’s car was found in the Mississippi River in Dubuque on October 12th. Your story needs to be heard and investigated further. Contact the Telegraph Herald.
I am a resident of Dubuque, and it just broke today that Paul’s car was pulled from the Mississippi on October 12th!
Kesha Kaufman
Sandy Newcomb-hagen, in Aaron Brilbeck’s story on Paul Knockel (aired Oct. 8, 2010), the ICC page states that Knockel’s relatives spotted what they “thought” was his car, but that a few hours later it was gone. Toward the end of the story, Dubuque Police Lt. Scott Baxter is quoted as saying that even though they usually recover bodies that are disposed of in the river, that “depending on the circumstances, if the body is contained in a vehicle, that creates another challenge to us as well.” According to Aaron’s story and his interview with Lt. Baxter, neither Paul Knockel nor his car were ever located. The person who posted a comment about the car being found said Knockel was the uncle of a friend, but provided no further details. I’ll check with the Dubuque PD to confirm whether or not what she said is true. Thank you for writing and your concerns for Paul’s family. All best, Jody at ICC
The car was actually pulled from the Mississippi River in Dubuque about 2 weeks ago and the Dubuque Police have not said a word about it.
I love this case and the Villisca Axe Murder House so so much.
Prayers sent to the family may they get justice so they can find peace so sad
So sad… Prayers for little Amber… Rest in Peace with the Angels darling….. always…. Shared.
Shared. Prayers for Grace, her daughter, and their family… so sad….
Shared. So sad. Prayers for her,,, Rest in Peace…
Nick ; I really can’t see the house good, but to me, it looks like your house
Ryan Arenholz
Yes it is
This is so heart breaking.
It really is. I have read this whole report like 15 times.
Oooo spooky
I’m sorry but this is making me I’ll.
That house is beautiful but eerie. And the land surrounding it is amazing.
This is really sad! It is a horrific murder, & dad it was never solved!
That is so messed up. What is wrong with people. my heart is with her family and friends. I’ll pray
Dan Brewster
Jennifer Moore
Heather Mesmer Amber L Harrington
It was a one of a kind experience staying here…wish we could have gone up tonight. Such a terrible tragedy
Carrie Cusher i want to go so bad
Miranda Suwyn
Loved doing an investigation there!! So awesome!!
So sad prayer to the family I don’t know why people can be so cruel and would even think of doing such things! Why does evil have to exist.
Jessica Freeburg
Why did it happen? What did the Moore family do to be murder? Was the girls sexually absurd? And who ever did that, killed everyone to keep them quite patty hellums
Did that ever find out the murder of the boy in the box?. 1959. Who had killed him only the one or persons involved did that.
Chris Brees
this case has always intrigued me..read several books on the matter…. this along with all of the other midwestern ax murders
Jennifer Edge Taylor Edge Tori Nicole Cooper
Amanda Welter we need to plan a trip to go :)!
Jessica Hendrikson today would have been awesome to go!
Justin David Cramer
Natasha Otterbeck
Lacy Boner
Caitlin Mabee! :)
Tawny Ann Walker
Amie Meyer
Uh no Haley Moritz.. I have enough nightmares!
Alex Ahart we should have went today ;)
Emmanuel De Leon
Makynna Harrington
Amber Babcock
Logan Moss
:( so sad prayers to the family
So sad. I pray that this baby gets the justice she deserves.
Yeah, because an EMS crew is actually going to just stand around for 2 hours chatting and laughing before intentionally snapping someone's neck. That's TOTALLY plausible.
Effing conspiracy monkeys.
Lisa, until you’ve experienced backlash from neighbors who continually break the law and the rules of environmental maintenance just so they can make money at the expense of others land, drinking water, air quality and livelihood, DO NOT MAKE THAT KIND OF CRASS, IGNORANT STATEMENT HERE! You have NO IDEA what kind of harassment this family endured! You have NO IDEA what their water smelled like or tasted like! You are not trying to talk over a scarred larynx because you inhaled anhydrous ammonia or unknowingly consumed it over the years before getting the water tested!
Didja’ READ what the retired sheriff had to say? Do you know him personally? I do. I remember the sheriff he worked with, who was MUCH better at law enforcement than Younker was!
Conspiracy monkeys? No. Not at all.
When you step out of line in Mitchell Co. Iowa, you are disciplined. And if you choose to step out of line, you’d better have your shit together legally, because if they can stop you from stepping, they will.
It’s not just Mitchell Co…it’s all over this world.
Good will prevail and these goddamned murderers will live with the consequences of their behavior.
This is REAL.
THIS HAPPENED.
That’s the trouble here. In her haste to make people look like irrational criminals, she doesn’t even take the time to recreate plausible conversations that anyone could even entertain the possibility took place at all.
“And then he said, “It wasn’t the mean one.” Shook his head, and said, “It was just a Big Mistake.” And then looked down at his shoes and shook his head repeating “A Big Mistake.” I asked, “What was a big mistake, that Adam was dead?” He wouldn’t answer. I asked if he was going to investigate. He said, “No!”
Riiiiiiiiiiight.
The moms a left wing nut job from what i can read from the comments. I don’t believe any of it !!!
Brent it sounds like you’re either a cop or another empowered idiot. Lawsuits are coming. I have talked with FBI and there is an ongoing open investigation still going on. So if you are on here just to call innocent victims names I’m pretty sure someone will be coming to have a talk with you. This is pretty serious — 2 people are dead. So if you had any brains don’t leave comments on something you know nothing about. Maybe read it all. Funny county attorney is not in jail all the crap he has pulled.
I’m neither a cop or an impowered idiot. But I’ll be sure to talk to who ever comes to my door. Hell, I’ll let them drink from our well if they’d like, it’s great.
Brent – No last Name, no way to have a agent contact you for information of where there might be water not contaminated with 80 times the maximum contaminate level for Atrazine, and other herbicides and pesticides and Very high Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers and High Cadmium Lead? You can’t taste most of these, except when the sinkholes are taking manure water and then your washer clothes and dishwasher and dishes stink and you have to shut off your hot water heater.
You must be upstream of the Cedar (W) Township Polluters or involved in the polluting of others’ Source Water Downstream from you.
Your nuts if you think this is over. Sounds like you know more than you are willing to tell. It’s people like you that make me sick you little puke.
Ok retard
U must be an agent
There was more in my report to Hintz (about the 2004 Gold/Tannish Chevy Impala) that Adam chased away from my home after a male passenger jumped in. Hintz never gave me any aid just left me as I collapsed and slid down the wall after he refused again to investigate the ones harassing me that Adam chased, as he came home from the Poet Plant. Hintz, and I think, Younker who sat out in the Sheriff’s vehicle but didn’t come in, could see I didn’t have the brace on my broken leg, but no aid given me, she was only a woman farmer, who would not dig that big ditch to drain Cedar (W) Township down a line of USDA-NRCS documented Sinkholes in a Designated National Wetland. Hintz had checked out Adam’s Poet Computer on my dining room table and asked to shut it off but I told him no as Adam operated and adjusted operations and I had promised him I would never let anyone touch it. Adam had earlier gotten promoted by the South Dakota Office on the 12th and he had emailed the POP’s in for getting the Hot Ferm through to production and then the SD Office had asked him to send the POP’s for venting that warped tank so it could be repaired on Monday. Adam did that from that computer and left to go back to Poet to check on a new piece of equipment that wasn’t calibrated that was supposed to measure the fumes. It was when he came home from Poet again that Saturday night when the Chevy was pointing south out of the U driveway in front of my home that a male ran from my home to the car and jumped in and the ring tail lights came on and they sped out and Adam chased them as he had before.
Hintz and Younker refused to give me a copy of my report about the 2 people harassing me that Adam chased. They also left me alone after I collapsed after Hintz would not tell me where Adam was except Hintz said they had taken him to Mason City to see why he died. My 2 children that were about 4 hours away got there shortly after two of my sisters who got me up and dressed but Hintz would not tell me where Adam was.
The evidence doesn’t lie you inept idiot. You are too ignorant and full of yourself to see the trutb. An injustice was done and you have the audacity to defend the people involved.
https://muscatinejournal.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/case-closed/article_000e649c-1857-11df-aeee-001cc4c03286.html
So sad the killer walks free.
read "sundown towns" and go to the SPLC website and click on the 'hate map'…get informed of your surroundings and live accordingly.
Kevin Crowe …it was 4-5 years ago…you weren't part of the team at that time. if i need an ambulance in the future, i would hope it's everything you claim it to be.
Iowa has way too many cold cases. This poor lil child had to have suffered so! How heartbreaking even 26 years later! Gods comfort to the family!!
North Iowa's own version of "Erin Brockovich". Very sad! Always wondered about the correlation between the high cancer rates in North Iowa and the drinking water quality.
@michael Bigger…go up to the Mayo Clinic. They’ve gotta’ map on the wall…with pins in it…showing their cancer patients origin. They know who their patients are, they know where they are coming from and they know they’ll KEEP coming as long as BIG AG and BIG PHARMA are connected!
Mitchell Co. Iowa has the highest cancer rates in the NATION!
Those doctors in Mayo Clinic aren’t staying there because they ‘love’ the climate!
They’ve got themselves a ready source for cancer and neurological research, which costs money…a never-ending source of money!
Mayo has moved (followed their insurance money) to Phoenix, AZ…where these rich mega-acre farmers spend their winters!
They should get the ladies from Cold Justice to solve this case!!
Prayers to the family and friends . My heart and thoughts are with all of you.
God bless
Sarah im not sure if that comment is towards mitchell county ems but assume it is. I have been in charge of the service for the last 3 yrs and if u give me a name and date which took us 45 min to respond i will look into it. We average a 3 min response time time to go enroute and win a state award last year for being a great service. Things have changed alot in 3 yrs and whether u believe it or not this is a great up to date service with many dedicated experienced professionals. We carry more medications than all other services around including the helicopters. I can assure you no one is part of any conspiracy to hurt or deny care to ANYONE. Feel free to contact me @ 641-832-2238 to discuss this further.
KGLO AM 1300 reported Adam’s accident, “Nora Springs man dead after single-vehicle accident on Saturday (7/12/2008) night”, …. “which was reported just after Midnight Sunday morning on Mitchell County Road S-70 south of County Road 105. by Fisher
Highway Patrolman, Palas Graham, who took the 26 pictures while Adam was later killed on 7/13/2008 had threatened Veronica in about March 2009 as he had first showed her blackened copies of those pictures with, “you have to stop asking Questions these guys play for keeps.” had refused access to the information on the first 911 report but Adam’s Probate Attorney later got access to a copy of this Iowa Highway Patrolman Palas Graham’s Iowa Department of Transportation Report that verified the recording time of the first 911 reporting time of Adam’s accident as 00:01, or one minute after Midnight on 7/12/2008 or one minute at the start of 7/13/2008. But after they discovered he was still alive some in the group in the pictures witnessed how Adam was murdered after having his limbs crushed. Veronica has still been refused the answers to the questions and that transcript and recording of that first 911 call (by probably one of the two men in the ’04 Chevy Impala harassing Veronica at her farm on the night of 7/12/2008 and when Adam chased them to get their plate number) of why the group in court are allowed to kill, so the polluting can continue to endanger the lives of 1/2 million Iowans Downstream just so the owners of 50,000 acres can benefit from increased yields profiting on their acres at about 5 million more per year on the entire 50,000 acres, but the increased Health Insurance costs for those 1/2 million are far more costly both economically and quality of life threatening for those 1/2 million. Veronica Lack
What happened the morning Andrew Luck called for help? Do you have an answer for this Mitchell County EMS director. I understand you wasn’t directing the service then but it’s not hard to understand why people would distrust you and your service.
Thomas Clark: The first 911 call went into the Osage call center before Midnight on 7/12/2008. Probably called in by the harassers Adam chased from his Mom’s farm house and she had witnessed, Adam again tried to get the license plate numbers, that Sheriff Younker had told Veronica and Adam they had to have to file another complaint. They supposedly told the Sheriff or Deputy that Adam was dead, and no Aide was sent. Until seven hours later when Adam was killed by those pictured.
So disheartening to think someone could do this to an innocent baby. Is cruel enough to do this someone who is able to defend themselves but to do this to a baby whose only defense is crying is beyond cold! What’s worse is that this was probably some by someone close to the baby. Heartbreaking
Prayers to the family. People are so sick and pure evil. Obviously that guy did it..why did he have a shovel and all? Also being on cocaine wth! They should test the soil found in the car.
The mother was involved in the drug scenw big time as well………
It was probably the mom that killed the poor girl but they were in on it together..
Merisa, obviously you are not familiar with the case or you wouldn’t have left such an ignorant comment…..
I know that baby’s mother an u ain’t got a clue
Julie, was that to me or Merisa…. If so I do know the mother very well….
You shouldn’t speak if you don’t know better. That is my sister and my mother that you are referring too. She did no such thing.
:( so sad and sickening!! Who would do this to a poor innocent baby!!
OMG how could somebody be so evil
Dear Lord!! :'(
Heartbreaking. Prayers they can find justice for this little one after all these years. Maybe someone will remember something, no matter how small, give your info to the authorities.
makes one trust in their response personnel doesn't it? might be why it took the ambulance more than 45 minutes to get out to my dad the first time he had an incident…hummmmmmm…and we never called them again. one way or another, they get even…one way or another.
they were relatives
relatives of the Stillinger girls coaxed them to open the screen door to the front porch…they knew the killers and the reason all died that night. Lena was the last one alive and her dress held the evidence. I DO hope someone kept it.
David Wildeboer i was told that they did know and the wife left a symbol that she knew there was an intruder–her wedding ring, under her pillow
was my grandmothers family
Have you had déjà-vous moments that give you any insight? I believe that it is because I, too, am blood related, and see the event, motive and the commission of the secret ritual that has allowed the event to remain unsolved.
I am a sensitive at least that's what they call me. My friends called me one night and said they were going to spend Halloween in this house and wanted me to come, since I can feel, see, and communicate with the dead. As soon as I stepped out of the car I was consumed by death. The house gave me images I wish I could wash away. The killers face was never clear. Yet I felt like I was struck with every blow of the axe that night. I stayed until morning but will not go back into that house again. It was the most unnerving thing I have ever felt and I have felt a lot of things.
I hate when people say they can communicate with the dead. It’s ridiculous and it’s simply not true. Stop with the lies.
I live in Mitchell County & We Have Had Many Issues With The Water In Our Area, & The Water Tables & with the DNR….Sounds to me like Adam was digging a little too deep & finding answers to what was going on, and he was murdered so he wouldn't be able to probe into this situation anymore. The way it sounds, is like he was either taken out by someone that knew him &, the Mitchell County Sheriff, Deputies, County Attornies, & Fireman know exactly what happened but were paid off to keep their mouths shut……This is serious shit…..This young man was just voicing his concerns and trying to protect innocent people, farmers,, their families, livestock & other people against the dangers of what was going on with the water…This case is very interesting to me because we have gone through almost the same things and everything is always hush, hush…I would also like to get to the bottom of all of this..& to find out just what exactly did happen…………
Lu,
The State of Iowa’s two Hygienic Labs in Iowa City and Ankeny do most of our water testing for smaller public and private wells and even though I published that warning letter to test for Cadmium Lead in 2004 in the Press News after Bradley Johnson had bragged that he had fixed me for reporting him to the IDNR (the IDNR had forced him to close his sinkhole drain) by dumping his pile of truck batteries, no one listened to my warning.
And the State’s Lab Data of well tests including that very high Cadmium Lead result on my well were ignored even by the IDNR and and the State of Iowa, and Osage’s Dr. Ross, the then director of the Mitchell County Board of Health. This exposed and is still exposing other families Downstream to high levels of Cadmium Lead. We need the State of Iowa to protect its citizens not cover up for on-going Point Source Polluters. You see all these programs about CSI and other and Big Data files can be accessed to find sources of pollution.
Why has Iowa hidden plumes of known contaminants in a certain quarter of a County or Township by not setting up a web site that has a map of all the bad well contaminants, so that we can can know which of the over 600 pollutants we need to test for in our wells and possibly filter them out. Before we get the tumors or cancers or high blood pressure or skin irritations or COPD these effects and the effects of lead on a child’s mental growth should be important to Iowans. The new IDNR web site hides the huge data so that one has to pull up each resident’s well test data in the state individually and then find no well test data or only a few of the wells over 50 tests I have paid for on my wells. Where are they filing the Big Data? And who is the State of Iowa trying to Protect, by hiding it?
Results are hidden away due to the most powerful people owning the biggest farms with the most pollution is my guess. Those federal kickbacks are easy cash. And when u own tons of big dollar property with profitable toxic gmo crops then people tend to look the other way to protect those with tons of money and power. Just my guess…why would they publish results showing polluting Iowa is a “great place to raise a family” if you are powerful and rich. If not, keep quiet and you will be fine…they forgot to add that last part on the welcome to Iowa signs perhaps…I don’t know. So many theories and guess but am still stuck on why they didn’t have an ambulance and take the guy out of the truck before dropping it a few times. Still in my opinion everyone involved at the scene of that accident should be held accountable for his death. If I was reading a mystery story book, seems the answer is right there in black and white as this stuff is so heinous and shocking hard to believe it is real life, it may as well be a book or a movie…
I also took water samples into Mn. and had my water tested there. My well water isn’t safe for Animal Consumption. They wanted to know where our water came from. I said my 10 acre Farm on the Border. Shouldn’t even bath in this water unless you have to.
Mertens Farms was behind the poisoning of our well. Rich farmers running Mitchell County. Hell they poisoned whole Town of Stacyville. The town was forced to dig a new well. Ever see Those Green HOG SHIT Haulers? Well that Shit goes and sinks into Artistic Well plus runs off into streams. These Farmers Are Killing us. This crap all Causes Cancer. Children are being hurt.
I’m not scared of Mr. MARK WALK. I’m about to sue this county and him and clean house of these criminals. Sheriff Greg Beaver is part of the problem. County attorneys tell crooked judges what to do. There is no justice in Mitchell County – hopefully there soon will be. They all are involved in trying to murder me. I’ve since armed up to protect myself. They have broken into my home without warrants. Greg Beaver shot a hole in my door. No warrants. County supervisors said they would pay for a new door. Our tax dollars pay for these pieces of shit excuses for human beings empowered to cover up crime by a few bad farmers who don’t care about us citizens.
Our water has been poisoned. These people will and have killed before. I’m very well aware of this. I have called the FBI many times and reported them. All I know is they are all under a FBI investigation. They first started coon spot lighting my home late at night. I just pulled shades. One night I was outside after midnight and caught a sheriff setup car spot lighting my living room window. He saw me and took off fast.
Best thing to do is tell your friends and vote Mark Walk out of office for starters. He has harassed me the last 18 years. His office swindled us out of some of our loan money. His partner that died closed our home loan. Somehow taxes were never paid I found out. I asked Mark Walk about it to try to find the money. He told me too bad. Said “Not his fucking problem.” Need to stop farmers from blowing poison on crops. It does not go away. That’s a big lie. Poison goes into the food, too. VOTE OUT ALL THE COUNTY OFFICIALS. It’s the Only way it’s gonna Change and get Water Cleaned up. I have and plan to on Governor and His CREW. HE IS WORTHLESS – VOTE HIM OUT! PLEASE!
THIS STATE IS RUN BY CROOKS. HOW DO THEY GET AWAY WITH ALL THIS CRAP?
MAY GOD HELP US ALL IN THIS FIGHT FOR CLEAN WATER.
Gary, we need a Class Action Suit with attorneys that work on our behalf later getting a small part of a settlement and that also get the Iowa Drainage Laws and the Clean Water Act Enforced Closing all Point Source Pollution and fining the Mitchell County groups who have altered farmland drainage of their chemicals into our Source Waters. Our Clean safe drinking water is our Right, as is our Right to Life. Veronica
Adam’s last request of me on Saturday the 12th of July, 2008 before he was murdered, the next day, to cover up, was to get copies of wells Downstream of Cedar (W) Townships’ Sinkhole Drainage System, test results for Ammonia Nitrogen as N. Our new well that we and others had drilled to a deeper aquifer to try to get safer farm chemical and lead free drinking water was burning our skin and eyes, throats, and intestinal lining. This new aquifer was testing safe for Nitrates and Bacteria but no one was being told to test for the Anhydrous Ammonia in the deeper Aquifers. But with the new illegal channel through my farm to the very deep Designated National Wetlands Sinkholes, Adam was thinking the Ammonia Nitrogen as N levels must be climbing from the 0.000 levels they should normally be. In 2012 I was able to pay a male attorney to get Mark Ross to spend the time to look up the IDNR records of test results for about ten wells in this on-going Plume including mine that ranged in results of 1.0 to 12.2 horribly high and our advise from the IDNR has not changed. Test for Nitrates and Bacteria and Chlorinate when the Bacteria levels are up.
They are telling us to possibly burn our families Downstream with Trihalomethanes by letting some farmers illegally drain their land down into our Source Water. I am a female farmer that stood up in court in 2007 along with my son Adam, against this polluting group of farmers and the IDNR that charged me with Blockage of Water and the USDA-NRCS that surveyed part of my farm to build the illegal Flood Channel to Sinkholes in this Aquifer Recharge Area. Why is their no mention of my Civil Rights suit when the Iowa Attorney General’s Office says its too POLITICAL to say Iowan’s are Drinking Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer? Adam wanted to warn people to test for Ammonia Nitrogen as N before they Chlorinate.
Is it because you can’t blame that chemical on towns and cities? That Nitrogen fertilizer is not like the others, its made by the Big Oil Corps like Orascom. Its been used to send rockets to the moon and has blown up some. Will it get to explosive levels in our aquifers if we don’t start enforcing our Drainage laws and the Clean Water Act on some farmers that use that particular man-made chemical that does not die off in the cold and dark of the deeper aquifers? How will fracking affect its concentration as it builds up underground?
It’s sort of obvious the sheriff etc know who did this, and they certainly killed him off purposely in his vehicle with the tow truck. How is this not obvious to the FBI? This is extreme worst whistleblower retaliation. You would think the FBI would have investigated and figured it out years ago. Just my thoughts on that…if we want to have rules and regulations to keep people and our environment safe, then why are we killing people off when they find something that doesn’t follow those rules and regulations. Can’t have it both ways. Why even bother having the rules then.
After reviewing the evidence read in the information provided by this site I am disgusted and appalled that this gross injustice has been ignored and the responsible parties have not been brought to justice. There is clear evidence of two not one but two murders and a conspiracy to not even cover them up but to ignore this herendous injustice. My heart pores out to Veronica Luck and her family for all they have suffered and I am in utter dismay of the lack of pursuit of the truth by state and federal law enforcement agencies who also ignore the obvious. Mitchell county sheriff’s department, the county attorney’s office, the medical examiner’s and the Iowa department of natural resources officials that are assigned to the county should all be held accountable for their actions. I refuse to believe the governor isn’t grossly negligent in the cover up as well. They should all resign their posts immediately at the very least. I too feel Andrew Luck was murdered for digging into deep of a problem that would implement way too many people in important position and scar the image of Iowa as well as cause millions of dollars in clean up and compensation for the victims of the nearly million of Iowans downstream and the states all the way to the gulf of Mexico. Are these people idiots who put profit over people. Answer to this is obvious. I just pray that honest people gain positions in organizations such as the Iowa DNR and expose these attrocities and put an end to them so the wrongs can be corrected for future generations of Iowans. Mitchell County officials need to be held accountable. How do the men present the morning of Andrews murder sleep at night knowing what you were part of. How does the nurse who administered unprescribed meds that result in a man’s death not be held accountable. Correct me if I’m wrong but veronica is the only person who should have authorized how her husband’s corpse was disposed of under state law not the medical examiner. He was cremated to destroy evidence. He should be held accountable and brought to justice. The fact that all of this has occured and the 26 photos taken by the Iowa state trooper is undisputed evidence that Andrew was alive and nothing was done to help him is sickening. I am sickened by the lack of morals by all these officials who stood by and did nothing. Let’s not forget to include the failure to respond by first responders be it the sheriff, state trooper, firemen or any paramedics assigned to the area. It is inconceivable to accept this behavior. A conspiracy to ignore a whistle blower who was not allowing his family and fellow iowans to be victims so he was killed and the worst part is the numerous public officials and agencies who were involved.
It’s Lack not Luck and Adam not Andrew. Jesus.
I will pray that she is found. God bless.
Omg I just searched this up I should’ve looked a long time ago…. Evelyn was my best friend when I went to Lincoln Elementry. We played T- ball or was it softball…Anyway we played it together…she was always so happy …I always think about her even to this day …and I am 14
Africa is a big place to be from…
Thank You for All that you do by re-posting John’s story, and the stories of all the others. We pray that one day they catch who did this.
They should tax us and reopen it..hell they tax us for everything else in Iowa, may as well tax us on something that really matters like the cold case unit.
I wish they would refund and reopen the Iowa Cold case unit again! :(
I’m so sorry about your loss. I wish I could help All of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless.
Sad. RIP
We all miss you Charles and know you were killed by someone that is a low life heartless pig. Hope this will bring the justice you and your family deserve.
This is just horrible, I have a friend that was murder also and is under the Iowa Cild Cases !! Hope and pray they find both of these murders !!!
She was such a wonderful, good person. I think of her often. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding and each anniversary as well as today I’m still filled with sadness. Miss you Patty! You will always be in my heart.
I remember the day I received the phone call about Patty, the phone call from our cousin Joann. Patty and family had been to our home a few summers before her death. I did not know it would be the last time I would see her.
to many unsolved cases due to not enough detectives/resources or attention.
I am a friend of the family! If you have any information brad greene please contact me! I still see her parents from time to time!!
Very Sad. God bless
This is very sad. It breaks my heart. what is wrong with people. Sorry for the family and friends loss. God Bless.
I will be praying for her family and friends. My heart breaks for them.
From el early 90s
We will have Justice for Dino. RIP nephew.
Has Lyle Stevik been ruled out? Google his story- he’s a man that commited suicide under a fake name in a motel in Washington state. He’s never been identified. Stats match, same height etc.
Aaron didn’t seem like the type of guy to venture far from his home. Quiet, yet friendly. This is a small community, and traveling far doesn’t seem like something he’d do.
Did you know him by chance?
Because cross references dental records (Pate and Stevik both have records entered) it’s likely they’ve been ruled out. Also Stevik is listed as Native/Hispanic origin and Pate is white.
Mary, I’m so sorry for your loss; I knew Joe (took EMT training with him and worked on the ambulance crew with him years ago) and I didn’t believe for one minute that he committed suicide when he passed! I always believed there was “more to the story”. It is very sad that justice has not prevailed for him and Boyd!!!! :(
I know for a fact that Larry Joseph Riley did not commit sucide any one that knew Joe knows that also Mary RILEY JOES MOTHER FOUND OUT SOMETHING PLEASE SO HE CAN REST IN PEACE
I live in MN. What a very sad and disturbing case. Hopefully, someone is still out there alive who knows something. The article mentioned Roses daughter. I hope she is doing well. I will click like on her friends page to keep updated.
Very sad.
so sad, I hope they can find who did this! prayers to their family and friends.!!
You want to get away with murder, commit it in Taylor County. Shameful.
“Between approximately 10 – 10:15 a.m., Monona County Sheriff Jeff Pratt and Onawa Police officer Joe Farrens arrived at the farm…………. When he arrived at the farm, Earl found the acreage abandoned. Law enforcement officials had gone, and no yellow crime scene tape closed off a perimeter, which, if present, would have indicated fire department officials had not yet determined gas fumes at a safe enough level for individuals to enter the residence and/or pass beyond the marked perimeter.”
If Onawa Police officer Joe Farrens and Monona County Sheriff Jeff Pratt had done their jobs and marked the area with a yellow crime scene tape, this tragedy never would have happened. Joe Farrens in particular has been involved in many incidences that have harmed the very citizens he is supposed to protect and serve. It’s scandalous he still has a badge.
Wow..
Mel,
IDNR and NRCS agents in Mitchell County that planned this illegal sinkhole drainage to accomodate the Cedar (W) Township male farmers that dug that Flood channel through my home farm are killing more animals and affecting the health of more Iowans Downstream by their draining their fertilizers and other farm chemicals down the huge sinkholes in the Designated National Wetland.
They stole 42 acres from me, with no use of eminent domain, just theft and no reimbursement. In court, when the bulldozer operator, Mr. Wagner, was asked if he had gotten permission from me, he stated, “She’s a woman, and she doesn’t know anything.”
Unfortunately this on-going Plume (from their draining of thousands of acres of very little soil depth, karst limestone, aquifer recharge area, former Wetland around and down Designated National Wetland’s huge Sinkholes) loads farm chemicals, Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen (very water soluble fertilizers) into our Source Water of our wells Downstream.
In October of 2015 this Plume took out one of the City of Waterloo’s wells. The Mitchell County group doing the polluting were not required as I was to have to get 401 permits from the IDNR or even a 404 Drainage Permit from the Corps of Engineer’s Office like mine that was recorded on the abstract for that farm.
Non-Enforcement of Iowa’s Drainage laws and the Clean Water Act is allowing some farmers to pollute and our 20 year Governor’s Legacy will be water we cannot even filter of the huge amount of increasing levels of Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizer Bacteria. When we try to treat for the high levels of bacteria, the IDNR says to Chlorinate, but with the building levels in this Plume, of Ammonia Nitrogen as N, we can cause Trihalomethanes that kill.
We need to have all farmers obeying our drainage laws and punished severely for their continuing to drain their chemicals creating this particular Plume, maybe it could set an example to stop the increase in Point Source Polluting that has happened in the last 20 years. Our Source Waters across Iowa contain CAFO and Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizers at increasing levels and we are drinking them but we grew up never having to drink Anhydrous Ammonia Nitrogen fertilizer since it’s made by the Big Oil Corps and now my grandchildren have to deal with Asthma, Eczema, more allergies, learning disabilities, tics, cancers, and increased COPD.
Anhydrous Ammonia and CAFO Nitrogen fertilizers are the main cause of the Dead Zones in the Gulf, and also Blue Baby Syndrome.
We need Adam’s USDA-NRCS Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation Version Three or Adam’s “RUSLE3”, Re-Installed at the DC Offices of NRCS, as it was being utilized by President Obama for the Remediation of Veronica Lack’s Discrimination suit 08 1022 against the USDA-NRCS. It was filed by her with Adam’s help in 2/2007. In February of 2017 Trump’s Administration REDACTED the work of the Democratic Administration to Protect our US Source Water and Rich Soils from contamination and erosion. President Obama listened to average citizens and worked to protect us. Good Ol’ Boys in Iowa will kill and steal a small female farmers land to pollute 1/2 million Iowans Water, so they can have higher yields. Veronica Lack
The psychic had many predictions that were wrong also.
Mr. Dougherty, my mother is your brother’s half sister. I would love to talk to you.I have been doing whatever I can to help find out about Office John Stephens death. My mother, his half sister thinks of him all the time. Thanks to Ms. Connolly we were able to find his gravesite. We visit and lay flowers at his site as well as his daughter’s. When his death occurred, I was very little and ill. My mom couldn’t attend his funeral; however, she always tells the story of how John came to their house looking for my mom’s dad, who was also his dad. I have many questions and did go to CB police dept., but it seemed like no one wanted to listen to me.
I am so sorry to hear about this case. I wish all the cold cases were solved. I’m still waiting to her about Officer John Stephens” Case.
The case is not cold it is closed according to the Des Moines police department. I’m her great-niece and thought I was ready to look at the case files in 2010 but decided not to keep my appointment. I felt my cousins deserved to have a glance at the fie before I did…
Did Johnetta attend Hoover high school?
Pam, I don’t know if Johnetta attended Hoover High School. La’Chaira or Dominique may be able to answer that question. Do you think you may have known Johnetta during those school years?
Ta’Mar, I’ve updated Johnetta’s page to reflect how her case was cleared (closed) under “exceptional means.” In some instances, this type of closure is often a double-edged sword; there are suspects who maintain his or her innocence right up until death, and whether guilty or not, family members are often left with unanswered questions and no hope of ever seeing anyone held accountable in a loved one’s death.
For that reason, I will leave the case on the ICC site unless La’Chaira and Dominique prefer to see it removed. I hope in some small way her page here paid tribute to a young mother taken away all too soon without final answers or closure afforded to her children.
YES LET’S EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE AGAIN BY A FORENSIC EXPERT…. OH WAIT THE EVIDENCE WAS LOST…. HOW CONVENIENT?? ONE THING I KNOW IS NEVER BELIEVE AN ATTORNEY… THEY GET PAID FOR LYING THEIR ASSES OFF TO DEFEND BABY KILLERS…. I UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE KIDKNAPPING CHARGE BECAUSE HAD THEY CHARGED HIS ASS WITH MURDER AND FOUND NOT GUILTY THEY COULD NOT CHARGE HIM AGAIN IF NEW EVIDENCE WAS FOUND…. SO REALLY THATS A PLUS BECAUSE THERE IS NO STATUE OF LIMITATIONS ON MURDER…. SO HE CAN BE CHARGED FOR MURDER WHEN THE TRUTH COMES OUT…… I BELIEVE HE WILL GET HIS… I HOPE AND PRAY IT IS BEFORE HE DIES BECAUSE EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT THEY DO TO DISGUSTING SORRY EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING THAT HURTS BABIES…. :-)
Pray for the lost souls out there to many people gone what is this country coming to
This is her sister and I would like you to contact me regarding some correction to this article. My email is teenlibrz@gmail.com
This happened so many years ago, but I have always kept in the back of my mind how I was walking home from school in the winter of 1982 and a man in a red truck had approached me after circling the neighborhood many times. He stopped and motioned me over to him. I just stood there while he asked me where Bill Barber’s grocery store was. I just took off cutting through yards to make my way home. I saw him circling the blocks a few other days but I was with friends. I was only in 6th grade at the time and did not say much about it back then, but my mother & I have had many conversations over the years about this incident. My mother told me later that at that time what used to be Bill Barber’s grocery store was made into an apartment building. There is no doubt in my mind that if I had went any closer to him I would not be here today. He was a heavy young adult male with curly hair.
Do you remember what his voice sounded like?
Facial hair?
im sure but the clinton police cant get their act together they forgot to question him they have always lost police reports
What police reports have been lost?
Miss u David!!!!! #my cousins daddy <3
It appears suspicious that he would be seen by friends on the evening of the 1st, and reported missing on the 1st as well since he was 21. I hate it when information is withheld for the purpose of the case. I wonder what those who saw him last said about where he may have said he was heading, what they were doing when they saw him, etc.
Did anyone ever consider drunk driving? Maybe he simply drove into a pond or lake and that’s why nobody knows anything,how messed up was he that night? Might be a simple answer why him or the car has never been found?
I wake up everyday with Elaine’s name on my soul, praying that justice will come quickly, before the perpetrators grow much older! Manipulation of the law should never be flaunted, and that is exactly what is happening each day that Imogene, Jule and Rob Rolfe are allowed to live as if Elaine never existed, nor that her life mattered at all. Jule was forced to become a deputy, as Donald was fighting with the board of supervisors because Donald was having Jule ride with him to take prisoners to Annamosa, Iowa. It was Jule and Don’s affair time out of Creston! This is why Jule became a deputy, not much admirable of reasons. It is a mockery of justice how these perpetrators got away with many crimes including the murder of Elaine. I saw Mr. Hildebrand hatefully bullied with verbal and physical body language. Please make them answer for Elaine’s death, what happened, why they were around her as brutus/his accomplists stabbed ceasar, figuratively, Elaine had info bout county attorney’s office a powder cake of trouble for the sheriff’s office and county jail.. ie Unleashed the IMOGENE!
Pappy, thanks so much for your additional insights into this case, and you’re absolutely right about the hateful bullying Deputy Sheriff Hildebrand endured after asking county officials to call in the BCI for assistance in the investigation. The county denied his requests to get the state involved, and when Hildebrand then requested an autopsy be conducted on Elaine’s body (a request also denied), someone entered Hildebrand’s back yard and slit his dog’s throat as a warning.
Mr. Hildebrand exemplifies the best of qualities we all want in principled men and women who’ve pledged to protect and serve our communities. A great many, long after retirement, remain committed to seeing justice served for victims and families. Hildebrand knew one true thing: Elaine’s life mattered…as does her still unresolved death.
JODY @ICC, NONE THE LESS THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU AND STAFF DO.
Albia is a small town and I wonder if there is any connection between this case and the cold case of Harry Milligan who disappeared from Albia one day short of five months later on July, 1, 1984 and is still listed as a cold case.
He was pulled from the wreckage.
RIP becka!! Miss u!!
this women who brutal, murder..that there be justice for the family my prayers are with them
Hope Jody doesn’t mind…I’m bumping this profile page to the top of the recent comments in hopes that the anonymous tipster the police are referring to in the media release might see it and get in contact with them. The additional information they’re hoping tipster can provide might very well solve this case and finally bring closure for Michelle’s family.
May be a dumb question but, is there anyway that this case could be connected to Donna Sue Davis’s murder???
CRC, there’s no such thing as a dumb question. And, though both Hilda Fletcher and Donna Sue Davis both lived in Sioux City, I’m not aware of any other connections between their murders. Donna Sue’s suspected killer preyed more on young children.
Wish that ‘Cold Justice” would review this case.
I remember working with Becky at Waterloo Tent & Tarp. Funniest little spitfire of a gal! She made the work day so much better. Everyone loved working with her. I hope your family can find peace in knowing she touched many lives in such a positive way and the truth will prevail! God bless
I miss you lots if you are out here in This World some where and you don’t know Who you really are or if you have family. You do in Des Moines, Iowa we love and miss you dearly come home please.
Lois hope you are being good miss you guys, your uncle told me what happened a few months after Missy disappeared. I saw sandy once also, sad only sad. I am on FB take care.
Israel Keyes maybe his timeline fits the crime same mo
Israel’s travels records are published by the FBI and he was in the Midwest around that time.
in the late 70’s to 80’s Robert D house was a kid and he hit an elderly woman in the head with a board and robbed her ,he was a suspect in Davenport,they couldn’t prove it b/c he had broke down an old tire and hid the money there and they never found it..he knew where she kept the money b/c he mowed her lawn and watched her get it out of the cabinet to pay him…he was born in 1960 I lived with him for 5 years in early 2000 and he told me about this crime…he said he regretted it b/c she later died in the hospital. He put the money in a tire and put the tire back on his truck. He lives in Russellville,AR. And the local police have a file on him for stealing.
I know someone who has info but won’t talk
does anyone know where Lonnie Allen Bell live at
Yes, as RJ Riley mentions above, he was able to track Lonnie down and we have sent him letters, but have had no response. You can see the posts about this on our website, here: http://www.stchehak.com
I will join the search.
What could have been the motive? And were there any other suspect in this case?
Good questions, I do not know the answer to the first. Answer to the second, I do not know the answer to that question either. I sometimes believe it was the doughnut crew of investigations.
I think she had undiagnosed cerebral palsy. She used to come in to the bar I worked for dinner and a drink. I worked on Court Ave. She had worked for the owners previously at the bar Grapes & Grain, and came for a visit. I was kind to her and she latched on to me. Many staff made fun of me for my kindness. I recognized she was slow, God Bless her. She probably got taken advantage of by some predator. What a terrible world we live in. I hope her case is brought to justice.
Great website! Thought you would be interested to know that the Frances Bloomfield case is no longer cold: https://www.thegazette.com/2013/12/18/former-iowa-city-resident-bloomfield-formally-charged-in-wifes-death
Thank you for your compliment about the website, Alexis!
Though Frances’ husband John Bloomfield has been arrested and charged with her murder, he isn’t scheduled to go to trial until July 2014. There’s more info about the charges/arrest on Frances Bloomfield’s page, but the case won’t officially be closed unless Mr. Bloomfield is convicted.
I’ll make a notation on the respective city/county pages that her case is currently pending trial. Thanks for writing, and have a great weekend!
people completely forgot that this article is called Lynn Schuller everyones talkin about this man like hes a god or some shit like you ever thought that when u yell at ur little brother or took a candy more than him you felt bad and tried to right it i.e being nicer etc. YOU CAN do bad shit and feel bad about it afterwards doesnt change the fact that you still did it period.
I think that who a person is to the “world” many times is not the same person behind the walls of their home. There are many people who kill their wives that people say….he was so gentle and kind or when a serial killer is found..I would of never thought they would be able to do something like that.
ALL this talk about the trucker and the boss and the hubby and the kids and mom etc… Honestly if a man was able to get into someone elses home only a few months later OF COURSE you NEED to Question this dont you think ???>:[
dfgdfg
Greg was a friend of mine….no matter what lice he choose to live he was my friend and he got me my shar-pei pupppy crom his neighbor that was 14 years ago and my dog champ is still with us today. Greg thank you for being a friend…. to his family prayers they find him….so he can rest in peace…..
Hi Becki,
Could you expand on what you remember about Carmody, especially since he lived in your household for a time? What was he like? What did he look like back then? Just trying to put together a fuller picture of him.
Best,
Tom Sellen
Tom,
I’d posted a link but it was quite long and didn’t work after my comment appeared. I recommend visiting: https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffenderRegistry
Tom, I was ten at the time. When I think about that time in my life, and all the years after, I realize that to get into describing “Jack”, as we called him, in this blog, would not begin to give you a picture of who he was. When I read that he and his attorneys had declined comment for a book, I figured as much. All of the horrific crimes that he has done, (to me, child molestation is horrific, as well as murder), he still gets to choose what he wants. There is a story there, but not to get into here.
Thank you and I would be willing to help if I can.
Becki
Hi Becki
I would very much like to speak to you about this. How can we get in touch?
Tom
Mary! I have looked for you and your brothers! I am sorry that I didn’t see your response sooner… I was the lil blonde girl that live catty corner from you guys and probably drove you all crazy :) I still live just up the road from your old house, and think of you ALL everyday as I drive past it. Words cannot describe how sorry I was to hear the news of your mothers passing. Her birthday is my Anniversary, I think of her daily. She was an great lady. I always enjoyed your house, (and all your critters) I was 6 shades of green with envy over your lil farm life. I would love to get together, also always wondered how your brothers were doing. My name is Tammy Simmons now, not sure if you are on facebook, but I am. Look me up darlin, I’ll try to check back much sooner this time!! SOO nice to see your message here tonight! I’m so sorry & wish it didn’t have to be on this forum… Like I said I think of you & your family every time I pass that house and my heart goes out to you. ps tell your brothers I’m not mad at them anymore for using me as a target practice behind the hay bales and shooting me in the back of the head with the BB gun ;) Hope to hear from you someday…. I’m always praying & hoping for your peace and closure..
I would not stay there, The woman that bought the house is not because of the historical value but to make a meant off the tragic deaths of this family and no justice was done for this family. That woman claimed she has not felt a thing in the house that own's it, She should be made to stay in the house for a whole weekend. She is getting rich off this poor family's murder. Shame on her. I hope she burns in hell for this.
Thank you! I have always 100% agreed with what you say, Becky. The current owner is a heartless vulture.
Kat, did law enforcement follow up with you? I just watched this on youtube and was interested if there was any progress?
I tracked him down a couple months ago–he doesn’t want to talk about it– Susan Chehak wrote him a letter-don’t know if he has responded…
Im so sorry
Instant Checkmate lists several C.R. addresses for a Lonnie A. Bell, born 10/30/48. I’m
sure the authorities are aware of them.
Yes Evelyn I am!
She was one of my best friends and classmates in school. I still have things in my home that I got from her. I have always hoped that her murder would be solved while her parents are still alive. April … we’re you a Medd?
Hope this becomes another one solved.
Knew her from school. She was a very sweet person. R.I.P Julie.
Maurice kneifl is my grandpa .. never got to meet him but have always wondered if there was any new evidence or leads ….thnks liberty
It was over the moving company mr.Terrell sold to mr.stender ….i am sorry i hope this helps bring closure to yourfamily because it is long overdo
Ben. I’m sorry but this doesn’t help. It makes it worse. You seem to have detailed knowledge about this crime. It is going to take someone like you coming forward to get any traction on this case. My father and family deserve justice. Please contact the DCI. You have no idea how drastically you could change so many peoples lives for the better. I’m begging you. You would be answering thousands of prayers.
Ben, I agree with Parker that you should share what you know with the DCI. Please contact Special Agent in Charge Mike Motsinger at 515-725-0030. There is no statute of limitations on murder, and this family has waited for answers for more than two decades.
I applaud your courage for commenting here, and hope you’ll take the next step forward by contacting the DCI. Thank you in advance.
I agree that he should contact the DCI. The two people he mentions exist and are currently residing in Iowa. The public records on Intelius have confirmed that they are listed as relatives.
Hey Parker,
I doubt you remember me. I was friends with Julie’s son Matt and my sister was friends with her daughter Kristen. We (you and I)hung out a couple of times, but didn’t really like each other too much, if I recall correctly. My mom was Glenna and was dating a guy named John (or Jon?, if memory serves his last name was Mahoney(sp?), but I could be wrong) who I believe worked for your dad and was introduced to my mom through Julie and your dad.
I remember that he took off the day before Christmas in my Mom’s station wagon and didn’t come back until the day after Christmas or that next day. When he got back he told some story that he was driving downtown and some black guy had gotten into the car, pointed a gun at him, and told John that he was going to drive him to Detroit, which I always found pretty implausible, but pretty much everything John said was a lie to some extent and he seemed to run with a bad crowd. I had almost completely forgotten about it but I distinctly remember not having a Christmas that year because we were stuck at home and my mom didn’t get me any gifts and telling me that maybe we could go get a game or something the next day when John returned with her car. I’d bet he was investigated, but he always seemed pretty shady to me. I was glad when my mom stopped seeing him and he moved out of our house.
Anyways, just kinda went down an internet hole and found myself here and thought I offer what I remember from around that time because everyone seems pretty focused on Julie, and I remember John disappearing around that time inexplicably. Kinda doubt it will help, but I hope it does.
Isaak
Look into Phil stender and [admin snipped for security reasons] …. Phil and a man named jerry beat mr.Terrell to death in his garage
Ben, you need to come forward. Your information is correct but the DCI needs you, and so does the family. You are the only one who can settle this terrible wrong. Please for everyone’s sake…
Carole: Since the Oskaloosa/Mahaska County authorities don’t seem interested in pursuing your lead, could you provide this information to the authorities in Oregon, so they could at least do a background check on WPS?
Hello Steve, I have not visited here for some time. It may not have been a smart move to post my name, but I stand behind anything I say, hard as that can be at times. Well, here it is a year later and the plot thickens, as they say. Just a few weeks ago I was contacted by someone with the following story. They relayed that some coins from the Ed Schmidt estate appeared recently at the local coin shop. They thought famliy members of someone who went to a nursing home may have sold them there. He will not give me names or may not have names. Anyone I have ever spoken to has routinley feared speaking out over any of this for fear of reprisal or worse. He and I spoke of our theories of who killed Ed and we agreed it was not Joe Washaba (?) aka Injun Joe. This man had given a ride to a person who was in Oskaloosa investigating some development project financing, I believe. He said they were “high up” with “the justice department in another state” and that they had had investigated their own brother-in-law in a multi million dollar bank embezellment which resulted in a prison sentence of 15 years about 15 years ago. He said that she, the investigator, had the Ed Schmidt file from the Oskaloosa Police Station in her possession and that during the transport, she received a call from the Oskaloosa PD demanding she return it immediately. I told him it annoyed me that she ever got it in her possession because when I requested it, the told me it couldn’t be found or didn’t exist. Since then I have asked the DCI, etc. and was told to file a FOIA to get it, which I will do. In a bizarre coincidence, I ran into someone last week that is known to be close to a lot of this. I spoke of my suspect, unnamed, as a Penn student at the time who left town. What emerged from that meeting was he indicated he knew who killed Ed. He was very clear it was not Injun Joe and that he knew who it was, a Penn student who is in business here in town. It unnerved me, as I knew he knew, so I moved the conversation back to the financial investigation principals. I knew I had sensitive information. I immediately emailed the Iowa DCI and received no response. I am posting this so Jody reads it also and draws the attention of the new Cold Case people with my contact information. As far as notfying the Oregon authorities, I tabled that as I felt they didnt have enough to go to a door on what is virturally hearsey from a case few care about from 40 years ago. However, the apartment still exists, there may be DNA, an evidence file is being withheld, coins from the estate have emerged, and person still living “fingered” the killer just a few days ago. I notifed the DCI and they have not responded. I hope this generates some inforamation.
He lived in malmore achres true wack job igraduated with her lived down there that guy had vameras putside his moble home it was said he was a dealer
Wow. It is great to see some of these cold cases finally solved. For the victims and their families to finally get some measure of justice.
But isn’t it frightening to know that living among us are cold blooded killers who could very well be our neighbors. Our coworkers. The person working behind the counter at the local convenience store, or grocery? Someone sitting next to us in a theater or restaurant.
It’s absolutely chilling!
Ernie is my father, he has 4 children, Ernest jr, Grace, Jim and Kathy. He was shot during an attempted robbery at Frank’s Place on McDonald Ave, where he has helping the owners restock the bar while the owner recovered from surgery. he was shot after the bar closed on September 11, 1973 my mother was inside the bar and got to watch her husband be shot, the man that shot him come down ,go through his pockets ,steal $6.25 then break the window in dad’s car and take a six pack of beer out then just walk off.
Bob, there are times officials purposely don’t disclose particulars about a case because it might compromise the investigation. This often pertains to details that only the killer would know. The case is included here because it’s one the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Cold Case Unit had included on their website when the CCU was still up and running — along with Lucille’s case number and a link where one could send tips to the DCI specifically for this case. The tip links for each of the DCI’s cold cases ceased to work once the DCI deleted the cold case unit section from their website.
Even while the pages were still active, the DCI did not offer any explanation as to why the case was ruled a homicide rather than an accidental death.
The majority of American rape victims (61%) are raped before the age of 18; furthermore, an astounding 29 percent (29%) of all forcible rapes occurred when the victim was less than 11 years old. Eleven percent (11%) of rape victims are raped by their fathers or step-fathers, and another 16 percent (16%) are raped by other relatives.
The study of a nationally representative sample of state prisoners serving time for violent crime in 1991 showed that, of those prisoners convicted of rape or sexual assault, two-thirds victimized children and almost one-third of the victims were the children or step-children of the assailant.
In a study of male survivors of child sexual abuse, over 80 percent (80%) had a history of substance abuse, 50 percent (50%) had suicidal thoughts, 23 percent (23%) attempted suicide
I think you were saying “Patrick told you he had a blackout and was driving that red pick up” in iowa, and you were wondering if he could have been involved in the Gosch kidnapping. 100% correct sir although i witnessed him raping children first hand .people are so mad at me for posting this, oh well they are vary embarrassed i suppose. so years later i heard he was babysitting some grand children, infants in modal Iowa, OMG my bro stated he would not dare molest my children. “Wake up” in denial, are you kidding me, i know he could never be left with any baby without molesting them get real. patrick hill peggy hill / layton modale iowa. Have they ever been alone with your children Then they have been raped by patrick hill of modale iowa .
What is it about this case that indicates homicide rather than accidental?
I just happened across this page because I was searching for a girl who lived near us for two years. Her name was Crystal (or Chrystal, not sure of spelling) Nitcher and she would have been about 6 years old in 1983 or 1984. Her single mother had a different last name, had two other girls with different last names, and they had moved to Mexico, MO from Laddonia, MO. She would not have been directly from this family because of her age, but might have been a relative. Crystal was friends with our daughter, we took her to church with us from time to time, but we lost track of her after we moved.
Crystal was my Sister and just passed away on September 18, 2016 from septic shock due to pneumonia. I remember you. My sister, Stormy and I were Christy & Stormy Hahn. We were originally from Mexico and Crystal’s Dad, Larry was from Laddonia. My Grandparents Ralph & Barbara Shoemaker lived in Laddonia, but we did not. Crystal would have been a Cousin to the deceased Crystal Dawn Nitcher, who died two years before she was born.
Phil- you are absolutely correct, people really are capable of terrible things that they hide from others. We ALL have our secrets, and you’d be amazed at what a person can hide.
Links to a two-part special report by KGAN reporter Jason Hackett on this case and why it’s so important for families of cold case victims to get closure. Story aired on tonight’s news.
Part 1:
Part 2:
I have no idea if the man is innocent or guilty, but statistically in these type of cases the spouse ends up the guilty party.
Also, I wonder how many times in history people have said, “he was a gentle and caring man”…or “I’ve known him for (insert number here) years and I know he’s not capable of this”…or “there’s no way he did it!”…but they ended up finding out they were wrong, they didn’t really know this person (anymore than the pedophile that sits a few seats away in church)…in secret, people are very capable of some horrendous things.
Also, I wonder how many times in history people have said, “I heard a rumor this guy did it” …or “I heard he didn’t cooperate so he must be guilty!” …but they ended up finding out they were wrong, they didn’t really know this person (anymore than other armchair lawyers on this site)…on the internet, ignorance runs rampant.
I agree, if they soley base their accusations of guilt on a rumor and not the mountain of circumstantial evidence pointing the finger directly at him, you’d be right. But I’m sure if people claim they know him enough to assure his innocence, they must be right!
p.s. Is your name actually Phil, also?
Sean, if you are concerned about my comments I’ve posted and wish to contact Jody about them, her email is available at the top of the site page under the “About” link, so please feel free to write and share your thoughts/concerns with her. As I’ve said, I am no longer responding on this issue because this is not my website and since I have no desire to potentially offend Jody by continuing to argue, I am now respectfully turning the matter over to her to handle however she sees fit.
“Like you’ve said” you’re not responding anymore, but you just can’t stop. Just can’t help yourself. You must maintain that “last word!” Also, you type so much and spend so much time on your comments, Kim, saying the exact same thing, that everyone, or most everyone, has started to not even reading the whole comment. How’s this? Will THIS make you feel better?
“Awesome article! Wow! With so much evidence against Mr. Shuller, I’m surprised this is a cold case! You certainly maintained responsible journalism by reciting local rumor and folklore! Again, I thank you for bringing this to my attention so that I can help! ”
Is that better, Kim?
Now, everyone who knows Keith Sculler! We need to make sure we shut up now and not interject our opinions anymore! Kim needs to rest her little fingers!
Yes I know Kieth and have known him for years. I look at all of this in a neutral manner. Just because you know someone, doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of doing this.
I worked for Law Enforcement for years and if he is innocent why did he refuse to help and even Lawyer up. In all the years I have worked for law enforcement, If you refused to help or speak to law enforcement, want a lawyer, and refuse to take a polygraph. You either did it or know something about it. A Polygraph is inadmissible in court, so they can’t use it against you in court. If you are innocent why wouldn’t you take one. I would, because it shows you are truthful then you are usually taken off the suspect list or at the least go to the bottom of the list and it would prove to the public you didn’t do it.
T Shurte
Go and talk to one of the law enforcement officers that have some years under there belt and without giving names ask them if they had a crime and the suspect wanted a lawyer, refused to talk to them and refuse the take a polygraph what they would think. I would bet they would say the same thing I did above.
Keith’s son in law IS local law enforcement. Fyi
FYI I DON”T think working in a Prison (SRCI) is considered Law Enforcement to most. Yes I do my research.
He was a cop in Fruitland before working at the prison. I know the family. :)
Why would Payette hire him as a teacher know I get this, why is he the coroner for Payette. He lied about my dad to protect t his brothers in Blue. He is a dirty coroner and he killed his wife and got a way with it. It’s sickening he interfered with my dads case. Barry Johnson of New Plymouth was not drunk and did not have a BAC1.27 . He did dirty shit for Payette cops. My lawsuit against ISP is Oct, 18th 2021 and everyone is gonna see he lied on z report snd us not qualified to be a coroner..
there is many dirty dealings he has done.
It’s sick that Payette would hire a killer.
Kim,
You seem to have made up your mind about me. Read my original reply. I never claimed the suspect was guilty or innocent. Interesting.
My issue was not with the website, or Jody. However, I don’t know if Jody supports 100 percent of your techniques of commenting. If so, maybe have her tell me so. Maybe she might be a bit concerned about someone mistaking your name calling and insults about intellect lower than a guinea pig as expressed opinions of her website. Your verbiage implies that her organization encourages the insults because you’re fighting for the same conviction. Yet her verbiage seems quite professional.
Your own quotation:
“And what’s the point of indulging in name-calling and wild accusations against….”, …”are the ones engaging in that truly oblivious to how badly they’re making themselves look”
Also your own quotations:
I guess it is a sad reflection what kind of defenders Mr. Schuller has in his corner
shows how smallminded and unwilling to listen to reason they truly are, IMO.
but I couldn’t resist a bit more argument with a rabid little defender who is obviously talking out the lower hole of their anatomy)
Hypocrisy at it’s best right there, dearie.
all I’m seeing is continued whines and rants
it’s just some upset little defenders crying that they got their feelingz hurtz
rather than using “aww, evry1 iz bein’ meanz” (do say these in funny voices?)
I think I could get my guinea pig to understand my comments better than Estrong can.
But yet you threw the “hypocrisy” card at me.
So this IS a personal vendetta..are you Mr. Schuller himself, or are you a close friend or relative of his? I take it you are, dearie. All glowing praise aside about Mr. Schuller’s apparent tributes, I still don’t see any of that, you know, PROOF that he is innocent, all I’m seeing is continued whines and rants that have no merit or substance to them, it’s just some upset little defenders crying that they got their feelingz hurtz. Knowing someone isn’t proof of innocence, or did you also skip over that part of my comments? People knew John Wayne Gacy, they knew Ted Bundy, they knew Charles Manson, but being acquainted with such killers doesn’t mean those people could definitely say one way or another that they didn’t kill anyone. Friendship/acquantainceship/familial relationship holds no water in court, save for a wife not being forced to testify against her husband if she doesn’t want to. Say you know someone who has committed a quadruple homicide, and you know none of the details or evidence of the case, you just know this person and think they couldn’t be capable of such a crime. Sure, if you’re on fairly intimate terms with the killer, you might be called to offer testimony to his character in court, but that testimony is opinion ONLY and not solid proof that the person didn’t committ the crime. The jury or judge will not accept that as incontrovertible fact, it’s testimony offered for background purposes ONLY. So even if you KNOW Mr. Schuller and think he’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, that is not PROOF that he’s innocent of this crime…you’ve only apparently known him since he moved to Payette County, which was several YEARS after this crime happened. He has had ample time to strengthen up his alibi and his attitude, criminals often do that, you know.
Now, I REALLY will not be debating with Estrong any longer because honestly, I think I could get my guinea pig to understand my comments better than Estrong can.
Kim, you seem to have your mind made up, don’t you?
Many of these people have indicated their personal experiences with the man and you have very aggressively discredited their opinion and then insult them. Why are you not open minded or even considerate to those people’s feelings? But rather you accuse them of “talking out of thier lower hole if their anatomy” or using the “assumption makes a….” (btw you misquoted that phrase, makes me wonder if you too might ve fallible like the rest of us).
Then you try to shove some “burden of proof” obligation on them. Are you a judge? Are you a jury? Are you an attorney? What knowlege do you have of court proceedings?
These people have stepped forward voluntarily as character witnesses. Since you seem to be much more knowledgeable of the legal process, please tell me, are character witnesses charged with a burden of proof?
The newspapers that you vehemently defend more than once, although reputable, and qualified, would they be qualified as an expert witness because they are great at reporting weather, stocks, and sports? Would the court allow a journalist article as “expert testimony” and issue a death penalty?
Again, hypocrisy on your part. If I have made my mind up, then so have you people, haven’t you? You’ve all determined without considering any of the facts or evidence in this case that Mr. Schuller is automatically not guilty, simply because you people are all good buddies of his. Personal experience of being drinking buddies or fishing buddies of a suspected killer wouldn’t hold weight in court, as I’ve said. Character witness, yes, but unless you actually KNOW something about the evidence pertaining to the case itself, your testimony in court will only be for character reference. The judge or jury isn’t going to take all the evidence presented to them and say “oh, but so-and-so said he was such a good guy when they knew him, so we’ll overlook the bloody knife with his fingerprints on it, we’ll overlook the life insurance policy he took out on his brother, we’ll overlook his detailed plans on his computer on how to commit the perfect crime, not to mention overlook the 15 eyewitnesses who saw him stab his brother to death and acquit him because everyone says he’s such a great guy.”
It’s hypocritical of defenders like his to come onto this site and claim it is engaging in slander when you folks turn right around and engage in slander yourself (actually the term you all are looking for is “libel”, look it up) by trying to defame this website and it’s owner by launching vicious and bullying attacks against them.
You want to play the “I know so-and-so” game, well, I’ll play too. I know Jody Ewing and she is extremely conscientious about this site and what posts on here, and for you all to launch all the nasty attacks you’ve launched against her, you’re defeating your own arguments because you have no ground to stand on by engaging in libel yourself. You’re also continuing to make your case weaker and weaker with every single post because nothing any of you have said has actually contained any evidence or other irrefutable proof that Schuller is innocent.
Furthermore, look at it from the perspective of someone who has a family member on here, say Lynn’s parents or other relatives. Can you imagine the horror they must feel to know that people are posting on their daughter’s profile page really nasty things like “I hope you get herpes”? What a class act Mr. Schuller’s defenders are all the way around, wow, what’s next, telling me you hope I get cancer and die? If something on this profile upsets you so much, why not have the guts to email Jody and ask if she’d revise or remove it? Her email contact is at the top of the site page under the “About” link.
And I think you’re overlooking the major tragedy here. This isn’t about Mr. Schuller’s innocence or guilt, this is about a mother, a daughter, and a wife that went missing over 40 years ago and has never been found. Isn’t that the worst thing that could happen to someone or their family? Why isn’t such avid attention being focused on finding Lynn instead of browbeating this site to death because it has dared to post the information about her case on here? If you’ve all got that massive amount of time and energy and resources on your hands, then why not fly here to CR and contact the sheriff’s dept. and see what you can do about getting into her case file and playing amateur detective yourselves? Maybe you’ll have more luck at turning over new suspects than the LE officers, huh?
I’m not debating this any longer with any of you because none of you have any basis for your arguments here. I have made my claims clear and I have backed them up with solid evidence. Not a single one of you has come up with any proof or evidence to back your claims up, despite the fact I’ve repeatedly challenged you all to put your money where your mouths are. So unless someone can cough up more evidence than “waah, my fweeings are hurtz because my beloved Mr. Schuller was the suspect in his wife’s disappearance and ermagerd, I know him and he can’t be guilty because I KNOW HIM and that proves he’s innocentt”, I will not be responding any further to comments posted on here.
There is no reason to “prove him innocent” when according to Law you are Innocent until proven guilty…. Or did you miss that part while watching your CSI shows.
I believe that my long term personal character witness statement holds far more ground than someone who “heard their parents talking about this case as a child”.
Check your definitions; Hypocrite/hypocracy. These words are used in error.
Rumors are not “solid evidence”. Backing yourself up using Rumors is not credible.
All persons have the right to express their opinions. The problem with Closed minded people is that their mouth is always open.
Yes…I, personally, HAVE made up my mind due to lack of evidence against Mr Shuller and my personal knowledge of Mr Shuller’s character, just as you have made up your mind based on flimsy, so-called “evidence” that in no way proves Mr Shuller is guilty of this crime.
Kim is not stating that she thinks he is guilty… oh my…
Keith is one the most respected men in Payette County. He is an honest, caring, and hardworking individual who takes pride in jumping through hoops to help the community and the people around him. He has rehabilitated countless amounts of wildlife and has been an intrical part of schools in his lifetime. He is warm hearted, pure spirited And one of the most professional individuals I’ve had the absolute pleasure to know. I would trust him with my life. I’ve known him for many years and he has a genuine heart of gold.
Just don’t refuse him a divorce ..he is creepy
Tunnel vision
Sometimes a viable suspect has been overlooked or simply ignored due to then-flimsy evidence, the presence of a likelier suspect, or a tendency of investigators to zero in on someone else to the exclusion of other possibilities (which goes back to the likelier suspect angle)—known as “tunnel vision”:
Tunnel vision..wow, have you looked at your own comments for such a fine display of tunnel vision? Hypocrisy at it’s best right there, dearie.
Right, Verified rumors. Thank you.
Your point is? Yes, they’ve been verified by both law enforcement and news reports, not to mention Mr. Schuller himself, or did you completely miss that part of my comment in your singleminded attempt to try to mine my remarks for support to back you up? You’ve hit a brick wall with this argument, dearie. I’d suggest you drop it and try to come up with something more credible than a constant whine about verified rumors. Or better yet, why not actually READ the cited sources Jody offers on this site at the bottom of the profile page? You might learn some interesting details about the man you’re defending. (Yes, I said I wasn’t going to debate with you but I couldn’t resist a bit more argument with a rabid little defender who is obviously talking out the lower hole of their anatomy)
Rumors are just that rumors. If you want to call yourself a credible site, please leave the rumors out of the article and present FACTS only. I mean seriously? There was a lady who commented above that she heard he lined his basement wit plastic, chopped up her body, fed it to the hogs, and threw her teeth in the river. This is ridiculous and no more so that the chopping up her body and feeding it to the alligator. Perpetuating these claims is perpetuating rumors, plain and simple. If the police believe he did it, why DON’T the go in with modern technology and look closer at the house today? They do not need permission, just a judge to sign a warrant to search. Reason the aren’t searching is no evidence a crime was committed there? Lots of things to ponder. Plus, again, just because you have a .org at the end of your site name, this doesn’t make you credible, no a responsible journalist.
BTW, I should add that if the defenders go to the bottom of Lynn’s profile and click on the blue links, those take you to the sources used to write the profile, and there the defenders can read the factual information right “from the horse’s mouth”.
And yes, my responses are long because I want to make the facts clear and state my position, rather than using “aww, evry1 iz bein’ meanz” as a form of credible argument. If the defenders don’t want to read my posts, that’s their right, but that shows how smallminded and unwilling to listen to reason they truly are, IMO.
Also, Thank you, Kim, for reiterating on the fact that this article is based on rumors and not facts. YOU HEARD IT EVERYONE, straight from the horses mouth.
E Strong, you seem to have a penchant for presumption and assumption, and remember what they say about “assumption”? I know what you’re making a..well, you know what…of yourself, that’s patently and painfully obvious. PLEASE read my comments again, I did NOT say the article was based on rumor, I said it CONTAINED mentions of a rumor that was INCLUDED IN A RELIABLE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. I also stated WHY I thought Jody had included that information. Would you also like to cry that the Cedar Rapids Gazette slandered Mr. Schuller by including the rumors in their article? This is a small town, rumors get spread like crazy and even if there’s little to no truth in them, the Gazette AND ICC felt it necessary to acknowledge them as a matter of public record that was VERIFIED by the investigating LE agency handling this case. Note I said PUBLIC RECORD. Not PUBLIC OPINION, which you seem unable to distinguish between the two. Even Mr. Schuller himself referenced the rumors in that article (downloadable in PDF format from the link under the source credits for this profile so you can read the full article yourself, which I STRONGLY advise), so in acknowledging them as being part of local lore, did he then slander himself?
Even Jody’s details from the Reddit thread are NOT claimed as any sort of fact by her, she states clearly that the information was being quoted directly from the Reddit thread, NOT FROM HER. Yes, I do agree the Reddit info really doesn’t belong here, but I am not the site owner, nor did I submit the info for this case. It’s up to Jody to decide what is posted in case profiles and as I said in my previous comments, I imagine she had a good reason for including the Reddit thread and that was to let readers know there was a link to a site that had details about Lynn’s case. NOWHERE in her link or comments about the Reddit thread does she say “Ermagerd! This must be the truth!” She has links to many other sites, including several blogs devoted to cold cases, and if a third-party posting opinion-only comments like that on a public blog such as Reddit is considered slanderous, then all blog sites would be shut down, including Tumblr, WordPress, and LiveJournal. And whenever a mistake HAS been pointed out on this site, Jody and Kerry have been VERY quick to fix it because despite what you may think, they ARE interested in keeping the records straight on these cases, for to do otherwise is a great disservice to the victims and their loved ones and they’d never dream of causing such harm like that.
Furthermore, aren’t you aware that your comments and the comments of other defenders are considered slanderous? You want to throw that word around like it’s a Superball, why not take a good hard look at what YOU’RE doing because NONE of you have proof to any of YOUR claims against the site, either. Why are you so hot to vilify an innocent site and owner, is this a personal vendetta or something? Because the axe your grinding sure feels like it and it makes me wonder what your rather hostile interest is in this case, considering your own ridiculous interpretations of information on a profile.
I reiterate: In all of your arguments and the arguments of others, I see NO evidence or information to set the record straight on Mr. Schuller’s involvement in this case, nor do I see any apparent desire on your part TO want to set the record straight, all you want to do is argue without any merit or substance on your part. If you KNOW he’s innocent, why don’t you and the other defenders PROVE it by putting your money where your mouths are at by actually, you know, OFFERING SOLID EVIDENCE to support your claims? Or are the claims all just bluff and bluster? FYI, knowing this man because he taught you in school or was your neighbor or you spoke to him once in a grocery store while the two of you were shopping for kumquats is NOT proof that he is innocent, many killers can be very charming in their subterfuge, and how many times have you read in the paper or heard on the tv news about someone getting arrested for a murder and the neighbors or friends thought “he/she was a really nice person and had no clue they were capable of such evil”? Remember Ted Bundy? People who knew him, including author Ann Rule, had a hard time fathoming that he was capable of being a such a sadistic serial killer because he seemed so charming and normal…but that’s how he got his victims to go with him, he was charming and personable and won their trust, which is a trait a lot of sociopaths have. Or how about John Wayne Gacy? No one knew he was capable of viciously raping and then killing young boys and stuffing their bodies in the crawlspace under his house or dumping them in the river, he worked as a clown for children’s parties and had met First Lady Roslyn Carter, so it was a shock to people who thought they knew him that someone who seemed so “normal” was committing such atrocious acts.
Now, unless you can actually offer up some sort of solid proof to verify your claims that Mr. Schuller is being slandered and is completely innocent of any involvement in his wife’s disappearance LIKE I’VE REQUESTED THREE TIMES NOW, I’m done debating with you because your arguments are pointless and unfounded, in case you didn’t realize it before you put on your little thinking cap and decided to go to war against this site.
A biased opinion does not help to solve a case. There are reasons as to why there are certain replies to this article. It is a ridiculous interperatation of a case lacking peices to sway judgement. Which makes this slander.
This is a perfect example of the saying, “Not everything you read on the internet is true”.
This is a very poor personal interpratation based on an opinion and false information. Not only is this NOT an official site but it is also skewed and twisted to create an urban legend.
misinformation. Do your research.
Again, this is not official and is slanderous misinformation and a TERRIBLY skewed opinion BASED on a case in which was closed.
E Strong, do YOUR research, please, before demanding anyone else do it, otherwise you risk looking like a hypocrite and I’m sure that’s the last thing a defender of a murder suspect wants to look like, right? This case has NEVER been closed, it is still VERY OPEN with the Linn Co. Sheriff’s Dept. Why? Because even if Lynn Schuller wasn’t murdered, she is still MISSING and an officially reported missing persons case CANNOT be closed until the person is found either dead or alive. Lynn’s case was officially reported to LE by Mr. Schuller and is still open because she, nor her remains, have ever been found.
Regarding the rumor that Keith Schuller chopped Lynn’s body up and fed it to his alligator and snakes, here’s what the Cedar Rapids Gazette (a highly credible and reliable newspaper) says about it in a snippet from an article in a series of unsolved murders and missing persons cases in the area, dated March 19,1992, written by Gazette staff writer Jeff Burnham:
“Before long, Keith Schuller couldn’t help being aware of rumors that he had killed his wife, cut up her body and fed the pieces to Pogo and the snakes. “I was looked upon as this god-awful monster,” he says. “It didn’t seem real at the time, like an out-of-body experience.” Over the years, the rumors died down, perhaps due to the fact that detectives discounted them. “Those reptiles were too small to have been able to devour a human body,” says Capt. Dennis Fiser of the Linn County Sheriff’s Department.”
So yes, that part is mostly rumors, but I suspect the reason Jody included them in the case profile was because the rumors were part of a credible, reliable news source; plus anyone who has ever heard about this case has probably heard those rumors around town…I know I have. I was a kid when this case happened, but I remember my parents talking about it, saying that they’d heard he’d chopped her body up and fed the parts to his alligator. And that was before I’d ever read any information about the case in the newspaper. So the rumors WERE around town about him feeding his wife to the ‘gator.
The really funny thing is, out of all the staunch defenders Mr. Schuller is garnering on this site, NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THEM HAS OFFERED ANY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE OR INFORMATION concerning this case…if he is truly innocent as the defenders are claiming, why isn’t someone submitting solid proof of that innocence so that he can be fully cleared of any suspicion? Wouldn’t that be the RIGHT thing to do instead of claiming this site is being mean and unfair and slanderous to him, all because this site has posted information about his missing wife’s case? Where has posting facts ever been considered slanderous? Yes, I do agree the Reddit thread doesn’t have much merit because the comments can’t be verified as fact, but again, I suspect it was included because the thread netted attention to the case, NOT because Jody thought it was actually “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”. She often includes links to other sites that have information or comments about Iowa cold cases, just so readers can have the chance to check the other sites out. I’m also curious as to why there’s suddenly a rush to defend Mr. Schuller…the comment about the Reddit thread has been up on the site for at least a year now, so why is it all of a sudden the focus of such a hostile reaction?
And no one has ever said this is an “official site”. It is not presented as such in any way, nor has Jody Ewing, the founder of the site, or any of the contributors ever claimed that it is an “official site” of any kind. Iowa Cold Cases is a non-profit website that is dedicated strictly to sharing information with the public about Iowa’s many missing persons and unsolved homicide cases in hopes that someone out there might know something about a case and be willing to come forward in hopes of solving it. The information on the profiles comes from credible sources such as the investigating law enforcement agency or from archived and current newspaper articles about the cases. It also comes from family or friends of someone who is on here, or it is submitted by outside contributors who have details about an unsolved case. All of the information is verified before being posted and I see no issue with a site offering information like this…this is not the only site that shares details about cold cases, there’s sites dedicated to cold cases in other states as well, all you have to do is google the state name and the term “cold cases” and they’ll come up.
Look at if from another angle…imagine if your loved one were missing or was the victim of an unsolved homicide, wouldn’t you hope that someone with info about the case would see the case on a site like this and come forward so that then the case might be closed? Closure is an important thing to families or friends who have had loved ones go missing or get murdered, so please stop attacking this site in the manner it is currently being attacked because in essence, such rude and childish behavior is sending a message to the families who have cases on this site that their feelings of loss and sorrow and anger mean absolutely nothing at all to such critics. I mean really, what if YOU had a loved one listed on this site and you read a post from someone saying how they wished the site owner would get herpes because the poster didn’t like the case profile…wouldn’t you be appalled at such shameful and immature behavior? And what’s the point of indulging in name-calling and wild accusations against the site and site owner, are the ones engaging in that truly oblivious to how badly they’re making themselves look, not to mention making Mr. Schuller look bad as well? Because the name-calling and accusations flying about are NOT based on fact, they’re based on seemingly overwrought emotional reaction by apparent fans of Mr. Schuller’s. Let’s face it, it’s one thing to engage in debating theories of a case in the spirit of trying to figure it out, or sharing memories of someone who is listed on here, but such outright baseless and mindless attacks like this is extremely uncalled for.
Too long, didn’t read.
Too factual for your liking?
love your reply Kim… beautifully said
This was a crazy rant with SO much redundancy 😬
This article is terrible, and I hope the author gets herpes.
Maybe if you all would read the actual article instead of hysterically jumping to conclusions, you’d realize that the information contained in this profile is derived ONLY from accredited news sources like the local newspapers, and the facts stated come directly from the investigating jurisdiction, in this case, the Linn Co. Sheriff’s Dept. So are all of you going to say that the facts the PD has given out in this case are incorrect? Sure, maybe the info on the Reddit article is sort of out there, but the rest of the profile is nothing but facts taken from the originating investigation. Trying to denounce FACTS of a case make no sense and indicates a mob mentality of over-reaction. Wishing that the author of the article gets herpes is extremely juvenile and lowbrow, but I guess it is a sad reflection what kind of defenders Mr. Schuller has in his corner. For the record, the Iowa Cold Cases website and its owners/contributors provide an extremely beneficial service, it offers up to the public the FACTS of unsolved homicides and missing persons cases in hopes that maybe someone out there might have information that would help solve one of those cases.
I urge the decriers to take another look at the FACTS outlined here. Keith Schuller tried 7…count ’em 7…times to file in Linn County for divorce from his missing wife and each time his wife’s family challenged him and he found he’d be forced to testify what he knew about his wife’s disappearance, he dropped the suit, at least until he went behind Lynn’s family’s back and filed in Dubuque Co.. If he wasn’t hiding something, why didn’t he proceed with the first divorce suit, why keep filing and then dropping it when he found he’d have to testify what he knew about her disappearance? Did he not want to committ perjury by lying and saying he knew nothing about her disappearance and likely murder when he really did? He wanted a divorce and Lynn didn’t, and maybe things came to a head that weekend and he got angry and killed her, either by accident or intentionally. He also refused to cooperate with LE in the search for her in the wooded area behind his house and I can tell you from having lived in this area all my life that that wooded area was HUGE back in that era, it spanned from behind his house on 30th St. Dr. to about where Hwy100 is now in Marion, plus it spanned westward towards Cedar Rapids for quite a distance as well. So if they thought maybe Lynn was in the wooded area, even though he claimed he’d already searched it before calling for LE, why wouldn’t you immediately agree to search the area again, wouldn’t having as many people as possible out looking for her increase the possibility of finding her, especially if they thought maybe she was lying injured in the woods somewhere?
The house in this case is still standing and it’s too bad that investigators can’t get permission from the current owners to go in with the modern equipment and processing techniques that didn’t exist back then and see if there’s any sign of blood or bone fragments, or other body fluids on places like the floorboards under the carpet and the basement joists. There’s a possibility that even if the killer thought he’d disposed of every bit of blood evidence by cleaning it as best he could, traces of it still might remain in the wood joists, floorboards, or even the cement, as those would absorb the fluids, no matter how much he scrubbed.
And FYI, circumstantial evidence IS admissible and can be used in trials. It’s up to the prosecutors and investigators to make the case that the circumstantial evidence indicates that the perpetrator committed the crime. Sometimes it’s strong enough evidence to get a conviction, other times it is not. The recent acquittal of Johnathon Mitchell in the 2011 murder of Cedar Rapids cabdriver Cathy Stickley is proof that circumstantial evidence doesn’t always hold up in a court and a good defense attorney can create enough doubt in a jury’s mind over the evidence in order to win an acquittal.
If the investigators thought there was evidence in that house, the woukdnt need permission from the owners. A probable cause warrent would be good enough. Problem is, hearsay is not evidence. Making up stories is not evidence. A manwho says he searched the wwoods already and refusing to do it again is not evidence. Trying to file for divorce provesto me he didn’t think she was dead. Her family BLOCKED the divorce…why would he keep trying to file for divorce if he knew she was dead? Never heard of that before! Also, he also collected NO life insurance by declaring her dead. It was collected by her son. This article is speculative nonsense! Just because you have .org behind your name, does not make you credible!
Wow. So many ppl. I pray for them all.
My cousin was in his 6th grade class in New Plymouth. He was considered the “cool” teacher! I also went to school with his 2 daughters in Fruitland. Nothing in my experiences would lead me to believe this about him. I’ve never known him to be anything but a good kind man. He’s also always been an upstanding member of the community for years. Is also well known for his wildlife rescue work. If he’s guilty of this than it’s the states burden to prove it to be so. INNOCENT until proven guilty! REMEMBER!
Absolutely innocent until proven guilty. Circumstantial evidence is not admissible for one obvious reason….There is NO proof!!!!!
Yes Circumstantial evidence is admissible in court. If you believe this is not true then why doesn’t he take a polygraph.That would would prove one way or another, but I bet if offered he would refuse to take one.
Polygraphs are not admissible in court, due to the high rate of faultiness; people can and DO beat the machine. Since he is now a Coroner, I bet he’s taught himself how to stay cool under pressure, should he ever be asked to take one. He never will.
I’ve known Keith since I was 12 years old. He helped me earn my Reptile Study merit badge, and later spoke at my Eagle Scout court of honor. I’ve never known him to be anything but a caring, kind, decent man. Everyone in this country has been brought up on crime TV shows, so much so that I don’t know how anyone can get a fair trial. People are convicted in the court of public opinion. Look at all the hearsay in this article. There is a reason that the burden of proof is on the State in this country. “Better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”
Perfect answer, Adam!
It seems many people apparently have forgotten that we, in fact, live in a country where citizens are innocent until proven guilty. Regardless of the emotionally charged way in which this story is written, or anyones personal feelings, this man has never been charged with this “presumed” crime. We can postulate all we want but this is still no more than a 40+ year old missing persons case until proven otherwise.
Do you believe everything you read. What happened to innocent until proven guilty. Not guilty until proven innocent. …????
Keith taught at New Plymouth School, not Fruitland. This makes my skin crawl. Can this article be published in the news paper. This man is up for re election.
He taught Fruitland he was one of my teachers ! This is crazy .. freaks me out !
He taught at fruitland too–he was my teacher…learn the facts
He DID teach in Fruitland, Diana! He was the science teacher there before Kathleen Hartung.
Sad I wish it didn’t happen poor kids
Prayers…. so sorry for your loss.
prayers…
Almost as mysterious as Paula Oberbrockling case. Has anyone looked at the What Happened to Paula FB page? Totally spellbinding…
Although I never met my cousin Gene, my mother told me great stories about him. Reading this just breaks my heart. R.I.P uncle Donny and cousin Gene. I hope you both have joined together again♥
JusticeForGene
That’s very sweet. I too hope that they are now at peace. Would you mind sharing some stories?
I have someone of interest for law enforcement to check out.
Is he involved…??? I don’t know…but I do know he lives 1 hour from Mason City IA in New Hampton IA & he definitely could have harmed someone…or worse.
I dated this person back in 2003-2004 & he was SCARY 2 months into our relationship. Again, idk if he had anything to do w it but would be great for all the people involved to know what did so ANY INFO SHOULD BE CHECKED OUT !!
Law enforcement…if you’re interested…email me & we can exchange contact info etc
kat5five91@gmail.com
I will be waiting.
Thank you
PS..this IS NOT A JOKE either ! I’m not saying I have guaranteed info but after watching 20/20 ON OWN…this person immediately came to mind.
LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED !!
I just say the story about Jodi on OWN. One of her coworker’s interview seemed alarming. Does anyone know if Amy Kuns was treated as a suspect?
Yes something is off with Amy. I recently did some research on how to spot a lie by involuntary/subconcius facial expressions and head movements and Amy presses each red flag. I bet she is in the list, if not The List.
I totally agree with you Kendra, I just watched the show on 20/20 and within the first 15 mins I thought she was certaintly someone that might have had something to do with Jodi’s disappearance. She laughed during the interview several times and she voiced that she wanted Jodi’s job, and just her demeanor and body language. I went to several other sites and read more about Amy Kuns and she was ask the question if she attended the birthday party that was thrown for.Jodi, she said “No, I didn’t attend the party, I wasn’t even invited”. She really seemed jealous and to me it really showed.
I linked the documents into the replies section below. Kind regards, Don
If you Google- 2002 11:11:52 AM USDC, Southern District of Iowa- you will find the transcript of the lawsuit filed against the hotel. It has in the background section a description of Mr Piper’s behavior in this murder case. Depraved is an understatement.
What about Anthony Lee Evans. 2000 hit and run in Sioux city
Mary Lange was my aunt. I stumbled across this website today. The memories it brought back. I am thankful that you are still working on cold-cases & hope that you continue this case. We already know what happened we just need proof which wasn’t available in earlier decades. I & other surviving family members would like closure & finality of what happened-the truth. Please don’t let this case drift away again. Thank you.
Excuse Me? Im His Sister And I Do Not Apppreciate This Bull. I Was There The WHOLE Time And Said all The Truth Any Concerns?
Umm yeah no ur not his sister! And if you were really there you would of been part of this but ur not okay soo no dont take credit in being his “sister” cuz he only has 3 sisters which is me and my too little sister! Any concerns ?
Maria I am sorry for your lost and Manuel is a little angel that is watching over you and you sisters I love you guys and I am always here for you okay – Jazminne (aka) Liz
So U were in the home when he died? Then u certainly know the truth. U know SOMETHING! Tell the police! This woman needs to pay! This lil guy deserves justice!!
Girl you ain’t shit i don’t care how long ago this was HE ONLY has 3 brothers and THREE sisters ! You are nothing to him ! Your momma gonna rot in HELL
Any concerns ? Hit my line 9095825908
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJUdaj6icg8&feature=youtu.be
Your right Tracey. If you have money you can get away with murder.
I personally knew the murder suspect John dewey Brannanand have known him for years. He did not commit suicide because of this. This Ronald Butler was not the innocent. He in fact was a pedophile. John.before he died went into great deal about what happened that day. Its unfortunate for Mr.butlers family that this happened. But Mr Butler should have been locked up long bfore this happen. Go to the black hawk county paper archives and query Ronald Butlers name we was arrested a couple times for crimes against children
Butler had a mental illness that drove him into sexual encounters. I would not call him a pedophile as he preferred young adults and teenagers, but as he grew older his actions became more aggressive and irrational. Before his death he had been in jail in Waterloo twice for sexual assault. I would class the first as the rape of a very young teenager. The second was of a young man who defended himself and called the police. If anyone really cared Butler would have committed to a mental hospital and might be alive there today. The kid who killed him was certainly being sexually attacked at the time. If a woman stabbed the man raping her she would be lauded as a heroine. The boy who killed him, if still alive, was not so praised. He lived or lives in an emotional state which makes or made him a perpetual victim. Something he would not have or had to endure if someone in authority had cared enough, if nothing else than keeping a well ordered society, to have gotten Butler proper medical care.
Thank you ladies. I just happened to stumble along your posts about this grace doe. I am Barbara’s daughter. I am seriously looking into this unidentified body. The heighth is off by 5 inches or so but it is certainly worth a shot. Thank you so much. :)
Did you have any luck looking into this grace doe person?
The McDonald County, Missouri unidentified woman does have dental information and charting entered, so officials could compare that to Barbara’s dental records. NamUs lists six individuals who’ve been “ruled out” as being this decedent, and Barbara isn’t one of them, so there’s still some hope a match might be made.
Lindsy, I hope you get answers in your mother’s disappearance (and suspected death) very soon. The ‘not knowing’ is a heavy burden to bear. My thoughts are with you.
I think the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office has ID’d this Doe as Shawna Garber:
https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/regional/mcdonald-county-sheriffs-office-identify-1990s-cold-case-victim-as-missing-kansas-woman/527-22ea53d5-9031-490c-94ac-cd1b557abc85
Kim is correct. And though it’s not an Iowa case, it’s a reminder of law enforcement officials’ fierce determination to solve many of these missing persons/unidentified persons cases. The final stories are often just heartbreaking all the way around.
Thank you, Kim!
Always happy to help out!
I hope your able to put your mom to rest. May she be put to rest by your family soon.
Alex, I’ve sent your emails but they bounce back. Email me at whizzerman@gmail.com
Dannielle, you don’t have to bite the woman’s head off. Ronnette called grandma Mamma all her life and frankly, I never knew her real mom was alive. She didn’t talk about her. Anyway, I pray all the time for Ronnette and hope they solve this someday. But if not, God knows and he will take care of it.
I’m watching the episode of Ghost Adventures that covers this incident. It prompted me to look it up and I came across this site. I believe it may lead to some answers from that sad and fateful night.
IN 1992 HE MARRIED MARY RUMBAUGH OF OSKALOOSA AND HAD HIS LAST NAME CHANGED TO RUMBAUGH
Blessings to her brother Billy Veach. So sorry for their loss…
A number of parties occurred during the weekend of the murder, which my friends and I attended. Most of us heard about the murder in the following days. We were unaware of the controversy surrounding the estate and the wills. However, “my suspect” and his roommate made a point of telling us repeatedly that a robbery had occurred in their apartment, on the third floor, on the night of the murder also. Why say that? They were persistent in saying “my suspect’s” paycheck from Clow was stolen along with coins from the dresser. It seemed implausible to us party attendees. After we heard of the murder, that statement continued to perplex and mildly annoy us, as it seemed so incongruous to the situation, was unsolicited, and a bit offensive in its implications.
I was at a party in the building on what we believe was the night of the murder. Some accounts state Schmidt was murdered on Thursday the 13th, which is possible, but there are reasons to believe it was actually Friday the 14th. His body was not discovered until Sunday or Monday. The suspect at the time was described as a lanky, dark-haired man, wearing a grey hoodie. I will call “my suspect” WPS, for William Penn Student, who fits the description perfectly and was at the party. He was never seen in anything but blue jeans, a t-shirt, and a gray hoodie sweatshirt, his trademark forty years ago.
William Penn records show WPS dropped out of school just days after the murder. WPS, whom I knew personally, was an introverted, often surly, loaner, and known substance abuser. I recall specifically at the party watching him and wondering why he was never involved and thinking how he never participated, just seemed to be constantly stoned. I even recall where he was sitting that night, just leaning back, and getting stoned. We used to go back and forth between the Schmidt building and the Penn Apartments across the street (which was the boyhood home of the Crookhams). WPS had numerous William Penn friends that resided in both places. I am fairly certain WPS lived in the apartment in the building in which Schmidt was murdered, and I am certain that he was at the apartment on a regular and ongoing basis and on the night of the murder. That can be easily verified as the guy who was the tenant, and I think his roommate, is still living.
Local rumors were that a man referred to as Injun Joe committed the crime. He was a Native American whose name was Joe Washabaugh, presumably from an Indian reservation in Tama.
It was said that he and his girlfriend Kathy were “constantly drunk” and transient.
An officer (Walter Shot? Short? Sharp?) who is still alive and was on the scene, now in his late eighties, stated on 1/11/2011 “ Injun Joe was given a lie detector test and passed and they never talked to him again.” I did find some records of a Joe Washabaugh and a Kathy.
Rumor has it that he left town immediately after the murder.
Some of Schmidts’ checks surfaced in Arizona and California. While writing this, something just struck me for the first time. WPS was from the East coast, and when I tried to find him, I could find no traces of him in his home state. When I did locate him, I was struck by how little of a trail he left. He is in Oregon. Could he have taken off for Oregon with stops in Arizona and California cashing checks way back then? If those checks still exist, they could be scrutinized for DNA and even have the handwriting analyzed. Not so far-fetched nowadays. Money was left at the murder scene, which would have been taken in a robbery. However, if a young man’s attempts at grabbing a will went badly, it makes sense he might panic, grab a checkbook, drop out of school, and take off for as far away from home or the murder scene as he could. Dick Crook, who is still alive and was the detective at the time, said the PD should still have an evidence file, but I asked them and they were not helpful.
Schmidt carried his will in his pocket. Who would anyone know that and why would they pay attention to that? Who would want it or why? There are only a few reasons to take a will. You could want someone to be cut out of it, you could want it re written to include you or benefit you, or you might want it to appear there was no will and you died intestate. Why? So if someone wanted that will to disappear, they could have had WPS could do it from the inside, literally. He could leave the party, go down the back inside stairs, grab the will, and come back to the party unnoticed. One has to have the means, motive, and opportunity to commit a crime. There were no signs of forced entry. Did WPS go to get it and things went wrong? There could still be DNA, both on the scene and in the evidence files. There was a note on the door of Schmidt’s office when they found his body and I think they have the note. There have only been two or three tenants at most in the apartment since the murder and it has never been remolded, or even thoroughly cleaned out, and is empty now. In fact some of the furniture is still there. Perhaps there is DNA there yet?
The facts are all here about Glen Upton and what his involvement may or may not have been, but I went to the courthouse to see if I could find anything out about him or the will.
Mahaska County Courthouse records show that his name, a lifelong friend, witness to, and executor of the original will (Schmidt had two) lined out and replaced with the name Joe Crookham. This is significant in that it was deliberate change, from the logical person to administer the estate, Schmidt’s lifelong friend and caretaker, to Joe Crookham. It did not seem to be a natural or expected occurrence or outcome to me. The “bonding entity” of Glen Upton is also lined out with pen and replaced with the “bonding entity” of Joe Crookham. What caused the change? Did a judge appoint Crookham to be the administrator of the estate based on his opinion or a ruling that Schmidt died intestate because the will, which was known to exist previously and to be carried on Schmidt’s person, disappeared the night of the murder? Did Crookham petition the court for the change? I don’t get any of that, but many believe that the true intention of the break-in was to obtain the will. Also a number of properties in Schmidts’ name went to tax certificates, which were on the same page of the same book in the courthouse, and were purchased by Joe Crookham. So I am perplexed about all the legalities and how and why they all came about. What I do know is the motive was to take the will, and I do believe that I am right about the suspect. I don’t know when or how it all came about, or why, but I believe WPS is the man they were looking for. So why did they not question any of us who were in the apartment the night of the party? From what I read here it looks like they questioned everyone but us.
Extened information….This is “Conjecture” for legal purposes. I do not intend to slander anyone. The statement above is in no way derected at any single person or persons,for legal purposes. Had to add this B.S for legal purposes.
I am Cheryl’s Brother. We now live in the same apt. complex so,I see her everyday. I have some of the information but,not all of it. I will just enter here a couple things. Cheryl will contact you soon. (The Chosen Few. All killers died a “Horrible” death. Except 2. “Goose” under witness protection. The woman that got Ron to open the door : Terese Miller. Her parents live in Manchester. Whereabouts unknown,that I know of. Cheryl seethes with anger when she speaks her name. E-Mail coming soon. She wants to get everthing out in the open. But understand the CF took care of business. Women are not to be touched,this is why T.M. is free to walk free.
Could this possibly be your suspect? The ages seem to match up, that this woman was the same age as your family member in 1983. So sorry for your loss and just trying to help.
https://www.pellachronicle.com/news/local_news/miller-s-death-believed-to-be-a-hit-investigation-continues/article_cb221c64-4bf6-5dcb-b6f1-51aa137d505f.html
I hope they find my cousins killer he looks so much like my dad…
Cindy, I’m so sorry for your loss and also hope his killer is identified soon. This was such a cowardly, horrific crime, and you and your family deserve answers. Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers has made some incredible progress on cases since they organized two years ago, and they haven’t forgotten Jo Jo. All my best to you.
Jody
Time changes people, and laws. “Another suspect came under investigation, and though an acquaintance and his girlfriend had knowledge of the crime and told Iowa Cold Cases the suspect “killed the girl because she disrespected him,” the individual and his girlfriend refused to testify against the suspect because the suspect had allegedly threatened to kill them if they did so.” The kind of disrespect that would cause the perpetrator to stab this woman’s abdomen to excess, and strangle her, comes off as a standard patriarchal issue. How can Jessica, now that she is an adult, complete her own identity if people are withholding information about a traumatic event that changed her life? How can she properly grieve for her mother without some sort of closure if members in the family won’t talk about it? Why should Jessica be disrespected because of her mother’s alleged disrespect?
I hope the truth really does come up the fam n friends really do deserve there justice n may whoever did this to u I hope they go to prison n rot in hell for all eternity I really do miss ya homez.
She now cooks at the school in Lenox. How is that possible if she is on the child abuse registry? Also is very active with boy scouts.
I believe I can explain the job part of your question. In Iowa when a person is founded for child abuse the name goes on the Child Abuse Registry List for 10 years. Rachel’s last founded report was in 2003. She has only had the job at the Lenox school for about 2 months. I believe she was off the list before she applied and got the job. As for the Boy Scout thing, I can only assume they do not do background checks on parents as they have never asked Rick and me for background information either.
was Penny Sternquist murder ever solved? this happen in Boone Iowa 1984 or 1983
she was my best friend
Barbara, I’m so sorry for the loss of your best friend. Penny was killed Nov. 30, 1984. In May 1997, Ronald Merrill Gruber pled guilty to second degree murder in her death. DCI Special Agent Mike Motsinger verified this on Feb. 4, 2014.
What happened to Ron’s mom Marie Shipman? I used to work with her in Jesup IA and be close with her during some of this ordeal then she moved down south after surgery we never heard from her again.
This is so sad.A young lady is forced to live her life without ever knowing her mother because some monster decided to kill her.I hope that Jessica is able to find some kind of closure and I also hope the authorities find the person responsible for murdering her mother.
I’ve been worried about that poor woman since I heard about this. I can only imagine how awful it must be for her loved ones. I hope this is resolved soon. Even if the killer isn’t found, if he is at all decent he might leave some clue so her whereabouts can be found.
Being his aunt on his fathers side, we have been trying for years to get something done about this. Thank you to the person or people who finally came forward
It’s no wonder actual murder cases remain unsolved. Rumors, innuedos, National Enquirer style reporting and sloppy police work all lead to dead ends for sensible individuals seeking justice. Can’t you vultures get a life of your own and leave this family and others alone?
Just saying. That’s all.
Reggy currently splits his time between Rachel’s (mom) and Rick’s (dad). However, around Thanksgiving 2013 he informed both Rachel and Rick that he would like to live at Rick’s permanently. Rick gave Rachel time to absorb that information before anything would happen, but just 2 weeks ago she informed Rick that she is not willing to agree the the new living situation for Reggy. Now Rick will have to take Rachel to court to fulfill Reggy’s request.
Thanks for the information Robin. I am trying to imagine what his life is like.
Oh Robin, I’m so sorry to learn Rachel isn’t willing to respect Reggy’s wishes. I often wonder what life must be like for him, knowing what’s publicly known about the incident that killed his twin brother. Judges often take a child’s age into consideration when the child chooses to reside with one or the other parent, and since Reggy will be 15 next week, I can’t imagine a judge not respecting his wishes.
It surprises me that Rachel would want to step foot into any courtroom. Perhaps this might be a great opportunity to present the judge with copies of the State Fire Marshal’s report. Even if her attorney gets those records suppressed, the judge will still want to hear — in Reggy’s own words — why he prefers to live with Rick and you. Please do keep us posted, and I wish Reggy and your family all the very best.
Just curious, where is Reggie now? Who does he live with?
This is a very fascinating story, but also very sad.
This hit the news today!
https://globegazette.com/news/local/charles-city-burglar-eyed-in-nashua-murder/article_c8e7a908-8d4a-504a-804d-fe7fa9eee2f1.html?mobile_touch=true
Donald piper did not do this he was framed by the police if u knew Donald piper u would know that this is not a kind of person who could do something like this to a human being I love my uncle and the person who did it is still out their y
You may not think he did it, but his cousin, and uncle (who both share the now unfortunate name) both think he did. Don’t know about the rest of the family.
I would like to say personally our family has never given up the search. I wish i could of known my aunt.
Our family still hopes that someone will not be afraid to come forward with any information they have.
A HUMAN JAW BONE WAS FOUND APRIL 28, 2013 BY SOMEONE FISHING ON THE NEBRASKA SIDE OF THE VET BRIDGE. NEVER HEARD ANYTHING IN THE MEDIA ABOUT IT, AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE ONCE THOSE THAT FOUND IT NEVER HEARD ANY MORE BACK FROM THE POLICE THAT THEY REPORTED IT TO THAT VERIFIED IT WAS IN FACT HUMAN AND FORENSICS WOULD LOOK INTO IT. IT WAS SNAGGED ON SOMETHING WHEN IT GOT HOOKED ON THE FISHING LINE, POSSIBLY THE SKULL? HAVE BEEN CURIOUS IF THEY HAVE LOOKED INTO THIS TO POSSIBLY SEE IF IT’S ONE OF THE MISSING FROM THE SIOUX CITY AREA
Craziness!! This was b4 my time and I never heard about this.
RJ-
It’s the December 28, 1979 edition of the Cedar Rapids Gazette that mentions police were processing evidence from a store inside Westdale. No further mention of the evidence in any other articles that I can find so far.
I apologize for any confusion, I should have clarified in my post that it was an acquaintance of mine who’d worked with Michelle at JCPenney that told me Michelle had been stabbed 50+ times. I also thought I’d read that same info in one of the news articles as well, so I’m trying to search the archives to verify, but not having much luck so far. It was also that same acquaintance who told me they’d found evidence inside the mall in an ’employees only’ area near JCPenney.
From what I’ve read in the Gazette archives, she wasn’t there at Westdale to meet anyone to go on a date, she was there to try on a coat her parents were buying her for Christmas. Before going to the mall, she’d been at a banquet for the Kennedy choir over at the Sheraton Inn, and once the banquet let out, she went to the mall. Some classmates were at the mall as well, waiting for the movie to start over at the nearby theater, and when she ran into them, they invited her to attend the movie with them. She declined and borrowed some change from them to call her parents to see what store the coat was at, and it was at that point her classmates said she was upset because she couldn’t find the store. Whether she made that call home or not, it’s not clear. The detail about all the car doors except one rear door being unlocked is definitely puzzling and I’m not sure what part it plays in the case…were the doors originally unlocked when the killer first got into her vehicle and then because he maybe couldn’t remember if they were locked or unlocked, he decided to lock them when he ditched the car, but skipped the one rear door?
The map I found in the January 25, 1980 Gazette indicates her car was evidently first parked in the northwest lot on one side of JCPenney’s, facing Wilson Ave. That was probably where she parked the car to go into the mall…it’s not the lot directly in front of Penney’s main entrance, it’s more in front of the mall’s main entrance, if my memory of how Westdale is laid out serves me right. The car was found in the far edge of the northeast lot on the other side of Penney’s, the lot runs along the Edgewood Rd. side and was closer to the standalone strip mall that held the Econofoods store. So both spots are around the JCPenney area, just on different sides.
But where they found her car was a straight line from the Ward’s standalone mechanic shop (which if I remember right is the Veridian Credit union in this pic:
If he killed her in the car where it was first parked, then drove it around to hide it in the repair bay, he could then drive it to where it was found after Michelle’s father and the police first searched the lot.
Maybe he was in there watching. Lights off. Thinking about his next move, wondering if anyone saw him.
This would also give him control of the car in a concealed area — I mean I don’t think her father or police are going to bother to look in the Ward’s repair shop. And perhaps he sat in there watching as he contemplated what to do next.
Maybe he wiped the car clean — all the places he thought he’d touched. Perhaps even wiped up the blood from his bloody nose after she struck him — all but the drop they found, him think that was her blood.
Then after he watched the police search the lot the first time, decided to drive her car next to where his was parked. Is in it common for an employee to park far away from the business in order to allow the customers to park closer?
The police had a composite of a suspect. . .does it match any mechanics at the Wards at that time? Did they ever find this guy, question and clear him?https://iowacoldcases.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1980-6-19-CRG-michelle-martinko-suspect-sketch.jpg
Sorry if this double posts, my first post disappeared into the netherworld, it seems.
Yeah, where the car was found is a nearly straight shot from the MW auto center (where Veridian is at on the map you linked). It was found near the spot where the standalone Econofoods store sat (now a US Bank). IIRC, the auto center had pretty big windows and it was situated on a bit of a hill, so that would’ve given someone a good view of that whole east side of the lot. It also set far enough away from the mall itself that probably no one thought to look for Michelle there. Plus with it being an auto store, she wouldn’t have had any reason to be there since she was allegedly looking for a coat that was on hold in one of the stores. I don’t think the killing took place on the lot itself, although early police theories did say they felt it had happened on the lot. They later revised their theory to state that they thought it had taken place off the lot on one of the side roads near the mall.
The blood drop didn’t come from his nose, he cut his hand during the stabbing. According to the above profile: “Police believe the blood that was found came from a cut on the killer’s hand. Because the investigation is ongoing, police wouldn’t say where they found the blood or how they know the killer cut his hand. But the detectives are certain the blood will lead them to the person who stabbed Martinko to death.”
In this article: https://iowacoldcases.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1979-12-28-crg-michelle-martinko-new-plea.png police say they’d found evidence in a store inside the mall and were processing it (well, an outside company was processing it), but they never said what the evidence was or where it was found. I had heard from a woman who worked in the mall at the time of Michelle’s murder and she told me it was blood they’d found and it was in an interior hallway near JC Penney’s that only store or mall employees had access to. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I have no reason to think she was lying about it.
It’s pretty common for malls/stores to ask their employees to park in the farthest spots away from the building, especially during big sales events or Christmas. They want customers to have those spots. When I worked at the mall, on Black Friday we had to start parking way off on the far edges of the lot or else park in the perimeter lot that was across the way from the mall. They ran a shuttle bus to pick us up from our cars and take us to the mall. It was a huge pain and I never ever saw any customers actually using those coveted spots during the Christmas rush.
They never said if they’d found the guy in the sketch or not. It was a hot lead for awhile but it seems in later years, the suspect sketch wasn’t mentioned much. Even when they announced they’d found his DNA, they didn’t rerelease the sketch and say “this guy is a possible suspect in the killing.” I don’t know if they eventually discounted it because it was obtained through hypnosis or if they just figured in the end the guy wasn’t a suspect. It’s possible he had no connection to the killing and was just some guy who happened to be in the same area Michelle was when the two women saw her.
Kim, thank you for the expanded information, not living in the area and being only a child at the time of Michelle’s murder, your memory of Westdale is helpful. So a few things I might offer based on your above reply:
1) I think the assumption is correct that Michelle knew her killer. I think, after reading through the archive of this case and your comments, the person who killed her is what I would call an outlier friend — someone she knew, but her family didn’t know about and her close circle of friends maybe only know by his face or first name. So if we assume this composite is based on someone the two witnesses saw with Michelle (in the parking lot?) and this composite was arrived at under hypnosis, the reason hypnosis was used is because nothing out of the ordinary was happening when the two of them were observed together — these witnesses just saw her with some guy. I say this because if there was some sort of altercation between Michelle and this guy, the witnesses would remember him in more detail.
Of course this composite was most likely the composition of two eye witnesses, so the hair might be right, but the eyes wrong; the chin right, but lips wrong. . .etc, etc . . .
2) I offered a cape chisel as the means (weapon) because of what I’d read in an article written days after the murder — that the police were unsure if it was a knife. The means often gives us insight into the who and where of the crime. However, as I read more about it, coupled with your comment about it being a curved dagger, as well as the fact the attack seemed to focus on her face, I have a new theory about the means as well as the occupation: I think the security guard theory is the most plausible because of this:
This is what is known as a push dagger. It is a concealable, self defense weapon — something a security guard might carry for self defense while on the job. The reason I think this was the means? Because when you attack someone with a standard knife you stab them in the neck, chest, or abdomen. However, a push dagger is held between the index and middle finger, and you make a fist around it — and where are you most likely to punch someone with your fist? — in their face.
And remember, 1979 was way before the internet, and if the theory is that the killer was a local, then there were probably few stores in the area at the time that sold such an item.
3) I believe Michelle and the killer left in her car for reasons only Michelle and the killer know. IIRC, Westdale was on the edge of the country back then. In fact, I can remember in the 1990s, when I was a teenager, going from Westdale, south on Edgewood toward the airport, that would put you in the country pretty quickly. So for whatever reason, the two of them wanted to be away from prying eyes. Then something happened, he killed her, and probably drove the car back, perhaps hiding it in the MW auto center after it had closed. I also think he may have moved her body from the front seat to the back. If you’re going to drive back into town, you probably aren’t going to do with a dead body in the front seat. Plus, like I theorized, he needed to get his car which was parked near where eventually found the Buick. And once away from prying eyes in the MW auto center, he moved her back to the front seat when first arriving at the auto center, leaving the back door unlocked (which he forgot to re-lock) in his haste as he needed to tend to that wound on his hand.
4) If blood was found in an employee only area in the mall, it was most likely because there was an employee restroom or sink down that hallway as well as a first aid kit — some place he could wash and dress his cut hand. And if it was after hours, it would be suspicious if he was in the mall restroom washing his hand. Also, if he was a security guard he has every reason to be in that restroom AND a million plausible reasons why he cut his hand and needed to dress it. But perhaps the CRPD sent this blood off for independent testing is because it was the mix of two blood types — Michelle’s known blood type and an unknown blood type. Maybe the two blood types had even reacted to one another in such a way that it made it difficult to identify the second blood type.
5) Assuming he hid the car before he moved it — to where CRPD finally found it — he had control of the crime scene. Perhaps he wiped the car of all the places he knew he touched. And perhaps he didn’t move the body from front to back to front seat again, but most likely, something was in the back seat that could identify him and that too could explain the unlocked back door he forgot to re-lock.
6) There was a witness who said she was travelling north on Edgewood who noticed something at the spot Michelle was eventually found. This was at 2am, 12/20/79. She described it as two teenagers partying. She saw the driver’s side door open. Perhaps this is him arranging the body before he finally left in his own vehicle. This also reinforces the fact the area she saw this happening was the employee part of the parking lot since she said the reason she looked was because her daughter worked at the mall, had had car trouble in the past, and she wanted to make sure her daughter was able to drive home. https://iowacoldcases.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1981-10-3-crg-michelle-martinko-furor-erupts.png
PS — I forgot to mention, the side of the unlocked back door may give us a clue to whether or not she was driving the car. And if the back passenger door was unlocked, then he was a lefty, since you aren’t going to drag a body around a car in order to drive back into town.
Think about it. . .
Yeah, at that time, Westdale was on the very edges of the SW side of C.R. If you went south on Edgewood or west on Williams Blvd., you were out in the boonies in no time at all.
I don’t know that her killer moved her body to the backseat after killing her and then moved it to the front seat just before ditching the car. That seems like a lot of trouble to go through…he risked leaving behind more evidence of his presence in the car with each move he’d make, plus he would’ve been trying to be careful not to make the cut on his hand worse or leave his blood behind on her coat or clothing or in the car. And not to be graphic, but head wounds bleed pretty badly, so with each move he made of her body, that would’ve put more of her blood onto him. If she was behind the steering wheel when he attacked her, he would’ve likely moved her only once and that would be to slide her over to the passenger seat so he could drive the car away. She was probably slumped below the line of sight on the car’s door jamb, plus with it being that late at night, traffic would’ve been light and no one would’ve seen him with the body in the car.
The interior hallway where they found additional evidence (that I was told was blood) also could’ve led to a locker room used by mall staff like the security guards or maintenance workers. So he could’ve gone down that hallway to change his bloodied uniform.
“The detail about all the car doors except one rear door being unlocked is definitely puzzling and I’m not sure what part it plays in the case”
It probably played no role in the case. That’s the type of thing that can quickly morph into a red herring. She probably just forgot to lock it. No reason for it to become a huge clue in the case.
The people who were at that banquet she attended should have their DNA tested. If she really went to the mall from this banquet, this might be where things start to unravel.
Witnesses claimed she looked upset. It might have nothing to do with her murder later that evening but when a murder victim is upset leading up to her murder, there’s usually a connection.
I lean towards a date gone horribly wrong. If not technically a date, then some guy she planned on hanging out with for awhile. She may have used the issue of the coat as a cover for her ‘real’ plans.
Kim
interesting- I’ve been asking some of these same questions. Though it would be nice for it to have been a match, the recent DeBardeleben theory has a few holes…I too think it was a passionate killing, and someone she knew.
Not much in the public arena to go on as far as facts in the case…the paper did mention the evidence in the mall, but never mentioned again…the moved car is very odd..Barnes said that she was supposed to meet someone for a date that evening-not sure if that is correct, or who said that-her family says she was expected home by 10, was a school night, test the next day…paper says she was asked at mall by some friends to see a movie…it would be interesting to know the story of the supposed “date”, who saw where she parked at 7:00 and when the car was brought back where it was. Why were all the doors locked except one of the back ones? Family told me 19 stab wounds- curious as to the comment of over 50 (not a challenge- just checking).
As for the police, I would be surprised if there was more than one on the case by that time- like you said-probably thought it was just a girl on a date out late…so I can’t imagine there would have been like a stakeout at the mall or anything-if Albert drove thru and didn’t see the car, then it obviously was put back -can’t imagine he would miss the car, or not drive all thru the mall lot- by 1 am, the lot would have been almost deserted, right?
Lots of questions…
I was 9 when this case happened and I remember it pretty well, it was a very shocking and heinous crime. FWIW, I don’t think Michelle was the victim of a serial killer or a victim of a robbery or rape attempt, I think she knew her murderer. Possibly there was some sort of romantic angle involved, either she’d dated her killer and they’d broken up, or he’d asked her out and she rejected him, something along those lines. She was stabbed 50+ times in the face and upper chest and that indicates serious rage and overkill to me by someone very angry with her.
My amateur detective theory is that it was someone who had access to the mall after hours, like a security guard or a store manager, or maybe a mall janitor. One of the rumors I heard was that there was evidence found in an employee’s only area of the mall and a quick search of newspaper archives in the days after her death does reveal that police were processing an area inside the mall because they’d found evidence, but it doesn’t say what the evidence was and it is not mentioned in subsequent articles. I also heard Michelle worked at the JCPenney’s store and if that’s true, she probably would’ve had some contact with mall security in some form, like maybe they’d walked her out to her car at night after she got off work.
According to the articles I’ve read, when she was seen in the mall by her classmates, they said they didn’t notice anyone following her, but truthfully, who’d notice a security guard lurking the busy crowds in a brand new mall just a few nights before Christmas? Michelle was flustered she couldn’t find the store where she was supposed to try on a coat her parents were buying her and maybe the guard saw she was upset and followed her to her car in hopes of talking to her. If she knew him, she might’ve been comfortable letting him into her car…I don’t think her killer was hiding in the vehicle and ambushed her, nor do I think he accosted her in the lot, I think she knew him and let him into the car willingly. Once inside her car, he probably suggested they leave the lot for better privacy and she agreed. In that era, Westdale was on the fringes of Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area hadn’t been all that developed yet, so a quick two minute drive would’ve put you out in the rural areas pretty fast. I think once away from the mall, whatever discussion she and her killer had turned heated and he killed her, not premeditatively because that hinges on a lot of coincidental aspects, but out of anger and rage. Police said they think the murder happened inside the vehicle, not anywhere else, and she fought hard for her life, evidenced by the defensive wounds on her hands.
Here’s where it gets interesting. According to the articles, she was last seen in the mall at around 9 p.m., and when she didn’t come home by 1 a.m., her father went looking for her. She was reported missing to police by 2 a.m. and the car and her body was found at 4 a.m.. Presumably her father and the police would’ve searched the mall lot first in their initial attempts to find her because that’s where she was last known to be at, but the car wasn’t evidently on the lot during those searches because it would’ve been found at those points. So where was it during that 7 hour span from when she was last seen to when she was found? It seems improbable that her killer would’ve stayed with the car and body for 7 hours on a rural road in December temperatures because the longer that car was out in the open, the more he was at risk for discovery. Plus, how was he able to move the car off and back onto the lot without someone noticing the activity, not to mention he wouldn’t have known if police had been alerted to Michelle’s disappearance and therefore might’ve had increased presence at the mall. Of course, in that era, because police had no reason to suspect foul play and likely chalked her disappearance up to her being out with friends and forgetting to call home, there probably was not a heavy police presence to start with, especially if they didn’t find the car on their initial drive through the mall lot, but still, the killer didn’t know that. He also risked having someone notice his own car on the lot as well, and while that wouldn’t have been overly unusual, I would’ve thought police might’ve been suspicious if they’d seen his car during their original search of the lot.
But now a security guard would have access to the various loading docks around the mall, plus he would’ve likely had access to the standalone Montgomery Ward’s auto service center on the mall property, so he could’ve driven the car back after killing her and stashed it in one of the docks or the MW auto center, then waited until the coast was clear and driven it out and abandoned it. He also would’ve likely been aware of the search for her and could’ve kept tabs on police activity going on around the mall, plus no one would’ve questioned a mall security vehicle or the guard’s private vehicle being on the lot after the mall closed, nor would anyone have questioned a guard working late like that. And police have said they know her car was moved from one spot in the lot to another, but they won’t say how they know that, but the map I found in a couple of articles indicates both spots were near the JCPenney area, which was where it was rumored there was evidence recovered from an interior part of the mall only employees had access to.
I know my theory may be pure bunk and there’s a lot of unanswered variables, like why didn’t a co-worker notice the guard was gone during the time the murder was committed and how did he get back in without someone noticing his bloody clothing, but still, the theory has merits.
they guy that killed her is dead has been for a long time only if she would have taken the coat she may still be alive today
Hey good guy
Interesting post. May I ask- what makes you think her killer is dead?
And what do you mean by “if she would have taken the coat”- what does that have to do with her living or not?
I’m just asking- not challenging- you may know much more about it than I do.
Thanks!
Goodguy’s comment is actually interesting because Michelle supposedly was there at the mall that night to try on a coat her parents were buying her for Christmas. She had almost $200 on her to buy it, so it obviously wasn’t a cheap coat. So was someone upset that they lost the commission on it and killed her for it?
I’ve been searching through some of the news articles about her death (will send them along to Jody as soon as I can) and some questions arise. Sorry for the length of this, I know it’s pretty long, but hopefully it might shed some light on some of the aspects of this case.
How is it possible that her parents didn’t outright tell her what store the coat was being held at, did they forget? Wouldn’t it have been a lot easier if they’d said “The coat is at store X”, why make Michelle go on a hunt for it? She obviously planned to go look at the coat after the banquet, she had the money on her to buy it, so it wasn’t a spur of the moment thing where she just decided to try to find the coat after she left the Sheraton. So before she left for the banquet, why didn’t her parents tell her what store the coat was at? How could you forget something like that?
If the police knew what store the coat was supposed to be held at, why didn’t they release that information to see if anyone would come forward to say whether or not they’d seen her in the store? They released pleas to the public to come forward with anything they might’ve seen in the mall that night or out in the parking lot, yet they were vague about actually naming what stores Michelle was seen at, even though people did come forward and say they’d seen her at various shops, including a jewelry store. Is it possible if they’d named the stores she’d been seen at, someone could’ve come forward with more detailed information about the clerks and any relationship they might’ve had with Michelle? I realize it’s a big task, but did detectives interview everyone who worked the stores that night until closing, even the ones who worked in the food courts and non-clothing stores?
Supposedly when Michelle ran into the classmates who were waiting for a movie to start, she borrowed change from them to use a payphone to call her parents and find the location of the store where the coat was at. Did the police do a numbers dump of the payphones or of the Martinko residence to see if that call was actually made? Maybe she made the call but the line was busy, so she hung up. Were the payphones ever dusted to see if Michelle’s prints were on any of them?
In the December 28, 1979 story in the C.R. Gazette, police mention that there was evidence INSIDE the mall that was being processed. They don’t say what the evidence is or where in the mall it was found at, but they DO say that the evidence is being processed by a private laboratory. What was the name of the private lab and why were they involved with processing homicide evidence? Why wasn’t it being processed by the CR crime scene unit or even the DCI? Did this private lab specialize in blood evidence, fingerprints, what? How can initial processing of evidence like that be arbitrarily turned over to a private lab, isn’t that supposed to be something the actual crime scene units would process in the days after the homicide as part of the overall case? Was this evidence found the same day her body was or was it found days later?
For that matter, was the mall and surrounding lots closed down in order to fully process the area that morning her body was found, or did they just seal off the area around the car and let the rest of the mall open? Nothing in the articles I’ve read says whether or not the mall was closed as they processed the scene. I realize with it being so close to Christmas, they’d hate to shut down the mall and make businesses lose money, but given the scope of the crime and scene, wouldn’t it have been a smart thing to do to at least close the mall that day her body was found and search for evidence? There’s a LOT of places in and around the mall where things could be hidden, especially if someone had access to the mall after hours like I suspect her killer had, so were all those places searched that same day? Did they halt any trash/recycling hauling that was due to take place on the 20th so they could go through the dumpsters in the area to see if anyone had discarded bloody clothing or the knife? Did they search any trucks parked in the loading docks to see if anything was hidden in them? They’ve recently torn down most of Westdale that stood back in this era in order to renovate it into a modern strip mall, so did investigators look over the areas due to be demolished to see if anything was hidden in the walls or other recesses?
Was there blood found on the cement or in the snow around the car? If so, did the blood go anywhere, like towards the mall or towards a parked vehicle? As many times as she was stabbed, that had to be a pretty bloodsoaked scene, so the killer had to have been pretty bloody himself. If Michelle was in the driver’s seat and he was in the passenger seat when he blitz-attacked her, he would’ve had to have gotten out of the car at some point to move her body over far enough to get behind the wheel and drive it back to the lot. Did police check the surrounding roads to see if there were any tire prints in the snow/gravel or shoulders that indicated a car had stopped there, or if there was any footprints or blood in the road/snow?
How did he not leave fingerprints, was he wearing gloves? How did he not leave hair or other fiber evidence? She fought hard for her life, surely she would’ve either scratched him or pulled at his hair or torn his clothing, right? Police say she had defensive wounds on her hands, so she wasn’t incapacitated right away from the initial stab wounds, so how was it possible that the killer left no evidence, save for the blood/DNA found a few years ago? In the time the car was missing from the lot, did he have it stashed somewhere and was removing traces of his presence in it? Why in one of the articles did they say they thought the killing took place on the lot due to the frost on the interior of the car? They later revised to say that they thought the car had been driven off the lot and the murder committed elsewhere, then driven back to the lot and dumped with her body inside, but how important is the interior frost? Given the temperature inside the car vs. the temperature outside the car, plus the thickness of the frost, they could’ve determined about how long the car sat outside, right? Was there frost on the hood, was the engine cold to the touch when her body was found? What about the temperature of Michelle’s body, wouldn’t that have given a basic idea of how long she’d been out in the cold?
Why did they think early on that the killer was possibly a woman? DNA shows now that the killer was a man, but was it possible a woman was still involved? Would that explain the rear door being left unlocked, the female suspect was in the backseat while the killer was in the front seat? Early statements from the police indicated they thought Michelle had gone to the mall to meet someone and go on a date, is it possible that’s actually the true reason she was there and not to look at a coat? Was she meeting someone who had a jealous wife/girlfriend and the woman came along to try to scare Michelle off? If that’s the case, maybe the knife was brought along by the woman to threaten Michelle and things went sour fast. Would the police be able to see if the stab wounds came from one person or from two people, judging by the depth of the wounds, the pressure they were exerted to create, and the angle they were inflicted? It’s possible the woman was just as much Michelle’s killer as the guy was, but only the male left his DNA behind.
Whatever came of the suspect whose sketch they released that summer after her death? Police had two women put under hypnosis, they claimed to have seen Michelle and the possible killer in the parking lot, so is that suspect still a viable one or has it been disregarded as time has gone on? (will send the sketch along to Jody when I send the articles along)
I know that a lot of my questions the police probably already have answers to, but they’re not revealing the info until they have a suspect, so this is just largely points I’m putting out there for consideration by anyone who has been following this case. Again, I apologize for the length, but I wanted to get it all down while it was still clicking in my mind.
Kim
would you mind emailing me at rriley@solutionsco.net? Also- are you a member of our Facebook page- Michelle Martinko Cold Case 1979 ?Thanks!
RJ, I’m sorry, but I’m not comfortable sharing my email with anyone but Jody and I’m probably one of the few people in the world who isn’t on Facebook. But I’m open to discussing Michelle’s case here on this site if you’d like.
Hey anyone consider Andrew Urdiales for this crime? He killed a gal near me in socal Robbin Brandley 1986 just for the heck of it who looked similar – stabbing and was eventually caught in IN. just a thought.
I like the basis of your theory, but let me expand on it a little. Perhaps it is someone she knows who is a mechanic at the Ward’s. It isn’t unknown for a mechanic to be working late (though I don’t know the details of the various shifts at that store at that time in 1979) but let’s say this person was doing some late night repairs in order to catch up and earn some overtime. He has a chance encounter with Michelle. He knows her and she is familiar with him — maybe knows him from school (graduated a year or so ahead of her) or knows her from around.
He’s just finished his shift. He sees her in the mall. He goes up and makes small talk with her and then asks her for a ride home. He has a crush on her and this is his way to spend some time with her — possibly romance her into a relationship or ask her out on a date. They get to the car and after placing his tool box in the backseat, he gets in the front seat and makes a move at some point — perhaps while they let the car idle and warm up a bit — he tries kissing her or makes an unwanted advance. She smacks him or punches him in the nose — enough to leave that droplet of his blood in the car.
He looses it and takes the cape chisel or round nose cape chisel he so happens to have in his front pocket and attacks her with it in a fit of rage (police reports say they weren’t sure if it was a knife, but knew it was long and pointed) and he kills her. Then he panics. But he’s in his coveralls and works at the Ward’s, so he drives the car into the garage and shuts down the lights to make it look like they’re closed for the night. Nothing out of the ordinary for a mechanic driving a car into the repair bay. Usually when police question witnesses, they ask them if they noticed something out of the ordinary. No one would think a mechanic driving a car into the garage is out of the ordinary.
He leaves the car, packs up and goes home, leaving the car in Wards. He drives home to clean up. Then comes back. Parks the car in the lot where police finds it, and then goes back home.
So I’m curious if she knew anyone that worked at that Wards…
Perhaps the killer was a mechanic at the Wards rather than a security guard. This would coincide with the fact the police say the weapon was long and sharp but not necessarily a knife. A screwdriver or cape chisel?
Apologies in advance for the length of this, my armchair detective-itis sometimes gets carried away.
Herb, you’ve got some interesting theories. It’s possible Michelle’s killer worked in the MW auto center, but I would’ve thought he’d left behind more evidence than just the drop of blood, such as grease or dirt from working on cars. Even if he wore gloves, there’d still be traces of oil or dirt on his shoes/ clothing or toolbox that would’ve transferred to the Martinko car. It’s got a light-colored interior and grease or dirt would definitely show up on it.
I also don’t think the murder took place on the mall lot itself. I think the killer and Michelle drove away from the mall to a more secluded area and that’s where the murder went down. But I do suspect it was someone who worked at the mall and had keys and access to the loading docks and the MW auto center. A security guard or maintenance man would have that kind of access. The December 28, 1979 Gazette article says they were processing evidence inside the mall, but didn’t say what the evidence was or where it was found. I think the killer went back into the mall to clean up and wait for the chance to get rid of the car. The spot where the car was found is on the edge of the mall lot and that probably would’ve been the area where the JC Penney and MW employees would’ve parked, especially for the Christmas holidays. I know when I worked at the local mall, they always made us park either on the far edges of the lot or over in a perimeter lot during Christmas, then they’d run a shuttle bus from the perimeter lot to the mall to ferry us back and forth. It makes sense the murderer would dump the car near where he parked his own car, that way no one would see him crossing the lot.
I’ve often wondered…did the police think she let her killer drive the car off the lot or did she drive the car off the lot herself, judging by the position of the front seat? If she drove it off, the seat would most likely be pulled forward as far as possible so she could reach the pedals (big car, lots of leg room), but if he drove it off, he would’ve probably pushed the seat back in order to fit behind the wheel. Was the seat pushed forward or pulled back when the car was found? Since her body was discovered in the passenger front seat, it’s possible she trusted him enough to let him drive the car off the lot. But on the other hand, if her killer was right-handed like most people are, for him to attack her like he did he would’ve almost had to have been in the passenger seat and she was in the driver’s seat. The steering wheel would’ve pinned her in and prevented her from escaping. She also probably had the doors locked and it would’ve been hard to scrabble to grab the pop-up lock button or the door handle while she was fighting with her killer. He could’ve easily gained control of her by pushing her against the driver’s side door with his left hand and stabbing her with his right. In looking at the picture of the car, the sunshade is down on the driver’s side…was it that way when they found it or was it pulled down when they were processing the car?
What bothers me is that unlocked rear door. It doesn’t make sense that the killer would crawl over the front seat to exit the rear door after ditching the car. It also doesn’t make sense that she would lock three doors, but leave that one unlocked when going into the mall or driving away from the mall. Unless she intentionally left it unlocked so he could get in and wait for her while she was in the mall…while the cops said she was there to look at a coat, it’s possible she told her killer to meet her there and she willingly let him into the car. They drove off the lot to a quiet spot and both got into the backseat to either make out or talk, but she got mad and got back into the front seat, while he stayed in the back to try to cool down. It’s a bench seat, so he could’ve reached around and pinned her in with his left arm. That might be why the only injury to him was the cut on his hand that resulted in the blood drop because she wouldn’t have been able to really grab at his face or hair, she would’ve been grabbing at his arms to loosen his grip and stop him from stabbing her.
If the door was unlocked because there was an accomplice in the car during the murder, did they help hold Michelle down or did they come along later after the killer called them and they helped him clean up, but forgot to lock the rear door once they were done? In at least one of the articles, they said they thought there was also a female involved, but what made the cops think that? Two killers inside the car during the murder would be likely to leave a lot more trace evidence, so that seems pretty risky to me. Was this maybe a case of a married guy who wanted/had a relationship with Michelle and he confronted her over it and killed her? Then he called his wife and confessed and she came to help him clean up? It seems more likely that the door was left unlocked by accident in their hurry to ditch the car.
As to the murder weapon…it’s possible it could be a cape chisel, although in looking at them online, I’m not sure. The March 3, 1992 Gazette article says the police think it was a double-bladed dagger style knife with a curved tip. A chisel would leave a slightly different wound and it would have to be sharp enough to penetrate Michelle’s rabbit fur coat, since not all of the stab wounds were to her face. I remember the rabbit fur coats that were popular back then and it would’ve been pretty thick as far as the rabbit skin and lining went, especially if it was well-made. But a chisel could definitely be sharpened enough to inflict those kinds of injuries.
I don’t know that I buy that her killer was a young man, either. A younger killer would’ve been more likely to panic and not only leave the car and body at the murder site, but also leave obvious evidence behind such as hair, fiber or fingerprints. Whoever killed her was savvy enough to know they had to hide that car away until it was safe to ditch it. I also can’t imagine her killer would’ve gotten lucky enough to leave ONLY the blood behind, so he had to have been smart enough to know to remove the traces of his presence in the vehicle. He also had to be patient enough to wait until he had the chance to get rid of the car, plus he had to be comfortable enough to willingly get in and out of the car twice in order to move it around. So this was most likely someone who lost his head in the heat of anger, but then turned around and used his head to figure out how to cover up his tracks. A younger killer probably isn’t going to be able to figure out the steps needed to cover his tracks, but an older killer would.
FWIW, I don’t think Michelle’s murder is connected to Brian Schappert’s murder. Michelle’s murder definitely feels like a crime of passion, while Brian’s murder seems more like a crime of opportunity. But I do think you’re right, Herb, that they both knew their killers…Michelle’s was probably a spurned suitor and Brian’s was probably someone who knew that with his promotion, he’d have access to the store safe.
Again, sorry for the length of this. This case has always bugged me because you’d have thought it would’ve been easily solved, given the compact nature of the crime scene (the car) and the violence of the attack. Michelle wasn’t involved in illegal activities, so it wasn’t a hit, it was committed by someone who knew her and either didn’t want to give her up or had a grudge against her.
Since the car is still missing it sounds like that he could have driven into a body of water and the car rests at the bottom.
Shared! Went to school with Kim. So sad!
How easy for the cops to close this one, dead guy can’t defend himself…family gets closure and they beg/brag for funds to do more of the same self serve too little too late efforts. Just sad all around.
What’s so wrong about wanting closure on a 30 year old cold case? What so wrong about wanting monetary resources to assist law enforcement in solving cold cases? Would you rather cold cases stay unsolved and families never get any kind of resolution for their loved one’s death? How would you feel if a friend or family member were brutally murdered and their killer(s) never caught?
For the record, Andrew Six was pretty vicious, that’s been well established. The little girl he and his uncle, Donald Petary, kidnapped and killed was developmentally disabled and only 12 years old at the time of her death. They’d gotten into the home of her mother and father under the guise of looking at a truck her father had for sale. After duct-taping everyone up, Six raped the little girl’s pregnant sister, then he and his uncle forced the two girls, along with their parents, into the vehicle Six and Petary were driving. The pregnant girl and her father managed to break free and escape, and in retaliation, Six slashed the mother’s throat, nearly severing her carotid artery, then he dumped her out in the driveway to die. She survived, the wound requiring 50 stitches to close. Six and Petary drove the 12 year old girl across state lines into Missouri, cutting her throat and dumping her body in a drainage ditch. Presumably, Six sexually assaulted the child, as it says in his appeals that a hair from him was found in her underwear. Six and Petary were arrested a day later in Texas. IMO, both men got what they justly deserved and it does not suprise me that Six was vicious enough to commit this triple homicide.
My guess is Imogene did it and Loy and the attorney covered it up to keep their dirty secrets from coming out.
Imogene went over to Konecne’s to have words. Imogene interrupts Konecne while she is doing her dishes. Maybe Konecne, or the walk over got her calmed down. Konecne pours them some whiskey, they drink, but something is said, or Imogene just couldn’t hold her composure any more, and she loses it. A cat fight ensues and Imogene comes out the winner. Maybe Konecne was already half-drunk and just couldn’t put up a good enough fight to survive. I think the placement of the whiskey bottle also helps point the finger at Imogene. The two things that perhaps interested her husband more than she did.
Since the case is so old, as are those involved, perhaps an offer of amnesty to those invovled, for a confession. Although, if Rolfe is still alive, he would probably be very opposed to that idea. I would alledge that he is the one who sent the death threats to Loys’ daughter. Although, Imogene, as per my depiction of her above, can apparently be pretty fiesty. Sucks that the evidence and this case got so convoluted. Hope you can get an actual, true chain of events and perpetrator(s).
When the perp is caught, it will surprise no one that is is a Democrat.
Lots of old men murdered in the area during the previous years.
Furthermore, the address of 1407 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE (where Naomi’s ex husband had been living and where her subsequent boyfriend Colbert’s nephew crashed the car) was also involved in the Paula Oberbroeckling investigation.
Another observation. Paula Oberbroeckling’s car was recovered near the Eagles parking lot on Mt. Vernon Rd. and 14th Street. That’s the same block where Naomi’s ex husband had been living and where her subsequent boyfriend Colbert’s nephew crashed the car.
OK, a little more on James Browning, Jr., the nephew of Colbert Beets (the son of colbert’s sister Alvernia Beets Browning Franklin). Specifically, if you look at the “What Happened to Paula?” website you can see that in the course of the Paula Oberbroeckling investigation a femaled police science student reported to law enforcement that she had been raped by James Browning, Jr., who she thought was capable of foul play in connection with that investigation. She detailed sexual aggression by James Browning, Jr., perpetrated upon other young women, also.
Given Naomi’s long-term involvement with the Beets family, my money is on either Wendell, James, or Colbert’s brother Tony Lee Beets. All of them have been sexually violent individuals. The Cedar Rapids Gazette really hasn’t done its job.
I’ve heard rumors about Lake Miami, but I had also heard he was driving a motorcycle.
They drained lake miami a year ago or so for other reasons….nothing was found
Where in Eddyville did this occur and what became of the young man?
The son lives and the daughters die….MSBP seems likely.
It’s sad this story is so short no interviews with her parents or friends . I hope her story gets updated so more information is known and her case can be closed so sad. I have a daughter her age and always think of stories like this when she is out with friends.
So strange!
Curiosity got the best of me. Here’s her son’s wife. https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkazanna.price
Crazy, there has to be test they can do now that would hopefully get some answers
There was testing available back then, and if the medical examiners had done their jobs they would have revealed suffocation. Helen serially suffocated her four children. There were at least three, possibly four, different biological fathers. Moreover, two-year-old children do not die of crib death.
Man this is a weird article. It mentions that the infants were buried in a Missouri town with a higher than average violent crime rate. Wonder if this is significant? Especially in light of that fact that FIVE or her siblings died?
old sayiing “it takes a village to raise a child”, guess the village(s) wasn’t paying any attention either. sadly.
Okay, my curiosity got the best of me, and it turns out he died in 2007. The children were buried in Laddonia because he was from there; my guess it that it was a family plot. Here’s his obituary:
Wow!
Someone in that house killed the lil girls and its just sad now that no one took a sec look. This isnt the first mother to kill her kids. Its a desorder where one parent kills to get attention. There was a lady who killed 6 I believe before she was caught. She is serving life with no parole. To good for her if I do say myself. Both are guilty one for doing it n the other for allowing this to happen not just one but 4 x. N yeah it may run I. The family but someone should have stopped this with her mom then. Not cool at all. Innocent children killed n no justice this is a shame
Wow.
What a tragedy makes me sick
It was all girls that died except for the infant brother… This is so sad poor babies..
Wonder where the father of the 2nd two was…
So sad….I am also curious about the 4 infant sisters.
Does anyone know what happened to the girls’ father?
Killing must run in the family since she had 4 infant sisters that also “died”! WTF?
very sad
I read about this not too long ago. Of course, back then no one knew anything about Munchausen’s (sp?) syndrome. This makes me so sick! This was a VERY deeply disturbed woman!
very strange. wonder if evidance can be found still on what happen?
Im so sorry. My heart is so broking . It makes me cry.
R.I.P.
I checked out the site Jordon referenced as well. She is right there are many similarities.
It does seem like a lot of similarities-Does anyone know if it has been checked on?
just visited big earls yesterday, I left it is the biggest hole in the ground I ever seen! Will never go back. The dancer electra is a dumb fuckin bitch.
Leroy, taste your words before you speak them. Feel them before you type them and hit that send button. Shame on you for further shaming a stripper. Do you not know that the vast, vast majority of exotic “dancers” were sexually abused and victimized as children? For shame, writing such a comment. Now go crawl back under that rock from which you came, and don’t come back.
Andrea you are speaking the truth as a former dancer i had many demons i had to overcome
I agree thank you for speaking up
I think Klunder is probably the perpetrator of this crime. He seemed perfectly comfortable taking two victims at a time. Unfortunately,he took the cowards way out so as not to answer for the evil he did.
White SUVs. That’s your investigation. Getter done.
In the small town of Bedford, what would be the motive?
I add a thank you to Doug Larison, if DeBardeleben’s DNA has indeed been verified to have been added to CODIS. I certainly believe that if it has, there are a number of cases that have DNA evidence that could be solved by that. In the case of Michelle, it is good to at least be able to “cross out” suspects. Also a great thank you to Jody for keeping this site going and keeping the memory and hope alive for these people who constantly live in our hearts. May 2014 be the year we get some answers for some of these families….
I would love to see justice for you and your family, and especially for Boyd! Can’t think of anyone more deserving! Hugs to you Christy!
My mom was friends of Judy. She told me what happened that night. She gave the name if the other person. Said she was told Judy was hit in the head with either a 6 or 12 pack of beer.
Please have your mom contact the police if she knows who did it.
This way there can be some justice done & a case closed.
Very sad & tragic as I doubt this other women knows she killed Judith or even wanted to kill her.
However, justice needs to be done.
Praying!
I agree with Anita, sounds like a 20/20 Story to me !!!! How 3 men in a truck and the families of those men can live with themselves or look at themselves in the mirror , is a true mystery !!!!! They have NO conscience and are worthless . And the original Officers at the time must have been on the take !!! If there was tire tread that showed the truck swerved off the road —–NO Accident !!
Maybe this should be a case for 20/20! Bet they get the answers
Hi Anita. We are both from Iowa… It’s interesting because I was a year younger than Valerie. …I remember my parents knowing what family it was but not saying it. That’s how it was in town everyone knew which family they were talking about. But it’s been so many years and my dad is sadly gone now. This is haunted me for so many years and I Haven’t lived there since college. I love my little hometown but it’s absolutely crazy that no one was ever charged
So your family is also cowards. Sounds like a bunch of scared people in the town of Manson.
For real? That's crazy. Idk if I would be emotionally stable or mentally stable to have dreams like that.
How can people ignore this…..who were the original investigating officers ththey don’t have any information?
Dateline needs to get involved in this!!!
Over the years I have thought of this horror many times. I feel so very sorry for the family of this precious child and wish I COULD help in some way to solve this case. One correction I feel needs to be made—- I do not believe any one connected to the case, froze to death. I wish the people who were involved in this horrible travesty would come forward.. You will have to answer to our Lord and so will you who have protected the guilty all this time…….some day.
she be attending middle school at sixteen?
Jack, we’ve included Annamarie’s case on the site because it’s never been cleared/closed. (As I mentioned on Annamarie’s page, it remains open, but in name only.) No one was ever convicted in her murder, though police are certain they had the right man.
So…are we to believe that Brian Rittman was innocent? I know a woman who dated Brian for quite awhile after Angie was murdered. He virtually came out and admitted the murder to her. She believes that Brian either did it or hired it done, but was too afraid of Brian to say anything.
[Identity of referenced individual removed by ICC admin.]
Excuse me … leave MY MOTHER [referenced name removed by ICC admin] out of this.
What is your real name?
I wonder if this Pollard is any relation to the Pollard’s who live in Ottumwa, IA? Just wondering, because one of them is in jail for murder. He was seen on camera, robbing a restaurant downtown. He later went into the Cinema X theater there and robbed, and beat to death the owner of the business. A VERY scary and dangerous individual.
Sounds like he got away with it to me.
And he got some money too!
So it’s not a cold case and he cannot ever be tried again for her death.
https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1926&dat=19830505&id=xVcrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0dgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6558,1744835&hl=en
https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1926&dat=19830426&id=klcrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0dgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5891,1215641&hl=en
News about Linda Bently
You don’t have the case of Linda Bently on your Cold Cases. She was a 17 yo West High student who went missing in Sioux City in 1984. Her car was found stuck in mud about 2 blocks from her home with her purse still in it. She was returning from a party or a dance. Her body was found about a month later after an exhaustive search of the Riverside area where her house was. She was found in the Big Sioux River. Police have always suspected foul play.
Jeff, we’ve had a number of inquiries in the past about Linda’s death, but her case’s official classification is an accidental drowning. Dr. Thomas Corridon, the medical examiner, concluded Linda had a high BAC and there was water in her lungs. She was found fully clothed, and there was no evidence of any type of assault. Many didn’t want to believe Linda had drowned, and a forensic pathologist was called in from Des Moines to conduct a second autopsy. He, too, concluded Linda had not been assaulted and that cause of death was accidental drowning.
I spoke with Sioux City police Lt. (now Capt.) Lisa Claeys about Linda’s case back in May 2004, and she confirmed the official ruling. People have posed different theories and suppositions to police over the years, and though investigators have followed up on every single one, nothing has turned up to alter the official classification. Pending some type of solid evidence to prove otherwise, Linda’s case remains classified as an accidental drowning.
Thank you for asking about her. Her untimely death deeply affected her many friends and loved ones.
Thanks Jody for the reply, and thank you and your staff for the wonderful work you have done here.
Jeff Bentson, who are you and how do you know my sister?
Brad I never knew Linda. I remember her case because I volunteered as did several people to search for her after her disappearance. Sorry I got the dates wrong. I was 15 when she went missing and helped to search War Eagle Park and Riverside Park with friends. We were organized by the SCPD. Sorry for your families loss, hope you all will find justice for her some day. I am currently a Sioux City Fire Fighter stationed at Station 8 in Riverside. God Bless
I don’t care what the police say….no way would Linda drown in the big sioux…..I knew Linda my whole life,she could swim like a fish….anyone from riverside knew that the unpaved dirt road her car was found stuck in …was not a road to drive on at that time of the year…why would Linda go to the big sioux and go swimming fully clothed in late fall……she was an honor student,just signed a letter of intent to play Div 1 volleyball for Iowa State…..why would she get stuck then walk blocks opposite the direction she lived,to going swimming in late fall???
Sorry. Early spring after the snow melt
Unfortunately she had a high BAC which could have caused her to drive on a road people normally would not. That would also explain why she most likely went into the water and drowned. We will never know what was going through her mind or what she was thinking while under the influence.
Ash…you are so far off with your comments, you haven’t a clue what happened that night, I do.
Ash, I am still peeved at your comments. You have no idea what you are talking about. Linda was definitely murdered that night. The autopsy was botched and NOT accurate. More than one person was involved in the murder. My family has information that points to at least three people as suspects. There could be more individuals involved as well or at the very least knows how it happened. The river is not right next to where her car was found either. She did not just wander down there…that is just ignorant. They took her to the river.
There’s no way in hell that Linda would’ve went down to the big suit the Linda would have went down to the big zoo river and got into the river where she was adding to the river where she was let alone being hard lick accessible to anybody it’s earlier accessible to anybody I saw her that night I saw her that night there’s no way in hell she went into that water. I’d like to know the exact number on the BACThey consider anything over a point 08 high blood alcohol levelShe was only blocked from home. They can say what they want that was back in the days of let’s rule it a accident instead of investing what really happened.
Your date of 1984 is wrong. Linda Bentley’s death was: Apr. 27, 1983 as marked on her headstone and she most likely was killed the night she disappeared, I believe it was March 5th, 1983. There was foul play by the way, people have contacted my family claiming they know what happened but have no evidence to prove it.
I knew it was 83. Couldn’t figure out why everything keep saying 84. It was just a few months before graduation.
I know she went to 711 after her car got stuck and 2 guys said they would help her I believe they were Bruce and Bill Solomon
Who is This Bruce and Bill Solomon? Where they from Riverside?
Linda was my grandmother’s cousin. I was 2 years old when this happened. Grandma talked about it all the time and told me over and over again that a suspect’s family had called the Bentley house and told them to “keep their mouths shut” and to “watch out” and “they might end up dead”. Grandma passed in 2002 so I can’t ask her who the suspect was. I’m itching to solve this. I’m also looking for a picture of linda. If anyone has one please send it to gwensberg@gmail.com
Police ever catch wind of these threats?
any info on a name an number to contact to do a identification examiner
I was at the same dance and a friend of Linda’s. I remember that night like it was yesterday. There were a lot of rumors and suspicion surrounding two people but they put the case under wraps and tried to say she was walking d I wn by the river and fell in I say BS to that I know someone killed her.
Tracy Lee, please contact me on facebook.
Thanks
I hope your family is healing. I remember this case very well.
Who is Tracy Lee?
Brad I’m sorry I was mistaken the twins were Brad Beavers. But I still k we you and Linda very well!
Brad I don’t know if you remember me my maiden name was Rhonda Frye. I moved to Texas when Linda & I we’re in high school right after my freshman year. I used to babysit the first set of twins you had. I loved your family and have thought of Linda often over the years. I too believe foul play. I never bought the whole story of her driving down that road and “accidentally drowning “. That’s just bs. I did hear rumor of someone that was on police radar for it. I won’t put a name here.
This is a case I have always had suspicions about since it happened. I was a victim of one of the people who are of interest in this case. At the time I was assaulted and left for dead on the hills above Riverside Blvd, when it was reported it was “covered” up as well. I learned through the years that the one who aasaulted me was a major drug dealer in Riverside along with other crimes. I don’t know what hold he has over authorities or if he does anymore. I do know people felt “sorry” for him and an accident he was in as a very young child. That’s neither here nor there, he’s a monster of the worst kind who will never be held accountable for his actions.
Can you contact me on Facebook messenger?
Couldn’t find you there.
Any new leads on Linda Bentley? The case seems suspicious.
Is his initials BB
Actually they’re DB but he is known as BB
Yes your right I just knew him as BB
He used to creep around her all the time
why hide ur comments unless hiding something!!! Denise Beavers…. REALLY prove it!!! Don’t talk behind backs!!!
First off Linda was my friend back off I’ll say anything I want and that may prove relevant to this case so if you have an issue to bad
I would strongly suggest watching what you state on my uncle Dennis bunk beavers you don’t have to dance around his name I’m his nephew, if I continue to see this bullshit on his name I have the means as I am very wealthy my money is long to pull this site get all of your real names and sue for defamation of character. Try me to see if I’m playing around
Threatening people for discussing aspects of a case is a big reason cases like this one and so many others go unsolved. People with ‘money’ who think they can do as they please and silence people and cover things up and make them all go away. Shame on you James.
On all aspects he has never been charged our always cleared so anything on his name without proof is defamation of character those are facts not threats,threats are non factual I am not silencing nothing but defamation,cover up lol How can you cover up something your cleared of wtf shame on you people for not haveing factual evidence Learn the law. And I stand by my above comment
Vengeance is Mine, and recompense;
Their foot shall slip in due time;
For the day of their calamity is at hand,
And the things to come hasten upon them.’
Amen
Terrie,
From your words I can see that you are a kind and gentle soul like your Uncle Joe, yet therein lies the rub. Doing what is right in the eye of God should outweigh any fear on earth. The individual you spoke to lacks faith in God, and is guilty of said crime in some manner according to man’s law by aiding and abetting which is: To ACTIVELY, KNOWINGLY, or INTENTIONALLY ASSIST ANOTHER PERSON in the commission or attempted commission of a crime. Also known by law as accomplice: A person who KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATES WITH ANOTHER in a criminal activity. Whether the person was present at the commission of the crime, or not, the person has knowledge. After 67 years the gentleman should have grown a pair, rather than seek your understanding and forgiveness on the matter. All you did was give this person a license to some relief from the guilt he feels about the loss of a beautiful soul. For all you know he may have been the perpetrator!
I will pray that you find guidance on this matter.
Thank you Theresa for the kind words. I could not find anyone who knew Joe that had a bad word to say about him. I tried to find someone in Chariton who did not like him and could not. Everyone I spoke with outside the family said he was a kind and caring man. I am just waiting for one of them to feel guilty enough. And I hope that it becomes so unbearable that they say or do something wrong. Because when they do I will be waiting for them. The gentleman who I spoke with was terrified and I knew it would not be fair to him or his family to try and force him to go to the police. He lived in Chariton grew up their and his family still lived their. I don’t fault him in any way. He even asked me to forgive him for not speaking up. I told him you were young when it happened and you were scared. And then when you got older you had a family to think about. I told him their was nothing to forgive. I did that for Joe. He would not have wanted me to force someone to do something if they were scared or had a family to think about. Family was everything to Joe he took care of his parents and then his sister until they passed. The issue for me is the cold callous way that they killed him. If they wanted money he would have given it to them. He would have just said here you go you need this more than I do. I don’t know how much longer he would have lived if they had not killed him but they chose not to give him that chance. That is what makes me angry and want them punished. But if for some reason I don’t get it here I know that when they die and they have to face God and I personally would not want to be in their shoes.
I miss my brother jack I’ll never get over that horrible day Dec 5 1967 I hope I get closure before I die
Terrie,
I look at Joe’s face, and he just exudes a kind and gentle soul. I pray for your sake there is a confession even if it is a deathbed confession. It is sickening to know that you talked to someone who KNOWS who perpetrated this horrific act “I spoke with someone who knew the boys and he told me that robbing him was supposed to be fun (12/10/13),” and is too afraid to speak up. Those boys got to live their life as some claimed they deserved, and now they are Joe’s age or older. It is time for them appreciate the years they were afforded, and make restitution for your family and friends suffering.
Thank you, Detective Larison, for clarifying that the individual Adam referenced has been eliminated through DNA. We’ve always hoped conversations through the comments may one day unearth a small detail someone had forgotten or never mentioned, but it’s so important our readers know when persons of interest have been cleared. I appreciate your taking time to provide the update. You have one of the toughest jobs out there, and we extend our thanks for all you do in behalf of victims and their families.
All best,
Jody at ICC
Another Christmas has come and gone but I am waiting for you boys to mess up. It is only a matter of time before you do something stupid. Did you think I would not respond on this a holy day? Tell me do you believe in God? Or do you believe in Jesus? If you do you know that every time you celebrate Christmas you are nothing but murderers. And if you think God is going to forgive you for this, think again. The Ten Commandments say “Thou shalt not kill”. Did you skip that section of the bible? You guys are so pathetic. Because that particular commandment does not say that if you are young and stupid it is okay to kill an elderly man. I keep asking myself how much longer can you hold out? One of you is going to crack I say which one? If you ask God for forgiveness do you think he will? I think you blew that chance. That is what is so funny. You are now old do you get scared sometimes? I bet you do. Stay scared because as long as you live you will have me watching and waiting. And if you believe in God then you are going to have big problems explaining a murder to him. I would not want to be in your shoes. On this Earth you have me waiting and when you die you have God waiting. I would not want to be in your shoes. But then I have never murdered anybody so unlike you I have a clear soul. So Merry Christmas I am waiting. And just so that you know I am a very patient person. All I need to do is sit and wait.
The person that Adam speaks about is not the killer. He has been eliminated through DNA.
I’m so sorry for your lose n hope you find who ever did this. Stay string n positive it will all come out. Kinda sounds like someone scorn. One went to the door n the other behind a tree. Someone from his past maybe a old girlfriend, make him hurt like she did n found a Patsy to do her dirt.
http://www.iowaz.info/surname/louvring.htm
Nels Louvring notes/info collected as of Dec2013, regarding the surname and cold case murder in Westfield/Fayette, 1933.
Sorry, but isn’t it LIKELY that a husband’s hair, skin particles, etc., might be found on household items– and even the body of his wife? This doesn’t sound particularly conclusive to me…
I’m curious as to the basis of his acquittal.
Both of the victims were heavy set. At the time of the murders, young Franklin was also an obese person. While in jail awaiting trial he lost all the weight and appeared in trial as a frail looking youngster. His confessions where not admitted or those testifying to his statements, being young criminals themselves, were not believed. To the jury’s eyes, how could this little boy have dragged his obese stepmother from the living room to the bedroom? Another killer aquitted due to the masterful defense work of Mr. Parrish.
You stated:”Both of the victims were heavy set.” My response; hmmm Interesting comment. You stated:”At the time of the murders, young Franklin was also an obese person” My response: Do you look at the size of people as far as motive and advantage? If so you are very strange. You stated:”While in jail awaiting trial he lost all the weight and appeared in trial as a frail looking youngster. My response; How do you have any knowledge of the juvenile corrections facilities nutritional diets and exercise requirements? How long were you employed by any juvenile corrections facilities? You stated:”To the jury’s eyes, how could this little boy have dragged his obese stepmother from the living room to the bedroom?” My response: Are you a atty? Is it your professional opinion that everyone should evaluate evidence based on a mug shot? You stated:” Another killer aquitted due to the masterful defense work of Mr. Parrish.” My response: Have you ever heard of the Pub Defenders office? Most of them only reason they passed the bar was because it was closed that day. Most of them are recent grads ,especially during the seventies. Your statement odd indeed. Mr. Parrish is today a skilled atty,lighten up on the man. I believe retirement age.
Corena, I’ve got to agree with you 100% here insofar as Mr. Parrish. He is indeed a skilled attorney and probably “the” most successful criminal defense attorney in the state of Iowa.
People may accuse him of setting killers free, but we all must admit it; if any single one of us committed a crime or found ourselves accused of murder in the first degree, Alfredo Parrish is the #1 man we’d want on our side. He also needs to be credited for successfully defending those falsely accused of a crime. Being a criminal defense attorney does not make one a bad or crooked attorney. Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” is probably one of the best documentaries I’ve seen that portrays the lengths some dedicated lawyers go to in order to prove a client’s innocence.
Never doubt for a second, however, that juries make decisions based on “all” evidence that exists. That is very seldom the case.
My dear, I do not watch made for TV viewing documentaries. I do not make invalid assumptions about juries. I also do not assume that everything written here by others to be fact.I do not know if any of these posters have ever met anyone in my family. I believe if they have then they are quite old.
You should. You would learn alot. You act like you’re better than and know more than everyone. You’re not and don’t. People are here to help not argue. I think it WAS the son.
Merry Christmas Mamie. I’m certain the two murdering rapists are enjoying theirs.
Rylee was my baby cousin. I was 13 when she passed away. She was adorable, spirited, and had just celebrated her second Thanksgiving with our family. I recall she was seated next to her 80-something year old great-grandmother for Thanksgiving dinner, who was just delighted by her. It is preposterous to speculate that the child was not mourned. Of her survivors, surely her Grandpa Don took it the hardest, but we all grieved for Rylee (and her mother). My grandmother was present for every day of her trial. Elise may have been young, irresponsible and made some questionable decisions, but her family had no indication that this would be the result or they would have intervened. The child was loved, provided for and happy by all outward appearances. It’s just a shame.
Morgan, thank you so much for your comments, and I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve re-worded the case summary to indicate how the defense tried to portray Rylee’s mother, and to also note that Rylee’s grandfather took the death particularly hard. I’m sure the entire family grieved for Rylee, and my deepest condolences go out to all of you.
Do you or another family member happen to have a photo of Rylee we could share with our readers? (Photo credit would be provided accordingly.) Photos or any other information you’d like to include could help readers more fully appreciate the difference Rylee made in so many lives. Please feel free to email me directly at: jody at iowacoldcases.org.
Again, I’m so sorry your family had to experience such a tremendous loss.
Jody at Iowa Cold Cases
I remember this..and knew one of the people that they thought was involved.
im confused? what made it so hard to track down this cab driver?
great story
The police negligence made just as much an assumption about Joe as the “boys”. It makes no sense for boys from affluent families to kill a stranger for money. Don’t they usually go after inheritance money?
The boys had committed crimes in the past that their parents paid to get the charges dropped, just so you know the police were never paid off usually whatever crime they committed the person who’s property was damaged or stolen the parents would pay so the boys had no real criminal record. Most of what they did were considered petty crimes. I believe that they saw him or from what I understand they knew him because back then Joe knew everybody who lived in Chariton. He may not have known them by name or if he did because of the beating they gave him he was not able to say anything more than don’t be to hard on the boys. I spoke with someone who knew the boys and he told me that robbing him was supposed to be fun. I think they saw him and figured that it would be easy to rob an old man. But when he told them he had no money I think they did not believe him and so they kept beating him. I think that it just got out of hand. But they still committed murder and for that they need to held accountable. And I won’t let this go. As long as I am alive I intend to continue trying to find proof that they committed the crime. I am not as kind hearted as Joe was. I am also not like his sister or his niece or great-niece they suffered. They had no answers and no justice. I watched three generations try to live with a crime that not only Joe suffered but they did to. It took something away from them. I watched this growing up and it was hard to deal with because I could not fix it for them. So as long as I am alive I will continue to search for justice that he deserved along with his family.
February 3 1973 was a Saturday. John Gosch, Mark Warren Allen, and Eugene Martin all went missing on weekends. The July 1989 attempted abduction of a paper boy in Indianola occurred on a weekend. Could Guy Heckle’s disappearance be related to the others? It would appear that the perp worked weekdays and therefore conducted the abductions on weekends.
It’s possible of course but I don’t think it’s likely. Guy Heckle went missing 10 years before the newspaper boys. Also, camping near the Duane Arnold Energy Center (outside Palo) would be much more isolated than a paper boy delivering papers. If Guy was abducted or harmed by another person it was either a crime of opportunity or someone at the camp who knew him. The paper boy disappearances seem much more planned.
In the case of Guy Heckle, I assume the camp leaders were all interviewed? What about the other scouts? Usually when you’re playing capture the flag, your team comes up with a strategy and every member has a role to play. I’m interested to know if Guy was sent down to the river as part of his team’s strategy and what exactly he was doing the last time he was seen. Had Guy been sent to “jail”?
I hope the Heckles find answers!
Sarah. .. I was there and we were all interviewed.
Could you please call me at 3194316568 , guy came to me in my dreams an spoke to me . Im investigating on my own
So you just happen to be “investigating” this case and he spoke to you in a dream? You should be ashamed of yourself posting such nonsense.
Find a different hobby. This is a real kid with a real family. They don’t need to be indulging your games.
Rob, Guy is my 1st cousin
My sister and I are looking at his case. Please feel free to contact me, Pam Matney @ 515.5209071. Tyvm
Jeff, what do you remember?
Jeff, My Name is Laura..I’m Guy’s cousin..his mom is my Aunt Nancy. My sister’s and I would love to talk with you..please contact me by email as listed. We appreciate any information you might be able to share. Thank you sincerely
Laura
Hi Laura…
Pardon my ignorance but I’m very clumsy when it comes to posting comments here. Am I the Jeff you’re asking for information?? I’d be happy to share with you everything I know.
Thank you.
Hi Jeff..I think so! It’s been awhile since I was on this site. I’m Guy’s first cousin..his mom is my Aunt Nancy. She’s still doing well….and his sister’s too. If you remember any specifics that would be great to hear. I will talk with my sister tonight and see if we have specific questions…. She talked with the Linn County sherrifs office not long ago. Back in touch soon! Thanks, Laura
I would be more than happy to answer any questions you or your family may have. And I’ll be more than happy to share everything I know. I’ll check back here tomorrow evening to give you time to speak with your family.
Thank you
Jeff.
Thanks so much for getting in touch with my sister Pam..we were very thankful to hear the info you were able to share! We are so appreciative of your willingness to talk about Guy and that night. Thanks again!!
Laura
Feel free to contact me anytime. I’m happy to help.
My previous message to you came out awful.. I’ll check back here tomorrow evening (3/7) to give you time to speak with your family. I’ll be happy to answer questions about share everything I know.
Thank you
Jeff
Hey Jeff, if your so bad at comments why do you have a half dozen comments practically saying the same thing in all of them?
Right?
As i recall, and it has been quite some time ago, Guy’s role was to guard the flag. He was placed behind some trees just off to the side of the flag and he was suppose to come out and guard the flag if opposite team members approached the base. That was the last I ever remember seeing him. 40+ years now? Wow.
44 years now
Im Guy’s cousin Laura…we are still looking, talking, digging for any information…if anyone remembers or knows anything..we would so appreciate hearing about it. Thank you
Andrea- No they are not tied together and why would you think they are? Stop trying to tie everything to Johnny Gosch and Eugene Martin (which likely aren’t related). You sound as ridiculous as Noreen. Let’s honor Guy and his memory here. Thanks
Im Laura.. Guy’s first cousin..I truly appreciate the fact that a few of you are still interested in his case and keeping his memory going. We are looking harder at the case files..and still hoping for some answers. Thank you!
I’m Laura.. Guys first cousin..we are thankful there are a few of you that are still interested in his case and keeping his memory going! We are looking deeper into the case files and still hoping for some answers. Thanks!
this is so sad for loved ones that want answers. my prayers go to those who are still searchin for answers of justice. May God bless and keep !u
Adam
my son is writing a story and an editorial on this case for the Kennedy High School paper, The Torch. One of his goals is for Kennedy to allow a memorial plaques to be hung in her memory. We have been in close contact with Michelle’s sister, now retired and traveling with her husband. In fact we just talked for about 3 more hours this evening. What we are proposing to do is write an in- depth narrative of this case, along with a biographical sketch of this girl- because, let’s face it- most of us who have remembered this case din’t know her- what was she like, etc? I think many would like to see other pictures, know more of her life. Also, I believe the case is ripe to be solved. Her sister is genuinely surprised that so many think of her sister 34 years later, and she has a lot to say about the case.
With that said, I wold love to talk – maybe compare some notes and work together on this thing. I won’t be able to visit the family until they return to the country in May, but will definiteley be able to act as a conduit with them.would you consider emailing me?
rriley@solutionsco.net
This is a call to action:
I have telephoned the police in Cedar Rapids about a suspect that through crime pattern analysis was very likely the perpetrator of this crime.
This perpetrator was tried and convicted of many heinous crimes from 1983-87. A federal police agency picked him up for a series of non-violent crimes and discovered a mountain of evidence that he had been committing violent crimes against women for many, many years.
DNA was in its infancy at the time – and while this perpetrator likely had his DNA taken by a specific (unknown to me) police force it likely was not placed in CODIS due to state laws on mandatory processing of DNA not being in place at the time.
The Cedar Rapids PD – at first highly skeptical of my suggested suspect – came to believe that I very possibly could be correct about this suspect. That said, due to the realities of police work – the response I received from the CRPD was something to the effect that if I wanted prove that this suspect was the perpetrator of the Martinko murder I would have to go out in the world and figure out which police force in America had this particular suspect’s DNA on file.
I am not a police officer, nor am I family member. I do not have the power to compel the police to answer my requests nor the standing to get the CRPD to respond in a more pro-active fashion.
I am seeking a family member or a close personal friend of Michelle Martinko to contact me and I will help them understand how and why I have come to the conclusions that this particular suspect would be well worth the time and effort to vet.
The suspect is dead now – he died in prison. But he was the father to 3 biological daughter. DNA experts that I have pursued on this specific question of whether a daughter’s DNA would be sufficient have responded that it would be absolute and definite if compared to the DNA on file with the CRPD. Authorities know how to locate and contact said daughters – and I have ample reason to believe that they would cooperate.
This case is imminently solvable now – I need the help of a family member or a close friend of the victim. If someone comes forward to help in this way they would very likely set forth a domino effect with this suspect’s DNA being placed into CODIS.
I am signed on to receive follow up emails to this site so any response by said family members or friends will be received by me and I will pursue that. Thank you.
R.I.P gone but never forgotten!!!
yupp
Happy Thanksgiving to the boys. Enjoy your day? Just think I am looking over your shoulders and waiting for you to mess up. Because inept and cowardly idiots like you always screw up. I am always around you. I am with you 24 hours a day 7 days a week and 365 days a year. And unlike you I have all the time in the world. As you all go to bed tonight I will be in your nightmares. Because I promise you I will never leave you. I will always be around. So when you leave your homes or go anywhere look around you just might see me. You are a pathetic bunch of creatures.
I am assuming this article is 3 years old, if not recent. Either way, according to this, they have not found him OR his vehicle. The family saw it, but went back and it was gone and never seen again. Is this information correct? According to a family friend in the post, the article is incorrect. Granted it has been 23 years since he disappeared, something as simple as wether they found the car or not, could play a big role in the closure for the family. We, the public could be looking for a vehicle that has been found, our not looking for a vehicle that we should be looking for. That can hold a lot of clues as to his disappearance. Can someone give accurate up to date info on this? I hope he is found for the families closure. I know what it is like to have the emptiness left in those left behind by such circumstances. My thoughts and prayers are with the family
I am reaching out to a group from organ called adventures with purpose who are a sonar and dive team they specialize in this stuff
They found his car recently.
this is my Uncle…if anyone out there has ANY information, please contact the Dubuque police. Closure is so important for families of missing individuals…
I wish for some some closure for his family and friends. know you are in my thoughts.
Cecil sounded like a sweet kid, his potential lost.
Just wanted to add that it’s shameful that a facebook commenter would suggest the family doesn’t care about their loved one’s murder being solved because they haven’t put up a reward. Most of the families of victims of unsolved homicides would put money into a reward or hiring a private investigator, they simply don’t have the fiscal resources to do so. For many of these people, a significant chapter in their lives ends when a person they loved is killed inexplicably. This case is completely solvable, and I hope that it will be in the near future.
From what I can recall reading elsewhere, Bierbodt’s family refused to provide authorities with a DNA sample when Bierbodt died. He was and remains the best suspect in this young woman’s murder.
Frances Bloomfield’s husband has been arrested for her murder:
https://www.thegazette.com/2013/11/26/iowa-city-police-arrest-husband-in-1997-murder
Another cold case solved by DNA…John Bloomfield’s DNA was found on the ligatures she was bound with, plus one of his hairs was found on the tape on her body. Amazing how after all these years the evidence can be reprocessed with modern technology and an arrest can be made in a cold case like this.
Yes, this was definitely one of those “good” days. DNA technology continues to outrun killers. It’s only a matter of time before we see more arrests like this. Kudos to Det. Dave Gonzalez, Chief Sam Hargadine, and the Iowa City Police Dept. for never giving up!
I just saw on the Des Moines Register site that they have arrested her husband! I read this story here quite a while back and thought the husband had killed her.
I miss you so much mom… I wish you were still here, I think about you every day. Wishing I knew what actually happened and who did this to you… I love you mom. Always and forever.
~autumn
Her boyfriend had a varied criminal past, not “just” of assault. From August 8, 2006: “Ronald A. Perkins, 45, of 206 12th St. SE, for third-degree burglary on Wednesday; accused of breaking and entering the residence at 516 15th St. NE and stealing property.” So we know Ronald was a diverse criminal. And has anyone looked at who the victim of his burglar was? Could it have been revenge gone awry?
And Dorothy was not the only one to die in that property, although the prior death probably was of natural causes. From 1994: “Herbert E. Wenzel, 78, of 206 12th st. se, was found dead Thursday, Sept. 15, 1994,in his home.”
Also, 7 years before Dorothy’s death another violent incident took place in the house: “Rodney J. Swallow, 32, of 1313 B Ave. NE charged with assault causing bodily injury, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of simple assault. He was accused of striking his former girlfriend, Jenifer Rawlins, in the face six times June 13, 1989, at 206 12th St. SE. Swallom was fined $100.” Could Rodney Swallow have still had a key to the place?
Arthur Charles Scott was admittedly the last person to see her alive. He gave different stories to law enforcement, and then refused to take a polygraph. His face was covered in scratches the day after her disappearance and he claimed he got them from “falling down at home.” Why isn’t her body exhumed to see if there is DNA under what remains of her fingernails? His parents hired a spendy lawyer and then hustled him out of state. Now he is age 73 and lives in Illinois. Gary McHugh was cleared and was willing to take a polygraph.
I’m this little angels aunt. I’ve recently found out about this. My sister is so heartless I wish I was able to qo visit him.
I wish that lady goes to hell. ! She deserves nothing but the worst. !
this is very helpful to a project im doing in school for the book trifles
I wonder how close the police looked at her boyfriend, Gary McHugh (not sure I’m spelling that right). He might be worth looking into again.
I pray someone can help.
I pray for justice. And pray for famlies and friends.
Please send me e-mail updates concerning this case.
Their are no updates concerning this case.The law moves slow and carefully in cold cases. We are very lucky that this new detective is so interested. Now we wait for all of the details found in the ground radar from the people in Iowa City and then for the clearance to dig in the basement at 608 pleasant view drive. I have been dealing with this for over a year and it just takes patience.GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL IN THIS SITUATION>.
Did anything ever come of this? I looked at the Doe Network case and agree there is a resemblance.
I went to high school with Matt, the only thing about that doe case that doesn’t make sense is the weight they says was 180, I think it would be hard for Matt to gain that much weight in any amount of time especially a few months, he was always slender. I wonder how correct the weight of 180lbs was, did they just guess by looking at the skeletal remains?
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/502umal.html
This site says 165-80, 165 is more “possible” dud anyone ever submit this “doe” info?
Yes, I submitted this potential match to the administrators of Doe Network after reading about it here last year. Someone else had already been submitted it prior, but I have no idea whether it was forwarded to law enforcement or if the match has been ruled out.
I emailed the DMPD with links to this page, and the two on the DoeNetwork along with a side by side of the photos.
that doe link above is from Alabama. and the doe’s pants were 33×34 10.5 shoes. the resemblance is almost spot on! I hope someone can reach the right
I think they based it on the clothing size jeans 34
Stearns was there. Too perfect of a crime. Hes got a trophy her drivers license. Why would he need a drivers license when theres tons of her picture everywhere.
are you saying the detective that is on the case did this ?
Just because Lt. Stearns has Jodi’s driver’s license doesn’t mean he was in any way involved in her abduction. Jodi’s DL was probably in her purse, which was recovered at the scene. It’s not unusual for detectives, especially those who deal with cold cases or have worked cases that have gone cold to keep a picture or some sort of memento of the victim, just to keep the victim’s memory alive and remind them what they are working for. Nothing at all sinister in that, either.
I think the people that did this to marlon should sit be hind bars
R.i.p marlon we all love and miss u so much and always will you are never forgotten
R.i.p marlon
I didn`t find out anything new today but I will let you know as soon as I hear from the lead detective.I feel assured that we will get closure to my beautiful sister, mother, and grandmothers murder soon.
Hi, Adam- sorry I mistook you for your Father.
Janette
My son was a toddler and i was a teenage mom at the time of this very sad event because of this I became what some would describe as a overly protective mother this was and even more so today a crazy world and our children are our greatest gifts from God you can never be to çareful My prayer for his family and others suffering this same nightmare would be that someday they will be reunited may god bless you all with peace
All rampant theft comes back to money. There has to be some scrapyard or scrapyards within an hour, maybe two, where they are selling the goods at. Bust the scrapyard, cut off the money supply and the copper thefts stop. That happened here and it was astonishing how fast those thefts stopped. However, burglaries are more rampant as a result and the theft of firearms and jewelry has increased. You can cut off one market, but those disposed to commit crimes will revert to other thefts. And don’t think it’s to provide for families, it’s mostly to feed whatever addiction they may have.
david i wish you was here to see the fine young men you have and see your brother and sister..i wish we could go back and change things..we all love and miss you so very much
To A. Fitchett:Hi Lan, Yes the police investigation with radar in the basement revealed that something aside from concrete is below the basement floor. Please contact Aunt Ellen in Butte, Montana. She can and will give you all the information you need concerning Mother’s death as she is in constant contact with the cold case investigator.
Was there anything found in the basement after this last police search?
Is this Adam or Darleens son Lanny? You can find out information from the DesMoine PD. Yes they did find anamalies down in the cement under the stairway in the basement. They are waiting to receive funds toexcave the site.
This is Adam. Interesting.
Yes Adam, The murder of your grandmother is much more than just interesting. Her blood has been crying out from the ground for almost 60 years and I will not rest until we get closure.You call this interesting, hopefully you are also interested!!!
Hopefully something can be found and bring closure for the family. Send me a FB request, we can talk in private.
Darlene Fitchett is my mother. I was 18 months old when she disapeared.She was not adopted. I and my older siblings were raised by Mother’s Mom and Dad Bob and Frances Boyd in Dexter, Iowa.
Darleen, thank you so much for contacting us about your mother’s case, and for clarifying the adoption question. I will be sending you a separate message via email. All the very best, Jody at ICC
I pray for the family. God bless
Or what about this male resident of her apartment building who apparently had no trouble trespassing in the apartment of a different woman in the same building? From February 1973 (17 months after Maureen went missing):
Thompson Sentenced On Trespass Count
Richard Thompson, 45, of 522 Tenth street SE, was sentenced to 30 days in the Linn county jail Monday on a charge of criminal trespassing.
Justice of the Peace Glenn Powers, who issued the warrant
for Thompson’s arrest, suspended 23 days of the sentence.
Thompson was charged with trespassing at the residence oi
Serena Wilhelm, a resident of an apartment building at the
same address, on Sunday. He was arrested Monday night.
In June of 1999 he was arrested for various Cedar Rapids burglaries. he was let out on bail. In July he was arrested for domestic battry. Then December 1999 he pled out to the burglaries. Why did it take so long to compare DNA from the crime scene to DNA taken from a convicted felon?
Was this young lady acquanted at all with members of the Cedar Rapids Beets clan?
Excellent question, Liberty. Even what we’ve got listed on Naomi Wilson’s page doesn’t begin to put a dent in the atrocities (sexual assault, rape, attempted rape, arson, squatting, check fraud, just to name a few charges) the Beets brothers and some of their family members committed while hiding in plain sight behind the cloth and pulpit.
Erin’s disappearance occurred in the same city and within the same time frame as when the Rev. Wendell A. Beets was sexually molesting (and had been, for years) one of his teen parishioners. (I didn’t use the word “allegedly” because Associate Linn County District Judge Michael Newmeister indeed found Wendell Beets guilty as charged…and we’re talking “decades” worth of crimes when it comes to the Beets family.)
With three of the Beets brothers playing “musical chairs” and constantly relocating churches to new addresses (even swapping churches, in some instances), does anyone know if Erin ever attended any services conducted by one or more of the “Rev.” Beets brothers?
Curtis Padgett has just been arrested for First’s murder. Hopefully this results in answer’s for Erin’s family.
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 believe every word you are saying. I want to help you. I have more that 50 years of experience with this, courts, therapies, etc., and was also a victim. You may never heal, but your burden can be lightened. Be careful where you place your trust. It is very unlikely some one who has not been a victim can really grasp what has been taken from you and why you wrote what you did. Trust the person you confide in, or, as you already know, it will backfire on you. Sadly, being dismissed, is why so many victims give up.
I am also disturbed about some things I read between the lines. First I want to ask you to please read Noreen Gosch’s book, “Why Johnny Can’t Come Home.” You will not feel so alone. Noreen will also help you if you contact her and she will believe what you tell her. I know her to be a very honest (and highly misunderstood) woman.) You also need to get into a group or therapy. The University of Iowa Psychiatric Department can be trusted. The way you write tells me volumes, too personal and detailed to be shared here. People who are sexually abused get very fragmented, depersonalized, scattered, and emotional. It’s ok. I know you were just reaching out when you threw in Johnny Gosch.. I can’t tell if you are a boy or girl or if you are or were in the red pickup with a camper. I think you were saying Patrick told you he had a blackout and was driving that red pick up and you were wondering if he could have been involved in Gosch kidnapping. What I want you to do is email me away from here. I understand exactly why you would fear for your life. I am not even sure if you are a Hill. If you are, it was very brave to even talk about it at all. I understand why you don’t want to put details here and you shouldn’t, but I am disturbed about St. Peter/NY/Nebraska/MN/Texas and want to look up some records. Please email me and I will do what I can to help you.
Somebody knows something
Lyle Leonard would be the guy you are talking about Stacy.
Who owned the house before it was foreclosed? How mad were they?
:(
So sad. My heart is torn. Cruel people out there.
My heart goes out to his family and friend to. I know what the famliy is goin through. My son was shot and killed. So sorry
This is very sad. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
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/
The following case can be viewed on the Iowa courts’ website:
*CSC* GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP: SAMSON S. KNIGHT
Case: 06521 GCPR024332 (JOHNSON)
There are annual guardian reports, and child support paid until August 12, 2013.
Misty Darst i would love to spend the night at that house
I’ve done that. It’s rather creepy since there is no electricity in the house. If you do an overnight there you’ll have to use the old kerosene lights. We paid I think either $35 or $50 for a night there with my old paranormal group.
Its only a half hour from me. I've taken a tour in it.
i would love to go in that house i heard stories about it
I also thought , they thought there was a butcher involved and possibly his competition. When i went there , we were told he ran a store and had an argument with the person who was his friend also running a store. Also being the mayor or something of the town he hired someones to kill and they killed everyone. Thats missing in the various stories and documentaries that are out there .
He was the senator at a time and he was a mason and he took the murder weapon to a masonic temple at the time of the trial and another one was used while the trial was going on.
Yep, that explains it then…they were sacrificed by the illuminati. So sad
how disrespectful, taste your words before you spit them out.
What’s disrespectful about it?
Thank you, Meaghan, for understanding why it’s important to mention what can often be some uncomfortable facts about a victim’s life. There are many cases here on ICC where the victims were involved in prostitution and/or drugs, and the persons with whom the victim associated often play a key role in whether or not the case gets solved. We’re not being judgmental or disrespectful or doing any “victim blaming” here; it’s never pleasant for us to include those details, but it’s necessary for one to understand victims’ lifestyles in order to look for answers in the right places or circles.
Melissa’s own mother spoke openly with the Des Moines Register about her daughters’ similar choices and fates — not to disrespect them but with hopes of reaching somebody out there who might know something and finally be willing to come forward. My heart goes out to Melissa’s mom and family for the numerous tragedies they’ve endured.
I totally agree. On the Charley Project I tell EVERYTHING I can about a person and their life, the good and the bad, because you never know what detail can stick in people’s head and lead to something down the line.
Sometimes families get offended with me and I understand that. What is very annoying, though, is when they lie to me. One woman wrote me saying her aunt was not a prostitute or a drug user and if I didn’t take those libellous statements down at once, she was going to sue me. (I get that a lot. Never been sued. Have had people write nasty blogs about me online though.) I sighed and emailed back a copy of the missing woman’s criminal record with its multiple arrests for soliciting and possession. Never heard from that person again.
I did a really big Charley Project update today, most of it info from your site — this is a really awesome website you have. Check out I don’t know why he’s listed as a missing person when he’s got very serious drug charges pending and disappeared right after his indictment. His co-conspirator in that case got a nine-year prison term.
sure hope you can find out who did this. my thoughts to his Family and friends.
You should go ahead and just throw some names around, they are probably dead but they’ve told their story to someone
According to what I have been told they are alive. So I don’t believe they are dead. I hope that they spend what time they have left on this earth looking over their shoulders. I hope they see Uncle Joe’s face and mine. Because I won’t ever let this go.
There is a TV show where retired district attorneys and other investigators work to solve cold cases. The name is “Cold Justice”. This sounds like a case they might want to work on.
Sounds like a wife with the mind set that if she wasn’t going to have him nobody was. Looks like she used a train to muffle out the sound so not even her young boys could hear it in the next room.
Cruel harded people out there. I will be praying for the family and friends.
This is my grandpa leonard huffs sister crazy I never heard about this
im sorry about the crazy part of mom she was very shrewd she owned the food vendor part of carnival in killeen texasshe sold her half and returned to mason cityin1946 and bought grandma huff a house and also bought granpa huff a house because they were separated
I know my mom probably did not give you the information that you were looking for but at one point she had me investigate Grandma’s disappearance I found a woman fitting her size with the same scars leaving a carnival in Tulsa Oklahoma the woman that she was leaving the carnival with gave her a few different names in Vicky and said that they were heading to Florida exactly the same spot where grandma’s name popped up I had also met shorty Thompson’s family member he was one who also help purchase the house in Mason City Iowa you look just like his aunts and according to him he thinks you are Shorty’s daughter
A few years back, I had some strange visions related to nightmares I’ve had about my grandparents’ old home in Mason City that they bought a few years after Lillian disappeared. I started looking up cold cases to link to the visions and was led to Lillian’s case. I wish I had found this strand then, or I would have commented then. I would really like to talk to someone from her family. I had suspected the visions came hard at the time because her daughter was ill, possibly dying (this was 2018). I have some things I’d like to try and verify with family before sharing a “vision” with the police and looking like a crazy person.
Stacey I am 1 of Lillian’s grandaughters.
Im sorry I had walked away from this and would really like you talk to you about this because its becoming so strong since i moved into this house in omaha but Im Amy witch would be the 2 year old in the report youngest Jackie but have since changed my name . The one who has passed is martha who passed Martha said i was just like grandma before she passed ……call if you want and if the dreams i can tell what i have been going threw anytime any hour i sleep with my phone on 402-212-8401
Hi Rosa, did your grandma have a prominent overbite?? Some people think that she could be Pyre Case Doe…
What does that mean?
Victoria I thought the same thing. Thankfully that wasn’t Lillian. Lillian passed away in 1969.
Well I want to know who did this to my aunt Holly… :(
Kim, while I agree that many of these cases don’t make sense (most murders are, after all, senseless), I must clarify that the Iowa Cold Cases website is *not* run by any local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. We are a state-registered Iowa nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide case summary information on Iowa’s unsolved crimes (homicides, as well as missing persons cases where foul play is suspected), in efforts to remind the general public that these cases have not yet been solved.
We are not law enforcement investigators or detectives. We research and write summaries so these victims are not forgotten, communicate with victims’ family members, pass along tips to respective LE agencies, oversee our sister Facebook page, and also work with organizations like Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers to ensure our case information is as inclusive as possible.
We receive no local, state, or federal funding (or grants), and invest full-time unpaid hours in regularly updating case summaries with hopes that someone with knowledge about any one of these cases will contact the appropriate authorities with a long-awaited missing puzzle piece.
Your question about why these cases can’t or haven’t been solved is a good one. The best answer, perhaps, is a recent statement by Assistant Dubuque Police Chief Terry Tobin, who said: “It’s one thing to potentially know the facts of the case or what happened. It’s another thing to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.”
As Tobin also said, there are people out there that have information. The problem is getting them to talk. It’s one of the reasons we encourage comments and discussion on the case summary pages and the ICC Facebook page.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
Compare the cold cases in Cedar Rapids compared to Dubuque. The Dubuque Police are genius’s. Maybe Cedar Rapids should spend less on new rec centers, bike trails, useless downtown parks and more on their Police Department.
Another issue might be that a lot of times the CRPD processes homicide scenes in-house with their own crime scene unit, rather than calling in the state DCI to process. The DCI is probably better equipped and better trained to handle crime scenes because it’s something they do on a fairly regular basis, plus the techs are specifically trained in how to process scenes. The police dept. in my town doesn’t hesitate to call in the DCI on homicide or suspicious death scenes, even though they also have their own in-house crime scene unit. The few murders we’ve had have been solved. Even the Linn Co. Sheriff calls the DCI in on homicides or susp. deaths. Not sure why CR doesn’t…you’d think they’d want to utilize all available resources in hopes of solving the case.
I was a resident in Dubuque (grown and raised) I mean you have a few cold cases that don’t make sense to me. Why can’t you solve them? Let’s start off with this Francis Rafferty guy? (never even heard of this person) looked on line. Never even known this person existed. I would have been a small child at the time My Dad worked for Carr/Adams at the time.And how about this Kenny kid,heard about him and last but not least this Gal that was at Knickers. Do you have any clues to has been? You are not doing such a great job but would like to help you as well as these families.
Dubuque cops are lazy and dumb. It’s really that simple. I’ve been here a long time, and if I was a criminal I could have a field day. Cops here are clueless.
I agree, Jack. I’ve owned a couple rentals in Dubuque and at times have had to call law enforcement and I am astounded at how truly dumb, ignorant, and uneducated some of them are.
Arnsdorf is a runaway it’s obvious
Yeah and your a retarded. Crystal did not runaway the peacock boys killed her and Dubuque police fucked up the investigation.
That is an untrue statmemt!! The peacock men had nothing to do with this terrible situation..they were ran thru the mud …
Arnsdorf ran away, She probably had plastic surgery and changed her name
Tom was my 2nd cousin and his murder has always haunted me. Knowing where the home is I never believed it was a person off the freeway. I pray that one day they will find who did this horrific murder
I just found the house on Google Maps based on the picture in the story above and you’re right; there are 3 other homes closer to I-80 on X-40 and 2 others at the same intersection as the Maher home. Four of the other five appear to be more affluent with the remaining home about the same. That coupled with the fact that money was left at the scene certainly suggests that robbery clearly was not a motive.
Not to mention, her ridiculous story is simply not believable. It’s a shame that she apparently will get away with murder. Justice will prevail on judgement day though.
Im so sorry. Where is he from. I have alot to deal with but i would like to help. God bess his soul
I am so sorry prayers all the way. U wish i could help.
We are thinking of you & your family, Jenn, and praying everyday!
yeah she proll did it ne one else would want to know if they caught the killer not want money
Write, that just sounds like the most unlikely story she gave. No wonder everyone believes she did it. Just reading this, I’m convinced. And she had his parents believing her ???
His friends believe she did too
I lived in Iowa City at the time, and most people believed that his wife did it.
This is pure bullshit, Rick did NOT have custody of those boys. Rachel is an excellent mother!! Those boys are her life. That damn house had a fire in the same place before and the landlords were told to get it fixed. Rick is not the father this damn story makes him out to be. He is a worthless father, he does NOTHING for his son!!It has been 12 yrs now since this terrible terrible accident happened, why can’t people leave her alone and let little Ricky RIP.
This site does not dabble in supposition or falsitudes, the case summaries listed on here state only the facts of a case that have been provided to the site by the investigating agencies. Please read the summary of this case carefully and note where the state fire marshal states that the fire was a clear case of arson, with accelerant being poured on little Ricky and in the bathroom he was locked in before being cruelly set ablaze. That means tests were run on the evidence recovered at the scene and it was determined that instead of the fire being the result of faulty wiring or a bad fuse box, accelerants were detected, and why would there be any kind of accelerant in a bathroom? If you have evidence that proves the fire was not the result of arson, then why haven’t you taken it to the police so that they can then clear your friend or relative’s name, isn’t that what someone would do if they truly cared about the mother in this case?
Bathroom accelerants include all aerosol sprays, nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, etc.
Lighter fluid also. Which is what the Fire Marshall has said to us that it was.
You know nothing about Rick or or what he did/does for Ricky and Reggy so don’t assume to. He is a great father; then, now and forever! The only person now that can truly be the judge of that is Reggy and believe me he will tell anyone who asks the same thing.
So a great father charges his teenage son hundreds of dollars to live in his home?
Its called getting them ready for the real world. They get a job they pay some type of rent! I did it for 3 years as soon as I had a job! If you take care of every single little thing for a teenager they will not know how to survive in the real world.
What the heck are you talking about? Another one of Rachel’s lies that you’ve heard I’m sure. Reggy pays HIS bills. We don’t make him pay us a penny to live here, Why don’t you ask her about how she tried to pawn off a medical bill that she is responsible for on Reggy. The hospital has the bill in her name, but the debt collector had Reggy’s name, that they should go after him and they got it FROM HER! Thank goodness he has parents (Rick & I) that truly care about him and helped him straighten that out. We don’t want to control him like she does. I can’t wait for people to see the truth about her and it will be soon. She puts on a very good show for some people.
Becky, accidents don’t begin with accelerants.
I own that house and my family has owned it since 1990. I lived there most of my life and there were no previous fires there. And her story to the cops is bull shit! I was not very old when the fire happened by my brother was and Rachel was at the neighbors drinking. We know this because we were also there landlords. My brother was 20 at the time of the fire and searched four Ricky in the burning house before the fire department arrived. Rachel kept telling him were he mite be n the house and told him that he was definitely not in the upstairs bathroom. Sharps burg fire department was first on the scene due to the neighbor two houses away being a volunteer. The fire had nothing to due with the house. Now you know the real story and the house has been demolished were the tragic death occurred.
And dont forget the next day after she was at the neighbors carrying a case of beer in one hand and reggie in the other. She blamed it all on the house wiring. I was raised in this house. She is a horribal mother she shiuld be killed and burned alive just like she did to this poor little boy.
Daniel and Taylor, thanks so much for sharing your input. Seeing one’s childhood home burn and be demolished is tough for anyone, but worse knowing what tragedy occurred there. Ms. Page may have tried to blame it on faulty wiring, but the general public knows that simply isn’t true. State Fire Marshal Investigator David Linkletter ruled the fire arson with an accelerant used to ignite the fire in the upstairs bathroom.
As the general public also knows, there’s no statute of limitations on murder, which means the suspect in this case could still be arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Eyewitnesses (including volunteer firemen) were already on scene before the fire spread outward from the bathroom, at which time the suspect remained outside — with burned fingertips and singed hair. This documentation should still be in Little Ricky’s case file. It’s a file begging to be reopened.
One person asked why people can’t leave [the suspect] alone and let Little Ricky “RIP.” Aside from the obvious — that Ricky’s last minutes of life were anything but peaceful and will forever haunt those who loved and lost him — there’s this thing called the Iowa Code, Section 707.2.
Things lost in this fire: one innocent life, one family’s childhood memories, many families’ future joys and memories yet to be made, and one conscience. Justice, however, may still be found.
The mother was still in the hospital the next day.
Daniel and Taylor, I also remember discussing this with your dad as this tragedy unfolded when I live next door.
This makes me sick to my stomach.. RIP baby boy
get hold of Cold Justice and see if they would come help .
Thank you Jody for remembering her. We sure do. Friday when I was out for my walk, I was doing a little meditating and thanked her for being one of my guardian angels. I always feel like she watches over me. I never give up hope they catch the person(s) responsible. I know there is someone(s) out there that could solve this!!!
Hi there. I stumbled across this article and found myself unable to stop thinking about it. Some things in the comments stood out to me. I have a question, not necessarily about Maureen, but victims like her in general. How often do you suppose people post on these sites claiming to be someone else? I think that would be torture for the family. I’m sorry you’ve had to endure this. Also, often times a murderer will revisit the site of a crime. These websites are obviously necessary and provide valuable resources for capturing those involved. However, I wonder if culprits of a crime ever visit these sites as a means of revisiting the crime, trying to throw an investigation off track, or some other sick purpose. In which case, have those who have commented ever had their identities and/or motivations confirmed. I realize I’m making a very intense suggestion here and apologize if I’ve overstepped any line. However, I think I speak for everybody here, it’s never a waste to exhaust every Avenue.
It has been brought up from about 1974 several times. An FBI agent actually said for our own safety just leave it alone. . . She worked for Cedar Rapids Urban Renewal as a secretary. For either Raymond H Krug or Floyd ( I don’t remember his name but would if I heard it ) Raymond SHOULD be revisited ! ! I remember so-so-so many things that leads me to believe for SURE he was involved. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I found her on the new sight that I was exploring.I had thought that maybe it all was a memory that had been solved and that my memories were just not accurate. I feel deeply about this situation !
Nearly 16 years since my first comments. I feel so sure Raymond Henry Krug is worth revisiting that I have taken a DNA test threw MyHeritageDNA.com.
If there is anything left Please look in to this.
There are many things he has been first hand involved in !!
oh geez why does it always have to be about black people or white people who cares about a race? Any person that is murdered it is sad regardless who they are what they are. get over it people. i hate it when people say well if they were black…this and that. WHATEVER!!!
My father, Lars P Madsen, was killed by hit and run driver on March 3, 1961. I was wondering if anyone ever found anything out about it.
Carol, in what city/state was your father killed? I’m sorry for your loss.
My Father was killed in Omaha Nebraska close to Springwell Cemetery and we have newspaper articles regarding his
I’m sorry I didn’t see your reply sooner but I don’t get the newspaper
Please feel free to call me at 402 598 3926
Another potential suspect in the Beets family is the nephew of Colbert Beets’ sister, Alvernia Beets Browning Franklin. Here are some stories about his criminal history, from the Cedar Rapids Gazette:
March 10, 1976 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“James Junior Browning received a sentence of up to seven years in the penitentiary, on his jury conviction on a false pretenses charge. The 28-year-old Cedar Rapids man was charged as an aider and abettor in the passing of a check at the Eagle store, 2828 First avenue NE, last Nov. 30.”
April 7, 1976 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“Three Jailed After Marble Chips Stolen “Three Cedar Rapids men were being held in lieu of $125 bond each in the Linn county jail Wednesday on charges of larceny. James Junior Browning, 28, of 1019 Eleventh avenue SE; Willie Benjamin Love, 32, of 523 Seventh avenue SE, and Jesse James Clark, 24, of 511 Tenth street SE, were arrested by Cedar Rapids police at about 2 a.m. Wednesday in the 1700 block of Fourth avenue SE. They are accused of stealing $8.89 worth of marble chips from Drug Town, 2405 Mt. Vernon road SE.
May 10, 1976 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“Woman Enters Pleas to Pair Of Linn Charges A 25-year-old Cedar Rapids woman Friday pled innocent to a charge of possession with intent to deliver heroin, but pled guilty to conspiracy to commit a felony, as action was taken against her in two Linn district court cases. Pamela Sue Collins, 846 Fifth avenue SE, pled innocent to charges that she possessed heroin and intended to deliver it. The charge was a result of a search of her residence April 21, in which Cedar Rapids police officers say they found three foils of heroin inside the house. However, Collins pled innocent to the charge while her attorneys continued to seek a test of the legitimacy of the search warrant under which . the drugs allegedly were found. A hearing on the search warrant is scheduled for June 15, while the trial is set for June 28. In another court action Friday, Collins pled guilty to the conspiracy charge, which results from her allegedly conspiring
with James Junior Browning of Cedar Rapids to utter a forged instrument. That charge was filed Friday
in connection with a forged check given the Times Camera Center at 1413 First avenue SE. The check passing, according to court records, was made on Nov. 18, 1975. Sentencing on the conspiracy charge will be June 4 at 1:15 p.m.
May 5, 1977 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“James Junior Browning received a sentence of up to five years in the penitentiary on a charge of receiving stolen property. The sentence is to be served consecutive to earlier concurrent sentences of up to seven years and up to ten years imposed earlier on charges of obtaining money under false pretenses and uttering a forged instrument. The 29-year-old Cedar Rapids man was accused of having possession of speakers valued at $3OO on Jan. 10, knowing they had been stolen. They had been reported stolen
from a Cedar Rapids man. He remains free on appeal bond.”
June 22, 1977 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“James Junior Browning, 23, of 1251 Fourth avenue SE, was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle 1 a.m. Tuesday. The arrest was made in connection with a report filed by Pam Orr, 32, of 1432 A. Avenue NE.”
March 16, 1981 (Cedar Rapids Gazette):
“Theft charges. Two Cedar Rapids men were arrested Sunday on theft charges related to a purse-snatching incident Saturday afternoon. Jimmie L. Maclin, 27, of 1529 A Ave. NE and James Junior Browning, 33, Dubuque, were arrested at 5 p.m. Sunday at Town and Country Shopping Center. Maclin was charged with second-degree theft and Browning with third-degree theft. The charges were based on the complaint of a woman who told police her purse was taken from a shopping cart while she was shopping at the Eagles store, 4444 First Ave. NE. Browning also was charged with second-degree theft in connection with merchandise stolen from Kmart West Sunday afternoon. Both men were being held at the Linn County Jail this morning.”
April 7, 1981 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“2 men charged with extortion. Two men were arrested this noon on extortion charges as the result of a Cedar Rapids man’s complaint that someone had been extorting money from him for the past week. Arrested were James Junior Browning, 33, of 1019 11th Ave. SE and Jimmie Maclin, 27, of 1529 A Ave. NE. Both were arrested during the noon hour at the Exel Inn, 633 33rd Ave. SW, according to police reports. Maclin and Browning also were charged with possession of controlled substances. Marijuana was found in their possession when they were arrested, police said.” [
NOTE: April 7, 1981 was a Wednesday. Was he bailed out during the week? Or did he spend the weekend in jail? If it can be determined that he spent the weekend in jail, then we can say that he was not responsible for Naomi going missing]. ALSO NOTE: a July 17, 1981 article speaks of him remaining free on bond.
July 17, 1981 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“James Junior Browning, 33, of 1019 11th Ave. SE, was found guilty Thursday of third- degree theft and conspiracy. A jury of six men and six women returned their verdict at 8:30 a.m. Page 5A. …
“Browning guilty of theft, conspiracy. James Junior Browning, 33, of 1019 11th Ave. SE was found guilty Thursday of third-degree theft and conspiracy. A jury of six men and six women in Linn District Court returned the verdict at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, after-hearing closing arguments Wednesday afternoon by assistant county attorney Harold Denton and Browning’s attorney, Louis A. Merrifield. The charges stemmed from a March 14 purse snatching incident. His March 15 arrest followed a complaint by a Cedar Rapids woman that her purse had been taken from a shopping cart at the Eagle Supermarket, 5824 Council St. NE. At the time the purse was taken it contained a lady’s watch, checkbook
and identification cards, according to police records. On March 14, a juvenile female forged a check for $500 in merchandise at K mart West, 2727 16th. Ave. SW.”
“On March 15, two more checks were forged at stores in Westdale Mall. Those checks were for $350 in merchandise at Mr. Mark’s and $179 worth of merchandise at Radio Shack. However, an employee at
Radio Shack, according to court records, thwarted the female’s efforts when he refused to take the check and notified Cedar Rapids police. The employee also gave police the license number of the female’s
car. He testified at Browning’s trial that there were two men and two women in the car. Browning was apprehended at Town & Country Shopping Center on March 15 where he was seen leaving the car identified by the Radio Shack employee. When arrested, Browning had the watch in his possession, according to police reports. Merrifield stated in his closing arguments that if Browning knew the watch was stolen he would have discarded it before he was arrested by police at the Town & Country Shopping Center. Denton said in his closing arguments that in order to bring a verdict of conspiracy, the state had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Browning had entered into an agreement with others to forge
checks to obtain merchandise. The theft charge would have to be substantiated by proving that Browning was knowingly in possession of the watch, which was “in effect stolen,” he said.
“It has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Browning entered into an agreement” with the juveniles involved or had knowledge of such an agreement, Merrifield said.
“Jury foreman, Raymond Wadkins Jr. of Cedar Rapids said in an interview following the trial, “there was quite a bit of discussion” among the jurors. “I think we arrived at a verdict that we were all comfortable
with.”
“Browning remains free on bond. Judge Harold Swailes set a second trial for Browning for Aug. 10 on charges of being an habitual offender. Browning is also charged with extortion stemming from a
previous offense on April 7, 1981.
August 12, 1981 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“Browning convicted as habitual offender. James Junior Browning has been found to be a habitual criminal and faces another charge for failing to appear in court for the verdict that led to the habitual offender ruling. The 33-year-old Cedar Rapids man was found guilty of conspiracy in July, but he denied being the same James Junior Browning who was previously convicted of two other felonies, so another trial was scheduled to determine if he is the same person. If a person convicted of certain felonies, such as conspiracy, was previously convicted of two felonies, that person faces a jail term of up to
15 years and must serve a minimum of three years in prison. In a trial Monday on the identity question, an assistant county attorney and a former assistant county attorney testified Browning was the same person convicted of false pretenses and receiving stolen property in cases they prosecuted in 1976 and 1977. Defense attorney Lew Merrifield argued that since there was no fingerprint identification, the jury should find that the identification had not been proven. The jury notified Judge Paul Kilburg after deliberating about an hour Monday afternoon that a verdict had been reached. Authorities were unable to contact Browning, so after about an hour the judge sent the jury home for the night and issued a warrant for Browning’s arrest.
“When attempts to find Browning were unsuccessful, the jury returned its verdict about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, finding that Browning is the same person convicted of the earlier offenses. On the basis of that verdict, the judge ruled that Browning is a habitual criminal. The county attorney’s office has filed a charge of failure to appear and has brought another count of being an habitual offender against Browning. The conspiracy charge and failure to appear charge carry a five-year-sentence each.”
October 16, 1981 (Cedar Rapids Gazette):
“Browning back in jail. Law officers picked up James Junior Browning, 33, in Seattle, Wash., Wednesday and returned him to Linn County, where he had been free on bond after being convicted of being a habitual offender. Browning, formerly of 1019 11th Ave. SE, was found guilty in July of third-degree theft and conspiracy. He remained free on bond when he was charged with being a habitual offender, and he did not appear in court when he was convicted of that count Aug. 10. At his July trial, Browning claimed he was not the same James Junior Browning convicted of two previous felonies. The August trial determined he was. Also arrested in Seattle Wednesday was Nancy J. Gowdy, 25, of Route 1, State Center, who was returned to Linn County to face a first-degree theft charge. Gowdy was charged July 16 with writing over $5,000 worth of bad checks on an account she knew to be closed. She formerly resided at 1600 A Ave. NE.”
August 31, 1983 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“Linn convictions upheld. The theft and conspiracy convictions of a Cedar Rapids man were upheld. The court ruled 3-2 that there was adequate evidence to support the Linn County District Court convictions of James Junior Browning. Browning had been charged with third-degree theft and conspiracy to commit false use of a financial instrument in connection with an incident at a Cedar Rapias shopping mall. Browning had argued that there was no evidence that he was involved in a conspiracy to use the stolen checks, but the majority of the court disagreed. “We are of the opinion that the facts established in the present case raise a reasonable inference that a conspiracy involving (Browning) was afoot,” said the decision. Browning had been accused of being involved in a stolen check conspiracy with two women. The women allegedly bought items at the mall using checks that had been in a purse stolen earlier that day, but left the mall when clerks became suspicious. They were seen getting into a car in which two men were sitting. Later, a similar car was seen at another shopping center. Browning was arrested a short time later hiding in a restroom. A watch that had been in the stolen purse was found on Browning and several items which had been purchased with the stolen checks were recovered from the car.”
April 20, 1995 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“ASSAULT CHARGES. James Junior Browning Sr., 47, 1060 Center Point Rd. NE; charged with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon; accused of striking Christina Blair in the head several times on Monday and displaying a knife and threatening to kill her.”
September 30, 1995 (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
“James Junior Browning, 47, 1060 Center Point Rd. NE; charged with assault causing bodily injury; accused of punching Christina Blair in the mouth on Sept. 23 at 1513 Bever Ave. SE.”
Naomi was not the only young woman who worked at the Harnischfeger plant to mysteriously die/disappear in Cedar Rapids in 1981:
September 10,1981 (Cedar Rapids Gazette):
“Donna Marie Garth, 30, of 2801 A Ave NE [NOTE: These were known as the Lancer Apartments] died in a fire at her apartment early Wednesday morning. Story on page 1. Born Dec. 24, 1950, in Des Moines, she lived there until 1971. She was graduated from North High School in Des Moines, and began her career there. She was an employee of Harnischfeger in Cedar Rapids for the last seven years. Surviving are a son, Derrick Garth; her mother, Edna Marie and stepfather Douglas Cooley of Des Moines; four sisters, Evangeline Ruth Lee, Deborah McCaleb, Victoria Garth and Christine Willis, all of Cedar Rapids; five brothers, Donald Graves, Centerville; George Brown, Cedar Rapids; Robert Brown, Tracey Cooley and Jeffrey Brown, all of Des Moines; and grandparents, Alice Johnson and Charles Daye, both of Des Moines. Services: 1 p.m. Monday at the Estes Funeral Home, 13th & Forest, Des Moines. Friends may call at 1157 11th St., Des Moines.”
Could Donna have been the one that Naomi was purportedly going to see, and was knocked off to keep a homicide quiet? The Beets family has been associated with a number of strange fires in houses over the years…
I think it would be helpful for me to provide the various articles and legal notices from the Cedar Rapids Gazette pertaining to Naomi, and then, as I have time, provide information on the more criminally-minded members of the Beets family.
Naomi went missing on April 12, 1981, purportedly, but I think it could have been as early as 6:00 a.m. on April 11, 1981, based on the newspaper articles and the lack of anyone other than a Beets family member to say that she was purportedly seen on April 12.
April 16, 1981, Cedar Rapids Gazette:
“Friends help search for missing C.R. woman
“Citizens and police today continued their search for Naomi Wilson, 32, of 1618 13th Ave. SE, who was last seen Sunday night Police received reports from Wilson’s friends Monday that Wilson had left home at 5:30 p.m. Sunday to visit a woman friend, but she never made it to her friend’s house. Wilson
was also expected at work at the Harnischfeger Corp. plant Monday night, but she never showed up for work either, police said.
“From what we’ve found out about her, it’s not like her to not show up for Work,” said Assistant Chief James Barnes of the detective bureau. “She had good work habits.”
“Wednesday morning, an estimated 30 citizens, led by the Rev. Paul Beets, a friend of Wilson’s, borrowed four walkie-tailie units from the Linn County Civil Defense Department, according to Bill Bjorenson, civil defense director. Beets and the citizens started a search near the west-side K mart parking lot, where Wilson’s car was found Monday night, Bjorenson said.
“Members of Beets’ family said the search was continued today. Bjorenson explained his role in the search. “I went out there and showed them how to set up a search pattern,” Bjorenson said. “We checked through a big forested area near the parking lot behind the truck service center to the east of K-mart. We formed lines and crisscrossed a huge area. We didn’t find anything,” Bjorenson said. While Bjorenson and Beets’ search party covered the ground, the city’s police helicopter hovered over-head, assisting in the search, Bjorenson said.
“Police have no evidence to suggest foul play was involved in Wilson’s disappearance, according to Wallace Johnson, assistant chief of police in charge of the patrol division. Barnes said Wilson was last seen in her personal car, a white 1978 Ford Fairmont, license DOY 622. A black woman with medium-length hair, she was last seen wearing a two-piece black pantsuit. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Naomi Wilson, they are asked to contact the Cedar Rapids Police Detectives Bureau.”
April 25, 1981 (Cedar Rapids Gazetts).
“Why would a 32-year-old Cedar Rapids woman walk away and leave her house, her car, a good job and friends and family who love her? That’s the puzzle behind the disappearance of Naomi Wilson, 1618 13th Ave. SE. Last seen on Sunday afternoon, April 12, her car was found two afternoons later in the K-mart parking lot at 2727 16th Ave. SE. Police have not ruled out foul play in connection with Wilson’s disappearance. But neither is there enough evidence at this point to suggest someone may have killed her, according to police sources. Wilson is one of three adults reported missing to Cedar Rapids Police since Jan. 1. Three detectives have been assigned to investigate her disappearance, and the investigation has generated a thick file of reports. Wilson’s is one of 23 unsolved missing-person cases on file with Cedar Rapids Police since 1978. Fourteen of those reports involve juveniles.
BUT Naomi Wilson was more than just another name on a list to people who knew her — people such as her brothers John and Lorenzo Pollard, who hurried here from Atlanta last week to join in the search for their sister; and Colbert “Billy” Beets, her boyfriend for three years.
“Naomi Wilson would not go away without letting someone know where she was, agreed both John Pollard, interviewed this week by phone, and Beets, who was interviewed at The Gazette. “She’s very level-headed,” Pollard continued. “She thinks about building up her life in many ways.” “She’s real friendly,” Beets said. “She’s pleasant to talk to,” not necessarily outgoing, he said. Her temper occasionally flared, “but she was plain-spoken. She didn’t beat around the bush. If she didn’t like something, she’d say so.” Both men said they knew her to be a reliable worker at Harnischfeger, where she worked in materials- handling and later at a factory “checkpoint.” “It’s most unusual for someone to up and leave a job where you’re making $1,000 a month,” Pollard continued. “She has acquired furniture, a car, and bought a house last July. She had been buying things to fix up the house,” he said.
“Naomi and her brothers were raised in Birmingham, Ala. After high school she moved to Chicago, where she married Bennie Wilson. The couple divorced three years ago, some time after moving to Cedar Rapids. Since remarrying, Bennie Wilson now lives in Denver. Sunday, April 12 started normally, Beets said, when he went to church. Although she didn’t go that day, Naomi also usually attended church. Beets said he returned from a noon church service during midafternoon. The two left Naomi’s house within minutes of each other about 4 p.m., Beets said. Beets went to his mother’s house with some ice. Wilson went to get gasoline for her car and to visit a woman she worked with at Harnischfeger.
“But the friend told Beets later Naomi never showed up. Beets and Wilson passed each other on the street an hour later, he said. That was the last time he saw her. When she didn’t return home, Beets said he searched for her until 3 a.m. Monday. He and others searched again for her Monday. “I still didn’t report it to the police, and I still didn’t put it out on the street, because I didn’t want to get everyone’ all stirred up and have her drive up all of a sudden.” When another Harnischfeger employee phoned Beets to let him know Naomi never showed up for work Monday, Beets called police. Friends searched the city by car Tuesday and Beets’ brother found Naomi Wilson’s car at the K-mart at 2:55 p.m., according to police reports. More friends, aided by the Linn County ‘Civil Defense office, searched a wooded area near K-mart Wednesday, April 15. Beets feels police could have done more the day after they were told Naomi Wilson was missing. For example, at one point he flagged down a uniformed police officer while he was trying to find Naomi’s car. He asked the officer if he’d seen the car, and the officer didn’t know that the police had put out an “attempt to locate” report on Wilson’s car. “I don’t believe they even looked for the car,” Beets said. And when the car was found at Kmart, police didn’t take fingerprints off the car at the scene, Beets added. Instead, officers checked the car and its trunk at the scene and allowed him to drive it home.
“I think they’ve done a poor job,” said Pollard. “I don’t think they took the missing person report seriously when it was first reported. Being from the South, and being black, I grew up knowing that if you’re white, the police jump on the case. If you’re black, they wait around a little before acting.” Beets and Pollard seem to have opposite “gut feelings” about the case, when each was asked to speculate her fate. “I guess I have a positive attitude,” Pollard said. “I don’t have that gut feeling that something is wrong with her right now.” He just hopes that “if some person or persons are holding her,” that she can break free and call her family. “My parents in Birmingham are upset now,” Pollard added. “They’ve lost two of my brothers, one in ’58 and one in ’72.” Beets seemed to suspect foul play. “Something would just have to have happened to her,” he said. “I can never believe that she would just leave town,” he said.
January 21, 1982. Cedar Rapids Gazette, legal publications section:
“ORIGINAL NOTICE EQ. NO. 5821
In the Iowa District Court for Linn County
BANCO MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff,
vs .
NAOMI WOLSOM and LINN COUNTY, IOWA,
Defendants.
To the Defendant, Naomi Wilson.
You are notified that there is now on file in the office of the clerk of the above Court a petition for a judgment in rem against real estate situated in Linn County, Iowa, described as follows:
Lot 12, Block 3, Oak Park Addition to Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa, and known locally as 1618 13th Avenue SE , Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Plaintiff prays its judgment in rem against the real estate in the a m o u n t of $35,068.89 together with interest from December 1, 1981 at the rate of 11½ percent Interest per annum, for the costs, including reasonable attorneys fees for Plaintiff’s attorneys, Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, and for future deficiencies in the trust account, and foreclosure of the mortgage given by Naomi Wilson to Plaintiff covering the real estate previously described and that the lien of Plaintiff’s mortgage be found and decreed to be superior to the rights, interest and lien to each of the Defendants. No personal judgment is sought against any of the Defendants.
The Plaintiff’s attorney is Kevin H. Collins of Shultleworth & Ingersoll, 500 Merchants National bank Building, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401.
“You are further notified that unless you serve and within a reasonable time thereafter file a written special appearance , motion or answer in the Iowa District Court in and for Linn County, at the Courthouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on or before the 5th day of March, 1982, judgment by default will be
entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.
Kenneth L. Perry , Jr.
Clerk of the Above Court
Linn County Courthouse
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
By Linda Barrett, Deputy”
January 28, 1982 and February 4, 1982 (Cedar Rapids Gazette, legal publications section)
ORIGINAL NOTICE. Probate No. PR9665-0182
In the Iowa District Court for Linn County
IN THE MATTER OF THE CONSERVATORSHIP OF NAOMI WILSON, Absentee.
TO PROPOSED WARD NAOMI WILSON: You are notified that there Is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the above Court a Petition for Appointment of Conservator for Absentee pursuant
to Iowa Code Section 633.580. The Petitioner’s attorney Is Kevin H. Collins, Shuttleworth &. Ingersoll, whose address Is P.O. Box 2107, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406.
You are further notified that this matter shall come on for hearing on the 5th day of March, 1982, at
10:30 a.m. at which time the Court may appoint a conservator.
Kenneth L. Perry , Jr.
Clerk of the Above Court
Linn County Courthouse
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
By Linda Barrett, Deputy
September 18, 1983 (Cedar Rapids Gazette):
“Missing Persons Pose Different Kind of Puzzle
At least three cases of people disappearing under unusual circumstances remain on Linn County records but no arrests have been made in these cases, because law enforcement officers are not sure that crimes were committed.
The cases are officially filed under “missing persons,” and remain a puzzle despite extensive, searches and investigations. The disappearance of Naomi Wilson two years ago is the most recent case. Wilson, who was 32 at the time, left her house, car, job and family, never to return. The woman, who had a reputation for reliability, was last seen on April 12, 1981. Her name is among 26 on a recent police computer printout of missing persons. The list, compiled over the past three years,’ includes the names of 16 teenagers. Police said it changes almost daily, as missing persons
are found or return home…Without evidence of foul play, said Assistant Police .Chief Jim Barnes, there is not much police can do. Even if police find someone, adult or juvenile, who has been reported missing, there is little officials can do except advise them that-their- relatives are’ worried about them, he continued. Many “missing persons” turn out to be juveniles who have run away or adults who have chosen to “drop out,” he said, Police officials will not comment publicly on the disappearances, but privately they indicate they believe both Lynn Schuller and Naomi Wilson are dead. They won’t comment on whether they believe the women were murdered.”
March 22, 1992 (Cedar Rapids Gazette – general article on missing persons). Naomi’s portion reads:
“Naomi Wilson, CEDAR RAPIDS — Why would a woman walk away and leave her house, her car, a good job and friends and family who love her? That’s the puzzle behind the disappearance of Naomi Wilson, 1618 13th Ave. SE. The single woman disappeared April 12, 1981. Her car was found two days later in the K mart parking lot, 2727 16th Ave. SW.
“Foul play has long been suspected, but police found little if any evidence indicating what happened to Wilson. There have been no developments in the case for years.
Repeated attempts by The Gazette to reach Wilson’s family were unsuccessful.”
July 24, 1995: (Cedar Rapids Gazette) (article about missing persons mentions Naomi):
“In Cedar Rapids, several cases are at a standstill because officers have nothing to go on, said detective Joel Kessler of the Cedar Rapids Police Department. The department keeps files on cases such as Naomi Wilson, who was last seen April 12, 1981. If she disappeared of her own ‘accord, Wilson, 32, who had a reputation for reliability, walked away from a house, car, job and family. Unless new information is received, officers do not actively investigate such cases, Kessler said…”
So we know from the early articles that Naomi worked the night shift, which would be about 10 pm to 6 am, more or less. Her work-week started Monday night. If we exclude what Colbert says regarding when he last saw her, and anything that the Beets family may have claimed back in the day, then we can see that she likely would have last been seen by a reliable source about 6 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 1981.
I meant to write below that Colbert was purportedly in April of 1981 Naomi’s boyfriend of the past three years, not just a year. I was too tired when writing.
I’m not sure that law enforcement has ever realized that Bennie Wilson, Naomi Wilson’s ex husband, was none other than Colbert Beets’ nephew, which puts a hugely different spin on things. Creepy? Scary? Putting a new spin on things? Specifically, Bennie’s mother was Lavernia (Beets) Wilson, who was Colbert Beets’s older sister. Colbert was purportedly in April of 1981 Naomi’s boyfriend of the past year.
At least one member of the Beets family is wholly capable of covering up and/or ignoring serious sexual assaults, and I don’t see why such an individual wouldn’t be capable of covering up serious homicides. Specifically, if you look at the “What Happened to Paula?” website you can see that the Cedar Rapids Police Chief had the opinion that Wendell Beets was wholly aware of what happened to Paula Oberbroeckling and his sister’s role in it. So if Wendell is capable of covering up for a family member’s role in Paula Oberbroeckling’s death, he’s capable of covering up for a family member’s role in Naomi Wilson’s death (if he didn’t do it himself).
I’ve also been doing google map searches. IF Naomi was killed at her home, and if the perp is familiar with Cedar Rapids the most logical thing is, if the perp does NOT have a car, to wait until it is dark and drag/carry her out the back of her house, down the alley, into St. John’s Cemetery, from there into Van Vechten Park, and then either bury her there, dump her in the Cedar River, or find somewhere down Otis Road and dump her along the river, in the woods, etc. HOWEVER, Wendell would have been aware from his involvement in or knowledge of Paula Oberbroeckling’s death and the hiding and discovery of her corpse, that dumping a corpse in the Otis Road area would be a bad idea. Now, if there was a car involved, then who knows where the body was buried/dumped (likely buried, given the three decades without remains being found).
It is also VERY weird that the K-mart parking lot at 2727 16th Ave. SW where her car was found (by Colbert’s brother, not identified by first name in the newspaper article) is exactly two tenths of a mile by foot (a very short walk, in other words) from where Wendell’s church is presently, which is 2325 16th Ave. SW.
Also, there’s another coincidence that likely is not relevant, but is still strange. In 1976, Naomi’s to-be and ex- husband Bennie Wilson (evidently from Cedar Rapids who then moved around to various places including Chicago and Denver) was living at 1407 Mt. Vernon road SE. That is the same address of the purportedly vacant residence that Richard Beets crashed the car into, in September of 1981.
It is interesting to me that Naomi’s house at 1618 13th Ave SE was six tenths of a mile from 1007 6th Street Southeast, which was one of the addresses of a house OWNED by Tony Lee Beets (the knife-wielding would-be rapist son of Colbert).
Naomi’s house at 1618 13th Ave SE was also only four tenths of a mile from the house that Colbert bought at 1021 9th Street Southeast on contract in 1976. Of course, that in itself is not suspicious, but what the bloody heck was he doing living in her house after her disappearance considering he owned a house himself at the time?
Moreover, Naomi’s house at 1618 13th Ave. SE was only four tenths of a mile from the house that Wendell was living in in 1981, that being 1123 19th Street Southeast.
Numerous houses owned by the Beets brothers and their kids and their churches have been involved in serious criminal activity over the years. It most certainly also appears that the so-called Reverend Paul Beets condoned his sex-offender brother’s actions and covered up for him and immediately after Wendell’s sentencing got him right back in the position of being a church minister. It also appears that the Beets family, and their associated churches at times, swap houses for no apparent reason (leading one to wonder just what the real reason is).
Naomi was definitely killed by someone in the Beets family, be it with the last name Beets or a different last name but nonetheless related
Or else we could be looking at her boyfriend Colbert Beets’ son, Tony Lee Beets, who attempted to rape a female acquaintance at knifepoint. According to the Cedar Rapids paper in 1995:
“Tony L. Beets, 31, 1019 Sixth Street SE, charged with felony assault with intent to commit sexual abuse with bodily injury, accused of entering residence of a female acquaintance carrying a knife, striking her, and announcing he was going to force her to have sex. The woman escaped”
The 1019 Sixth Street SE residence had been used by various of the Beetses over the years as a residence, including by Colbert Beets.
Another interesting thing is that after Naomi’s disappearance, her boyfriend Colbert was living in the house for months, until it was foreclosed on.
In September of 1981, Colbert and his kid were living in Naomi’s house, and the Cedar Rapids paper reported this:
“Car crashes into house, 3 injured.
Charges of drag racing and reckless driving have been filed against the driver of a car involved in an accident early Saturday on Mount Vernon Road near 14th Street SE. Three persons were injured in the incident. Richard beets, 17, of 1743 Six Avenue SE [by the way, this was at the time the address of Paul Beets, one of Colbert’s brothers] was charged after his car slammed into the rear of a station wagon driven by James E. Pirtle, of 1513 17th Ave. SE, causing Pirtle’s car to roll over, onlookers said. Apparently out of control following the impact, Beets’ car crossed the median and crashed in into the side of an unoccupied apartment house at 1407 Mount Vernon Road SE. Pirtl was taken by Area Ambulance to Mercy Hospital, where he was listed in good condition on Saturday. “Two passengers in Beets’ car apparently walked away from the scene of the accident but were treated at Mercy and released. They were Melissa Carr, 16, of 720 15th St. SE and Colbert Beets, 17, of 1618 13th Ave. SE. The “loud crash” of the collision brought more than 30 onlookers to the site to see what happened.”
Now, the 1618 13th Ave. SE. address was none other than the address of Naomi’s house. Also, there was no 17YO Colbert Beets. Rather, there was a teenage Terry Lee Beets who was 16 or 17 at the time. Presumably, Terry was in the car and had given a fake name.
In fact, another article provides additional insight:
“Drag-racing car hits house.
Police responded to the scene of a personal injury accident at Mount Vernon Road and 14th St. SE shortly before 1 a.m. today. Initial reports were sketchy, but it is believed the car slammed into a house into the residence at 1407 Mount Vernon Road SE and burst into flame. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department was summoned to extinguish the blaze. A Linn County Sheriffs Department spokesman said a deputy was attempting to stop two drag-racing vehicles which reportedly were traveling faster than 100 mph shortly before the accident happened. After the crash, the spokesman said, several occupants of the vehicle ran from the scene. Cedar Rapids police and deputies were combing the area in an attempt to locate them early today. At least one of the occupants was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of injuries. It was not immediately known in anyone was in the residence when it was struck.”
Also, later on Colbert had a son Marcus, born September 25, 1982. Marcus would have been (assuming he was born on or about the right date) conceived around New Year’s Eve.
What, if anything, did Colbert know about Naomi not coming back?
Also, Naomi’s house was put into foreclosure in January, 1982, meaning that nobody had paid the mortgage on it for quite a while. Why was Colbert living in the house in 1981 if he wasn’t paying for it?
In any event, both Colbert’s brother Wendell Beets, and Colbert’s son Tony Lee Beets, have significant criminal histories, even if Wendell is holding himself out as a pastor of a church. Wendell attempted to assault a 19YO girl, and also assaulted a different 19YO for several years, starting when she was a juvenile. Here is from a 1992 Cedar Rapids article:
“Pastor quits amid sex allegations, By Rick Smith, Gazette staff writer.
There was no regular Friday evening prayer meeting last night at the Sound Doctrine Church on Cedar Rapids’ southwet side. In fact, though a church building remains at 716 Egth Ave. SW there isn’t a church congregation there anymore. Its pastor of nearly 20 years — The Rev. Wendell Beets, 828 Camburn Ct. SE — has been forced to resign, his congregation left to reel amid an accusation of Beets’ sexual impropriety with a 19-year-old female church member. And one accusation is bring similar ones from other females, say two ministers in Beets’ former church, Louisa and Clarence Ellis of Cedar Rapids. The Ellises say Beets– the brother of Bishop Paul Beets of Gospel Tabernacle Church in Cedar Rapids — allegedly abused the 19-year-old victim for several years. And they say he admitted misdeeds three weeks ago in fromt of 50 members of the 150-member church. He then resigned and ince has reportedly left town with his family. The alleged victim has been interviewed by the Linn County Sheriff’s Department and the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Elises say. They expect criminal charges against Beets will be forthcoming. In a recent interview in their Southeast-side home, the Ellises shared their distress over Beets’ actions. In one breath, they admitted that he was a pastor they held in high esteem for his abilities in preaching to his church. “He always taught the word of God. He was a great teacher,” said Mrs. Ellis. But in the next breath, they admit that is a word that has come tumbling down. “That he would attack a 19-year-old girl,” said Mr. Ellis. “I knew him very well. But not well enough.” The accusations against Beets, though, are not a complete surprise, the Ellises conceded. Beets was a “flirt” outside of church, the Ellises alleged. “He was another man when he was not in the church,” said Mrs. Ellis. Among her wishes, she said, was that the public know exactly why Beets resigned from his church, in hopes that knowledge would prevent him from establishing another church. They feared he would victimize some other female who had come to trust in him as a spiritual leader. “Nobody’s going to stop me from preaching,” Mrs. Ellis said Beets promised in the wake of his resignation. He also promised he would surrender to authorities to face a criminal charge, the Ellises said. “Clarence Ellis said Beets’ resignation has destroyed the Sound doctrine Church. He said some members were hoping to start a new church in a new building with a new name in an effort to find a fresh start. In the three weeks since Beets’ departure, the Ellises, to their surprises, have found themselves criticized for talking about Beets’ resignation. Mrs. Ellis said last night she expected a new round of criticism now that Beets’ story is going public. “I’m so tired of it all,” said Mrs. Ellis. “After tonight, I expect it to start up again.””
I don’t have much more time tonight, to continue my commentary, but will later on. I” provide additional quotes from newspaper articles, and so forth.
By the way, Wendell Beets was convicted of attempting to assault his young parishioner, just like his nephew was convicted of attempting to rape the other victim.
Also, please note that Wendell did, indeed, start up another congregation. Until the past few days (when I started poking around and the church’s website then mysteriously was taken down) his lying and misleading bio on his church’s website said:
“Elder Wendell A. Beets, Senior Pastor
Elder Wendell A. Beets is a native of Thornton, Arkansas, born to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Beets. He is a veteran who served his country in the United States Air Force. He also attended COE College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Elder Wendell Anthony Beets was united in holy matrimony to Ms. Lenora Carpenter on October 22, 1975 in Louise, Mississippi. From this union were born three children: Tamara Lynette, Patrick Anthony, and Erika Navette. In 1994, the Lord blessed the Beets family with the precious gift of Eric Gibson.
Elder Beets accepted Christ and his call to the ministry under the leadership of our Present Jurisdictional Presiding Prelate, The Honorable Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr. he was subsequently ordained in the Church of God in Christ, Inc., and founded Sound Doctrine Church of God in Christ in October of 1977. Elder Beets pastored Sound Doctrine COGIC for fifteen years before resigning in 1992. After his resignation, he notified Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr. that he was recommending his Assistant Pastor, Elder Joseph A. Pledge to become the new Pastor of Sound Doctrine COGIC. Elder Pledge was appointed pastor, and later changed the name of the church to New Life Church of God in Christ which is presently located at 1328 K. Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Elder Beets evangelizd until a small bible study group began to meet in his home in 1992. From this group Word of Faith Pentecostal Church of God in Christ was founded. Supt. Richard L. Daye was appointed the first pastor by the Honorable Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Iowa Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. After one year of pastoralship, Supt. R.L. Daye recommended that Elder Wendell A. Beets become the Pastor. Pastor Beets’ greatest desire was to build the new modified architectural design of the future Word of Faith Pentecostal COGIC Worship Center.
Pastor Beets’ vision to build the people of God a new worship center has come to pass. In the spring of 2004, God blessed Word of Faith Pentecostal COGIC to complete the remodeling of its present facility, which is located at 2325 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Elder Beets continues to excel in ministry and God has allowed him to find favor in the sight of men. Elder Beets served and continues to serve the church fervently in many capacities such as: Assistant Supt. Of the WD Smith District COGIC, YPWW Youth Dept. President of the WD Smith District, President of the WD Smith District AIM Convention of the Depts of Evangelism, Home & Foreign Missions, Music, Sunday School, and Youth. Pastor Beets is also a United States’ Chaplain’s Association member. He has completed advanced ministry courses such as Growing Through Bible Study, Good News About Jesus, The Way in Marriage, and Roman’s Bible Study Courses Series.
God has so blessed the Word of Faith Pentecostal Church under the influence of Pastor & Missionary Beets. They continue to endeavor to serve the Lord’s church, His people and to fulfill the vision that the Lord has given them.
“It has always been my desire to never turn the people of God to myself but to always teach them to walk, trust, and depend on God. I have observed many ministries that have turned the people to themselves and not to God. In the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.’” – Pastor Wendell A. Beets”
And, before the church’s website was mysteriously taken down in the past few days, his wife’s bio said:
“First Lady Lenora Beets
Missionary Lenora Beets is a native of Louise, Mississippi, born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen Carpenter. She is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, earning a degree in Office and Business Administration. In October of 1975, Ms. Lenora Carpenter was united in Holy Matrimony to Elder Wendell Anthony Beets in Louise, Mississippi. From this union were born 3 children: Tamara Lynette, Patrick Anthony, and Erika Navette. In 1994, the Lord blessed the Beets family with the precious gift of Eric Gibson.
Missionary Beets was called to the Missionary field and received her Evangelist Missionary license in 1979 from the late Mother Ruth Robinson, Jurisdictional State Supervisor of Women, and the Honorable Bishop Hurley Bassett Sr., Jurisdictional Prelate of Iowa Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Church of God in Christ, Inc., while attending the Sound Doctrine Church of God in Christ under the pastoralship of her husband, Elder Wendell A. Beets.
Evangelist Beets has certainly proven herself to be a virtuous woman. She exemplifies the roles of a wife, mother, and missionary. Her spiritual gifts have allowed her to excel in ministry. She has served the church in such capacities as Sunday School teacher, secretary in the MW Goodman District, WD Smith District YPWW chairlady. She presently serves as District Missionary of the WD Smith District and Assistant Supervisor to Supervisor Rosalie J. Kaiser of the Iowa Jurisdiction Women’s Department.
In addition to her works in ministry, she is also the owner and operator of Cuddley Duddley Childcare Services. Evangelist Beets also volunteers her time in the community. She has represented Faith Community Building the Gap for over 20 years. She is an activist for accessing health care for the African American community and is active in a federally funded Anti-Drug and Violence Coalition, which presently focuses on HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular health and cancer. Evangelist Beets has proven to be a true advocate by bringing awareness to the value of health screenings to her local congregation. She is trained and certified for the fright against HIV/AIDS. She also participated in the 2006 three mile walk to increase public awareness of the spread of HIV/AIDS in the community. Evangelist Beets works hard to empower her congregation and community to become more involved in a proactive stand on health issues.
Evangelist Beets is a member of the Linn County Prayer Ministry. She also works closely with her husband in the ministry at Word of Faith Pentecostal Church of God in Christ. Together they continue to work in areas to enhance church membership and strengthen spiritual development. They stress the importance of acknowledging God and following the direction of the Holy Spirit. They strive to demonstrate positive attitudes toward church development and growth without failing to let men and women know that the greatest gift is love and the only security is in Jesus Christ.”
Another weird thing is that one of Colbert’s brothers (presumably either Wendell or Paul, was the one that found Naomi’s car in the K-mart parking lot. Gee, how convenient! I wonder how, in a city of over 100,000, he knew to look there, even though it was miles from her house. I’ll try to get going and type up a copy of that article and post it, also.
We need to start looking at Wendell Beets, the sex offender pentecostal minister brother of Naomi’s boyfriend Corbet Beets.
The daughter was born 12-28-79. She was 2 years and 9 months old when this occurred. Children can accurately communicate events such as the event the child related to her aunt. She should have been believed back then.
Andrea, I updated Denise Fraley’s page last night where it now includes the excerpt on Denise from Jeff Burnham’s story published March 19, 1992, in the Cedar Rapids Gazette. (He had two other sections on Jane Wakefield and Lynn Schuller in the same story.) His section on Denise captured so much more than what I’d previously had in her summary, and included information readers should know.
As far as the information the daughter conveyed to mother’s family, yes, she should have been believed back then, and I’m certain many “did” believe her because a child that young wouldn’t just make up something like that…not about her own mother…especially when her father was busy telling conflicting stories to others — none of which Haley Jo repeated. She only told what she had witnessed with her own young eyes.
Taking her along to witness what happened to her mother could be viewed as heinous an act as the crime itself.
So sorry.
My husband grew up in Urbandale and we still live in the area. He remembers this well too-his mother made sure he and his four siblings weren’t alone. Sounds like a lot of you have those same sad and scanty memories. ~~Kerry at Iowa Cold Cases
“”due to an area morticians’ conference, but double-checked the register. They were in luck; there’d been a cancellation””” — Or perhaps a mortician did it, because they never went through the whole process life-to-death… Or maybe the muderer’s target was the people that originally rented the room (before the cancellation”? So, perhaps the killing was premeditated.
I do believe the original people who canceled were checked out, but I will be double checking. Thank you
I was thinking the same thing.
Johnny you will never be forgotten !
I remember this…I was in 4th grade and Johnny Gosch and Eugene Martin were well talked about in our current events time. So sad.
God bless the mom. My heart is with you.
Yes you just have to wonder where he is and what happened to him. He must be dead cuz otherwise he would have surfaced when he got older. Unless he is imprisoned somewhere.
me too! i was just a little younger than him when this happened and i remember being caught up with the articles in the paper along with the Eugene Martin case. As a kid it scared me to death! i wish this could be solved
Gosch and I are the same age, in fact I am only a few days older than he is. I remember when he went missing and it frightened me for a long time being so close to his same age. I think about him still and pray that someday his family will get closure. Please also pray for closure for the Eugene Martin family. He was also a teenager who went missing at age 13 from the DM area.
yes Jacob Wetterling!!!
He was taken from the sidewalk in front of my old employees home.
Heartbreaking! He looks SO much like my brother did at that age. I pray one day for his momma to get some much needed answers. <3
I was 11 & I can still remember that terrible day…
God bless his MOM! She has never given up.
I remember this like yesterday :( There are so many who have not been found, Jacob Wetterling in MN …
Sharon Kay McNamara I too feel that someday those responsible for unspeakable deeds will have to answer to their maker in the end. Hopefully, answers will come for the living in the meantime! Thanks everyone for commenting. ~Kerry at Iowa Cold Cases
Very interesting that Reverend Beets, a convicted attempted rapist, who did some serious time (not only for the attempted rape but also for forgeries, bad checks, etc). preached the service. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-8th-circuit/1436424.html
That Doe has an A with a circle around it (an “Anarchy” A) and the letters PIL which, in my experience, probably indicate he was a fan of Public Image Limited, which was Johnny Rotten’s band from 1978 to 1992.
Charles Ray Hatcher was arrested on August 5, 1982, a month before Johnny Gosch disappeared. Hatcher was arrested under the name Richard Martin Clark, but eventually his real name was ascertained.
Thanks so much to everyone for the heartfelt comments! Though six years may seem like only yesterday to us, there are so many hundreds of other cases out there several decades old. Whether grouped under “homicides” or “missing persons” cases, no two victims’ stories are ever the same. Cecil Gaddy. John Jeffery. Lee Rotatori. I think the endings to their stories are closer than we think. Thanks to all for taking the time to comment. Jody at ICC, who still can’t remember how to type the text to make a “heart” shape appear – only the happy face. (And there’s always happiness to be found if we just reach out and grab it when it comes our way. It’s what our loved ones would have wanted us to do.) :-) G’night, all!
Kelsey, a family member posted today that the DNA info has been obtained and entered into a nation-wide system. Now they are waiting to see if something pops up. Sure hope it does!! Kerry at ICC
Whoever did this will be judged for their crime. Maybe not here on earth, but they will pay!
Very sad :(
This is very sad that people have to attack older people. God bless her.
They are all sad cases but this is sooo horrible. God bless her soul and damn her attacker!!
I don’t know her. I pray to god she is found. And safe.
My prayers are all the way with the family. My heart is with them
I see in the comments it’s been over a year since they had been working on DNA testing…anything new?? Praying her family gets some kind of closure <3
What a beautiful tribute! Thank you for sharing it with us. Thinking of you this weekend, as you remember, honor, miss, mourn, and celebrate your “Dad Earl,” Jody…
♥
Thinking of you always! What a wonderful job you did, putting so much effort into making his voice heard! So proud of you!!! <3
Thoughts and prayers are with you…
Five years… My thoughts are with you, Jody.
I am so very sorry, Jody. It has been a rough month of losses. I can only imagine how you and your mother and family feel. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Kerry at I.C.C.
Prayers with you always Jody, as I know yours are always with all of us who are living this same hell…{{Hugs}} to You and Your Family!
Praying Jody and Thelander family that whoever is responsible for this will be caught and punished accordingly.
video brought tears to my eyes , god bless
Wow! Isn’t that very interesting! I think that’s very curious they nothing has ever come of this…
What about the man they found dead between Kellerton & Mount Ayr on Hwy 2? Pretty sure that was not an accident.
http://iagenweb.org/boards/ringgold/documents/index.cgi?read=233558
I believe this is her.
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/784ufmo.html
https://identifyus.org/en/cases/5321
Too many Cold Cases.
wrong Jeannie Hernandez. The Jeannie who was Adrian’s Godmother was not this young. She is my mother and her middle name is not the same. This girl was born in 1985 and the Jeannie you mention was born in 1947.
i guess my only questions would be 1. wth was she out cleaning her car that late? because if i had two little kids i wouldn’t be leaving them alone.. 2.she failed the poly test.. because that doesn’t scream that shes lying about something? 3. she said she found the one twin on the landing after she saw the house was on fire.. so it would make scene that the boy would smell like smoke even a little and they said he didn’t. So wouldn’t that seem like she was lying about other things if shes already lied about the smoke on the kids clothes? i don’t know it smells kinda fishy..
That’s not really just your only question…..
Sad case for a few bucks they were killing a lot of bartenders back then be careful people get stupid.
Mom knew her too who didn't.
Was that Pam in that murder o
thats way to many for our area thoughts and prayers go to all familys
This makes me sad. Pam was a good friend of mine and both of her parents went to their grave not knowing a thing about what happened to her.
Very,very sad. A lot of family's with no answers. Prayers for them all.
wow
Mary Novak Whitehead: I agree with everything you say. I just wanted to add that there are just SO many times that if a prosecuting attorney takes to trial the person or persons who everyone in law enforcement is positive is the guilty party, and they lose that case because of lack of physical evidence, that case can never be brought back up for trial due to the Double Jeopardy law. Someone who is tried and found innocent of homicide charges can’t be accused again and hauled back into court. That leaves us just hanging our heads sometimes when it seems obvious that a person is guilty but the evidence is completely circumstantial, witnesses are dead or have changed stories, no shred of physical evidence is available, etc. Many times the full contents of law enforcement case files CAN’T be released because they contain information never released just in case someone comes forward with that information that s/he couldn’t have heard anywhere. They would have had to be at the scene of the crime to know that information. Every case is different, of course, but I wanted to add these notes in sympathy of your frustration and the frustration of nearly everyone who will read this. Thank you so much for taking the time to post!! Take care and be safe, Kerry at ICC
Im very sad. This breaks my heart.
:(
There are cruel people out there. It breaks my heart so unfair. Very sad.
I do agree that someone knows something. And they should come clean.
Somewhere, someone always knows something, and in this new age of advanced DNA testing methods, technology is about to catch up with a lot of individuals who thought they got away with murder. Mary Carr’s brother, Michael, was only 19 when killed in a hit-and-run the day after Christmas in 1975.
Beth Walker, only a true coward would shoot someone in the back. This is a very sad case.
Sher, our website traffic skyrocketed on Friday due to the number of people viewing a page for Lynn Schuller. It could have caused a temporary crash on our server, but I just checked and Billy’s page is loading correctly. Thanks for letting us know. Jody at I.C.C.
I agree:(
“Opie ain’t mad at nobody “,was a small pizza joint just one block east of 19th st .on Carpenter ,on the near west side ,east of where the Katz Drug Store was ,prior to Family Services . May have been another place called the same, but this one was located there in the late 1950’s .Was near “Doc’s BQ” . Don’t make them like those days any more . You could walk that entire area at night ,without any fear at all .
Meant Forrest Ave .
Theresa, I’m not sure whether or not Darlene was adopted. This case was one included in the list sent to me by the Des Moines PD, though I’ve been able to find very little information about Darlene’s homicide. All best, Jody
Couldn’t click on this..said there was a database error.
My heart goes out to her family and friends, as my brother is a cold case I understand completely that never ending closure that eats away at your heart.
I will share!! I hate the fact that some murderers are never found. However, we know that Karma is strong and powerful. Ruth’s murderer will never know peace and spend his life looking over his shoulder! RIP, Ruth.
WTF?? Who does that?
Once again im so sorry. My heart is torn from these people taking other lifes. Not right. God bless her soul. And family and friend.
Im so sorry. this all breaks my heart.
Sounds like she was murdered for her Social Security check.What kind of lowlife would do such a thing?
She only had 20$. Killed for $20.POS! Ninety yr old woman.
20 years is to long for a case to be considered cold.It’s time for law enforcement to get on the ball and solve this crime and send the murderer to prison.
Her godson Luis Adrian Acosta passed away in 2008 and the bottom obit on this page mentions that she survives him.
http://iagenweb.org/boards/madison/obituaries/index.cgi?read=202353
In each of these cases there are people who have the information needed to end the pain that families are suffering, for whatever reason be it guilt or fear they choose not to speak up. Many times law enforcement has the answers but are lacking the proof that a court requires. There comes a point when families should be allowed access to case files which would bring them some peace, but that is not often done.
My sister is Diane Scofield who was found in the trunk of her car, two weeks before this happened, how frustrating, that these two girls were killed and no one has ever been held accountable, I do not understand and I guess I never will
Amen to that. How can people be so mean.
Im so sorry. My prayers all the way
I Love n Miss You So Much Charles..I pray everyday that the truth would come out so you can rest in paradise and all your family and friends can get justice. This isn’t right just cause the police don’t know how to do their job. You were a very sweet loving man…I so miss my “bar husband”…I miss your laugh, your hugs, I miss your gorgeous face…Justice will be served…
It’s just so frustrating to read about these and want to solve them but how?
38 years, but someone knows.
If theres anyone around there that might remember those boys it could be worth asking about. My mom was only around 8 yrs old in 75′ but she thinks one of their first names might have been brian. Ive tried google to see if got anything from last name but Im on here from a cheap phone that doesnt cooperate all that well…
Hi Jessica. Could I speak to you about the Peak and Benning cases sometime?
Best, Tom
Bryan Garbes is my uncle & he was 9 years old when Valerie’s body was found. His older brother was 10.
Thanks so much for your comment, V. I’ve updated Steve’s case summary and hope those responsible for his murder are soon held accountable and brought to justice.
One of the best football players I ever had a chance to play with once again rest in paradise Steve see you at the crossroads
See Lisa Peak’s story for our comments. I believe that Valerie, Julia, and Lisa were all killed by the same person, possibly a classmate or (former) boyfriend on Valerie’s older sister?
**her hair is blowing over her cheek, not the dog’s hair (gorgeous dog too!)
Can’t wait for everyone to see her smile :-) :-) Any idea if it was her dog in the one photo where he hair is blowing over her cheek??-Kerry
Aime, I just got the Polaroids in the mail at 4pm today! I will be posting them tomorrow on the website case summary and also here on Facebook (will publish online Thursday) and then mailing them back to you with a few extra copies that I will make on photo paper that you can frame. Thank you very much for trusting I.C.C. with your only photos; I promise they are in good hands. Its so important for all of us to remember her as a beautiful vibrant woman and mother! –Kerry at I.C.C.
I have been working with Robert, and we have a theory about these cases. We believe that the killer knew Valerie, either as a long-time acquaintance or a family friend. He was probably 2 years older and had a car to drive. We believe that Valerie knew him well enough to get in the car with him, but did not intend to travel too far or be gone too long, as she did not say anything to her friend and left her things behind intending to return shortly to the pool. He would not have known Valerie from school, necessarily because of the age difference, she being in 8th grade and him in 10th. Also, he killed Valerie with such force that he broke her voice box. Very passionate about Valerie since he knew her well and she probably had been turning him down for a long time, or he was admiring of her for a long time. The murder was during summer break, so he would not have been in school.
When it comes to Julia, she was 18 (and only born a few months before Valerie) at the time and out of high school. He would have been 20-21, and likely was a patron of the bar where she worked. The drinking age in Iowa then was 18. She would have possibly trusted him enough to accept a ride to work. He was probably making advances toward her, possibly, and she had been turning him down. We think that he did not know Julia as well as he knew Valerie, but became very aggravated when she turned him down, so he raped and killed her. We think that he was probably a college student, since the murder occured during a break/holiday weekend.
With Lisa, he knew her the least, but maybe had met her when she was in college or more likely when she was working in Clarksville at the newspaper. In these small towns surrounding Waverly, people do get to know each other. Somehow, she was also familiar enough with him to probably accept a ride. (It is about a mile from campus to Willow Lawn). Lisa was 2 DAYS difference in birthdate from Julia. Again, he made advances toward her, she turned him down, and paid the price?? This was Labor Day, so if he was in college, he would have likely still been home in the area. Did the murders stop because he went away to school, graduated, and moved away? We do not think that he knew Lisa as well as Valerie at all, and probably less that Julia. Was his anger still, ultimately, directed at Valerie?
This reminds me of the case in Sycamore, IL recently where a murdered was obvious but overlooked for 50 years and finally convicted. He got away because he was “too obvious”.
By the way, I was playing just down the road (9 years old) when Valerie was found and it could have just as easily been us that found her. I remember seeing the imprint in the weeds next the creek where her body was found. It stayed there the rest of the summer. Also, my dorm room at Wartburg had been Lisa’s when she was killed, so I have always had an interest in these unsolved cases. We are going to Waverly this week, and hope to do some research at the library and talk to a few friends of Valerie’s.
my grandpa and mom got me that dog when I was young his name was bear. it will be nice to have a picture with her name on the sight
thank you so much for everything :)
Do you know if Mark ever resided in Sioux City, Iowa? He looks very familiar.
In response to “A’s” question, I’m not sure if Mark Koster ever resided in Sioux City, but he may look familiar due to the Sioux City Journal’s coverage on his case.
Jesus. I just read this again. They have added so much information. I picked out that marker. When did they add the picture of the marker?
So unjust. So horrifying. We miss you, Angie Baby. Still. You were unique and beautiful and loving and I wish I knew who did this to you. I sure wish I knew who did this to you.
Trying to go by my moms memory to try and estimate how old they would have been… I wasnt born until 83, I remembered hearing stories about this when I was a kid living in Waverly and got curious so looked up the real story. When I read it to my mom these boys are the first people that popped into her head. Were thinking that around 1975 they would have been in their late teens and were definitely driving. They were muscular boys and being that there were two of them could have probably overpowered a young woman even if she was just a tad older. They also lived in shellrock at some point and would have been pretty familiar with the area. It seems they were around valeries age when she was killed and around julie and lisas also when they were killed. I was also thinking given the age differences on victims and timeline it does make sense if the perp was young to begin with and went after a victim around their age and as they grew older so did their choice in victims…
I wonder where they are today. Weird you say shellrock because that is where Valerie went to school I believe.
They fit the bill for every single aspect I thought they would. I had always thought- teen, living near the shopping center, muscular ( just the manor in which they were strangled.), and driving.
I wonder if they were looked at or just brushed off for being too young.
There were 2 of them, I know for a fact they raped a girl in their neighborhood… I think its Garbis, a b, not a v, but still unsure how rest of name was spelled.
Not to possibly falsely accuse someone, just throwing out a possibility… Anyone ever check out the Garvis ?sp boys? I know of someone they raped back in those days and Im thinking they were around Valeries age when she was murdered which would also place them close to Lisa and Julies ages when they were murdered. They lived only a couple blocks away from the shopping center.
How old were these boys at the time?
The thing that strikes me most odd is the fact that older individuals were looked at mostly. I think it was a 18-23 year old man. Think about it. Valerie was born in 1957. At the time was in her early teens.
The other two were born in 1956. The reason I picked the ages of 18-23 is that the person could still be growing. The victims he seeks get older as he also gets older. I personally think he is younger than depicted.
Also he could have gotten his first home or car therefor enabling him to be able to finally kill like he has wanted to for years. I think it is odd for someone to start to kill people if he has already had the assets to do so.
I really wish I could work on the case. Maybe I can get an internship at the waverly PD in a few years!
Wow! Incredible result.
Amie, I can’t get a private message to go through so here is my mailing address–It is in the phone book so it’s no secret:
Kerry Connolly
8134 Hardwicke Dr.
Johnston, IA 50131
Note: I will be out of town July 27 through August 4. If you could mail it to me today or Monday so I get it this week I can get it back to you before I leave, otherwise send it after August 4th. (Luckily my folks are staying at my house while I’m gone). Thanks again, Kerry at I.C.C.
Amie, I will take utmost care of your only photo so please send it on over to me!! I even have the software and scanners to make multiple copies in color and/or black and white suitable for framing and I will send you back the original and also some extra glossy photo paper copies in different sizes.
I am lucky to have an excellent mail carrier but just in case do make a copy when you mail it. We never know when the post office will lose something. (I have never had this happen but better safe than sorry.)
It is a terrific idea getting it scanned but also I know it’s expensive depending on where you go. So…if you can’t get it scanned into digital format at your nearby pharmacy, would please mail it to me? I will let you know when I receive it (your last mail to me arrived in just a couple days), then let you know when it is posted on your Mom’s case summary, and finally let you know when it and the extra copies I will create for you is mailed back to you — and I will send it back registered mail so you will have a tracking number!! :-) This way there is no need to include any type of self addressed envelope this way; it’s the least I can do!!
I am sending you a private message here on Facebook with my mailing address. If by any chance you decide to take it to Walgreen’s or wherever to get it scanned to email in digital form, please let know.
We treat every case with respect for the Victim, the Victim’s family and friends, and all of the wonderful volunteers and members of Law Enforcement. Sandra Kinney died too young and losing her is nothing short of tragic. Thank you so much for sharing her photo with us. The more information we can get out there the better the chances someone might remember something. Sending you my mailing address now. Respectfully, Kerry Connolly
Great job,well done!!
A long journey to justice…
That is great. words can never describe the feelings when I read something like this.
I forgot to add, my email addy is Kerry@iowacoldcases.org
Amie, hello this is Kerry who worked with you to get your Mom’s case updated on our website earlier this year. I hope that you are doing well and getting through a very rough week for you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
The police officers that I have talked to in Davenport about her case have been fantastic about sharing information. Unfortunately, no new leads have surfaced thus far that have resulted in any arrests. We have posted every bit of information that is out there about Ms. Kinney’s homicide but we are lacking photographs of your Mom.
I am humbly asking if you have any photographs of your mother that we could post on our website? If you do please feel free to contact me so I can give you my mailing address and of course I would mail them back to you in the exact same shape as I receive them. Or, you could email them to me if you have a photo or photos that have been scanned or in any kind of digital form.
Thank you, Amie. Again, I am sorry for your loss.
Respectfully, Kerry Connolly at I.C.C.
Thank goodness for the perseverance of the investigators in this case! Because of all their hard work, a baby killer is behind bars!
Amie – If you go to walmart or walgreens with your photo’s you can scan them there to email ICC . Thoughts and prayers and may justice be found soon ::hugs::
I am so sorry dana, I only know the pain of losing a mother like that but I still understand and feel you’re pain, I hope to beadle to read the story of it one day.. thank you for commenting to it means more than u will ever no
I will send u a picture but its the only one I have, do I need to make a copy or send a self addressed envelope I am unable to upload it myself
Amie i agree with you my husband was murdered and i pray everyday that someone comes forward with.any infromation and it gets solved so i can close that chapter of my life. I know your pain
Love you! I may have never met you, but you raised an amazing woman who is my best friend in the world, and i would do anything to bring some justice!! <3 <3 <3
ily mom, please share.. some pos murdered my mom and she with many many other deserve justice.. lets do this people lets put these pos in prison
I hope I can put the man who did this to your family behind bars for the rest of his life. I wonder if he could be linked to other murders.
The photograph of his little body wrapped in the white sheet is heartbreaking.
Yes, That Picture Of Doug Carnell Carrying John Jr Is So Heartbreaking, I Cry Everytime I See That Picture & Read This Case..Just The Look On Doug Carnells Face Is A Sign Of Grief & Devastation….
God rest his little soul.
Amen!!!!!
I only have one thing to add to pkdavis’ comment…capital letters. COWARD!
Reminds me of Elmer, the Whistler. Rides a bike with baskets for collecting cans and such along Mt. Vernon Rd. in Cedar Rapids. Last time I saw him he was running some kind of errand for what used to be The Golden Egg. I think he lives in that area as well.
shared
Accidents happen,but leaving the scene of a personal injury accident is a crime!There is no excuse for leaving the scene.Sure,the person driving the car was probably scared out of their mind,who wouldn’t be,but the adult thing to do is to stop and render aid,not to just drive away.The driver of this car is a coward that must live with his/her self for what they did.
You are absolutely right, Mike. Another hit-and-run unsolved homicide we have is that of Valerie Peterson. In that case, most people in town know who was responsible, but the evidence eventually got destroyed.
Where is Manuel’s biological mother?Doesn’t she wonder how her child is faring?Or did she consider him to be a pain in the ass,too?With a family like this,Manuel didn’t need any enemys.He was doomed from the start.
His mother is living peacefully. I’m his aunt. & not all his family os like you say we cared & LOVED him but we couldn’t do anything his mom made the worst decisions. & this is what happened :(
Of all of the cold cases that are on this website,it is the ones of murdered children that touch my heart the most.I just can’t understand why anyone would hurt,let alone murder a child.And a grown man sexually abusing a young child is enough to turn my stomach.Children are NOT sexual playthings,thats why their are laws against adults having sex with children!Every child should have a normal,safe childhood without the parents having to worry about perverts stealing the innocence of their children.When someone is convicted of a sexual crime against a child he or she should be sentenced to life in prison without parole.There should be no second chances for someone who steals the innocence of a child!.
I just read that they have arrested a man for murdering the little boy in Mason City in 1994,so there is hope that the murderer of this little boy will yet be brought to justice.How anyone can be so cruel as to kill an innocent child is hard for me to fathom.After reading this story,I am convinced that the mother murdered her own son.What her reason was for murdering him is anyones guess,but it’s past time that charges are brought against her and she is punished for her crime.
I was just on the Iowa Cold Case website last night and read this case over again. I knew that he was murdered just by the injuries he sustained~~this cold case really touched me, as it hit so close to home~I’m so happy that they found this guy after 19 long years & I hope he serves the maximum & I hope this haunts him for the rest of his life~~My thoughts and prayers go out to John Jr’s family & friends, now they can finally be @ peace and find closure in all of this…..and ‘Lil’ Angel John Jr, can finally be @ peace~~RIP John Jr……
I agree, LuAnn. Thanks so much for taking time to comment.
Your very welcome Jody~~I’m on this site alot @ night~~It would be nice if more Cold Cases would be solved…..Hopefully they will be…..
I was also going to say that my oldest son had just turned 3 in June of 1994, so John Jr, would have been a year younger then my son & I really don’t remember hearing about this case..Even though I don’t know the family, it still kind of becomes personal(because of reading the cases on this site) and you just feel for the families of these victims, and also the ones that are still missing…Like I said before it hit close to home as Im about 45 miles away from Mason City and I have family that lives in Mason City. It just tears me into pieces because John Jr’s life was robbed from him…it’s just so unfair…
I hope law enforcement will work even harder on these cold cases and solve them like in this case…I know it all takes time, but hopefully more will be solved…….
Just heard on the news that an arrest has been made in this case.
Link:
https://globegazette.com/news/local/dna-sample-leads-to-arrest-in-john-snyder-jr-murder/article_6764dc8c-ed7b-11e2-8c09-001a4bcf887a.html?comment_form=true
Kim, it was all I could do to keep from crying (tears of joy, obviously) after learning about the arrest in this case. I’ve corresponded with John Snyder, Sr., and can only begin to imagine the relief he’s feeling today. I’m looking forward to reading about further details in this case.
They’ve made an arrest in this case. https://globegazette.com/news/local/dna-sample-leads-to-arrest-in-john-snyder-jr-murder/article_6764dc8c-ed7b-11e2-8c09-001a4bcf887a.html
This announcement literally sucked the breath out of me. I’d just posted John Jr.’s upcoming murder anniversary on the home page’s feature section a couple days ago, and wondered if the person responsible would ever be caught. The arrest reinforces my firm belief that Iowa *must* find a way to reestablish the DCI’s Cold Case Unit. DNA testing — and getting these killers off our streets — has the potential to save so many future lives.
Anyone ever take owen ericksons dna? or William Ferrands (back door bill)?
It’s odd to me nobody acknowledged your comment. What makes you bring up these two men? And I’d say bring it up to the police.
I am Ruth’s sister. And I see this coment is from so long ago. How did I miss this. My stomach hurts. I’ve sent in request for reopening this case several times but haven’t gotten it done..it’s been so long. I am at a time , that I have a little more time to pursue this, can someone help?
Could you tell me a little more about these two men?
I am Ruth’s sister, and I am wandering why you mentioned them?
The judge did the right thing when she sentenced Cole to serve his sentence consecutive to his other sentences,but it doesn't say if he has to serve his other sentences consecutive to each other.To keep him in prison for the longest amount of time the sentences should be served consecutively to each other with the longest sentence served first and the shortest sentence served last.In other words,he would need to serve the entire ten year sentence before he begins serving the five year sentence.Without knowing the amount of time he got in his 2010 burglary conviction.its hard to tell in what order that sentence should be served,but it should be served where he will do the maximum amount of time under Iowa law.He did get off very lucky for his crimes.Other states might very well have executed him for the same crimes.Thats what he deserves!
Crystal, Sure you don’t remember me it has been SO many years!!! But we were good friends in jr high! I actually tried finding you on FB a while back! Never got to say how sorry my brother and I were to hear about Kenny. We had moved to California in ’85. When we got the news from a friend about Kenny we were truly heart broken!!!! I never new they didn’t solve the crime up until Mike Rump and another friend posted your interview on FB!! I hope they find the person who did this and your family is able to heal!! We talked(still do) about him numerous times over the years. Please know he is still in our hearts and thoughts as the rest of your family!!
Sincerely, Kim
Happy 13th birthday to him Where every he is<3 god bless everyone.
God Bless him and his family. I hope and pray answers come your way this is no fun to be surprised about.
my heart aches for this boys family
I can’t even imagine not knowing what happened to my child :( that poor family! I hope they get some kind of answers someday <3
This is one of the saddest stories I have read.
How sad.
RIP
RIP
God Bless
RIP
Quite a few murders happened during that time period,,anything in common between them? Where was her husband?
So said when some low life comes in to your home and does this to a person. My heart goes out to the family just so sad.
Thank you Lisa for posting your thoughts and feelings about the terrible loss of your sister. Four long decades is a lot of time for your Mom to reflect on her daughter’s still unsolved case and I can ONLY IMAGINE that she and your family DO get very upset around the anniversary date. It took a lot for you to post this and we respectfully hope you and yours get through this difficult holiday today. You are right, Independence Day should not be celebrated with sadness. We are forever sorry for your loss.
This case stays open with law enforcement and in the minds of many, many people until it is solved!! Anyone with information may feel free to come forward, even anonymously; Jody Ewing wrote and posted this case summary about Maureen.-With Love and Hope, Kerry at Iowa Cold Cases
You know, it’s been 42 years ago and yet we STILL mourn her loss. Our mom, although she may not even recognize it herself, starts getting all worked up this same time every year and it was only about 5 years ago that I realized why. Because children shouldn’t die so young and without a choice. I’ll never forget my sister and I’ll never give up hope that someday they’ll catch the coward(s) responsible for leaving a big, fat hole in our hearts and causing just a little sadness for us EVERY 4th of July!!
No, he is different. I just happen to know what the current information is. The killers are known, that is a fact. It has been up to Benanke to do the right thing. She makes $$$$$ excuses. Pocahontas County is not doing anyone any justice. I guess it is ok to rape, rob, stab, beat and burn old women in Pocahontas County.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
My dad knew his father and the father said it was a sexual thing. Maybe they are not mentioning what they found when they found his body. I will not repeat either until hopefully his murderer can be prosecuted and then I am sure they will say what they found at the scene.
Mary Ellen – What did they find ?
Has water ways been searched to possibly finding the car?
not the right one
If all they know is that he was last seen driving north on Main then maybe he didn’t head towards Avery. Maybe he headed towards Albia Reservoir Park? Doing sonar and a drive around the boat ramp there wouldn’t hurt, if it hasn’t been done already. I saw the Facebook group is trying to get Adventures with a Purpose’s attention to do some dives in the area.
Stop acting like a detective you are not one Adam your blog is total garage you are going to ruin a lot of cases the case wasn’t handed to you you are a liar because I know I asked the detective on the case the detective said that they going to look into to you and I also sent them the link to your linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lolly-adams-43937a201_truecrime-unsolved-missingperson-activity-6742660940442996736-W-Dl and sent them your blog link and twitter accounts stop playing detective YOU ARE NOT ONE again you are going ruin a lot of cases by playing a detective people like you are the reasons why cases can’t get solved it’s sad really for the victims and their families
Another thing I’m following you on both twitter accounts which you following me back I think it is sad that you retweet and like your own tweets on both accounts which means you are liking and retweeting your own tweets that is sad you don’t have your followers tweet or like your tweets because your blog sucks and your theories on cases are not good by making those theories you are hurting the cases
Seems to me that having a blog and writing about unsolved murders & missing persons would HELP bring continued awareness to these cases not hurt them. And having a theory about a case wouldn’t hurt anything either.
Victims of the Corn Demon.
The sad truth is so many people can get away with murder. If the police cannot hand a prosecutor evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, they won’t prosecute because juries have a history of non-conviction. Especially here in Iowa…look at how many ‘cold cases’ have had prosecutors who thought their cases were solid only to have juries acquit! (There’s “reasonable doubt” and then there’s common sense…so rare it’s like a super power!;) Lord, bless the victims and their families and punish the guilty, but when someone kills a family member or a child, punish them worse! Amen.
I never understand that in cases such as this, when it is so patently obvious who
the murderer is, why not make the arrest and go to trial with the overwhelming circumstantial evidence? Juries usually have enough common sense, i.e., MMO & “Cui bono?”, etc., that a strong prosecutor should be able to get justice for the victim without a body. I know there is a special place in hell for such children of satan, but
earthly retribution would be awesome!
Erin, I’m sure many share your feelings, but I think the biggest concern is that if a jury acquits, prosecutors can never try the person again for murder even if solid evidence resurfaces at a later date.
We have cases here on the website where juries have acquitted individuals even when prosecutors / local LE officials / DCI agents had rock solid physical evidence. (See the Shane Lass case.) The good news, at least for cases not yet tried, is that DNA technology and testing methods are light years ahead of where they were even 10 years ago.
In the past, brilliant defense attorneys placed finely tuned “reasonable doubt” fiddles in jurors’ hands, but even the finest Stradivarius can’t match a perfect DNA profile. As Warden Norton (from Shawshank Redemption) had framed in needle-point on his office wall, “His judgment cometh and that right soon.” DNA is leading its way.
I wouldn’t think this was a serial killer but a man who had followed her from CA… they lived there previously and the police arrested someone driving with CA plates, with no license… and that seems as if he was trying to hide his identity. I also think Mrs. Farley was murdered by a male acquaintance, who thought with her husband incarcerated, she’d welcome his ‘advances’. Most women, well most people, ARE killed by by someone they know after all. Condolences, prayers, hope to all the families!
I hope all of ‘Patricia’s’ male relatives and friends were thoroughly investigated as it
seems as if retaliation for his abandonment of her would be a very strong motive! Those poor babies, never knowing their father…very sad. My prayers…
I agree, Erin. Patricia’s father, or older brothers (if there were any) would be likely suspects, since he knocked her up, then dumped her. Surely Patricia’s family knew she was pregnant by him, and no doubt upset. HOW upset? Enough maybe to kill him!
Ronette was a sweet girl and very kind.I spent a lot of time with her in Madrid in our early to mid teens. Greg
I thought I’d add I used to drive Bryon around when I was 16 or so,we always had fun.He had a friend Daniel Danielson that I used to drive him out to hi house in the country.I remember He had either a 1955-56-57 2 door stored in a garage of a house Ronette’s sister Debbie lived in with her husband Jerry Blake.I will always remember Ronette as being a sweet girl that like to be accepted by eevryone.We never dated but I had a crush on her because she was quite stunning ii person.Haven’t the years flown by.She was a good girl So I chose to think she’s in a better place now.
I went to High School with Grace. I assume the police would have talked to the “friends” she was out with the night she went missing. I wish for her daughters sake the killer is found and that Grace’s body can come back home where she has always belonged.
It really makes you wonder about the cops back then doesn’t it. Back then a cop could get by with murder. If they didn’t feel they could communicate with her friends due to language or racist based morals…. cops back then had zero accountability…. and you are stating they never interviewed the people she was supposed to be with??? That makes for a darn good reason to start over on this case.
She never said the police never interviewed the people she was supposed to be with.
Drugs are a good friend when seriously addicted. I originally thought female, but the damage seemed male. I say female side of a gay friendship. He loved this person or he would have told.
Coyote has been running till quota killed. Check dates coyotes brought in @ $5.00 for pair of ears who’s been shooting.
I wonder if any DNA was left behind; And it seems to me there could have been several possible persons of interest. What happened to the annoying man? I wonder if any of them agreed to a polygraph? I wish the police would look at this case again. 42 years is an eternity with no answers.
Lori, I couldn’t agree more. I have so many questions and wonder what is left of evidence.
At the time this occurred the talk was it was drug related. I wonder if the Mason City police dept ever thinks about this murder.
Hope never dies. I wish for the the Joynt family Justice for Roger and a sense of closure for them.
I wonder if they found drugs in his system?
They must have some DNA id DCI was hoping to solve it using DNA.
Praying for justice!
Charles Ray Hatcher was in Iowa about this time he tried to kill a paper boy one time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Ray_Hatcher
Charles Hatcher was a suspect in the homicides of Rose Burkert and Roger Atkison.It says the killer scrawled a message and obliterated the rest leaving the word ‘this’.It said that Charles Hatcher was in San Francisco in 1969. I would be willing to bet the rest of the message said “This is the Zodiac Speaking”.
Now Manuel sleeps with angels and will always be loved. God bless you little one.
I wonder if Ellis was released… How does not revealing a cold blooded Killer translate into covering for a good friend…?
Jody, I am so sorry for your loss. What those thieves really stole was an entire families history. Your mom and step-dad had a special love and Earl taking your Mom out to watch the eclipse just proves it,
Why are the good ones always taken? I pray your Mom is cancer free and finds solace in the wonderful memories she has of Earl. God bless your family and friends and may the cowards that set in motion the death of a good man never feel safe again.
Lori, thank you so much for taking time to comment on my stepfather’s case. Earl really did have a wonderful relationship with my mom, as he did with all his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. He was so proud of all his kids and their chosen lines of work, and his two oldest boys have carried on the Thelander Plumbing & Heating tradition with “Doug Thelander Plumbing” and “Byron Thelander Heating & Cooling.”
Yes, my mother continues to remain cancer free. We all have our own very special memories of Earl, and are hopeful one day the person or persons responsible for his death will come forward on their own rather than wait and express sorrow for their actions only after being caught. Character far outweighs cowardice.
Thank you again for writing. Your words meant more than you know.
Jody
Laura, I hope they find the man who murdered your father and he is brought to answer for what he did.
There were a large group who witnessed this murder but many refused to answer any questions which hampered the police. Shame on everyone of you. Cowards.
The murders of Debra and Brianne were done by the same person.
But then their person of interest, Tomich, who killed his wife 23 years ago and jumps 11 stories to his death before the police have a chance to pick up his ass… MAY NOT BE THE KILLER OF THESE 2 WOMEN.
Man, truth is stranger then fiction. I pray the cops find this killer and remember 2 murders does a serial killer make… So so so strange.
What a travesty of justice! Why the hell did they find him Not Guilty? I feel so sorry for her family. I can only hope karma works like a bitch!
This is so sad. Cecil who saved his sister in the car accident ends up paralyzed only to die in the worse way possible. I believe he was murdered and probably by his so called friends. I pray to God the killer(s) tell someone and then that someone does the noble thing. God bless you Alicia.
Thank you Lori, I pray someday I will get a phone call that his case has been solved. Until then, I will wait and do whatever I can to help it along. Thank you for your kind words and genuine thoughtfulness. :)
First of all, I don’t mean to say anything negative about Corey so please don’t think that. And if I’m totally off base accept my sincere apology.
What I can surmise from the history of Corey is that he was gay, (friend Justin mentioned in the obituary) have the past partners of Corey been looked at? He spent 4 years in Vegas and then it mentioned he moved to Minneapolis but doesn’t say how long he was there.
I hope the killer is found so Corey’s family and friends can finally, finally get some sense of justice. He is loved and he is missed every single day…
Lori I thought the same thing
I knew Corey very well. Corey was not gay — Justin was his sisters’ boyfriend, now married with their first child.
I miss him every single day.
I hope and pray his killer faces justice!
I concur Jody that Zirtzman more then likely did not start the fire. Law Enforcement can at times get tunnel vision and target 1 person to the exclusion of others but all they want, as do all of us, is to take a killer off the streets.
Me too Jasmine.
They may have gotten away with murder in this life but a whole lot of Justice awaits them on the other side. May you two never feel a moment of peace, may your dreams include nightmares and may you both rot in hell.
I’m a close and personal friend of David.what makes you think he got off scott free? Do you have any idea what he went through? treated like a monster for something he didn’t do? By citizens and the cops. Things done to him that never should have happened? Your all quick to judge.
Where you there?
Were you? And it doesn’t matter if I was there or not, I do not judge people especially when it comes to “hear-say”. He wasn’t convicted for a reason.
My father was…
I mean no disrespect……
An acquittal only means that the prosecution was not able to prove their case beyond any reasonable doubts. It doesn’t mean the defendants are innocent. I’m speaking in general, not just about this case.
Are you David’s wife or one of his many girlfriend he cheated with on his wife? I understand he told his wife he was in Los Vegas that weekend. Maybe he was with You instead in Iowa?
A close friend-did she tell you that? we’ve been together almost 10 years now have a baby together. Do you know Dave? Because if you did, you wouldn’t even assume he had anything to do with it. That being said- Jinx- Thinking or assuming that somebody committed murder because he got busted with drugs over 20 years ago is a little judgmental don’t you think or because he cheated on his wife? As sad as this is and I hope that the family gets justice someday., David wasn’t convicted for a reason he didn’t do it. Have a nice day.
In the different comments that I wrote, I NEVER stated nor implied that he did it. That being said, you have to admit that you are biased. The murder took place 36 years ago. You didn’t know him back then. I didn’t know him back then. Neither one of us knows what was going on in his life back then. Supposedly, he was involved in drugs back then. We know about the trafficking. Was he using also, like he was over a decade later? If he was, that would explain a lot. Society and law enforcement haven’t come to this conclusion, yet, but I believe a person is unable to control their actions when addicted to drugs. It’s not the drugs, it’s the addiction. Addiction affects the midbrain, the part of the brain responsible for fight or flight. The midbrain prioritizes the need for the substance at the top. This has the affect of making the brain subconsciously believe that it will literally die without it. It also deactivates the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for reasoning and impulse control. That’s why addicts will steal from their family or neglect their children, things that people who know them find it difficult to believe that the addict will do such things, especially when it goes against their nature previously. The brain will justify those actions as necessary to prevent what it believes will be their death. Now, I don’t know what exactly happened that day. What I just explained above was only for the purpose of providing one example of why and how he could have done it. But, it in no way is meant to imply that he did. It was only to show that it could be possible.
I am so sorry Crystal. What was done to Kenny is horrific and the killer needs to be brought to justice. God speed to the police and may some sense of closure be given to Kenny’s family and friends.
Why are there no details from police of what they think may have occurred? Justice for these Babies is long overdue. At least neither of them will ever feel pain again. What a horrible, horrible crime.
These were my brothers and I have a pretty good idea what happened. Their death changed the course of my entire life and many others. I know they watch over me. They were spared. I would have traded places with them…..but not if that meant they had to endure the life I had.
I agree. I am the surviving sister…..their death changed the course of many lives. Thank you for your concern in this case being solved. I would like answers too…but then again I am a little worried about who it might be. Nothing will bring them back….hurts to say but maybe they are better off.
I appreciate your comment …urghhhh..life will never be the same….i try not to be bitter…i agree maybd tveyve been spared…..??????
Thank you
…from the looks of it, the killer is 1 of 3 people who were in the home that night. Ed I hope your brother’s killer is brought to justice and soon!
I have a hard time believing the police have no idea what the motive was… I imagine since it was April the bodies had little decomp? Do the police have any idea where the murder took place? Very strange they were each found in a different location.
I hope this killer is either dead or, in prison for life on some other charge. This case needs to be solved.
JODY, let me get this straight. The Police think this can be solved using DNA but they haven’t tested it due to lack of funds!? If that were my brother or son or uncle or friend I would not be able to contain my anger.
DAMN THE COST! The police or the State should figure out where to get the funds from and use DNA testing on all their older cold cases. Why would we not try to capture a cold blooded criminal? They better pray to God this killer hasn’t killed again…
I just found out he is kin to me. Im goma brain storm ideas in how to get funding for cold cases period n if it ran as a non profit forwarding funds we can have an E board to over see that the funds aee used fie what they r intended foe. U actually helped paint the DCI,CSI Labs in Ankeny
If you are still interested in funding the DNA I can help. Tim is my cousin.
Right?!
They have funding for everything else, but not to track down a murderer?!
I agree with Jody that the cops know who did it but don’t have enough evidence to convict.
Timothy Mammon of Pymouth, IA was murdered and what happened in his case was horribly sad. Eric Esse, Albert Lea, MN. killed him. If you want to read what happened goggle Esse’s name.
I am so sad you lost Ron and that no one has ever had to suffer for what they did. Maybe new forensics could be used on whatever evidence the police have. I pray for justice for Ron and a sense of calm and closure for his loved ones.
The Linn County Sheriff”s department probably does not know who killed my brother, they never cared enough to try and find out! My mother, grandmother and another brother have all died without seeing justice for Ron, I don’t intend to become a member of that list. Cheryl, if you still check this site please contact me at mgwhitehead1966@gmail.com—-I would love to compare notes with you, I think from what you said on here earlier that we have both heard the same or at least similar stories as to who set Ron up and who shot him, beat him while his hands were tied behind his back and then left him to freeze. Did you know that his 3 dogs were there with him, trying to keep him warm the whole time he laid there and died? No one ever even tested the dogs to see if they were drugged or not. Ruff would not have let anyone touch a hair on Ron’s head without going straight for their neck! I am tired of waiting, tired of deputies telling me that I have no right to know anything about their supposed investigation, tired of being dismissed like my brother didn’t matter. PLEASE, anyone with any information or just rumors contact me at the email address above. I WANT ANSWERS NOW & RON NEEDS JUSTICE!
Mary, I feel your pain (my sister, Julie Benning, is
Ditto was this Gazette columnist wrote in 2017:
“How could this happen to a nice, fun guy who grew up in my
neighborhood? … I think he just took a few wrong turns in life, as many have. But Ron’s killer(s) robbed him of the chance to learn from his mistakes and to have a full, happy life. He was barely 24 years old when he was killed. And that makes me so very sad for him. And sad for all of his family and friends.”–
Marlene Florang Chramosta, https://www.thegazette.com/subject/opinion/guest-columnists/who-killed-ronnie-novak-someone-must-know-20170710
Oops, can’t find an edit icon… Julie Benning, Case # 76-00382
Stabbing someone is as up close as it gets. The person that kills with a knife many times cuts themselves, (OJ, Jodi Arias) and in 1983 there was no DNA. I hope the police have tested the bloody washcloth…it may contain 2 sets of DNA. Justice is close.
I agree the DNA on the wash cloth needs to be tested. Has it ever? I see no update has been posted in reference to the DNA. I really want this murder solved.
good idea
This case is heartbreaking. Bambi was taken so far from her home and left on the side of the road. Both Teresa Sprague and you, Jody, are like guardian angels to those who can no longer speak for themselves and we are all thankful.
It’s cases like this where you can feel the cops know who did it but they don’t have enough evidence to make a case. How frustrating this must be for everyone involved. There is NO statute of limitations on murder.
We can all hope the cowardly killer is always looking over his shoulder and the science of forensics makes it harder for these criminals to get away with it. God Speed.
This murder took me from a boy to a man. I was only 11 when she was murdered. The cops actually woke me up knocking on the door early saturday morning showing me a picture of her strangled naked body. It scared the living daylights out of me and I never was the same. May she rest in paradise and her killer be brought to justice.
I hope for his children’s sake that whoever did this will be found and they have some sort of closure.
Mrs. Hinrichs, I can only imagine the pain your and your husband must live with everyday. I pray Pamela’s killer is found soon and locked away so no other parent has to feel the grief you do. Justice delayed is still justice. God bless.
I’m not sure Sandra will receive justice, at least not in this life. God bless all who’ve loved her and all who have never given up hope.
Jody….i think I know what you may be alluding too regarding several different cases intersecting each other. When will you have any info on this? I hope you a whole lot of clues to give to MCPD!
There is so little information regarding leads or someone being spotted that night. I hope the police are blessed with new leads and a murderer is caught at last.
Kristan I hope your mother’s killer is caught soon and that will bring you some sense of closure. God speed and Justice for Judith.
sorry – laptop issue here.
Now, why would Laura leave her purse and diaper bag in Bonaparte? She wouldn’t! This case is ripe with clues and I have to believe the cops know a whole lot more then any of us.
The Bergman and Knight families have information that could help put a cold blooded killer away…too bad their cowardice won’t allow one of them to do the right thing.
But they are the ones who have to live with the fact that there is a murderer among them. They are the ones that wake in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. They are the ones that have to stand before God at a point in the near future and beg for forgiveness…
It is then, through divine retribution, that ALL of them will feel the pain Laura felt, feel the fear Laura felt, feel a mother dying on the side of the road… That is what Hell is like…was it worth it?
STOP IT! Dammit! A mother was murdered. Are we not here for the same purpose?
I have never heard anything about this case before tonight but I can infer certain things from what I just read. The way she was found with those specific things is very strange.
If Laura left to spend the night in Kahoka WHY were her PURSE AND DIAPER BAG
Cold Case Unit shut down due to lack of funds. This has got to be frustrating to the families. God, help us find justice for Donna.
Call me foolish, but 3 women, who knew each other, (no matter how long!) end up murdered and the police don’t find that odd or claim its just one of those things…?!
My hinky meter just exploded. Unless we live in a parallel universe the linkage between these women must be investigated FULLY. Odd doesn’t even begin to explain this…
I had thought that same thing Lori but they said they did investigate it and found nothing. HMMMMMMMM..the case truly was a mess up.
I was thinking the exact same thing!! I’m sorry but there has to be a connect somewhere and probably with the man.
My heart goes out to all the families… I hope you can soon find some closure!!!!
Just curious… was the former owner of his home, i.e.. the one whom was foreclosed. eliminated as a suspect? My prayers and hopes to his family!
I’m so Sorry. My son was shot and killed to. I feel for the family. My heart goes out to the family. And prayers
From the November 29, 2000 Globe Gazette:
Luna sentenced to 25 years on drug charges
SIOUX CITY – A Mason City man was sentenced to prison for drug trafficking.
Joseph A. Luna, 40, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court to 25 years in prison on federal drug charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession and use of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. Luna is not eligible for parole and will remain on probation for four years following his release from prison, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney C.J. Williams.
Arrested in February, Luna was charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from his Mason City home and also for illegally purchasing guns to protect “his drugs and drug proceeds,” Williams said.
The Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force were in charge of the investigation.
Roger Atkinson was the nephew of serial killer Charles Hatcher. Charle’s Hatchers neice was working at a Taco Pico in Iowa, I would definitely look at her. If anyone has any other information on this case please email me.
-thank you
Charles Hatcher’s niece, what was her name? Rogers wife, his niece lived in St. Joseph, MO
Howard and Renee have an older son, Justin. If I have the records right, he was born in 1986 and in 2002 he was found delinquent of assault causing bodily injury. Court records also suggest that for a while he was placed with his grandmother Blanche Jones.
Don’t they have John Doe hearings in Iowa where people can be compelled to testify (though given immunity if they are compelled)? Why can the adult kid now not be compelled to testify regarding what may have gone on in the home? If I have his ID right, he’s got a couple young kids himself.
This entire thing reminds me of ‘Death in White Bear Lake’ involving the murder of a young child while everyone put their heads in the sand for two decades before a parent was charged.
40 years ago more or less my first cousin’s mother threw him and his baby sister off a bridge, resulting in the death of the baby and injuries to my cousin. The unsolved death of a baby is very troubling for me, on such a personal level.
Okay for one Justin yes he was found delinquent of assault causing bodily injury. He was defending our sister so she would not have been hurt physically by a kid in the neighborhood who was much bigger then our sister if he didn’t intervene she would have been assaulted. He was protecting her so know your facts before you post things. Justin was 7 when this happened and I was 12 we both were at school we were not there when Eric passed.So therefore he needs immunity for nothing. As far as William(my father) he is a good father who never laid a hand on us yes he got into some trouble but that all was after my brother died because he could not handle the fact that his baby died. He is a very good father who had trouble dealing with the death of his child. So please stop bashing my family when you know nothing of them or the facts regarding any trouble any of them may have been in.None of you commenting know anything or any facts about this case. Their is nothing to tell about my brothers death because if I believe someone did something to my brother believe me I would not stay quiet. I would come forward and say what I know. As far as the foreclosure lots of peoples houses go into foreclosure.Why do you have to turn an article about my brother into a story about your family. What happened to your cousin is very sad but it has nothing to do with my brother or my family. How would you feel if random strangers who know nothing about your family was bashing them? Just because someone in my family has a record (after the fact) doesn’t mean they are guilty of anything. My father defended this country. Please stop accusing innocent people. How would you feel if the finger was pointed at you? I struggle every day, miss my brother Eric every day and I love him very much and this is a very sensitive subject for me. I will defend my family that you are trying to accuse that I know in my heart had nothing to do with his death.
Sorry for your families pain
I have my opionions on the matter, never heard that babies die from prader willis syndromn, my aunt had this issue, what I know about it as they do not know they are full and think they are hungry, my aunt would constantly throw up, even as a baby, I was told
Andrea, this is one of those cases where we just have very little info. All I have on file for Eric is the document from the DMPD (listing his name, address, case #, date, etc.) and the SSDI file, which didn’t even list his parents’ names. Eric’s name is, however, mentioned in Des Moines Register articles (about other cold cases) dated Sept. 13, 2003, Feb. 20, 2004, and April 11, 2005, all of which just provide his name at the end as an unsolved homicide from 1993.
I really appreciate your efforts, and look forward to any other info you might be able to uncover!
Thanks so much, Andrea!
When I look at the Polk County Assessor’s webpage, it shows that at that point in time the property was owned by a William H. Jones. Then in 1994 there was some sort of foreclosure.
When I look at the Iowa courts website, there is a William Howard Jones that certainly seems to have been in a lot of trouble with the law. Is this one of the cases where the police know who did it but have insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution?
The Iowa courts website also shows that William’s former wife is named Debra Renee
The Des Moines Register February 8, 1966 says:
“FREE ON BOND IN GUN DEATH
“Douglas McArthur Wilson, 21, of 1549 Eighteenth St., was bound over to the Polk County Grand Jury on a charge of murder Monday after a hearing before Municipal Judge Luther T. Glanton, Jr. After taking testimony from character witnesses for Wilson, Judge Glanton ordered that the youth be released on his own bond pending action by the Grand Jury.
“Assistant Polk County Attorey Frank Comito objected to having Wilson released on his own bond. Comito said the nature of the charge is so serious that contemplation of a Grand Jury indictment might cause the accused to flee and avoid prosecution.
“Judge Glanton told Wilson he is the first person he has ever released on his own recognizance on a murder charge. The witnesses for Wilson said he had a good record in the community and had never been in trouble before. He is accused in the shooting of Harold Holt, 25, of 1040 Sixteenth St., in a gun fight in front of 1138 Tenth St. early New Year’s Day. Wilson was shot in the knee and the leg in the dispute.
“Holt, who suffered wounds in the liver, diaphragm and lung died Jan. 17. Dr. Leo Luka, Polk County medical examiner, testified that Holt died of complications from “perforatory wound” in a lung.
“Another man, Herman Mure 21, of 815 Crocker St., was charged with assault with intent to murder in connection with the same incident, but Judge Glanton dismissed that charge after a hearing Jan. 21.
“Judge Glanton recommended that the county attorney wait for disposition of the murder case against Wilson and then present facts in the Mure case to the Polk County Grand Jury.”
I can’t seem to find an article about Wilson’s charges, but will keep looking.
On June 9, 2012, the “post independent” of Colorado reported:
“Assault: Deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 3200 mile of County Road 114 near Glenwood Springs at 5:30 p.m. on May 28. Angela Sharee Ockerhausen-Moore, 49, of Glenwood Springs was cited for assault and obstruction of telephone service. Michael Syperda, 47, of Glenwood Springs was cited for assault. Both were booked into the county jail.”
I wonder if it is the same person.
It is
I visited the house and listened to the stories by the person giving the tour I really think the reverend did it how would he know this type of info if no one new about it that time no one knew the neighbour called the brother so it was told. but it broke my heart to hear that innocent lives were taken…. I heard he was a real pervert and they way he treat his female employees
Likely drinking, and wandering in an unfamiliar town, Kelly was confused. Deprived of sleep, accused of things he couldn’t remember… Luckily he had JTStillinger by his side for the next five years, to keep his facts straight. Odd that the father of the two murdered girls from down the road was SO committed to justice that he helped the only accused man. I believe Mr Stillinger KNEW Kelly was innocent, because he also knew who (all) was responsible for the ritual that took place.
I agree to the point it must have been trusted friend(s) or neighbor(s), possibly even the stillingers themselves. Ritualistic with misleading deaths to confuse the investigation. Only person who was not found in the bed, was noted to have defensive wounds and was in such an exposed state was the one stillinger girl. This may have been some form of ritualistic sacrifice staged at the entire communities expense simply to throw off the scent of the actual perpetrators. Maybe even a first time event they felt the need to complete but orchestrated through careful planning and very frightening lengths. I mean who blacks out the power of a whole town, gives permission for their kids to have a sleepover during said blackout, and then carries out the most vicious form of human sacrifice of multiple victims in such a methodical approach then simply walks away without any guilt or even blinking an eye. Demons and eery things aside I have a gut instinct this event was a once in a lifetime unrepeatable occurrence. No facts to prove it except for the ones I would connect from the very depraved experiences I myself have witnessed firsthand. Anything is possible even among the ones you love the most.
Me too. I wish I could help. I’m trying to justice for my son that he was shot and killed August 18th 2012
Glad to see Cold Cases back on FB.
Jamie Gifford, I’m not sure why the page didn’t open for you. Contact info is the Cedar Rapids Police Department at 319-286-5478, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-CR-CRIME.
There’s a small group of individuals in Osceola who know what happened, and the DCI is well aware of those names and the roles they played in Cecil’s life. Most likely, it’s going to come down to one of them making a plea deal in exchange for telling DCI officials what they know. Those who know what happened and choose to remain silent need to familiarize themselves with Iowa Code 703, which concerns “Parties to Crime” and includes Aiding and Abetting as well as Accessory After the Fact.
ok ty
is there another page to view this? and is there a contact number in case someone has info? I cant upload this!
I really don’t know how to feel after reading this….I am so grateful for Jody and everyone @ ICC and DCI! Cecil would have been forgoten if it wasn’t for all of you working with me to solve his case. I know he would be forever grateful as well. I do hope the time comes soon when someone can be a good human being and give ANY information they know so my family, friends and I can have peace and final closure. Thank you all for keeping him in your hearts and thoughts. Jody Ewing, I love you and could not have gotten this far without you!
I lived in Boone, Iowa my entire life and only heard about this murder after I moved away to England! Had no idea this had taken place.
As I mentioned once before there isn’t much evidence or at least enough to arise any reasonable suspicion . We are still awaiting an answer and for justice to be served , a reward still remains. Many of our family members are still awaiting a call an email a knock at the door letting us know an arrest has been made and someone came forward. Until then the legacy lives on. May he rest in peace.
Not a day has gone by since that I have not thought of him.
I pray that this is the year that someone will be held accountable for Terry’s death. I did not know him personally, but I did grow up in Maxwell and have heard rumors for years. People are still alive that have the answers!
Can you say what the rumors were?
When will more information be released, regarding this case?
He did serve time in prison. Also, in early 2001 he appeared in court on a conspiracy to commit theft felony charge. It stemmed from a 1997 case, but evidently because he was in prison it wasn’t addressed in 1997. Also, Anne Marie was charged at the same time with conspiracy to commit theft.
They were married; she is listed various places online as Anne Marie Howser, including on the Iowa courts website.
My next door neighbor and another local criminal were caught about 5 weeks ago by a Bartholomew County, Indiana deputy stealing copper from a farmer’s irrigation system. They were held 48 hours and released. They have not been charged. And the …………..goes on.
There are a few good photos of Matice in the Cedar Rapids Gazette, for instance on June 6, 1954, February 4, 1955, March 22, 1957. June 4, 1959,
Maybe if anyone knows who the intended victim was in 1989 in Indianola they can be shown the photos (available on access newspaper archive) just to rule this guy out, if nothing else.
The March 22, 1957 Cedar Rapids Gazette article (which has a really good and clear photo of Roger with his dark hair) says:
“Roger Saving Money and Buying Things He Wants
“Why does Roger Malice, 15- year-old Franklin high school sophomore, like his Gazette route? “Oh, it’s not a difficult route, and the customers are real nice.” That’s Roger’s answer. Roger has been taking The Gazette to 73 subscribers every day for 25 months. His route lies along the north side of Washington avenue SE from Fifteenth to Twentieth streets.
“Equipment for his ham radio set, photography outfit and hi-fi set have taken a big share of Roger’s carrier income. On top of that, he’s saving some money.
“Roger is the son of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Matice, 2035 Park avenue SE.”
They should have never given his newspaper route.
Why not? The article pertains to Roger Dean Matice, a paperboy in the article, who later went on to allegedly abuse a 12YO paperboy when he, Roger, grew up to be an adult, and who then went on to do time in the federal pen for child porn.
OK, I’ll say the guy’s name, and copy the article from 1966.
“C.R. Man Arraigned On Lewdness Charge
“Roger Matice, 24, of 363 Eastland drive, waived preliminary hearing and was bound over to the grand jury when he was arraigned in municipal court Monday on a charge of lewdness.
“Matice, who was arrested Monday, was accused in connection with an alleged incident at his home last Friday. Complainant in the case is a 12-year-old newspaper carrier boy who went to Matice’s home to collect on his route.
“Matice is free on his own recognizance.”
The court records in the pending Texas child porn case gives Matice’s DOB as 11/17/1941 and his height of 5’8″. He likely isn’t the guy in Indianola, whose height the victim estimated as 6’2″, but one never knows.
It would be interesting to learn what ever happened to the torn shirt in Indianola from 1989.
A friend of mine had a similar incident occur on the northwest? Side of des Moines. I think it was 1986, he was a paper boy and the man grabbed him and he was able to get good arms out of his shirt to get away.
Every abduction occurred on a weekend. Marc Allen disappeared on a Saturday evening. Johnny Gosch and Eugene Martin disappeared on Sunday mornings.
And then early Saturday morning, July 15, 1989, a newspaper carrier in Indianola was almost kidnapped. The article read:
“INDIANOLA (AP) — State investigators have joined the probe into the weekend assault of a Indianola newspaper carrier because they believe there may be
a link with the disappearances of two other carriers.
“Eugene Meyer, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), said there are similarities in the weekend attack on an 11-year-old boy, the 1982 disappearance of Johnny Gosch of West Des Moines and the 1984 apparent abduction of Eugene Martin of Des Moines.
“”All three boys delivered the Des Moines Register newspaper. “There are obviously things here that we want to explore,” Meyer said. He said Indianola police requested help from the DCI. Authorities said the Indianola boy was approached early Saturday
by a man who threatened to stab him if the youngster didn’t get in his car. Police said the carrier ripped out of his shirt, which the man had grabbed, and ran to a nearby home for help.
“The assailant was described as white, about 6 feet 2 inches tall, 40 to 45 years old, slightly stooped with dark hair flecked with gray. The car he was driving was white with a dark vinyl top. Two other Register carriers were chased last year by men who
have never been identified.
“Investigators have uncovered no information about what happened to Gosch and Martin.”
Either late last year or early this year, after reading that article, I contacted the Iowa DPI to see if they still had the ripped shirt, from which, in this day and age, one could obtain touch DNA. There was no response from the state. The Indianola police chief stated that the shirt was not in Indianola’s evidence.
Also, I found an article from 1966 in the Cedar Rapids Gazette in which a 24YO man (initials being RDM) had been arrested for sexually assaulting a 12YO paper boy. I then found an older newspaper article where there was a photo of this guy, and he had dark hair. This intriqued me, so I googled RDM’s name and lo and behold he had recently been busted for child porn in Texas. The Texas authorities didn’t even know about this old 1966 incident, so I forwarded it on to them. In my way of thinking, there is no way that this guy could have offended in 1966, and then again in 2012, but have done nothing against kids in the 46 years between the two known events.
But I also forwarded the information (regarding the 1966 offense that I read about in the newspaper) to the Iowa DPS months ago and thus far have heard nothing back. One would think that they could at least track down the kid who was almost abducted in 1989 in Indianola and show him a photo array that would include this guy’s current photo, his old newspaper photo, and perhaps drivers license photo from 1989.
Does anyone in this case remember a person that wore a purple vest (or blue) with a long sleeve white shirt with ruffles and dark unruly long hair.
Land of the free and home of the brave. With as smart as Americans are, you’d think they found a better way to pick a jury of your peers, instead of a group of idiots calling themselves jurors. what kind of world do we live in when a proven killer gets off scott free? Oh yeah, that helps me sleep at night while caring for a small child. If that guy kills again, I think the jury should be on trail right along with him; because they sent a known killer back out on the streets. to the jury, your judgement day will come and how can you even sleep at night with the choices you made?
Yes, these have to be connected, not coincidence…I find it interesting that it seems to be every 2 years. I don’t think the Police are incompetent, more like covering something up, especially if you look at the Johnny Gosch case…something dark and sinister for sure…resemblance of the Franklin Scandal.
If your mother were alive you could tell her it was Tim M. and K.G. that beat, raped, stabbed and burnt her friend. An x-wife has verified this and some antiques were actually recovered. Ask the local pros. if she wants to comment on these names. Mamie is not the only murder these two are involved with. State and local authorities are fully aware of the info. Keep pushing for action.
Smh what would possess anyone to rape an old woman no offense but that’s the most disgusting thing I can think of in my mind sexually what gratification could you get from a wrinkly old lady unless your minds that warped
Wow Jody! Had no idea Earl was your dad. Condolences. What a sad reason for such a great website doing great things, a wonderful memorial.
Thank you so much for your kind words about both my stepdad and the website! Day after tomorrow (May 9) would have been his birthday, and we all still miss him so very much. When I think of him, I remember how he always leaned his head back and just slightly to the side whenever he laughed. (Which he did often.) I miss that. Thank you again!
This is no serial killing, and there has been no missing womens cases of this type
since crystals dissapearance.The person, or persons invovled most likley new here
and were in the bar that night. Need to question these people again.
I’m the jackson St. Spy, forinfo on the case email me @ tylerc627@gmail.com
I THINK THAT THE CLUES THAT THE MURDERER LEFT,ARE IMPORTANT.tHE PIECE OF BACON,THE COVERED MIRROR,THE GIRL EXPOSED.mAKE ME THINK OF A SORT OF A RITUAL,OR,WHO KNOWS…A PIECE OF BACON,THERE IS A SPECIFIC MEANING TO ALL OF THESE.iT’S A TERRIFYING STORY,HAUNTING…
I agree with you Delia. Although i have just discovered this there is no such thing as a perfect murder. I also believe that the had interviewed the murderer at least once.
Actually there is more significance to the fact there were two slabs of bacon…. one that Mrs Moore put in the icebox BEFORE the kid’s church program, and the one someone used as an excuse to ‘deliver’ bacon to the Moore’s later that evening… placing someone else in the house after dark…the cloth wrapping was one overlooked clue.
I’ve asked Andrea to reconsider her request to have her comments deleted, because even though she asked some tough questions, they are still important questions that needed asking. And though I’ve since found a photo for Aaron (courtesy of the NamUs website), her question about a photo cannot be emphasized enough.
Right now, as of April 29, 2013, there are 341 individuals listed as “missing” on the Iowa Dept. of Public Safety’s Missing Person Information Clearinghouse website. Of those 341, only 71 have photos — roughly 20% of all reported missing persons — simply because the respective law enforcement agencies have not been provided photos they can pass along to the dedicated workers at the MPIC.
When a loved one goes missing, his or her general welfare is such a concern that many family members don’t think to bring along a photo when filing a missing persons report. That is quite understandable. Still, photos “can” be provided to LE officials after reports are already filed, and those agencies in turn will pass along the photo to the MPIC where it’s added almost immediately. (They add and delete cases and make updates on a daily basis as the info is provided to them.)
Whether it’s a missing son, daughter, brother, sister, or whomever, photos (the more recent, the better) of missing persons are critical to any case. How does one “spot” a reported missing person if one doesn’t know what he/she looks like? (That is, outside the community where the MP might be known and recognized.)
Photos may be provided to LE or the MPIC by anyone; you needn’t be the one who filed the missing persons report. If you know of a classmate or co-worker or anyone else who’s gone missing and happen to have a photo, please make it available to your local police department/sheriff’s office. Whether you deliver it in person or scan and send via e-mail, it could make a huge difference in a case and perhaps even save someone’s life.
Here at Iowa Cold Cases, we’ve got some case summaries where the victim’s photo is “really” bad — meaning it’s likely an old black and white scanned from archived newspaper articles. But, we believe any photo is better than no photo at all. (And if you have a better image than what we’re using, please feel free to send us the cleaner/sharper image, and we’ll make sure you get credit for providing it to us.)
As always, we thank our readers for taking time to comment on this case, and ask that comments remain civil and focused on the case(s) law enforcement officials are still trying to solve.
Andrea, you are just now worrying about offending the family a year and a half after you first posted? Maybe you should think of things like that before you fire off multiple entries.
Hi there,
Could you please delete my above postings? I don’t want to offend the family . Thanks.
OK. Is the semen still available? Then it can be tested for Y-STRs. If one looks at ysearch.org, one can learn how the last name of almost any north american caucasian perp can be ascertained by testing of the 64 STR markers on the Y chromosome. This is how I was personally able to prove that my biological first cousin was, in fact, descended from my late uncle (thanks to a male third cousin graciously donating his DNA to prove a common male ancestor).
There is no excuse whatsoever in this day and age for law enforcement to continue to ignore this tremendous asset to society.
If Iowa Cold Cases wants to contact me, I am personally willing to put up $1,000 toward testing the DNA on the victim, for Y-STR testing, provided that #1 I get to choose the laboratory, #2, I get to choose the points tested for, and #3 I am personally provided with the STR values so that I can run my own database searches since I don’t trust LE to do it properly.
I personally ran comparison values between my two cousins, so I am hardly talking out of my arse here.
Andreas,
Thank you for your comments! I appreciate your time and interest in Maureen’s case. Since I have no experience in this area I looked up a company online (KKNFA) who does have experience in that area and contacted them about your claims. This was their response to your comments. The comment is only partly true; mostly false. The testing we do is for living people, not old DNA from a crime scene. There is no chain of custody for our genetic genealogy testing, so the test results have no legal standing. The results in Ysearch are developed from genealogical driven STR’s not CODIS markers, so you can’t identify specific individuals via a Ysearch match. I could go on, but I don’t think you need to concern yourself with the testing described.
Forensic specialists (with a police department, not genealogists) need to test crime scene evidence containing DNA, if available, and the results compared against the CODIS database maintained by the FBI. No effort should be spent using genetic genealogy testing. By the way, genetic genealogy testing of STRs can be obtained for under $200 and as little as $49; no where near $1,000, but it’s of no use for a police investigation.
The number one person who should be questioned regarding Aaron is our father, Randall Pate. His statement would answer a lot of questions.
Ian, are your parents still living? Keota shows an address for your mother. I live near the area and would consider brainstorming with others the disappearance of your brother.
Here is a website on Facebook dedicated to Maureen: https://www.facebook.com/#!/RememberingMaureenBrubakerFarley
Cora, unsolved murders do matter to the people of Iowa. I being one of them. However, the majority of us do not have the training, special rights, money, or protection (among other things) to investigate a stolen bologna sandwich let alone a murder. I don’t care if the person murdered was a prostitute or some hollywood celebrity in Iowa for the weekend. Every case should be investigated as strongly as if it were a family member. Many famous cases remain unsolved even though they were investigated and reinvestigated time and time again. It happens. The lack of funds for DNA testing in Iowa and the United States concerns me greatly. Especially when we seem to have the money to throw away giving oil rich countries like Egypt hundreds’s of millions in free military equipment. That’s just one example of money wasted that could help solve crimes or at least attempt to by paying for DNA tests. There are thousands of rape cases and murder cases sitting on shelves year after year where DNA could make the difference but the money is not there to pay for the tests. Lastly I’ll say knowing something and proving it are completely different animals. Especially legally.
Yes…..to get inside they had to use the door handle. There should have been prints unless there were gloves used. Were the shots heard or was there a silencer.
Im Shannons first child and I never got to meet my grandfather, its nice to finally know what happened to him
Kyle, Your Grandpa John would have loved you so much, and he would be so proud of you! I Love You!!
i just read this i feel so sad, and yet so angry, the man got away with killing this precious gift from GOD. GODS rath on this man will be unspeakable. RIP
Honestly I believe someone knows something and I think there is some cover ups going on
Mamie was my mothers best friend….they roomed together in college and were in the same high school class in Roland. My mother died not knowing who killed her. This needs to be solved. Twice the county sheriff came to talk to my mother about Mamie….2 different people. Nothing got done.
thoughts and prayers
I have a brother who was friends with Ron, I always thought he was such a sweat nice all around good guy. He was always so kind to me. I prey that the evil people who took such a good man away are in ever lasting HELL!!!!!!!! This should be looked into again and with Gods help Ron’s case will be solved.
I sure hope the kids didn’t end up living with their dad. They likely had been victims of severe beatings.
To my knowledge, the children did end up with their father, Lee Andre. I don’t believe his children had much time for him as adults. I know he had a strained relationship with his son, though I believe he tried to do what he could for his father in later years and before Lee’s death. Such a sad example of a child’s ability to have sympathy for a parent.
To my knowledge, some of the children ended up with severe intellectual disabilities. I know for sure that Crystal did because my parents ended up taking care of her in their home for 7 1/2 years. Crystal passed away just this last week.
I had always been told that their father was very abusive.
Joel, I had heard the same thing, though I could never confirm it. Having witnessed Lee’s extremely hot temper, I have no doubt that he was an abusive parent.
it is rare a murderer feels guilt
These all make me sad and think about the victims and their families as well as those who have kept quiet for so long…knowing that some have taken their guilt to the grave as well…:(
That said it is hard to feel much sympathy for someone who joins a group of murderous neo-nazis and ends up getting burned by them
The Minutemen weren’t Neo Nazis. They were anti communist, anti government, whackos. Your use of the term Nazi here is incorrect, much like most uses of it in today’s climate. There is no evidence that Alice was anything other than a good person who was victimized and coerced into participation with this group. Your lack of empathy says a great deal more about you than it does about Alice and her children.
It’s too bad someone’s guilty mind hasn’t given up the people responsible for her death.
Somewhere, somebody knows something about this. Somebody saw the whole thing, even if it was dark outside. Somebody heard the argument and the gunshot. Then there is the person who did it and their friends who know about the whole thing. They all have to live with themselves for the rest of their life. Justice will be served, in this life or the next.
Karma will be a bitch then Ruth! R.I.P John, We Love and Miss You!
In refernce to the south side airport.did we have interns drs and hospital and or pharmacology students
or morges.training.cadavers.10 mile radius.cabdrivers.police.involved in needing.such.
My uncle David was Maureen’s husband. Here is what I know about the case though my investigation. They hung with a shady crowd and a lot of those individuals use come from Sioux City to visit her. But there was there were also individuals in the Cedar Rapids area of concern. I heard the owner of the restaurant was infatuated with Maureen and did not corporate with the police. The police also recover semen from Maureen and there were no matches in the national data base. The police also question one of my other uncles and his wife. The also took DNA from him, which was not a match.
I also have some confusing issues with the police department in Sioux City and Cedar Rapids.
1. In Cedar Rapids there was an officer that was found guilty of planting evidence against his superior officer and this was one of the cases.
2. In the mid 80’s my uncle David received a call from the Sioux City police department saying that Maureen’s purse was turned into the police department. My uncle went down there to see it. The told him it was evidence in the case and he could not see it. They no longer have the purse or any record of it.
3. In this article it states that all the shoes that were missing. Who did they get there info from? All of her family and friends were in Sioux City. She lived in a city where she knew no one or very few people. If there was someone in Cedar Rapids that knew all the shoes missing that is a concern for me. If something happened to my wife I could not tell you every shoe that was missing.
4. Maureen wrote my uncle 3 or 4 letters a day. There came a point when the prison told her that she could only write one a day. My uncle saved all the letters. He gave them to the Cedar Rapids police department. They know nothing of them and can no longer be located.
5. This is not a problem but the lead detective on this case also told me that they have evidence that there may have been more than one person involved.
I am not sure what happened to Maureen. Personally I think it was someone who knew her, if it was her boss or one of her shady friends from Sioux City. Whoever is responsible I would like to see them pay for their crime. On a personal note my uncle David turned his life around after that. For a long time he ran a nonprofit boxing gym. He helped keep a lot of youth out of trouble and off the streets, including myself. I was only the second person in my family to graduate from college and boxed one opening matches on a PPV.
To JAB and everyone else commenting on this cold case…Thank you for your comments and continuing to visit and think about Patricia. If you have information, no matter how big or small, that you wish to share but you’re uneasy about contacting law enforcement, you may contact us and even remain anonymous. Until the person or persons, man or woman, is/are brought to justice for the sexual assault and murder of young Patricia Veach, this will remain an unsolved homicide. She would be 53 years old this year.
We want everyone to post comments and when you do please remember that the family members and friends of the victim are reading what you write. Iowa Cold Cases honors Patricia’s life – the spirit and happiness she brought to everyone who knew her and we continue to offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. Thanks again, everyone ~Kerry at Iowa Cold Cases
I was only nine at the time and this murder still bothers me to this day. I collaborate the story posted by Marie Derrey. As a little girl I remember my aunt saying she found bloody clothes in her basement, my aunt being married to Patricia’s uncle. This is the first I have seen her picture and what a beautiful little girl she was. So sad the killer has never been brought to justice and closure provided to her family.
Amber we love and miss u ur cousin ty. Rest in peace
Thank you for your comment, Michael, and please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. I’m so sorry you never got the chance to get to know him while growing up.
I did want to double-check with you to see if what you found insulting was the case summary written about your dad, or whether you were referring to the comment just above yours. I wasn’t sure exactly what Rick meant, particularly since the case summary clarifies that your father was killed.
If there’s any other information (or photos) you’d like included on your dad’s main page — it’s at https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/melvin-gallagher/ — please feel free to send it along to me at: jody at iowacoldcases.org. Thank you again for your comment.
Jody
Just read this horrible crime.also just joined the site,Im Michael D Rogers,and my bio father was also murdered in 1959,cold case,Melvin J Gallagher.Hope you find closure to your story.
I’m sorry for your loss!
I’ve heard some stories about this case….and you just never know…I wonder if they have done a DNA on a certain person and if they publish the suspects names?
They re examined Lisa Peak in 2010 but since it has not led to an arrest the information is still closed.
I think that the shoe store thing could be a huge lead. Possibly the owner was friends with that car salesman. If you look at a map of all 3 girls last location they are extremely close. “Picking up a pair of shoes” could refer to the same place Benning was because Waverly did no really have another shoe place at the time. All 3 locations were right off 4th in downtown.
And what kind of car was prowling….did they get a license plate?
Some think that Valerie was picked up on a motorcycle. I can not imagine to many motorcycles were in Waverly at that time. Also if it was a motorcycle she had to willingly go all the way out to the old road right off 260th, because that is where she was killed exactly.
I would like to know what the anonymous letter said that the police received on March 27th 1976…..
I would almost think that the third was not by the same person. The first two were almost identical but the last was different. I wonder if that car salesman had anything to do with the first two then the last was a copy cat that had been threatening Lisa Peak.
Does anybody know the color or type of vehicle reported prowling? After reading these I would guess a Waverly resident, male, between 16 and 50, possible previous offender and finally most likely not married ( A wife would notice a missing husband at night.) . All the girls last seen locations were very near each other. The first was dumped off a very remote bridge, the roads were not even marked at the time of the event taking place he must have known the area very well. I would love to see a 1970 Waverly census showing more than just the 7,200 residents I would like to see move in dates, marital status,age and any previous convictions. That car could narrow it down even more. Also would like to see if the DNA evidence came up with anything in 2010. Thanks
You raise some excellent questions, Robert.
“3 miles west of Denver and 10 miles southeast of Waverly” puts her body in Blackhawk county. There is a mistake there, but newspapers have published the error for 50 years. You say “the roads were not even marked at the time” – true – gravel roads didn’t get named until almost the 21st Century. I wonder if the case file includes information from “a 1970 Waverly census showing move in dates, marital status,age and any previous convictions.” Whoever killed Valerie, Julie, and Lisa may well be alive and walking free today. Quite likely some neighbor, friend, citizen, fellow shopper at the local Fareway, or someone in authority, a trusted public figure. A college student? I don’t think so. I smell a much older rat than that. And many rats, not just one.
This was my grandmothers niece. It is so sad and am so disappointed that such a tragedy was left unanswered. May God have Alta in a special place by his side. My thoughts and prayers for her are often.
I’m very sorry! This h is heart breaking!
He will self and before God one day!
:(
If you knew Lee G. Rotatori (nee Gunsalus), your help is much needed and would be greatly appreciated.
Lee was born in North Dakota, lived for a time in Minnesota, and in the 1970s, lived in Winnebago County, Illinois and Wisconsin (Dane and Jefferson counties.) In the 1970s, Lee was regional dietitian for Unicare, a Milwaukee-based company that owned health care facilities in Wisconsin and a number of other states. Her work frequently took her throughout Southern Wisconsin in the 1970s.
In the early 1980s, she worked in Michigan and may have lived in or near the Nunica, Michigan area. Closer to the date of her death, she lived in Des Moines, Iowa, and when Lee was killed, she was staying at a motel in Cedar Bluffs, Iowa.
Lee Rotatori was intelligent, articulate, and enthusiastic. She was a helpful mentor and a dedicated and promising professional who lost her life way too young.
We never know what information that might not seem important could lead to key evidence in an unsolved murder. Even something that seems totally trivial could prove to be what helps the police connect the dots and solve the puzzle.
Please contact Crime Stoppers Anonymous (712-328-7867), or Detective Steve Andrews with Council Bluffs Police Department at 712-326-2511 and talk with them about Lee. Wouldn’t you want the same done if Lee had been your sister, daughter, or mother? Thank you for your help.
That video just breaks my heart. Cold cases always bother me the worst because there is so little chance of getting answers; these loved ones are basically in limbo, not able to move on because there is no justice for their loved one or answers to all the “Why” questions we all have. I hope they do get their answers someday and that Maureen can find some peace.
so sad :(
i dont know if related or not but i do remember them coming up missing, i didnt know either of them but to this day it haunts me! i feel so sorry for the family to have to go through what they are going through. how can two boys just vanish into the night never be seen or found?
This son of a bitch raped me in high school. I can only imagine, and hope he died an excrutiating death-or better yet, that he is being tortured presently for the evil he did to me.
This is a strong allegation. I know Kevin and your name is not familiar.
Why does someone wait ten years to cry rape? He had tons of girl friends, no need for rape. Be careful what you say about others, what goes around, comes around. Nasty little bitch!!!
Sounds like you knew this person well. What information can you provide to aid this cause?
Tell us a little more about yourself, Heidi. Where and when did this so-called rape take place? Your claim is almost laughable if you know him. Please share more of this evil inflicted upon you.
If the Jackson county sheriff still has his phone maybe you could contact Brandon Beck. He is the technology guru at the sheriff’s office.
I know Heidi’s comment was from 2013, but shouldn’t it be taken down due to what the “Comment Policy” says?? If this was said about my family member who is currently missing, I’d be pretty upset always having to read that!
The comment was made on the exact day of the anniversary of his disappearance under suspicious circumstances. I believe the comment should be investigated. There is no doubt to family that he is deceased due to foul play.
Thanks to *all* of you for your comments and your dedication to trying to help solve Maureen’s murder. She was indeed a very special young woman who left behind a great many family members and friends who loved her deeply and still await answers. Questions are always a good thing. Investigators try to explore every possible angle or scenario, and each one begins with a question.
Thank you, too (to everyone), for keeping the discussion here civil. Kim has provided some thoughtful insights, and I also appreciate Kevin’s comments as to what he remembers. Sometimes, even years later, one little detail can make a whole lot of difference. It’s all helpful to law enforcement officials who are still working to help solve this case.
I’ve updated the “Information Needed” section in Maureen’s summary and provided names (and contact info) for the two individuals who now head up the Cedar Rapids Police Dept.’s ‘Cold Case Unit.’ Jeff Mellgren retired as a Captain with the CRPD, and J.D. Smith is a former Special Agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The two may have “retired” from their previous positions, but they’ve never given up on trying to solve many of these crimes. Both now work exclusively on unsolved homicides. They may be reached by calling (319) 286-2645, or you may e-mail them with anything you feel might be relevant in Maureen’s case.
Email Capt. Mellgren at: j.mellgren@cedar-rapids.org
Email SA J.D. Smith at: J.Smith2@cedar-rapids.org
They’re looking for answers to questions, too. They read every e-mail, and chances are good you’ll hear back from one of them.
Thanks again to all!
Jody
Also Kevin, if you go back and re-read through your previous statements, along with the facts mentioned in the case profile written by Jody Ewing, the ICC founder, there’s a lot of inconsistencies. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to discredit you or badger you, but this does raise questions in my mind.
For instance, Jody’s summary states that Maureen was not wearing shoes and her clothing was not torn, just disarrayed. On 2/18/2012, you state that when you found Maureen, her clothing was torn. On 3/4/2012, you state she had white work shoes or tennis shoes on when found, reiterating that statement on 2/23/2013 that she would’ve had white work shoes on, as disco didn’t come in until a year later (stating this to someone who asked what kind of shoes she had missing). On 7/10/2012, you state that it was Danny who went down into the ravine and came back up and said she had shoes on, not you, that you had stayed up at the top of the road. So who actually noticed if she was wearing shoes, you or Danny, and if you had stayed up on the roadway, how could you tell her clothing was torn? According to Jody’s summary, the abandoned car Maureen was found on wasn’t visible from the roadway due to the heavy foilage.
In reference to the red car, on 4/19/2012 is the first mention you make of it, saying it drove up, passed you, stopped a moment, then took off. You also say on 7/10/2012 that it drove past you and Danny very slowly, the driver had red hair, and it stopped about 50 feet from you boys, watched you for a moment, then took off. On 2/25/2013, you say the car was actually parked on the roadway and when you and Danny walked towards it, it took off. Then also on 2/25/2013, you state the car drove past you, stopped 100 feet away, the driver looked at you two, then when you approached, he took off. There’s a big difference between a car being parked on a road and a car driving past, there’s also a difference between 50 feet distance and 100 feet distance.
On 2/25/2013, you also state that you heard the red car had been spotted in the restaurant parking lot or out on the avenue in front of the restaurant a couple of weeks before Maureen’s death. Was this actual fact or heresay? In the newspaper articles I’ve found about the case, there’s no mention of a red car being involved/being seen in the vicinity of the restaurant and surely the cops would publicize that information in hopes that someone would recognize the car and call. On March 3 and 4 of 2012, you say that when you found her body, the police told you that she had last been seen with a trucker. I find it hard to believe that police would reveal to a teenage boy at a crime scene that the victim had been seen with a trucker, that’s usually information they’d keep close to the vest.
You keep stating you were shaken up, which I imagine you were, but usually when we’ve gone through a traumatic and frightening situation like that, our recall of the event is often a fragmented jumble. I’ve been through scary situations myself, including some when I was about the age you were when you found Maureen, and in the 30+ years since those incidents, I cannot recall with any great clarity the exact details of the situation, minute by minute, all I can recall is fragments of what I experienced. Again, I’m not in any way trying to discredit you or diminish what you went through, I’m just questioning the inconsistencies in the many statements you’ve made on the site. And I’ll hush up now, I’m sure people are getting sick of hearing me babble on.
Nope, you just wrote exactly what I was thinking. I am wondering if this is really Kevin, or just someone pretending to be him. This is the internet, folks, we don’t really know who is behind the keyboard.
So why assume that Danny or Danny’s mom told the police about the red car, why not tell them yourself, just to make sure they have the information? Plus, how did you hear about the red car supposedly being spotted in the parking lot of the restaurant or on the avenue outside the restaurant in the weeks before Maureen’s death? Was it a fact in the case that was public knowledge or was it just a rumor?
I honestly can’t help but wonder how important you really think this information about the car is to the case if you’ve backpedaled and are now saying that it’s possible they were already told about it by Danny or Danny’s mom, it seems as if you’re trying to kind of deflect or duck away from your comments for some reason. If you think it’s a major key to this case, then man up and tell the cops about it, I’ve given you the anonymous tipline. I can understand if you’re worried about retribution, but heck, you’ve already pretty much revealed everything you know about the case on this site, plus the newspaper articles surrounding this case can be found online, so you’re not exactly anonymous anymore. And besides, think of how you’d feel if this were your loved one that had been so brutally murdered and someone was sitting on information that potentially could crack the case, wouldn’t you want that person to do the right thing and tell the cops what they know? And wouldn’t you be upset if they kept repeating on a site featuring the case that they’ve never told this information to the police?
i thak danny fowler did along with his mother all i heard after that is that same same car was on 1ave about the time the girl was working as other have seen it in parking lot of resturant where she was working at 2 weeks befor
Kevin, why don’t you want to call the police to be sure?
just the way the guy acted thank he was going to wortington arces
Thanks, Josie. Normally I don’t say much on here, but after reading the claim that Gerard Schaefer was possibly Maureen’s killer, I had to speak up. I should add that in regards to Schaefer, if the original claimant reads the Wikipedia article they linked to, they’d see that Schaefer’s MO was no match to this case. He bound, raped, and tortured his victims, and the police say the only trauma to Maureen’s body was the head injury. Plus, the article states that Schaefer was actually going through the police academy in Florida at the time of this crime, so it’s doubtful he’d leave Florida, come to Iowa to commit a murder, then go back to Florida, all while training to be a police officer.
And Kevin, as far as the red car, I’m not saying it wasn’t involved, but I do think that other more likely possibilities need to be considered. I’ve lived in the CR/Marion metro area all my life and I know that area along the roller dam is a haven for illegal activities, so it’s possible that the car was a drug dealer or user waiting for a connection, or someone engaged in some other illicit activity, or it might’ve even just been a regular old car that was passing by. You say it drove past you and Danny and stopped about 100 yards down the road, then it took off when the two of you approached it, and it’s highly possible that it was someone driving through the area that saw the two of you with the rifles, stopped to see what you were doing, then when you approached, they took off because they were afraid you were going to harm them. I know if two boys carrying guns approached my car, I wouldn’t hang around to see what they wanted, I’d get the heck out of there.
Plus, if you really do think this car was somehow involved in Maureen’s case, then why haven’t you gone to the police with this information? You say you kept quiet about it when you were kids, but you’re an adult now, so shouldn’t you do the right thing and go to the police with what you know? Who knows, maybe the information you’ve been sitting on for 42 years might be the one piece of the puzzle the police need to solve this, so please, I urge you to do the right thing and contact the PD. You can do it anonymously over the Crimestoppers tipline at 1-800-272-7462.
There was only one guy in the red car that i and danny saw as he drove pased us and stop just about 100 feet from us and when we started to walk his way he took off i thank it was the guy comming back to see if he could find some thing or take some thing we never told the cops as we were kids and scared
Correction-IN a long string of ridiculous posts.
Kim, you are the voice of reason is a long string of ridiculous posts.
I don’t think Gerard Schaefer had any connection whatsoever to this crime. If you actually read the articles in the links provided both on here and on Websleuths, Schaefer’s hunting grounds were limited to Florida, where he resided at the time of Maureen Farley’s murder. He was never thought to be anywhere in Iowa at all. The ONLY link he had to anything from Cedar Rapids was that police found in his Florida residence some articles belonging to two girls who were reported missing from this area. It does not say he took those girls from this area, the intimation from the newspaper article is that the girls were in Florida (likely as runaways) and that’s where Schaefer killed them.
As to the murderer returning to Maureen’s sleeping room after killing her in order to steal her shoes, I’d think that once her body had been found and the case went from a missing persons case to a homicide, the cops would’ve gone over her room for any kind of fingerprint evidence. Not saying that he might not have worn gloves, but still, the fact that there were no other similar homicides in this area in the years prior or after her death leads me to believe it was not the work of a serial killer or any kind of fetishist, it was someone that knew her. As far as the red car being involved, it very well might’ve been, but it also very well might’ve been some kids out there necking or someone setting up a drug deal, and they took off once they saw the two boys with guns because they didn’t want to get caught. Coincidence doesn’t always indicate involvement or participation in a crime, after all.
Kevin, I’m sure you did see it.
Think about posting on the Websleuths thread, somebody there might add more clues.
I’m starting to think a guy called Gerard John Schaefer may be connected to this crime. Have a read about him here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerard_John_Schaefer
I DO REMBER seeing a red car parked just up the road from us when we and dan saw the car we walked up towards it and it took off so we rain home over the rail rd bride off of c st sw in cedar rapids as we had out hunting rifles with us
Prior to her disappearance that night, someone heard her arguing with someone in her apartment, a man. Unknown who that was but I feel it was someone who knew her. I still keep hoping, we all do, that the killer(s) comes forward someday. Justice???? Probably not, but maybe answers.
In a number of these cases the abductor ( s ) are locals who go under the radar
in the investigation…they have families, good jobs, may serve on community boards..they have a sick, perverted side of them that family members may be aware of, but they play osterich, bury their heads in the sand and just don’t want to know..BTK guy was a Lutheran minister, coached Little League, had a family and was uncovered through DNA yrs after his initial crimes..
BTK was not a minister. He was an animal control officer, had a family and was active in his church. He was a publicity seeker who sent a computer disc to investigators…a disc from his church that had church information on it. That is what led authorities to him.
What an idiot
My amateur armchair detective theory on this case is actually different, I don’t think Maureen’s killer was a serial killer or a fetishist, I think it was someone who knew her, possibly a patron she’d waited on at Weida’s and who mistook her friendliness for interest in him (I say “him” because of the force of the blow inflicted on her, it’s doubtful a woman would have that kind of strength). He maybe ran into her the day she went missing and struck up a chat with her, and in finding out she was low on money, he acted as a good Samaritan and maybe offered to buy her lunch, which she innocently took him up on because she was acquainted with him. He used that opportunity to likely drive her out into the boonies and try to get her to have sex with him and when she refused, he tried to force her and she struggled. He picked something up that was in his vehicle and struck her with it, likely not with the intention of killing her, just with the intent to subdue her and get control over her, but she died instead. She was struck just once, there was no overkill or rage injuries, nor were there any defensive marks outside of her disheveled clothing, so I think he only planned to hit her to knock her out, not kill her. The cops are ambiguous as to whether she died immediately or survived for awhile after the blow was inflicted, but for the sake of my theory, I think she died right away and the killer panicked after he realized what he’d done, so he drove her to that spot and dumped her body from his car. He was someone familiar to that area of Cedar Rapids and that knew it was densely wooded and rather desolate, so he was actually probably counting on her body not being discovered for a long time. I don’t think the scene was staged in any way, I think it was just strange circumstance that her body rolled down that ravine and landed where it did and in the way it did on the trunk of the abandoned car.
As to the missing footwear, I do agree the fetish angle is interesting, but I question it. I’m not in any way trying to discredit anyone, but I’d be really cautious about relying on someone’s 42 year old memory as to whether or not she had shoes when found, then the shoes went missing in the timespan it took for the boys to notify the one kid’s mom. As traumatic as it would be to find someone’s body like that, time has a funny way of blurring one’s sharp recall of the event. And I also question the theory that the killer staked the body out and waited until it was found, then quickly rushed in and removed the shoes, as that relies on a lot of what-ifs and risks that most killers likely are not going to take. That’d mean the murderer would have to stake out the body 24/7 and wait for someone to discover it, and who knows, the killer might’ve waited for months or even years for someone to find her. He’d also have to be able to swoop in at a moment’s notice to retrieve the shoes, and if he was waiting outside, September in Iowa is still apt to be humid and hot, and given the proximity to the river and the dense foilage, the killer would’ve been eaten up by bugs if he stayed outside and waited for someone to come along and find her. And even as desolate as that area is, it’s pretty well patrolled by the cops and there’s a steady amount of passerby traffic, so definitely some unusual behavior would’ve been noticed. As far as the shoes missing from her room, there was no definite time she was last seen with those shoes, so it’s possible that she donated them to charity or let someone borrow them, or they got worn/damaged and she threw them away without telling anyone.
So I think her killer was someone she knew and that she innocently went with. He took that opportunity to try to force himself on her, she struggled, he struck her in order to subdue her and killed her instead, then panicked and dumped the body where it was found. I think the crime scene was contained to his vehicle and she wasn’t killed in a residence or other structure, nor was she held hostage in the time she was missing because there’s no mention of restraint marks on her, just that her clothing was disheveled, which it would be if she struggled for a few seconds before being struck. I don’t think she was wearing shoes when she was found, I think her shoes remained in his vehicle…maybe she’d taken them off when she got into his car or maybe they came off in the struggle, but I think they were never on her body to begin with. She was last seen on a Friday and reported missing the following Monday, so the killer had enough time to dispose of her shoes, purse, the murder weapon, plus clean out his car without anyone even knowing anything had happened. Of course, this theory is all supposition on my part and like I said, I’m just an armchair detective, but I wanted to share my take on the case.
If her other shoes were missing, presumably from her room, he had to be in her room. We would need to know the setup of the boarding house. Did she have a lock at her door? Was the house open to anyone? She was seen early in the day, but did not pick up her paycheck “late that day”. So, it happened between the time she got cigarettes and the time she would have picked up her paycheck (again, presuming she would do this promptly, as most of us would). We really need to know a lot more about the boarding house and how it operated.
I wonder if the killer was influenced by Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”1977.There’s another axe murder of Rose Burkert and Roger Atkison September 12,1980 this was the year the movie came out.
The web address for the WebSleuths post is :
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ia-maureen-brubaker-farley-17-cedar-rapids-sept-1971.199700/
My hope is that they find him. He was a good man, he just had a problem, like we all did. Believe it or not he contributed to my own sobriety. Eight years now. I wish I knew something to help. My prayers are that they will find him.
I have listed Maureen on Websleuths, she should get some attention there. Somebody may reconize the foot fettish angle and offer up some similar cases.
Have a look Kevin, you might be able to add something.
I’m sure you are correct Kevin. That would mean the murderer hung about while you ran for help and he decided to remove the shoes. Shoes remind him of what he did, even the fact you were horrified, he wants to re-live the moment, shoes help him to do that.
LE need to look at local men at the time who abused women, his partner/girlfriend/wife would know about his fettish.
That was why she was on the car boot, because he wanted somebody to find her and be shocked, he did it from pleasure and not consideration to Maureen. He ‘displayed’ her and a good profiler would know that.
Look for similar crimes where the victim was put on display and it will lead you to the man.
well i know what danny and i saw i was the one who found her
Just another point, maybe when Kevin and Dan found Maureen she was wearing shoes, while they went for help the perp could have gone back and taken them. Seems he likes to collect shoes to re live the crime. It’s worth thinking about.
I would look at men with shoe fettishes that have escalated their behaviour to maybe peeping/stalking women. Maureen could have been watched prior to being duped or kidnapped into going with this man. I would be curious to know if her room could be watched from a car park or verander.
It might be worth trawling through archive news sites for reports of this type of behaviour, LE might not have tied it together if it was a few years later . These guys don’t usually stop unless they are stopped. He will have offended before and after, it’s just about joining the dots. I would also check similar crimes in the states surrounding Iowa.
His wife (wife #2) was pregnant for only a month or two when Geraldine went missing. He was supposedly having an affair with the landlady of where they were living at the time.
I agree about how reliable the polygraphs were.
I would look at her ex-boyfriend again. Even his wife.
I agree , they both need to be looked at again!!!
I agree!!
The Police seemed to rely heavily on the polygraph results in those days. I don’t think polygraphs are that reliable.
Please Note: Malvern resident Charles Shamblen was found dead outside Malvern’s city limits in December 1936 and his murder fell under the jurisdiction of the Mills County Sheriff’s Office. A former Iowa Cold Cases volunteer added Mr. Shamblen’s case to this website, but on February 19, 2013, Mills County Sheriff Eugene Goos confirmed Mr. Shamblen’s case was not an unsolved homicide. Therefore, Charles Shamblen’s case summary information has been removed from this site.
While we understand loss and the historical interest/significance of each and every Iowa homicide, our website’s primary goal has always been — and remains — focused on providing case summaries for unsolved Iowa murders.
Jody Ewing
Iowa Cold Cases Administrator
I wonder if the cops took DNA samples.I’m guessing with all of them tatooo’s he had done time somewhere and theres a good chance that his DNA is on file.
I wonder if the killer was influenced by the movie “The Shining” 1980 Stephen King.
Oh come on now. Yeah it was “Scatman Crothers”.
I’m curious if there were any bodies of water near the routes he would have traveled…that seems more likely with the vehicle never having been located.
It is an interesting thought. He may have gone near the Missouri River and being a double amputee swerved to miss something and went in.. However, as time has gone by, it seems low water, dredging, fishing, etc would net something. Its still very possible that happened somewhere that just wouldn’t get activity.
Hi!
Did your dad have the place on E Grand, just down from Tasty Tacos and his sign on the top front of the building said “Opie Ain’t Mad at Nobody”??? This just came up today on the Lost Des Moines site on FB and my grandmom (who raised me) used to take me there. Either that or I’m just getting old and imagined it. There was a sewing machine store across the street.
Thanks a million,
Roni Price
I heard Richard had a false alibi. The police need to go back and talk to him. He has been arrested over the years for domestic abuse.
Latest one is at
https://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Florida/Lake-County-FL/Richard-Hugh-Maggert.7514953.html
Awesome work. Let’s hope he gets revisited!
i can’t imagine someone would even think about killing a person, let alone, two adults and children… and for that matter! someone they trusted!
connie you may be gone but you are not forgotten. we all miss you very much and one day we will find the people resonsible for this horrific crime. may you one day rest in peace
from a child hood friend and school mate
Daniel
My number one question is did the authorities check into possibly his roomate knowing more than what he is saying? It seems kind of wierd to me this whole case. I live about 45 miles(give or take a little) from Lake Mills so this case kind of caught my eye when I was going through all the missing people on this website.
In reading over this case I have several speculations. Was Brian drunk when he left the bar or was he ok to drive? Apparantly he was ok to drive or you think his roommate Shawn would have made sure that he got home ok. Also, his roomate said that he had left the bar before Brain did, is their any witnesses to this, can anybody in the bar remember this(Im sure not all the patrons were drunk, the bartenders must have seen something or other people).
Do you think possibly that Brian could have tried to avoid something in the road like a Deer maybe and that is why they found track marks indicating that his truck had left the road and went down inside the east ditch, then circled around in the field, crossed back over the blacktop road and gone into the ditch on the west side of the road. The truck found in the ditch facing due west in a drainage ditch with about 3 feet of water in it…Sounds to me like he tried to avoid hitting something and lost all control of the vehicle or else was going way to fast, or fell asleep @ the wheel and woke up when he hit the ditch on the east side and tried to keep the truck under control but failed to do so.
Sherrif Lilliquist said that if Brian would have stepped out from the truck and in the water that was in the drainage ditch he would have gotton hypothermia since it was 35 degrees out with the wind about 10 miles an hour…also he would not have gotton far if he would have walked because of exposure to the cold, he would have died. Since they did a search for Brian and didn’t find anything but a shirt that a fisherman and his son found while fishing in March, and that Shawn said that Brian had one like that, I feel that someone either picked him up, and possibly could have staged his own disappearance, met with foul play, or his roommate Shawn knows more about what happened then he is letting on, not that I’m blaming him in his disappeance but that is the only speculations that I can come up with. Because if Brian had gotton out of his truck and walked somewhere he wouldn’t have gotton far and his body would have been found right away, but all the searching that the investigators did around the areas that he went missing and didn’t find a clue of what happened means that maybe he still is alive,and if not, and if someone did pick him up and he met with foul play then maybe he will never be found.
I feel bad for Brians family and friends and hopefully they will be able to find closure in all of this someday,,,,
Did the police question Barbaras boyfriend in her disappearance?? Sounds to me like he could maybe be withholding information and why would she be visiting an “old boyfriend” in Omaha????? That seems really strange. Maybe she told her boyfriend this and he got upset with her and jealous and maybe did something to her? Also it says that her coffee maker was left on, her laundry half-folded and she had left her purse and keys @ her apartment…Like the investigators said it does look like she either left somewhere in a hurry, or was taken against her will…Where was her 3-year old daughter @ the time??
I hope that this case will be solved soon and that her family and friends will find some closure…………………………………………….
This is just my speculation.
Also why would Barbara be reported missing to the Harrison County Sheriffs Office in Logan, Iowa when she lived in Woodbine???
Logan, is where the sheriffs office and jail is. Logan, is about 9 miles from Woodbine. Woodbine has local police, sheriff was probably notified because they at state wide.
Woodbine is in Harrison County the local police department is in Logan
I was just wondering who Violas friend was that accompanied her on the trip to see her mother in Florida?? Did this friend ride back with her enroute to Waterloo, Iowa.?? Who drove Viola or her friend???
Wonder if Viola may have stopped somewhere enroute to Waterloo & if anyone seen her….She could have met with foul play on her way back to Waterloo, because I’m assuming she made stops along the way……but you don’t know..
I hope that this will be resolved someday and her family and friends will be able to find closure…………………………..
we never knew the peoples names that she came down here with she was helping a girl that was being abused by her husband by getting her out of the state of Iowa somewhere along the line there was an argument and they left my sister according to them down here so who knows also I just recently found out I have a genetic birth defect that may help identify her body if it’s found and so I am trying to get ahold of fdle here in Florida to let them know about it and maybe t
hat will help him a little more
I recvd a call from Waterloo PD my sister filed a police report on 9 06 1983 so it was more like the end of Sept beg of Oct that she went missing.
NamUs case UP #1262. Jane doe had asymptomatic Spina Bifida osteoarthritis. https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/1262
In Elementary School at Walnut Grove in Council Bluffs back in the early to mid 90’s one of our classmates was murdered by her mother outside of their apartment. She had been stabbed multiple times. I remember this now that it was so long ago and wished I knew what happened, the case is solved I believe since the mother killed her but I cannot remember her name.
One of my best friend when I was younger was also murdered by her mother in 96 . Stabbed multiple times . Her name was brandy saul she was 12 at the time . She also has a brother name Travis and her mothers name was Brenda . I think we knew the same girl . Her mother is in prison for 2nd degree murder which I don’t remember all the details .
She has been released.
I am trying to find any links or more info on this case. Please help.
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/128232231/
Interesting that murderer Brenda Saul’s brother, Albert C Saul Jr., accidentally died of a gunshot wound to the head while hunting in 1969. Who shot him?
I went to school at Tinley with Brenda and several of her brothers. Earlier, I went to Walnut Grove. The Iowa inmate search shows Brenda died on 10/7/19, but I can’t confirm this anywhere. Does anyone here know what happened to her?
To all –
Brandy was my cousin. Brenda was in fact released in 2016. She contacted our family to try to make amends but we told her to never contact us again. She also attempted to contact her other child but he also told her that he wanted absolutely nothing to do with her. In 2019, Brenda killed herself.
I am deeply sorry for you loss!! My sister was good friends with her. They just got off the church bus, and I walked her to her apartment. Then walked my sister to ours. Only a short time later did we hear the sirens. Like all kids did when we heard them,ran out side… she really was a sweet girl.
Eric –
Brandy was my cousin. Brenda committed suicide
Rest In Peace Frank, you are not forgotten.
I read over the cold case file on Brian Dietrich and what I read I feel like what Lt Lauren Knutson said is right, there are people that know what happened to him and not saying anything, because I think they just don’t want to get involved. But what keeps eating @ me,(I keep coming back and looking @ this case) is the comment his girlfriend made. Why would she report him missing after two days and say he’s in the river..How would she know this unless she was involved in his disappearance and eventually his death?. Also was his girlfriend the mother of his daugther Haley??
I keep thinking that his girlfriend and brothers might have been involved in it. What happened at Schooners bar that night , what or who provoked the fight that eventually led to one of Brian’s girlfriends brothers striking him.?? I’m sure there were alot of people in the bar that night. Did the authorities talk to the bartenders and any other people that might have come in contact with Brian that night to see what happened…..??
Could this have been drug-related??? Since he was a biker and all , and a free spirit was he the type of person that kept mainly to himself and not say much or was he out-going?? I’m not necessarily saying he was into drugs or anything just because when people think of Bikers and all they think of drugs, beer and raising hell..That doesn’t mean that I think Brian was like that because I don’t know him, but its just a thought that came to my mind about being maybe drug-related.
Another thing that is bugging me is why was he walking home?? Did he leave the bar after the scuffle and say Hell with it, that he would walk instead of riding home with his girlfriend and brothers..Who drove that night?? Another thing is when he left the bar to walk home, why the hell didn’t his girlfriend go after him?? I would have, definetely left with him. I wouldn’t have let him go by himself by no means…..
I think when he was walking toward the bridge connecting with Praire Du Chien with Clayton County, Iowa he met with foul play there. I think since they found no wounds on his body that he might have been hit over the head and knocked out cold, and pushed in the river. But then I’m wondering how far is Indian Isle that lays one mile south of the Mississippi Bridge near McGregor, Iowa from where he was last seen in Praire Du Chen…Could his body of been swept downstream from Praire Du Chien to that location of Indian Isle from October of 1993-May of 1994.. How bad was the body decomposition. It also says that the only way you can get to Indian Isle is by boat. Could he have been transported there by boat??
My suspicions lead to his girlfriend and I think she knows alot more than she is letting on and I think her brothers do too..I can’t believe that nobody has come forward after all these years and I think the person or persons involved in his death, that it would be eating @ them but apparantly not. Because looking @ the picture of Brian he seems like he was a really nice guy, full of life and he was young, and had a baby @ the time, Haley….I feel bad for his family and friends and I hope someday the person/persons responsible for his death will be brought to justice for this senseless crime. I know the coroner ruled that it was a drowning but I just believe that. I think there is alot more to this story then meets the eye. Maybe someday the family of Brian Dietrich will be able to find closure………RIP Brian…………..
I’m sorry, but as a former officer, your questions are all VERY naive and somewhat ridiculous. Law enforcement 101. I’m sure all of that would have been covered by the initial investigators. PS “he looked like a really nice guy.”?? 🙄
That’s Your Opinion Sir….& My Questions Are Not Ridiculous & Naive…..If You Think You Have All The Answers Then Why Don’t You Solve It…..!!!!!!!!!
& I Do Have A BA Degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology & Sociology…& have taken many classes in Criminal Justice So You Really Need To Keep Your Stupid Ass Comments To Yourself Or Just Get Off This Website…Former Law Enforcement Officer….hahahaha ok…
Bless their Little Souls.
I worked with Scott Sweeting at the U. of I. Hospitals & Clinics. I overheard him laughing and talking abought a big gun he had in the trailer he lived in. The next thing I know that his wife had been shot and killed. He was messing around with a lady at work. I thought that would be a good reason to kill her. I did not tell any one because Scott had a bad temper.
This is all true! Fact!
You are absolutely correct
Just when I think humans couldn’t get any worse, then I read this. Thanks for posting, the hunt must continue for these bad people. I just don’t understand why people do what they do. My sympathies to the family.
I went to school in St.Ansgar, and I grew up in Otranto, Iowa and I am very interested in this case, because I know the family of Norma. I’m curious to know if when they found her on the shore of Clear Lake was their any sign of struggle, gunshot wound, any indication of possible drowning?
Was John Rae Wallace a aquaintance of hers, friend?, or just knew her from going to the college?……..Was their anyone else with a possible motive to have her hurt or killed? Any markings on her or her body?? I take it nobody knows or if they do know something that happened to her just don’t want to come forward with the information…
Why was their evidence in this that was lost??? What happened to it??? Why would the state withold evidence of other suspects in the case????? Something sounds a little fishy here………….
Also, we’re their signs of a struggle?!
If so, would there be any blood/DNA under her fingernails?!
Could the girlfriend have been involved in this? Maybe, possibly drug-related?? Did she have an albi???
It has been 9 years today since my brother was taken from this family. We miss him terribly, but most of all we have questions that will linger in our minds until his case is solved.Cecil was always a funny, kind and giving person. I hope that the person/people responsible for his life feel guilt and shame for as long as they live; although I would never wish what they did on any person. May he R.I.P. with the angels. Love you always and forever Cecil. Xoxoxo,
Lil Sis
Thanks Jody for posting this! And thank you all for your kind thoughts, my family and I are hoping for some closure soon.
how sad! I hope someone comes forward who knows something :(
This is heartbreaking! :(
so sad :(
I remember this case! WOW…pretty easy to figure out that either he was pushed outside and carried back in, or more than likely he was taken out of the wheelchair and it was pushed outside…to prevent him from escaping. Did they ever determine cause of death? I’m wondering if he was already deceased inside the home when the fire was started? Osceola is a small town, if I am correct. I’d be willing to bet someone there knows something. It’s sad how people can get scared and won’t talk. Never give up hope though, Ottumwa had a murder mystery solved after over 30 years.
:( that is terrible:( very sorry :( thoughts and prayers
Mandie El…We have had to remove parts of your very emotional post you wrote on January 24th due to some words that were offensive to a lot of our friends and readers. HOWEVER, I am going to repost what you wrote without the offensive words, so here goes: From Mandie El: “…who leaves the power off with 2 babies in the house? They need heat. This really makes me mad…they need to convict [the guilty person] and put her in general population and let them have her…” Mandie, while your original post was honest and straight from your heart, we do have to be aware that the victim’s families read everything that is posted and we do not want them to be even more upset than they already are. So many will agree with what you wrote. We just have to be careful HOW we write it. Thank you so much for your time, care and compassion in writing and I hope that you will continue to follow our Facebook page and our I.C.C. Website as well. Yours very truly, Kerry Connolly, Iowa Cold Cases, Inc.
ok I have known the mother Rachel all her life she does not know have a mean vicious bone in her body,I don’t what happened that night but do know Rachel and know she didn’t NOT hurt her child and has mourned this child for years…I also believe it is wrong to judge her and that this article is not accurate.if she was on child abuse registronstry she could not be a caregiver and work in a nursing home and she is and has been for years,I also know she has a close loving relationship with her 14 yr old son ….lets get our facts straight and lay off her………….
Gayanne,
Thank you for taking time to write. You are incorrect, however, in your assertion that if Rachel were on the state child abuse registry she would not be able to be a caregiver in a nursing home. There are many types of criminal background checks — for instance a check of FBI records (which are based on fingerprints), using fingerprints to check state criminal history records, a check of the child abuse registry or the sex offender registry, just to name a few — and a good number of criminal background checks *do not* automatically include a check of the state child abuse registry. In fact, a person with a history of substantiated abuse may actually have violations that will not appear in a state or even a federal criminal database. (See page 3 of this report by NACCRRA.org.)
The child abuse registry data is primarily accessed and used by state licensing agencies and child care employers to screen persons who will be entrusted with the care of children, but some agencies do have the option of running this specific background check if they so choose. Every state has established policies and procedures in place for conducting both state and national criminal history record checks.
In Iowa, access to child abuse registry records may be provided “to individuals, agencies, or facilities providing care to a child, but only with respect to disposition data and, if authorized in law to the extent necessary for purposes of evaluating a person who is employed or being considered for employment, report data, for cases of founded child abuse placed in the central registry,” as reported by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. A list of these individuals or agencies may be found under Use of Records for Employment Screening at childwelfare.gov toward the bottom of the page.
Even with records available for employment within the educational field, documented cases do exist where child abusers, and even convicted killers, have later found employment and actually worked with children and/or as caregivers. For instance, Gertrude Baniszewski was aided by most of her children, including Paula Baniszewski, in the prolonged torture, mutilation and eventual murder of Sylvia Likens, a 16-year-old girl the Baniszewskis had taken into their Indiana home in 1965. While Gertrude was found guilty of murder in the first degree, daughter Paula was found guilty of second degree murder for her participation in Likens’ death, and she served time in prison before being released in 1972.
After completing her parole, Paula moved to Iowa, and using the name Paula Pace found employment in Conrad, Iowa, with the BCLUW school district. She’d worked there for 14 years and was currently working as a teacher’s aide for special needs students when an anonymous tipster called police and said they should look into her background. When officials discovered Paula Baniszewski and Paula Pace were in fact the same individual, she was fired (on Oct. 23, 2012) from the BCLUW school district. The heinous manner in which young Sylvia Likens was tortured and eventually murdered was called “the single worst crime perpetrated against an individual in Indiana’s history.”
With cases such as the above having come to light in the past several years, the vast majority of Iowa school districts (if not all — there is no way I can ascertain that information from every single school district) now employ criminal background checks that include child abuse registry checks for those seeking employment. It is up to each individual district whether or not they wish to perform checks on current employees who were hired many years ago before current policies were enacted.
I did not and have not accused Rachel Page of killing her son Ricky Neal Morehouse III; Ricky’s case summary page merely reflects the facts in his case. If you are in doubt as to the veracity of any of those facts, you are free to contact any of the following individuals and/or agencies:
Yours very truly,
Jody Ewing
Iowa Cold Cases Founder and Administrator
Thank you for all you do and have done to assist all of the victims.
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment, Billi! It really means a lot to us!
Jodi I think your comment shows your passion dedication and well educated facts this makes me sick and makes no sense at all I pray for justice for little Ricky he deserves to rest in peace and someone held accountable!!
These facts more than definitely speak volumes to many questionable inconsistencies . This needs to be REOPENED !!!!
You have been reading lies about the mother.
Then tell us the truth
Jody Ewing, yes Rachel has worked as a caregiver for yrs, so no Gayanna is not wrong, I worked with Rachel many times.
Brandy, Rachel has worked as a caregiver because she got the job before she was placed on the child abuse registry list. They wouldn’t have a reason to check since she had already been employed for a few years prior. That has been stated in other comments if you would read them before commenting yourself. I was be happy to show you the DHS reports confirming she was placed on the child abuse registry.
I can actually explain why she works in a nursing home while being placed on the child abuse registry list in the state of Iowa. She worked at the nursing home first; therefore, they would have no reason to do a background check for that. If you don’t think she has been founded for child abuse, I would be happy to share the numerous DHS reports that will in fact show she has, multiple times. I will agree now that Rachel has a good relationship with Reggy, but let us not forget all the abuse Reggy has suffered over the years since Ricky died; Several unexplained injuries (broken leg, stitches, bruises, etc.), not to mention the verbal and emotional abuse he has suffered as well. Also, I can name multiple times where she physically assaulted the boys’ father, Rick, when she upset with him. Perhaps you should have all the facts before you start making assumptions as well.
Yeah actually she could work those jobs. All the employer has to do is ask the state permission. Since she’s not been convicted of anything, no reason not to hire her. That’s kind of a poor excuse just to say she’s had these jobs. Well, she hasn’t been charged with anything. Plus the child abuse registry isn’t always public. I know of a convicted drug addict/dealer that got permission from the state to work in a nursing home. Her drug conviction was extremely recent so not difficult for the state to review.
Thank you for your comment, Pearl. We too are hoping investigators will eventually be able to solve this triple homicide. It was such a horrific tragedy, and all so young.
All best,
Jody
I pray that you people will solve this.its been 28 almost 29 years that these Loving people have been murdered.please in Gods name please solve this
Makes me so sick to my stomach!!! I hope justice is found for this precious soul!!
Where is justice for Little Ricky :(
Where is this piece of crap Mother? People are convicted everyday with less evidence. Hang her high.
You are judging someone on lies someone has written about the mother.
And what relation are you to Rachel where you are so easy to defend her
I do know the mother… Why on Earth would she kill one child and not both? That house had a fire in it in the same exact place that started, you ever think that door closed because the child hiding in there? I also know the father of these boys. But I do know that the person who suffers most is Reggy, how in the world do you think he feels with both parents fighting and pointing fingers, and he lost the other part of himself as twins always have some connections together. So let’s stop pointing fingers and let this baby rest in peace and stick by Reggys side. Nothing can bring back Ricky, and do you think Ricky would want this for any of them, I’m sure he wouldn’t. Rest in Peace baby boy.
Brandy, that house did not have a fire in it before, contrary to what Rachel has told you. That has already been investigated.
Tell me any other 2 year old that is going to close himself into the room that has the fire in it. The only room at that time until the floor gave way. It just wouldn’t happen. A child would run away from the flames if he could. Unfortunately he couldn’t, since the accelerant was poured right on him. That’s per the autopsy.
Also, you don’t know Rick. You might have a long time ago, but you don’t now. You haven’t known anything about him for at least 19 years other than what your friend tells you and that’s not really knowing him.
I think union co attourney and law enforcement dropped the ball on this why this wasnt investigated more once it was ruled a HOMICIDE this baby didnt commit suicide for christ sake this is tragic!!!
Brandy, if I were to answer your first question…that would be speculation. Robin has only ever stated the facts. The fire was deemed arson. Not an accident….arson. I’m sure you know what the word arson means. It’s so hard to imagine that something like this could happen, but it did.
As to your comment about Ricky…I think he would want justice. He had a whole life to live and it was taken away from him. You have to remember just because someone hasn’t been criminally prosecuted, doesn’t take away the fact a crime was committed.
I also agree Reggy suffers the most. However, that doesn’t mean the truth shouldn’t be told…as bad as it is.
No matter what, you never ever know people as well as you think. That baby is never gonna rest in peace as long as his killer is not brought to justice.
I agree!!!
He could Rest In Peace if his killer was punished!!
May. Nope. Ricky can’t rest until Justice is served. This will NEVER go away. Stop trying to make people think differently. The Mother is responsible. Evidence doesn’t lie!!!!!
Omg. Words can’t even describe how awful this is.
That is so very sad!
How sad and terrifying.
My mother was a police officer with the Fort Dodge PD at the time of this tragic murder. I wonder if she remembers this case?
Teri, would you want to check with your mother and see if she remembers anything about the case that she’d like to pass along to include on Angela’s page? She could send the information directly to me at: jody at iowacoldcases.org. Thank you for writing!
Jody
Why, instead of trying to fix the power again, would she randomly decide to go out and wash her car at 10pm? She just left her twins inside a powerless house that, because it was late at night, would be completely covered in darkness? Also, why the hell would you decide to wash your car at night? It would be too dark to see any form of dirt on the car.
No doubt that the mother played a sinister part in the death of this little boy.
Thank you for your response but in referrence to your comments, this murderer already has been given a second chance and has been able to live his life for 30 years after killing Terri. I just wonder how “active” her case is? Knowing that both Terri’s mother and step-father have already passed before receiving closure on this case is heart-breaking.
I would like to no more about this case Terri is my mother I never new her but I’m reading this I’m hurt n crying. I hope the people get caught that hurt my mother
I’m heart goes out to you Felicia, I hope justice will be served to you and your family.
Felicia, I’m so sorry for your loss and knowing you and your brother had to grow up without your mom. She would have turned 50 years old just a couple of months ago. There are so many who want to see justice served in her case, and that includes the Sioux City police.
I know as one reads through these different cold cases it might “appear” obvious who did it and people think an arrest should already have been made, but unfortunately, it’s never that simple. It’s up to county attorneys whether or not to charge someone with murder, and as we’ve seen in some recent cold case trials, juries are reluctant to convict unless the prosecution presents undeniable and truly irrefutable rock solid evidence. If the defense evokes even a hint of reasonable doubt (confusing jurors with lots of smoke and mirrors) and the suspect is acquitted, there are no second chances to try them again, even if they later confess to dozens that they did it.
Seeing this case solved means a lot to SCPD officials, and as we’ve also witnessed, arrests in statewide cold cases often catch the public by surprise because detectives must hold some new leads close to the vest so as not to compromise an investigation about to break wide open. Terri would be so proud that neither you or police have ever given up on finding and successfully prosecuting her killer.
Meanwhile, please feel free to email me any happy-time photos or favorite memories you’d like to see included on Terri’s page. Thank you, too, for writing and sharing your thoughts. All my best, Jody at ICC
Felicia –
I have additional information I’d like to share with you in regards to your mother’s case. Feel free to contact me at tjaygill@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your comment, Candy. DNA technology is constantly advancing, and it’s possible that a match might yet be made. Juries are often reluctant to convict purely on circumstantial evidence, and there are no second chances to try someone after they’ve been acquitted.
I know this case is important to the Sioux City PD, and they haven’t forgotten about Terri. Sometimes, too, having witnesses finally ready to come forward with what they know can often lead to charges being filed. It’s not too late for a conviction and closure in Terri’s case.
All best, and thank you again for taking time to comment!
Jody
After reading this article and knowing that the 30 year anniversary of Terri’s murder is coming up – it sure sounds like this person of interest or suspect could have or should have been charged with her murder. Eye witnesses saw her gettting into his vehicle and other circumstantial evidence goes back to this same individual. I knew Terri when I was a child. I pray for closure for this family. So sad.
that was my mother not a day goes by that i dont think about her.
my gods granted me the gift of remembering her giving me a bath when i was a babybi just remember looking up at her….
me and her grandson know that she is with us in spirit..
if its not to much trouble or a hassle to u can u please contact me i just want to hear about how she was please..4024199059 Nate McCauley
Unbelievable…
Just wondering if anyone out there remembers, a little girls body found near one of the following neighborhoods- Oak Park ,Riverview Park, Crocker Woods,Mchenry Park bike trail..Around the years of 1993-1999. She was mentally disabled from what I remember. I went to school with here for years and i have never forgotten after all these years. But im having a hard time finding any information online. Would love to know if her case has been solved. I do not remember her name. It was definatly not far from the Mchenry Park bike trail…please someone help me…she was maybe 13 years old but not certain!!!thank u
I’m not finding anything on a girl approximately age 13 found dead near a Des Moines bike trail around 1993-1999. If you find more please let us know. (Carol)
just wish they all could be put to rest as its been to long
and a lot of people would like it to be over.
Their memories should never DIE!
It’s been a long time, but still very clear in my minds eye
As well as in my heart. It would be so great to get some
Answers! Especially having both parents gone now-
this time of year cannot help but be overshadowed with
Mike’s death, especially since its this time of year
that we lost him.
Omg.. How sad. This case needs REOPENED! Left her kids alone in a dark/cold house (it was March) to go outside to work on her car? YEAH RIGHT! With all the testings that can be done now, let’s pray that someone reopens this case & brings justice to the little Angel who died at the hands of a killer before it happens again.
That’s right before it happens again. If you can kill your own innocent child you could kill anyone or anything.
I hope that Chad Welch is charged,tried and convicted of murdering these 2 women.It would be a shame for their murders to remain unsloved just because he was convicted of Ms.Hennes’ murder and sent to prison.Even prostitutes need closure to their cases.
Well,It looks like Andy Cole is trying to get off on a technicality.I hope the judge denies him the technicalty and makes him stand trial.Let a jury decide if he's guilty or innocent.
Ted, I’ve sent a lengthy response to your regular e-mail address. Please let me know if you don’t receive it.
Jody
I knew Colleen’s sister Kathy. She was my best friend during that time. I am wondering why Colleen is listed as missing from Bedford Iowa. The family lived in Clearfield Iowa when Colleen went missing.
I grew up in So. California so I didn’t have the opportunity to spend much time with that side of my mom’s family. My mom and Colleen’s mom were sisters. I know that at the time she disappeared, her father, my uncle Jerry Simpson, was a small town sherriff. Wish I had more information.
Bedford is the count seat for Taylor County and since Clearfield is in Taylor county, this could be the reason. I would think they’d put Clearfield though.
Thank you to everyone who clarified that Colleen lived in Clearfield. I’ve since included that info in her case summary. Bedford was listed because the Iowa Dept. of Public Safety Missing Person Information Clearinghouse listed Colleen as being reported missing to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office in Bedford. Colleen’s information is now also included on ICC’s “Clearfield” page.
Hello, I am a young woman from Des Moines, Iowa who has become involved with searching the Doe network as I also search for my biological father. I came across this case: https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/4757 I thought to share as there seem to be a few similarities as well as a geographical element of closeness to Muscatine. I sincerely hope the family find the closure they deserve someday, as I know how difficult and painful it is to live without. With hope, Jordan
Why doesn’t anyone answer any questions on here
I think it’s because you keep asking a question that people don’t know the answer to. As far as I understand they had not heard from him since he left in 1990 so there probably wasn’t a phone call to have a record of. Also if they got a phone call I assume one of the things they would talk about is where he is at the moment, at minimum what state he is in.
They could get the phone bill it would say where he called from cause the phone bill would tell them where he was at when He called them
Tammy. I agree your suggestions. But finding the phone records might be a bit complicated. It might be more helpful, if we could possibly identify if he hooked up with any bands on his travels, seeking to develop a career.
It might require someone to search in the areas, he was known to visit, abd services if anyone remembers him hanging around certain clubs that might attract someone trying to start a career.
Yeah that would help too maybe one person do one state an another one do another
We could assign different people different states too
Which state do any of y’all want to do
Have they ever gone on TV to try to find him
Have they ever checked the unclaimed bodies at the police departments
It doesn’t say what kind of a weapon was used, so type of bullet and distance is not available, but I did think maybe it was a hunter who has no idea that his bullet even went into the house.
I checked and April 28th nothing is legal to shoot in Iowa.
It would be interesting to know how far away the shooter was and if the shot was straight on.
God bless Chuck’s family and give them justice soon.
Amen for DNA!
It is so nice to read about capture(s).
Circle check for the shoulder surgery. Start with closest moving out.
Have they checked to see if he returned to Africa?
All personal belongings were left behind.
Is it Possible he headed up towards the road? Do they recall whether a car or cars drove by?
For some of these cases..it has been almost 30 years! I am outraged that the Council Bluffs, ia. police department and the state,..also the government would just keep pushing these cases aside! Robert..Linda Mayfield..Lee Rotatori..John P. Adams, Jr…Kimberly Ratliff & the list has started to GROW since even before 1982. Three of these killings took place the SAME year,. from april 9th till july 11th of 82..and nobody knows anything??? When you see things go unfinished and the killer still free as a bird it sends a clear message….IF it were your son, daughter, sister, brother, mother, father, grandparent….YOU would care.
Terrance,
Thank you for writing, but please know the Council Bluffs PD is “not” pushing these cases aside. As with most cases in other cities, investigators often have a suspect or suspects but lack enough rock solid evidence (a DNA match, etc.) to prosecute, which is what they need in order to ensure a conviction.
Juries usually won’t convict without that solid evidence, and once the person has been tried and acquitted, they can never be tried again for the crime — even if a DNA match is made at a later date — because of Double Jeopardy laws. Quite a lot goes on “behind the scenes” that isn’t released to the public because it might jeopardize a case.
Also, even though police are the ones who make the arrests, the DA’s office handles the charges and prosecution, and they need that evidence to proceed. We at ICC often hear “everybody knows who did it,” but prosecutors have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they did, and one of the biggest obstacles they face is that witnesses often refuse to come forward or testify.
Many LE officers — those first responders who originally worked the case — will spend their entire careers still tracking down leads in attempts to solve the case, and some continue to follow up even after they’ve retired. They “do” care. But there’s only so much they can do without solid evidence or the public’s willingness to step forward with what they know. And, as history has shown, even rewards often go unclaimed. Nobody wants to be a “snitch” because they value their own life more than the reward money. It’s sad, but true.
Jody
I can’t believe the Jauron phone records didn’t net any suspects with a red car.
plus he called from a pay phone , he planned it…
mike paulsen evidently has something to get off of his mind. did anyone ever do a backround check on him? just wondering.
STOP COPPER THEFT INSTALL A PRODUCT CALLED COPPERWATCHER
STOP COPPER THEFT___ install devices like the CopperWatcher
I assume they started with applications, work schedules and pay stubs, but none of that is mentioned. After the fire I suspect there is no information left.
He lived a 4-hour drive away, in Plainfield, WI, but I wonder if Ed Gein could have been the killer?
I was the one who submitted the information for this case and while I admit my memory is a bit hazy due to the nearly 2 decades since this murder, I don’t believe any kind of neglect or abuse report was ever made to DHS concerning Rylee Gray. Without that initial report, no caseworker would be assigned to track her case, therefore no restraining order or other means could’ve been put into place to protect her.
Plus, there’s no guarantee that even if any kind of report had been filed with DHS, that anything would’ve been done with it. This case occurred prior to the 2000 brutal murder of little Shelby Duis and the reporting process and follow-up process of DHS at that time was often extremely lax. Even after Shelby’s death brought about a massive overhaul of the system, cases can still fall through the cracks because social services are seriously overworked, understaffed, and underfunded. I can cite any number of child deaths in recent years, even recent months, where a report concerning potential abuse, molestation, or neglect of the child was on file, yet nothing was done to remove the child or otherwise ensure their safety and the child was murdered, usually at the hands of their abuser or molester. So unfortunately, even having a report on file or having the child in the system doesn’t guarantee they will automatically be protected.
As to the injuries allegedly inflicted by Mr. Lewis prior to Rylee’s death, I believe they were incurred in the days before she died and not any longer than that. Ms. Gray did not live with Mr. Lewis for very long, so there wasn’t a huge span of time that Rylee could’ve been injured by him.
Excellent Points Kim. The laws covering children like that back then were much laxer. For example the Eli Creekmore case in Washington State. His Grand-Mother begged Social Services several times a month to remove him from the home for his safety, but he wasn’t. I was just thinking that this child was abused by everybody except the Grandfather. No one seemed to care.
I think an underage who didn’t know she was pregnant until labor pains set in and then she realized she was. She decided she needed to run away and threw a few items in the paper bag then realized it could get wet and put the paper bag in a plastic bag. She probably didn’t reach a friend’s house she thought she could trust due to her water breaking, and went to the closest shelter available.
It is nice to know people are honest enough to say when interviewed, “that screams had been heard”. Yet not one person found the hour odd or found the screams (plural!) desperate and called the police. I am sure the investigators asked why, but OMG!
What did Social Services do about this information? It would be easy for a judge to have a protection order in place for this child and an explanation to the mother that if ANYTHING unhealthy happens to her child she will go to prison for non-protection.
ref: the young girl had previously been injured while in his care. It also was revealed that Gray was a less than stellar mother to the little girl. If there was a case worker, they should pay the price.
I’ve seen alcoholics sober up, drug addicts get help and then stay home, clean house, play with their children, get a job, wash clothes, bath their children, get rid of diaper rash, display love and affection that the child responds back to, and buy nutritious food with words like that. All that is needed is regular check-ups (at least once a month, that is a child must be visually seen and checked over once a month).
It is really impossible to even speculate without autopsy results or coroner’s report. It is a silly sentence that Macy would say she wasn’t sick and never used drugs, yet her family “believed” she did without some sort of explanation as to why. If she took something because she didn’t feel well, then it would be accidental. However, there is no leading information as to what even went wrong. Depression can cause a person to feel physical pain, and it can be a substantial physical pain leading someone to search for serious medication.
Are u stupid she was chocked to death this is her daughter Alisia call me befour u run your mouth on here – u don’t know sh** autopsy was done she was murdered 515-745-6072 is my number say another word about my mother u don’t know !!!!!
Number here is still the same
They liked beer. I suppose If someone is hurting you ,you might medicate yourself. She spoke many times about her fear of him and that he was hurting her.
What the H are you talking about ,?
She never did not drugs FYI.
RIP
The local prosecutor is not doing her job. Two people are responsible for this. One is in jail and he ratted out the other one. When will they arrest the two guys?
Tony are you Mamie’s grandson or another person?
I believe the weapon was a youth model Remington 20 gauge. Why? Easy to manage, and it will hurt like heck but probably not kill unless you are less than 1 or 2 feet apart. Sounds to me like a stupid joke gone awry.
That’s the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Never speak again!
Is it possible he could be: NamUs UP Case Number: 10363
Theresa, the resemblances (particularly nose and square jaw) are remarkable. The page at https://identifyus.org/en/cases/10363 doesn’t provide a “ruled out” list, but at least DNA samples have been submitted even though tests are not yet complete.
The age, estimated date of death, and height are right on target as well. They believe UP # 10363 was placed in a cooler and frozen for an unknown period of time before later being placed in the river, and the body could have washed down to the gulf area or the perpetrator could have driven further down river before dumping the body.
I’m going to check with my contact person at NamUs to see if she can give me any timeline as to when they expect the DNA results or whether they’ve already ruled out Paul Knockel. I’ll keep you posted.
What did you find out? Was it a match? I guess not :/
that is not what my uncle looked like, at all. Thanks for your thoughts though.
Hi Kathy,
Have you heard anything on this recently?
I believe his car was found last week in the Mississippi.
You are correct, they found vehicle Oct 12th, Newt found while dredging.
Yes our family is aware. Cathy was notified first and notified the rest of the family before the police released the information to the public. No human remains were found. We are still looking for any information.
Hello. I’m about 1,000 miles away from Iowa, but I ran across this case on The Charley Project, and felt compelled to feel my thoughts/opinions: The change in his behavior sounds remarkably like the change my grandmother went through in the months prior to having an aneurysm. The atypical untidiness, change in associations, financial irresponsibility, and general change in demeanor fits the profile. I’m not a health professional, but I felt the need to share this information as I went through something similar with a loved one.
Ron Gulling hung himself in his cell at Iowa State Penitentiary. Must have been in the late 1970’s.
1979
Between Pipl and Peoplefinders, it shows that Mark lived in SacCity, IA: Ocoee, FL; Dallas, TX and Lewisville, TX (just outside of Dallas). One site also showed a possible name of “Mark C Oster” which could have simply been a typo or misprint, or may have nothing to do with him at all.
With the help of DNA maybe more cases will be solved.At least I hope so.Nobody should get away with murder.
An arrest has been made in this case, details here:
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2012/11-13-2012_1974Homicide.htm
Thank you for the link,Kim.I read in the Des Moines Register that an arrest was made in this case.
You’re very welcome! It’s great to see some of these cold cases finally getting solved, that’s for sure.
I think another review of the forensics with an expert could put a lot to rest.
Yeah I agree!!!! the doctor admitted he wasnt an expert, the info could be wrong
I am wondering if the shower cap wasn’t really a Do-Rag.
Wondering if this is a lead. This company has been in business since 1970. Could possibly produce a list of fund raisers in the area and then the fund raisers may still have a listing of all who ordered.
39-Gallon “Yellow”
Fundraising Trash Bags
Bags Sell For $12.00 Per Roll
Cost Per Roll (call for price -1-800-821-8466)
https://www.kcci.com/article/basement-bones-solve-mystery-disappearance/6874046
Some search, if he was in the house all along. How sad.
Hello, I am a new member if Iowa Cold Cases. When it is determined who the victim is in the home we will provide that information. Please feel free to email our website with any information. Thank you so much.
Proof i only have the word of the children, police reports buried somewere i suppose,no one ever did anything.,come forward i suppose the children were all too ashamed to come forward and feared for our lives,re legal issue if the pedofiles in the statments find out ,shout it from the mountain tops i would like to face them in court to expose them to the whole world.but i think its more likely ill be shot dead,im sorry for writing jonny gosh i would take it back if i could, its just that he told me a story of blacked out drunk driving his red ford pickup with a camper in iowa ,and i thought he might have abducted children,and he spoke of a lil girl in NY,and he was a baby photographer. and he never did any jail time for all the children he harmed.he was in st peter for the criminally insane for a bit,but charge was listed as berg after he went to court for rapeing my 8 year old sister,im sure to this day he poss child porn,and suspect for other child sex crimes, but the statue of limitations has run out on raping all us in MN,bellview NE .omaha NE, he raped me in texas when i was 12 is their a statue of limitation there? im sorry for posting here i just wanted to warn people,and im so sorry for missing kids and murder victims familys.i hope there is a judgment day.i have forgiven so much in my life,but have not been able to forgive my father, such a monster has no guilt no remorse i hope he will get judgment in the next world ,hes just laughing in this world.i hope the killers and childrapists dont have a place in heaven at the feast with all us kindhearted good caring loving people,its no joke sorry if its tacky ,
I am so sorry for you, your siblings, and all the other children that man harmed… you all deserved better than that!! :'(
There is no indication whether their being at the ranch was a usual behavior.
I suspect this individual was an inmate at some point. “Borne To Die” would then be indicative of a drug addiction. Possibly incarcerated in a Mexican prison due to the woman in a sombrero, very popular down their. Birds generally meaning a wish to be free. Hispanic gangs of the southwest have grim reaper tat along with sinister faced clown tat. Possibly San Quentin, Folsom or Soledad. Check Pocoima.
If he had been in jail/prison,(at least in U.S.) photographs would have been taken of his tats. With the recent “Identify The Missing” events going on in various cities/counties(families submitting DNA samples in hopes of finding their missing family member) maybe he’ll be identified. : / This one, and the USMC Doe (featured on http://www.VeteranDoe.com) should get national media exposure. These unidentified/unclaimed John/Jane Does need to be ID’d and returned to their families, if still have.
I believe the daughter can remember what happened with hypnosis.
Where is a police drawing of the suspect that Gary Warren saw?
RIP Rafael.
jody im the father of kimberly .im jacque ratliffif you would like to inview me i would like that .ill answer any questions you put before me .i would like to tell my side of my daughter murder
i beleave you talked to him .hes such a lier im her father jacque ratliff
Jody, I’m Kimberly’s father. I will not rest till he’s found. If the law can’t do it, I will. I call it a father’s revenge.
I was at work when I found out. I have my ideas on who murdered her. In your video there was some things that weren’t said, and I may be able to do that. If you want to talk to me I’ll be willing to answer most of your questions. e-mail me wolf22158@yahoo.com
I DO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO KIMBERLY…..AND I FINALLY CALLED THE POLICEMAN IN CHARGE OF THIS CASE….AFTER TELLING HIM EVERYTHING THAT I KNEW….HE SAID THAT THEY HAVE TO LOOK INTO ALL THIS AND THAT THEY WERE GONNA WANT TO TALK TO ME SOME MORE…..THIS WAS LAST YEAR….BUT WHAT I HAD TOLD THEM….WAS THE FOUR PEOPLE INVOLVED…..WHY THEY DID IT….AND WHERE IT HAPPENED AT….BUT FIRST THEY WILL NEED TO FIND THESE PEOPLE FIRST, CAUSE THEY DID LEAVE TOWN….
hi Shelli this is Matthew Ratliff Kimberly’s brother can you contact me with the information that you have I have a P.I. tracking down leads and we have bean at a dead end pls contact me at matthewratliff65@gmail.com
HI MATTHEW…IVE SENT YOU A COUPLE OF EMAILS…BUT I DONT KNOW IF YOUVE GOTTEN THEM. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE RECIEVING THEM…OR AM I JUST WASTEING TIME…
I am receiving them and I thank you for all your help
What drug/drugs is Les Kennedy dealing and getting his own children and step-children hooked on in order to continue molesting them? I’m just thinking it might be the way into (insight from different angle; maybe not as well covered by pedophile les kennedy) cracking this pukes defense. bubble that’s kept him from getting caught for this long. The police and justice system most definitely want to believe thaht one of there own is not involved any crime, esp. murder, molestation, or drug trafficking involving his own children and step-children! And have been known to minimize, justify, or deny such things in past just as all of us have to admit trying to do at one time or another probably for a friend or family member. He was a cop and may have been a good cop. But something changed for whatever reason and he has become a despicable pos that needs to be stopped and punished for what he has done to his kids n step-kids & who knows how many others including possibly currently his grandchildren! PLEASE ANYONE THAT KNOWS OR KNEW SOMEONE OR SOMETHING, NO MATTER HOW SMALL OR UNIMPORTANT YOU THINK IT MAY BE, PLEASE COMMENT ON HERE OR TO AUTHORITIES(even anonymously if need be to at least open door to be investigated properly) SO THIS MONSTER IS STOPPED FROM CONTINUING TO VICTIMIZE & RUIN ANYMORE CHILDREN’S LIVES!!!
Charlie, the primary drug [I must include the “allegedly” here] was heroin. He taught his kids and step-kids how to use it and said it would “help them relax.” I’ll leave it at that.
Why not post on here who, what when where and why?! Maybe ICC has the resources to get in touch with someone who can help SOLVE this case!!
Jake, quite often the police are given tips. Many of them are investigated, but don’t provide the answer the questions that the crime scene gives them.
A case in point is the ABC murders of three young girls in Rochester, NY. One of them was 1971, the young girl was kidnapped and strangled to death.
The 2and two girls were kidnapped, sexually assaulted and strangled to death, in 1973. There some belief these three caes were connected. However the first victim was strangled from the front, and the second two were strangled from the back.
Aldo, they had white in color cat hair on their clothes. A guy called the garage rapist, attempted to kidnap a teenage girl on January 1, 1974. Her screams attracted the police. He committed suicide. His car supposedly had cat hair in it.
In 2007, he was exhumed and DNA extracted. His DNA did not match the sample from one of the victims. Also the garage rapist did not kill his previous victims.
Also, in this situation, the agency did not want to admit that one of their own was dirty. They could have asked another agency, say on the federal level to investigate.
I worked for the federal government and most agencies have an Offuce of Inspector Genersl. They work for the head of the agency, so can investigate any issue at a facility and normally don’t have answer to the local boss.
So, if Les gets convicted, then many people will have to explain why they looked the other way and hid what they knew. Also, there may be others who were protected
I find it very interesting that the main suspect for this murder in 1972 Keith Schuller is the Payette County Coroner. How is this possible? I was told that he murdered her, lined the basement of his home at the time with a plastic drop cloth, chopped her body up and fed it to the hogs that he owned or had access to. I was told he also boiled her skull for hours then threw her teeth in several creeks in the area. It is just tragic that her Family will never have closure. I have met Keith years ago and it would be just like him to work himself into a position of this kind to make sure he would always be privy to any incoming information of his crime. His ex-wife is much to frightened to ever testify.
Marti, I’ve often wondered about his second wife and what she may have discovered over the course of her marriage to Keith. Please feel free to contact me directly at: jody at iowacoldcases.org
Thanks so much for sharing your insights!
Kimberly was my little sister and Leslie Kennedy our stepdad had his hands in her murder. It was because she was going to tell the police about him dealing drugs. He is a very dangerous man.
Matthew, thank you so much for contacting us. I’ve been wanting to speak to you about your sister’s case but didn’t have your contact info. I’ll be sending you a separate message via regular e-mail.
i can understand your feelings angela, i could not imagaine how that night went in that house, i feel they know who did it, i would really like to visit that house and i plan on it soon.
The Mississippi ran a bit over a mile per hour in 1975. Her body was badly decomposed by April 11.
SEDIMENT RESPONSE TO LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE:
THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER, 1943-1996
This held true except in large basins during the spring, which were primarily influenced by antecedent winter conditions as a result of snowmelt. This study also established that the availability of sediment to be transported depended significantly on the antecedent environmental factors affecting the watershed (Knox et al., 1975).
20 pairs of earrings?
It said 20 earrings, not pairs— that’s a very strange thing to put out there and not explain!
Bone fragments, a filling, and a current lie detector test should be in the offing.
I am interested in chatting with the family about this story – there are a few members listed on the Facebook account dedicated to Miss Padfield, but since I do not have FB, I cannot leave a message for them.
I am a screewriter, and I am very interested in this story to develop.
You can leave a message for me on my blog page here …
Kindly,
Alex Whitmer
You are totally wrong about the entire thing. Raymond led you astray. He was not as he partayed himself
I say it was some young kid who didn’t think “HE” would actually hit the mark. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
After years of years of searching, I think I have figured out who did it and I do know why
Sue,
Care to share your theory? Sorry about your brother.
Corinne was my cousin and I have fond memories of time with her and her sisters at my Grandparent’s home in Creston. I hope that one day her murder is solved.
I never believed the father or brother had anything to do with this childs death.
After all these years of believing we knew who did this, I now have serious doubts.
I was told by a member of the veach family of an other member of the family that tried to molest another little girl in the family, This person said he was also at the party the night the child died.
He was one who would know the boy was staying with the grandparents, and also the dog would have gotten use to him through the evening, He could well have slipped drugs in the parents last drink of the evening. I was told he left town a few days after this crime occured. There are at least three people in that family that know who he is. They should speak to the police, but then again they may be afraid to do so. he was not from Ireland.
I talked to the police and the man I spoke to said the DNA was to degraded to get anything from. While I do not believe Bill Veach is guilty in any way. I do believe it was amember of the Veach family, and surely they would want this man caught.
I wish the family memeber I spoke to, would come foreward. it is frightening to have some one who could do such a thing, still free in our society.
10/20/2012
My name is Mike Mason,
I am the cousin of Guy Heckle and I want to make sure that Guy is NOT forgotten in all of the media attention on the Iowa Boy Scout leaders that were reportedly molesting children from the 1970’s on, that has been coming to the forefront in the news the past few days!
Our Family has always thought there was more of a chance of foul play than Guy drowning, as his body was never found.
Then this, coming out from the Boy Scouts hidden files!!!!!
mm 2012
Hi Mike!
I would like to share with you my memory of your cousin Guy. How can I do that? It is something I’m sure you will appreciate, but I don’t want to write it here.
Kate, I will contact Mike and see if it’s okay to send along his email address to you via private email. That way, neither of you have to publicly post your personal contact information here if you don’t want to. Jody
did anything ever come of this Jody??
I’ll be darned…….
It is my observation that the police of Wapello county couldn’t find their ass with both hands. I looked at the cold cases in that county for a ten year period and could easily see that they have several cases that have the same pattern. I would call and tell them but I don’t have time to waste on Barney Fife and Goober types! I am and will find the person and or persons responsible for the Murder of my Uncle! I find it quite odd that the police say they think Clark’s killer died shortly after the murder-(WTF!!!). Sounds like to me they knew damn good and well who done it, perhaps it might have been someone the police knew? I SMELL A COVER-UP!!!
I thought the exact same thing when I read that they believed that he died shortly after the murder. I stand by you 100% in your opinion. As far as I could tell there was no reason for them to assume that the killer is deceased. I am very sorry for your loss. I know that it was a long time ago, however you deserve answers.
Have you notified the FBI of what you have uncovered? If this is the actions of someone who has done it before and maybe STILL doing it, but in another state… I say, if you can’t trust the little dogs, go to bigger ones… bug the hell out of them! =P At least it would be off your conscience to know you did your best to obtain justice.
Cover up definitly
It does sound like they have an idea who might if done it, they are truly a shady bunch back then ? Now I don’t know now if they are any better, I would check records of those who passed away after this incident maybe a deceased name would be recognized someone he knew or your family knows???
rev. kelly looks like a pedophile and crazed killer!
Obviously the person who did this had been in the house before, being it was dark and having to know which room she was in, staying silent so the dog didn’t hear anything from the basement. The blood is troubling because it sounds like there was more than just a deflowering.
I agree it was someone she knew. She may have planned to get an abortion elsewhere i.e., New York) hoping to recuperate at her ex’s place without telling him she had been pregnant. Unmarried women were not normally allowed a prescription for the pill back then, and abortions were generally not performed except in large cities except for back alley abortions which had horrific approaches. She may have asked the father for some money for the procedure and/or met him to tell him her plans. Aside from the previous information, the fact that her car was found at the airport and none of her belongings had been found made me believe that it was a paid hit.
Ronald Leroy Kyger, Born 9-18-1939, Des Moines, Iowa; Died, 11-5-1993,
Tustin, California.
I remember seeing her photo in a missing kids pamphlet at school.
I am guessing that because it was a luxury vehicle it was stripped and parted. It may be possible that the serial number is out their. Since there aren’t as many anymore, a quick run could net a result and tracking back may find a hit. On the other hand it could have been scrapped, have altered numbers, etc.
Was she adopted?
I am surprised the fingerprints from the trunk haven’t been run through CODIS, as I would believe that a comparison has already been done with Virgil Wilson.
Was he killed with a bowling ball?
The Longshot: Carnival(s) leaving the Mason City area around that time.
It takes money to DNA test, but the pillow “probably” has some, and that is the costly part since it would likely need to be sent overseas for testing on the probability.
Gut Instinct: Someone he knew, but not good friend, thought he took something personal of theirs. Individual has anger issues. Possible police report on theft.
This appears to be a no brainer with registered vehicles and tracking down repair or checking the vehicles in person. Such an adorable child. The description does not explain the difficulty in hunting the vehicle down making the police department look bad.
People who know who did it, but don’t want to tell are protecting a good friend.
I agree! He thought he’d be alright n he wasn’t gonna get her in trouble. He loved her.
I understand the parents frustration but to blame police for not doing their jobs is irresponsible. I can tell you that the police have the odds stacked against them when its comes to “burden of proof”. Neighbors refusing to identify themselves leads me to believe that they were involved in a neighborhood where it is unpopular to talk to police and/or they were involved in activity that played a role in their deaths. Cold cases mean that police have taken the case as far as they can and need the publics help.
Patrick, you’re absolutely right about the police having the odds stacked against them when people refuse to come forward and state what they know. It’s always so disheartening to see comments where police are accused of not doing their jobs (or worse, not caring about the victim), when solving crimes depends on not only evidence, but credible testimony from eyewitnesses or those with specific knowledge about the crime. Investigating these types of crimes involves far more behind-the-scenes work than most people realize.
Had missed your comment earlier, but came back to this page tonight after receiving what appears to be a credible tip/lead, which I’m passing on to investigators. Thanks for taking time to comment.
Believe me Mikie, Kenny has not been forgotten. I recently spoke with a reporter from the TH on an article they did a couple of months ago and remain in contact with Hanten. I am meeting with the new detectives on the case very soon for updates. Thank you again Mikie for being such a good friend to him, it fills my heart with joy knowing that he had you to stand by him.
I will always stand by my best friend. I really hope something turns up with this new testing.
Now that being gay or bi-sexual is more accepted, and lots of people are out of the closet, I think a bit of research in that direction might be a good idea. Back when this happened there was lots of homophobia, and whoever did this may have had difficulty dealing with his feelings.
How is a case “closed” when no one was found responsible for his death? Ronald Butler was a person and on that note the killer should be brought to justice. I thought they remained open until someone was sentenced. Is this a cover up or just not careing?
Linda,
According to Capt. Pillack, the prime suspect in Ronald’s murder committed suicide when he learned the Waterloo PD was going to file (murder) charges against him. The Waterloo PD was confident this particular individual was responsible, and closed the case once he committed suicide because they could no longer move forward with prosecution.
Normally, unsolved murders “do” remain open until someone is convicted and sentenced, but officials will also “close” a case when it becomes clearly evident that the known perpetrator can no longer be tried for the crime (usually because he or she has since died). Were the suspect still alive and serving time in prison for another crime (even a life sentence) he or she could “still” be brought forward to stand trial on the new charges.
The Waterloo Police Dept. cared very much about Ronald’s case, and investigators worked hard to compile the needed evidence to charge the person responsible for his death. It’s so unfortunate (for not just Ronald, but his family, friends and loved ones) that the suspect not only robbed Ronald of his life, but also stole the opportunity for Ronald’s loved ones to find some kind of closure in what very well may have been a successful prosecution and conviction.
You’ve raised an important concern here, though, and I’m thinking perhaps our website should add a special section to include cases such as Ronald’s where they may be closed but where justice was not able to be served.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, and thank you for taking the time to write — and to give me food for thought.
All my best,
Jody
I knew Ron Butler as well as anyone did. I was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front at UNI and that attempt at a group morphed into something like a commune on Olive Street. People would show up at odd hours, like the City Attorney for Cedar Falls and Ron Butler. As I was almost the only gay person who showed him compassion he chose me for a confidant. He was a sex addict and was constantly seeking sex with males in outrageous ways. The gay community in Waterloo knew him and held him in contempt it was felt that he put us in a bad light. He told me once that he had assaulted his paper boy. I believed him but didn’t get any more details. He was on speed during the last year of his life trying to loose weight but he was also using street drugs to get boys, a technique he got from Robert (Pinky) Tate. The speed made his behavior even less controlled than it had been and it was never very controlled. No one was surprised that he was killed only that it had finally happened. And no one was sorry, but then all the East Side kids I knew then had been victims of sexual assaults and outright rapes during their childhoods so they didn’t have any sympathy for sex offenders.
I personally knew Ronald Butler. He, I, and another friend grew up together, came out together, and while we approached our new liberation differently were all extremely close to him till his death.
While you seem to know some aspects of his personality you are making a lot of assumptions that are not true.
Ronnie (Venelda) as we called him was raised by a loving, however stern, mother. Ronnie was a gifted pianist and a socially awkward person who remained immature and so a risk taker. He was adopted. He was loved by many straight and gay people. He was in great demand to play piano in area churches. He attended college in Wisconsin.
We all grew up, as did other black gays from Waterloo, with loving and old fashioned parents. The north end was not a hotbed of sexual abuse.
In fact black people, in my experience, were much more sexually conservative than white people…which is why so many gay kids gravitated to white guys.
Based on my knowledge the guy the police were looking at is very likely his killer. I consider the case solved.
Ron was in my home many times, he liked my company and would pick me up before going on his ‘adventures’, I think he was using me as a sort of body guard. Every thing I have written about him are things that he told me or I saw in person. Everyone has a secret life he may well have had one from you as well. You do know during the last year of his life when he lost all that weight he was taking meth all the time don’t you. And he was offering drugs to white boys for sex, something he picked up from Bob Tate. I was told or saw everything I have written about. Butler had mental disorder which drove him seek sex constantly. I don’t know that there was even a diagnosis for it then but it well recognized today. He needed to be hospitalized and a treatment plan made for him. By the way even used my address as a drop box for letters when he put ads in the an early form of grinder in print.
As far as Waterloo is concerned, in my experience I’m always pleasantly surprised when I find someone who wasn’t raped in childhood, black or white.
Several members of the Rhode side of my family died under suspicious circumstances at the end of the 40’s. The one charged is still living, and it was judged to be insufficient evidence. I don’t know who was asking the question that my brother-in-law printed on 7/22/2012, but I can’t find it on this site. It asked Did Iowa Have a Serial Poisoner? The new address for this suspect, (and son and grandson), is Independence, Missouri. Since these deaths a pair of deaths of two of his distant relatives happened. Brothers to each other & in the same Tabor Care Center in Iowa. Though they were both quite elderly, it seems too weird that Faye (Elsworh Faye)Kempton died 30 Sep 1996 & Dale Hugh Kempton died the next day on 1 Oct 1996. Who visited them? If you remember doing the biographies & listing of news articles, we want you to know we thank you, and have a few more omitted facts. Thanks, Jean
Bobby Jack Fowler lived in the area, he has been connected to a series of murders in Canada.
It’s okay Brenda, Thank you!! I am doing as much as I can right now…looking into charities to help with a reward and whatever else I can do to help it along. One day…and I sure look forward to that day!! :)
I had no idea. I am so sorry that you lost your brother. more people need to talk about this tragic murder, get the word out there, maybe it would help stir some peoples memories and God willing, find the the sons of a bitches who killed your Brother.
Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts, our family prays for closure everyday and one day we will find out who took my brothers life. Thank you all so much!!
R.I.P my dear brother! As we still search on for answers, maybe someday justice … rest peacefully until we see you again! In loving memories your sister. Lisa
Thanks so much for your comment, Lisa. We, too, are hoping your brother will one day get the justice he deserves. All the very best, Jody
Has a bussiness competitor been considered as a suspect? I would think that in the profession Julie was in she would have occasion to have face to face encounters with the competition. She just had a very good month, maybe she scooped an account or two from a competitor. Somebody with a military background. A military background might explain the efficiency in which she was murdered.
They’ve arrested Casey Fredriksen in Evelyn Miller’s death, charging him with first degree murder and first degree sexual abuse. Here’s the newslink:
Thanks Kim, for the link. I’ll also be sending you a message via e-mail regarding your help with ICC. Have a great weekend! Jody
Please remove Mr. McIntyre’s information from your website’s comments section. Many people believe the information he posts is true. They are contacting our website, authorities and family members of these ‘new developments. They are not new. Mr. McIntyre has been spreading this information for years and is only clouding the investigation with his conspiracies and incorrect information. Mr. McIntyre has zero basis for any claims he makes and authorities in several states deny any knowledge of such claims.
Josh, we’ve deleted Mr. McIntyre’s comments in the past but he continued to repost them. ICC’s Kerry Connolly recently contacted Lt. Frank Stearns from the Mason City Police Department, and he issued an official statement regarding McIntyre’s allegations. I’ve provided a link to Lt. Stearns’ statement at the bottom of Jodi’s case summary. I’ve also deleted Mr. McIntyre’s latest comment, and any further comments he makes will be promptly deleted.
Thanks so much for all you do in behalf of keeping Jodi’s memory alive.
Best wishes,
Jody Ewing
Iowa Cold Cases Founder
You lose all credibility when you start picking and choosing based on opinions rather then FACTS. Everyone has a right to their own opinions… based on FACTS. When you delete comments which clearly question your intention…. you lose and so do your readers.
Unfortunately, Mr. McIntyre’s comments are not based on any facts, as per the statement issued by the Mason City Police Dept., which is the investigating authority over Jodi Huisentruit’s case. Mr. McIntyre has posted similar comments on several other sites dedicated to unsolved crimes/true crimes and his statements have been thoroughly…and I mean thoroughly…debunked by law enforcement officials. The only one who loses any credibility is the person who sadly keeps perpetuating the myth that Jodi’s body has lain unclaimed in a St. Cloud, Minn. morgue since 1997. Jodi’s case has always been high profile and any unidentified female remains that have ever been recovered, particularly in Minnesota or Iowa, would be completely investigated to see if there was a match. The intention of this site is not to spread false rumors or myths about any of the crimes listed on here, but rather to share FACTS of these cold cases with the public in hopes of solving them. Mr. McIntyre’s comments have been proven several times over by several different law enforcement agencies that they are not FACT, they’re a MYTH, and therefore have no place on a site dedicated to FACTS.
Thank you, Kim, for a comment that clearly explains our position when it comes to Mr. McIntyre’s posts. We included the link to Lt. Frank Stearns’ official statement so readers could see for themselves that the Mason City Police Dept. has already investigated Mr. McIntyre’s allegation and proven it to be false. The MCPD has also repeatedly asked Mr. McIntyre to stop spreading this lie, yet he continues to do so.
Mr. McIntyre has been “using” our website to perpetuate a lie, and for us to allow him to continue this practice would be irresponsible.
Jody
Mr. McIntyre should be brought up on charges for false information just like others have been in this case! Whoever “he” really is continues to spread this same fake info around- all over the findjodi site – as recently as mid 2019. Later posts are same info but various source names.
I can only presume “he” is purposeful involved if not in some way guilty of this crime & adding to the research chaos to ensure it remains unsolved.
What say you MCPD? Has this person been identified & investigated?
My name is Cheryl Williams. Ronald’s brother,Don was commen law married to me for 11 years. Don past away May 2nd 2012. For many years he told me exact information of the details of his brothers murder. I know eveything that happend and who was involved. There are only two people alive that have direct involvement in the murder. One person is under witness protection. The other is free and living their life. I know her name. When Don was alive,he called the Linn County Sheriff’s Office 3 times,with no repsonse. They never called back. Don missed his brother so much,he would cry about it often. Every Christmas Eve,he was always devistated. Don is gone now and with his brother. One person is walking free,and I know her name and whereabouts. Anyone wishing to reply,please do. I loved Don VERY much and miss him dearly. At least he is at rest with Ronald. This one person needs to be brought to justice. Please E-Mail me at cawhorse@hotmail.com . Thank you for the cold case site.
Cheryl,
Thanks so much for writing, and please accept my sincerest condolences on Don’s passing. I’ve just sent a more detailed response to you via regular e-mail. Thank you so much for doing the right thing! I admire your courage.
All best,
Jody, ICC Administrator
I was the first detective on the scene. One of the people present at the time of
the shooting was a young black male ” a friend of Jerry Goff’s”. He was afraid to talk at the time because of Jerry Goff and his brother George.
Since both and Jerry and George are dead, It might be worth your while to contact him. I don’t recall his first name ” but it should be in the police report” his father was Phillip Tredlow. Who was the principal at Amos Hiatt at the time.
What does it mean that a report is “locked”?
I would Love an answer to why the case is locked?
Larry Hutzel, why was the perp at least not charged with obstruction (or whatever you call it in Iowa) for lying? This makes no sense. If you can’t get a mobster on a murder charge get him on tax evasion. If you can’t get a local thug on a murder charge, then charge him at least on whatever little piddly stuff you can, and then while he’s inside, hope for a jailhouse snitch.
Frank is my grandfather. Is there anyway current detectives could look into this?
Larry Hutzel I would like more info on this! Please contact me!!!!!
im looking for the name of a cousin of my grandmother who she said was murdered. i understand he may have been shot. Her name was Bertha Rudnick French. Her parents names were Otto R. and Mary (Marie) Rudnick. She claimed that it was known who did it but that it was “swept under the rug” She never told me a name let me know if you can help me.
(my Mom’s name is Mary E. French Winter) she and my Grandma lived in your area during WWII with relatives while my Grandpa Vern L. French was in Germany.
Also if you learn Mary (Marie)’s maiden name let me know.
thanks, Ted winter
Bless her heart! such a sad deal, yes awful big heart and great friend! Hope one day her case will be solved.
Corrine was an occasional babysitter for my sister and I when we lived in Kent. I always check on her case every few years to see if there is any update. Her disappearance (and eventual discovery) was a formative memory for me. I hope one day they they solve her murder.
She sure was a great friend with an awful big heart. Sure wish they could solve this so all of us could find more closure to this terrible tragedy.
She was so pretty… She was funny….. I remember she had that widows peak….. you are so right lee ann….
Amen
I remember this well. It's funny you would post this as I was just thinking of her not so long ago.
I remember Angie very well. She was very popular in school and liked by many. To bad they couldn't of found her murderer. Maybe in time something will turn up.
This is sad that a person or persons can get away with murder and is probably walking amongst us. I hope the guilt is with them every awaking minute of their lives.. Angie was a funny
dear jodi ewing, i may have info for you on a suspect or possible suspect. please contact me. if youve read my innitial post you may just think im crazy. but what if im not. cant hurt to find out can it. sincerely brad greene
This was my great grandmother’s nephew!
she is my mother and is loved and missed very much by her kids, please solve this case, it is just not fair
Is there a reward in this case ? How do we get ahold of the family?
Rest assured they now know exactly wo killed Mamie. It is up to the local prosecutor to deal with it. FYI it was NOT Tony.
try watching mark myers at the waterloo police force he knew her he was always trying to get her to give him some sex he is a bad cop.
For some reason I thought of it as an inside job right away…. As if not being solved on purpose.
18 and on a date with a 30 yr. old married man with 4 kids, two of which were illegitimate. His sperm was found inside her. Earlier that night they had an arguement with one of his other “ladies” they ran into at a local bar. Some first date indeed.
He did not have. 4 kids where you get your information
Sperm found in whi
Sperm found in who ..
Found in your mom
ridiculous
I don’t no who this Irish thinks she is but shame on you! I remember Debbie and she was a good girl! She was just as pure as she was beautiful !
I don’t think anyone even takes Irish seriously at this point.
This was a tragedy & I think they got it right the first time they arrested them!
Praying for justice!
Does anyone know if Nile & Norman are still alive?
hello, i’m trying to find info on the murder in the walnut creek in. I know what I’m about to say will make me sound crazy but I have to try and get this resolved. Back in 2000 I moved to DesMoines into a house i rented off someone i know.Strange things happened there so i started paying close attention. long story short i think it was the spirit of the girl murdered there. there was a car stored in a garage at my house which belonged to another friend of mine who was in jail for something else.i heard someone comment that talked to him where he said he shouldnt ever get out of jail because he said he was a very bad man. this person frequented the motel at the time of the murder. i believe there may be a connection. this spirit will not leave me alone cause i feel she needs me to get her case resolved. i may be out in left field but if i can help in any way let me know. this spirit is not mean in any way just but is relentless in needing me to do whatever it is thats keeping her from crossing over. please email me at brdgreene@gmail.com
Brad Greene I sent you and email in regards to Mariana. Please contact me!
what was lisa date of birth. my research depends on this information.
thank you benjamin harbor
Lisa’s DOB was: 12/10/56
Hello,
Does anyone know if Mr. Carmody is still alive and if so where he is living?
Thanks,
Tom,
John Carmody is still alive and lives in Cherokee, Iowa.
Jody
Thanks Jody. Wonder if anyone’s tried to contact or talk to him about the case recently.
I did not know about these murder cases. I knew him as Jack, he was a car salesman and lived in our house when I was 10 after released from jail for sexual related charges.
He is in his 70’s, but he has not changed. He is still an antisocial, narcissistic sexual predator. I too would like to know if they found any more out when they exumed her remains. If any one has any information, that would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Becki
Meredith, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t say I empathize because I have nothing to compare with Lisa’s murder. Just wanted you to know people are thinking about Lisa and your family.
Best,
Tom Sellen
Julie’s DOB was 12/12/56. Small world.
Small world, indeed! These two young women shared not only birth dates within two days, but were killed in the same manner and dumped within a few miles of each other. Too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence?
I too have research on this case. I would love to see any more information and get more thoughts into my work.
would like to know if cold case detectives are still actively working this case
You would think that this case would be important since she’s not the only girl that was found in the same Vicinity.. But you know their lives don’t matter as much because of their lifestyle… Sickening because this woman was an amazing person
So since there was a private service in Wisconsin, for Lennon, then does this also mean that Lennon was buried there? I also find it to be curious, that the obituary reads that he preceded her in death. Did the family have Helen, legally declared dead, beforehand? If Helen wasn’t legally pronounced dead beforehand, then I guess one can assume that the family knows where Helen is and in fact that she is dead. 36th of Court, is a quiet neighborhood. I am surprised that no one in the neighborhood had seen or heard anything! This astounds me. I lived two blocks down from Helen and Lennon.
There are so many places to bury a body in Sioux City/area. There are a lot of wooded areas, where he or someone else could have dumped her body. Stone park, Bacon Creek, Adam’s Nature Preserve, and so on. Helen’s car could have been taken to a dealer ship and sold. Hell, Helen’s body could even be in Wisconsin, for all anyone knows.
Anyway, with the hidden space beneath the floor, maybe Lennon would place Helen, in the hidden space as a form of punishment. He could have been abusive towards her and could have been seeing red and went too far, thus causing Helen’s demise.
I know that the Missouri River, claims lives several lives each year. Not everyone who drowns in the river is always found. But I doubt that her body would be in the Missouri River.
I want to get a look at the police missing person’s report and interrogation transcript. I want to know how Lennon worded everything.
Good ideas, surprised they didn’t check around in the crawl space of their home, I believe her husband may have known where she was.
Helen Jean was my aunt and there is no way Lennon Kelly killed his wife. Ridiculous. And if you had known these good and kind people you would feel the same way, Abbie.
So sorry for your loss.. and all the assumptions….
Most people say that about a family member or neighbor, that they’d never hurt anyone and whatnot. Then it turns said person committed the crime. Believe it nor not, it’s a possibility and it’s has to be looked into.
Regarding the death of Jeff Deaver, I last saw him at the Jefferson Apartments in the apartment of Judy Davis. Judy was my co-worker. My boyfriend (now ex-husband) at the time used to purchase illegal drugs from Judy. One day Judy told me that Jeff screwed her and/or some delivery and her boyfriend was very angry and Jeff better stay our of sight. The next day I heard that Jeff was murdered. I went to school with Jeff starting in Jr. High School. I was surprised he was hanging out with someone like Judy Davis..
I am wondering if the murder of Pearl Edna VanGundy was ever solved. She was drown in the East High School swimming pool in December 1975. This is something I still think about frequently. Please reply in known.
Clinton County Sheriffs have arrested someone today named Andy Cole for her murder….finally some justice for Alysia and her family.
Trisha was my childhood best friend and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her. I will NEVER forget the day this happened. I was 10 years old – that is such a young age to deal with something so tragic. We considered ourselves as family and to this day I still refer to her parents as my Auntie & Uncle and her brother Billy as my cousin.
I am so thankful that Uncle Bill & Billy have both been cleared by DNA – I always knew that they had NEVER done this to their daughter/sister. People are so low, insensitve, uncaring to even suspect this.
Rest in peace my cousin Trisha. You are always in my heart. Til we meet again.
I love you!
Me too Tammy. I actually am getting teary-eyed. I remember hearing a lot about Johnny Gosch, a little about Eugene Martin and nothing about Marc at all.
Yes, Martha loved those dances! I will never forget, the first dance I went to, her telling me how beautiful I looked. It meant the world to me. I will never forget her.
Thank You Tammy for your comment on my sister. Its things like that that help in the healing of her death.
what was girlfriends name
Dorothy kempf
Did Eileen’s mom Marion Watson have any contact with her in a few days before Eileen went missing???
Jody!
Do you know Eileen’s home address at the time she went missing? I just wondered if she still lived at her mom’s Marion house at that time. I am just wondering.
Karen,
Eileen’s first cousin
Another great source is an award-winning article in the Ames Tribune:
Thanks go out to Meyahna for sending along the conservatorship notice on Audrey Dill and also alerting us to Audrey’s now-updated page (with the revised missing date) on the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse site. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
patrick w hill of modale iowa , pat and peggy hill / layton have raped countless babies – preteens patrick raped all his own children boys and girls alike ,peggy helped and babysat and they said get them before they are 2 years old and they wont tell on you .pat says all the kids liked it . now the victims of pat and peggy are aaa addicts mentel ect .no body ever did anything to stop patrick hill or protect us little children . signed the hill kids n jonny gosh in pedo hills pickup camper .
My question is, is there any solid proof of this claim of this man and woman raping children? Are there police reports on record of such abuses? Surely if this many children have been so horrifically raped/molested, someone would have come forward before now and an investigation would’ve been launched.
As it is, I doubt the veracity of this comment and question why it has been posted to this site. I’ve found nothing of public record to support this claim and in fact, the only other mention I’ve found has been “The Hill Kids” leaving a similiar comment on someone’s obituary/memorial page. WIthout absolute proof that such crimes have been committed, the concern is that this kind of statement is purposely inflammatory and harmful to the parties mentioned in the remarks, not to mention extremely libelous, which has the potential for legal issues to arise if the people mentioned in the statement find it out.
I’m not saying that the statements aren’t possibly true, but I suspect this is someone’s idea of a sick joke, and what a truly sick joke it is, signing the name “Johnny Gosh (sic)” in an attempt to be funny. Please, if this is a sick joke, take your tasteless humor somewhere else and far away from a site designed for unsolved homicides and missing persons. Grieving families don’t need to see that kind of tacky remark on here.
Please sue us bit**.
Enlighten yourself Satan holds the White house no more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHO-udJjUCY
I have known Pat most of my life, and know he is a POS. I was lucky to have enough information to keep my children away from him, however had no proof to be able to substantiate charges. Just know he died a coward, just as he lived, and no one is mourning his death. There will be no service for him.
Why shame his name? He is dead. Let dead men lay. Shame on you
The post started before he died, you pedo lover !
Hope that jerkoff DA got what was coming to him. That he was a Republican should surprise no one.
Annie, you are absolutely right about the role race plays in Fort Dodge. I was a fourth generation Dodger (white, to be honest) and saw it everywhere. And most will deny it out loud.
BTW, the school Angela attended was Pleasant Valley Elementary. It’s gone now, but was there a long time. Built in 1914 (my grandmother attended school there).
interesting…
Nope, they went before I started going, but hope to go yet this year, cause I had to work on the last big trip 2 months ago
thought you went to this one already? with the tripp'ses's lol
Gotta check this out real soon
Maquoketa Excelsior
March 15, 1890
Murder Most Foul.
Henry Nurre and wife, prominent and wealthy farmers of Clinton County, living near Brown’s Station, east of Delmar, were murdered in cold blood Tuesday afternoon. We are indebted to P. O. Ward, of Preston, and the Telephone Company for the particulars, so far as they are known, of this awful tragedy. The neighborhood in which Mr. and Mrs. Nurre lived is made up almost exclusively of Catholics, who Wednesday held a thirteen hour meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Nurre, who are strong Catholics, and seldom miss any of the meetings of the church, were not present at this meeting and when they did not appear at the Thursday morning meeting, the Priest and Theo. Hullman, a son-in-law of Mrs. Nurre, became alarmed, and the latter went to the Nurre residence to investigate. Finding what the trouble was, he immediately ran over to the depot and telegraphed to Preston for a physician. A party was made up at Preston upon receipt of the telegram and went to the scene of the tragedy. Entering the house they found the dead body of Mr. Nurre on the kitchen floor, all dressed and overshoes on. Two caps and two pairs of mittens were on the floor near the body. There was a large gash in the back of his head and another, which the doctor thought severed the jugular vein in his neck.
The party then went in to the sitting room. Here they found a large pool of blood, near a table, where they concluded Mr. Nurre had been sitting writing a letter when attacked. The letter was in answer to one from his son out west, which was received March 10. The answer, which was nearly finished, was dated March 11. From these and other indications the party concluded that murder was committed Tuesday afternoon.
The murderers commenced to wipe up the pool of blood. The cloths used were found, and stains of blood were found on the tea-kettle in the kitchen. It is thought that they dragged the body into the kitchen intending at first to secrete it somewhere and destroy all vestige of their work.
Going up stairs and entering a bedroom they found Mrs. Nurre, lying on the floor, unconscious, but still alive. The back and crown of her head were pounded into a pulp and the skull was broken in two or three places making it impossible for her to recover. These wounds were inflicted with a hammer, which was found. The bedstead was all broken to pieces and the bedding scattered about the room. The floor and walls of this room were all bespattered with blood. The indications were that when Mrs. Nurre entered this room she had barricaded the door. It had been broken open with a poker, with which the murderers first attacked her, before finding the hammer.
Continuing their investigations, the Preston party in another bedroom found Mr. Nurre’s safe. They could not tell whether the murderer’s had succeeded in opening it or not, but it is evident that they tried, for the dial had been broken off. In the same room on the bed was found a little satchel, which Mr. Nurre usually carried his money and papers in when he went to town. Over it had been thrown one of Mrs. Nurre’s skirts and in it was found $1,105 in cash and some papers indicating that Mr. N. intended to go to Preston as soon as he had finished that letter and eaten his dinner, which was partially prepared in the kitchen. The son-in-law, Mr. Hullman, says that Mr. Nurre was not in the habit of keeping more than from $100 to $150 in the house. He, himself, had paid Mr. Nurre $1,000 Sunday, which accounts for his having so large a sum by him at that time. The murderers, whose object was undoubtedly plunder, evidently failed to find the satchel, although it was so near them all the time they were trying to open the safe.
Mr. Nurre was one of the wealthiest men in this part of the state. He held more real estate mortgages in Jackson County than any other man. His wealth is estimated by those who have had business dealings with him at $250,000. He was for years a member of the Board of Supervisors of Clinton County and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. We hope the murderers may be brought to justice.
This tragedy should serve as a warning to the many people who are in the habit of keeping money in the house. We can hardly pick up a paper without reading of some one of these persons meeting a fate similar to that met with by Mr. and Mrs. Nurre.
Niels Pedersen Louring was possibly the great-grandfather of my wife. Her family have been searching for evidence of him for decades – the last they have heard of him was in letters dated back to before 1910. If you have any information, stories or material (photos, newspaper clippings or similar) concerning teh life of Niels Louring or his family or decendents, we would very much appreciate you contacting us.
Please email iowaz AT hotmail.com
Hello :) Tried emailing you but now replies or the emails has bounced.
Please try to email me at >mail AT einshoej DOT dk<
Hi Henrik,
I’ve responded via regular email so please let me know if you receive my message.
All best, Jody at ICC
Reading the Gazette from 1962-63, it appears the trials were not handled well. The robbery had numerous errors in evidence collection and the murder trial was stopped short for questionable reasons.
I wish my aunt lisa was here because so i can meet her my grandma told me about this and i told my friends this and they said o my god they were shocked and they said did they ever find the person that killed my aunt and i said no they we better look out for the person and i love her rest in peace aunt lisa
if she was alive she would of been 50 years old on October 31st
Since no one can identify him from all of those tattoos, it would lead me to believe that he was not from anywhere around here.
I concur, Kelly. I’ve been following this case for years and am shocked he has still not been identified. Someone has to remember doing those tats or remember the man having them! As I stated above, I think this is going to have go national so that everyone in the US see’s it. Then perhaps, we’ll get an ID or at least a tip on this poor man’s ID.
I also agree with Theresa’s comment below. He certainly may have spent time incarcerated and if so, it may have been somewhere in the SW US or California as she suggested. I would check out Phoenix and the AZ area as well as CA, NM, TX and Mexico.
This makes me so sad. He is someones loved one and someones son. I hope we can get him ID’d soon. It’s been much too long as it is and we have to also remember, tats like these were not at all common when this man was found in the mid 1980’s. Now everyone has them but back then, hardly anyone did.
I was always told my great grandfather William Hamilton, was killed around Centerville, Iowa. He was a taxi driver and according to family, nobody was ever arrested in his murder. Have been unable to verify anything, and was curious to see if anyone knew anything.
Colleen Simpson is my first cousin. I have always wondered what happened to her. I have been searching the web and talking with local authorities in Iowa to see if there has been any progress on her case. God bless her mother, my aunt. She wore a necklace with a school photo of Colleen at the age of 14 around her neck until the day she died, never finding out what happened to her daughter.
I would like to make a comment. I am Eileen’s first cousin. My name is Karen K. Watson/Shull. The comment I would like to make is that Eileen goes by the the name of Eileen, The other name you are using is her middle name ONLY. Her name before she got married the first time was “Watson”. Eileen is my first cousin.
I want to know what happened to her. Has the detective agency on this case had any hits at all????
Her name is Eileen A. Watson (maiden name)
Have you found anything????
Dear Karen,
Thanks so much for your comment, and please accept our condolences on your cousin’s unsolved disappearance.
I must admit, what little information we have about her is confusing at best. Her sister, Cheryl Sanders, had written back in January and said we had the incorrect date — she stated her sister disappeared in the 1970s, not 1994 — but then when I responded and asked for the correct date in the 70s, she didn’t respond. Also, she referred to her sister as “Audrey Eileen Dill.”
Now, you are telling us it was Eileen Audrey, not Audrey Eileen, and that her last name should be listed as Watson, not Dill. I realize now that Watson was her maiden name, but was she divorced at the time she went missing? If so, had she taken back her maiden name?
I’ve made some of the changes to her page, but have included both surnames in the event someone looks for her under Dill rather than Watson. And, other than the information provided on the State’s MPIC site, we still have no official “missing” date other than the one they have listed.
If you have any other information you could provide to us for her page, it would be most helpful. Perhaps we’ll be able to find more under her maiden name, as that was something we didn’t have before.
I’m not sure whether any new leads have been reported to the investigating agency, but you could contact them (the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office) and inquire as to whether they have anything new to report.
Thank you again for contacting us, and we look forward to receiving any new information you might be able to provide, including any photos.
All best,
Jody Ewing
Theres a special place in hell waiting for this baby killer.He might get away with murder on this earth but he won’t escape punishment in the hereafter.Rot in hell,you dirty bastard!!
Thank you, Vicki, Rhonda, and Nancy! How did I not see this post earlier? So sorry for the delayed thank yous!
So sad for the family, but at least maybe they’ll have some closure now.
How sad. Thanks for the info. Condolences to the family.
to bad Ben Biggs took the easy way out
At least now her loved ones know where she is. That would be the worst. Not knowing.
Soo sad!
Rip Jackie and my condolences go to her family!
I was 16 and worked at the mall when this happened. She was 2 years ahead of me at Kennedy. I think about her nearly every time I go by JC Penneys
Mike. maybe you should contact the authorities if you have information regarding this case.
Anyone remember the Brad Johnson, Jennifer Johnson double homicide in Forest City, Ia in early 1980 s? always wondered what happened ? The conviction of one accused of it was overturned on appeal,, I think.
Yea, there was a podcast on it. Small town murder. Episode 144
That is really sad:(
Martin,
Thank You for the education on your last statement..I greatly appreciated it.
I would like to add to my last statement posted, I had always heard through that “family grapevine” …that Patricia’s mother was from Ireland, so it wasnt that big of a deal to hear of Irish house guests,
However that unsetteling situation regarding the car salesman will always remain..
Patty Jo
I am no expert on these matters but years agho I ran across references to the fact that Ireland has organized crime families, much as the Mafia does. Some of these groups have a reach into America; even into law enforcement. They deal mostly in con games but are dangerous people to run afoul of. If one of their own was involved in this, it may account for some of the questions. One constant in crime research is to look for anything happening justn beforehand that was out of the ordinary- having houseguests from Ireland would be, I would think.
I had enquired in an earlier statement regarding any guests that were from Ireland that may have been at the Veach residence at there get together the night of Patricia’s murder for two reasons, one reason was due to a family grapevine that some of the guests were from Ireland and that police were speculating that the murder might have left the country, this information was past of “the family grapevine”. the other reason for my statement was that I had an odd conversation with a car salesman at a car dealership in WDM IA, my uncle, ex husband and myself were car shopping, while we were waiting for a credit report to come back the car salesman looked at the back of my uncles credit card and then looked at me and asked if I was related to Patty Veach, he an undisturbed Irish accent… I said yes, and then my uncle spoke up and told the car salesman that Veach’s East Side Fish Market was family owned, in part by our family, and also her family…the car salesman responded to all of us that her death was a terrible tragedy, and we all agreed..we decided against a car purchase that day…I found the car salesmans statement to be unsetteling, I thought it was unprofessional of him and odd timing, and I was un easy because he looked at me when he asked that question…I know it has been a’long time since I had this encounter with this Irish car salesman, but as I said earlier, it was an unsetteling moment..
Has the family considered having a paranormal team come in and investagate and see if they can get answers from the girl?! Its far fetched but what have they got to lose it may work wont know tell u try!
Hopefully not 🤦🏻♂️
my heart still hurts for the family.. its so hard NOT to have resolution
call me 563-513-7313 mike paulsen,22 orchard lane court lot 22 mancester iowa
Who is this?
crystal. i hope some day you will find closure on your brothers death. my family and i was subjected to dna analysis for this crime. i keep hoping that someday they will find the real monster who has done this to your brother. chris
A cold case that’s not on your website is Martavis “Tay” Robinson.
Thanks for letting us know, Mike. I’ll look into it and get a page for him added asap. Any other info you could offer (as well as photos) would be greatly appreciated. All best, Jody
Sorry to hear this Jody.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Jody’s stepfather. So very wrong! :(
I loved My Aunt Lisa very much .Ill nerver forget her throughout my whole life,I wish and hope they find whoever did this to her.They should pay and if not someday they will get their true judgement.i FEEL THIS WASNT LOOKED INTO ENOUGH AND FOR HER SAKE SHE SHOULD REST IN PEACE
The picture you have is NOT Mariana Redrovan! That is Zurijeta Sakanovic – the maid that Donald Piper murdered at the Budgetel Inn in 1997.
Dear Jessica: Thanks so much for alerting us to this. Someone had passed that photo on to us stating it was Mariana, but I have now removed the photo from all references to her. I don’t suppose you’d know where we could locate a photo for her? :-) At any rate, we appreciate it when readers pay attention and catch errors like this. Thank you again for taking the time to write! Jody
Jody,
I’m sorry I don’t. I worked with Zurijeta at the hotel & that’s how I knew it was her & not Mariana.
I hope Redrovan’s case gets solved one day. My dear cousin Mariana deserves to rest in peace and our family wants justice for her death. She was just 15 years old, how can they hurt someone so young. at the time she was killed no one ever knew who killed her neither tried to bring justice to her murder. NO one knows how hurtful this was and still is for our family.
Did the DNA match this Lonnie Bierbodt? Why did FBI agent Martin McCarthy say he should have been arrested unless it matched? I know they came out with DNA around 1986 so surely they had it in 1993 when Bierbodt was questioned. I’m not sure when they developed CODIS but I wonder if they ever ran the DNA through that program after they started it. I live near intersate 80 were this happened and I remember it on the news. I remember fealling so sorry for that poor little girl and her family. I just dont understand why GOD allows such unjust things like this to happen. If I remember right the news said it was the first time her parents let her drive back to collage on her own. Normally they drove her back and then something like this happens. I remember reading articals about a trucker that use to go to a certain restuarant in Missouri and sit in the same booth time after time and just sit and stare at the spot accross the street where they found Tammys body. Yes I remember feeling so bad about Tammy that at the time I was hopeing they would catch whoever did it. It still bothers me to this day 20 years latter. I guess thats why I did a search today on Tammy just to see if they ever caught anyone. I just wonder if that trucker that use to sit at the reasturant was Lonnie Bierbodt? I wish they would run the DNA through CODIS just to see what happens.
Abraham, FBI either lost or misplaced DNA, it was a very small sample anyway. There is a way to prove Bierbrodt gave Tammy’s watch to his wife. Both witness and wife alive. Grand Jury could solve this problem. Why hasn’t it?
I never realized so many cold cases in little old Des Moines
That’s a shame they never caught the killer & her family never got justice. I lived across the alley when this happened.
Ronda Six Garnett We’re not certain. There is NO statute of limitation on murder and, technically, nothing should ever be discarded. Unfortunately time passes, law enforcement personnel come and go, buildings are torn down, items are moved, people forget what the evidence is related to, etc. That is VERY unlikely to happen in the present, however!
Ronda Six Garnett It depends on the jurisdiction. Often, it gets “lost” over time. Evidence collecting and storage was very primitive 50 years ago compared to now, but DNA can still be identified. There is a 1968 Iowa case in which strong DNA has been found because the evidence was kept.
The murderer killed her with a curved linoleum knife. She never stood a chance!
Thanks for posting these.
Amazing…I wonder if they still this evidence??
How long is evidence kept in cases like this?? And could it be tested today for DNA??
The TV channel investigation discovery has a show/documentary about Donald Piper. I had never heard of him before. I did try searching the internet for him and nothing came up on any true crime sites or even on wikipedia.
Unusual Suspects (Season 3)
Hotel Homicides
TV-14 (V)
Between 1993 and 1997 three women are murdered in three Des Moines, Iowa hotels. Hampered by the sheer volume of suspects and the infancy of forensic testing, it takes years of dogged investigation to bring a sadistic killer to justice.
Wow what a story!
Rest in peace, Angela. Your memory will live on deep in the hearts of all those who loved you, dear lady.
It is very alarming that the stealing of AC units is very rampant all over the country. The same is true in other parts of the world. As responsible owners, we must do our best to protect our units from this very unlawful act.
Thank you for your comment, and you are absolutely right. Just two days ago, the Aston Park Health Care Center in West Asheville (NC) reported that outages causes by copper thieves were no longer just nuisances, but matters of safety. What’s unfortunate is that all too often, the thieves are only “caught” per se (stopped for good) when identified post mortem. Homeowners really do need to take a proactive stance to defend both property and lives. All best, Jody
I was just wondering, if anyone has been able to read the police report on this case.
If only we still hung ppl…he’d be perfect for the part.
Thank you for looking in to this even after all these years my family is still very troubled and wishes for some kind of explanation of who and why my aunt was murdered from what I have been told my grandmother had to identify the body and the only way she knew it was Arlene is from a scar on her ankle her body was stabbed and cut several times.My parents said that her case has never been solved but there were a few suspects but no one has ever been charged with her murder.
Closure is a good thing.
I can’t wait for the day when the DNA we have in the data base hits a MATCH! You better watch your back cause GOD KNOWS who killed my MOM! I am happy to hear that another WOMAN,MOTHER,DAUGHTER etc. taken too soon by MURDER can now rest in peace.
Ronald Butler was killed around 1973 over some alledged child molestation case. He lived on sumner st. and it was never solved as I know about. I can’t find anything on it.
I’d like to know if they ever did solve it. thank you.
Linda, on May 11, 2012, Captain Tim Pillack of the Waterloo Police Investigations Division reported to Iowa Cold Cases that Ronald Butler’s homicide was designated “closed” in June of 2006.
I was stationed in Germany when my Mom told me about this. I was floored the Perry sister use to square dance with us at the Episcopal church.
My aunt was murdered in Clinton Iowa on November 13, 1967 why can’t I find any information about her murder? Her name was Arlene Adler.
I do remeber when danny and i found her that a red car drove up passed us and stop and looked then took off it some thing we never told the police as we were scared and had our rifles with us the driver in the car had red hair
Kevin, hi, I’m Lisa (Maureen’s youngest sister.) i was only 4 at the time but I remember this sooo well. I think our mother will find this all very interesting too and she is still very much alive and well. I can only say thank you and if you think of more, please keep Jody or the cold case unit in mind. You said she had both shoes on? We thought she didn’t have any on. The red car, any chance you remember if one or more people were inside? Just wondering.
I do remeber it was a red car only one person driving by us he was going slow and stoped about 50 feet from us he was he looked back at us dan i ran he took off and we were so shanken up at the time dan wanted to go to the shake tarven at the time i told him let go home so we did when dan i found the body i was on top of the road dan went in the ditch to take a better look and he said she had shoes on
HOPE SHE PAYS FOR HER SINS AND THE FORMER MAYOR
I am heartbroken to hear of this! I heard a while ago that something had happened to Cecil, but I could never find out if it was true or not. I’d heard rumors he died in a fire but since we had no mutual friends I had no way of knowing. Cecil was one of the greatest people I ever had the privilege of meeting. We spent a couple months together in Leon, IA when we were teenagers. He lived in the same hall as I did and we got to be pretty good friends. I was so sad to leave him when I had graduated the program there… I still have a letter I believe and a drawing he gave me, as well as a photograph of him showing off his guns. He is such a great person. I’ve never forgotten him or his comforting smile and I never will. This is a very sad evening for me, I am so sorry to all of his family and friends. I hope you find the truth and closure someday.
I remember this–went to school with her sisters
I was just wondering the funding for this year and next for the “Cold Case Unit”. It seems for a state of our size there are far too many of them.
Thanks so much!
Mary.
I understand Cora’s feelings that socioeconomic conditions effect whether the police or press take an interest in the homicide. What we are missing is that the number of unsolved homicides is increasing because of a lack of funding at the state and local levels. Another factor is the fear to come forward by witnesses to provide information about the many unsolved cases that are listed on Iowa Cold Cases. Those witnesses need to understand that the act of taking another person of life isn’t a mistake that will never happen again. Often, the offender crosses the same threshold.
My heart goes out to miss oaklands family, but people please…there are many people that are murdred in the state of iowa every year. They do not get all this press and attention. How do you think their families feel? It’s as if all those others do not matter, but because Ashley is a white female and because she was dating a Grub, a guy from a very weathy family, she continues to get media attention, while all the others that have unsolved murders seem to not matter at all to the media and the people of iowa. Every persons lifes is valuable and Ashleys murder and death is no more important than anyone eles. If ashley were black or from a low income family we would have never heard about it for more than one night on the news. Please let ashley rest in peace and move on.
Why are you making this about race?!
This is not about your feelings on how “unfair” life is.
This is about a poor women who was murdered.
If you TRUELY feel that non white people don’t get the attention they deserve when it comes to their murders then why don’t you go DO something about it like start your OWN page?!
This Article is Heart Bearing for so many, I think The Salmons & Grahlmans have went through this tragedy knowing and not knowing how to stay strong. This article is so Accurate, The truth will soon come to a head and set these Families at Peace!
Thanks for your comment, Kendra. I, too, fully believe it will happen!
so sad and so many hearts hurting with her death.. and the perpetrator walks among us. I know the feeling so well.
Shared
Im a Realtor and this scares me to death. Im so heartbroken for her family. I hope they find this person and bring them to justice to give her family a small sense of peace!
What a great person Ashley was … Please find her killer if anyone knows please come forward for her families sake…….
How sad.I can’t imagine not having a mother and then finding out that my family had been lying to me for years about how my mother died.
Mike, I think the family was just trying to protect David. When he was old enough to start asking questions about his mother, I imagine his family thought it might be cruel to tell him she had disappeared, lest he think his mother had “left him.” It’s hard for any of us to know what we might do in a similar situation, but I think the family only did what they thought best for David at the time. All best, Jody
Why is no one searching for these girls?? Why are they not on the news??
I go see him at the cemetery often, it breaks my heart to know ill never hear from him exactly what happened. My granfather was a man known and missed by many. Sad story that they still haven’t figured out who it was. I have never sat and wondered about something as much as i sit and think about him some days and how our family would be much different if he was alive. We wont be at ease until it’s solved. For many the tension from the tragedy still remains as well as the sensitivity about this certain subject, all it will take is for one person to speak up and say” I know something,” anything….
May he rest in peace, our beloved grandfather,father,friend and so much more..~
To whom it may concern…21 yrs ago I briefly dated a man who had dated a stripper from big earls night club. To be honest he wasn’t over her or maybe he was two timing her with me. It did not take very long for me to realize he was a very violent man and he scared me so I cut off the relationship. I was pregnant at the time and he stalked my house and threatened to beat me up while I was pregnant because I refused to continue to see him. His name is Christopher Sean Drew. His best friend Clay and I don’t remember his last name at that time ran into me at the club celebrations and told me to definitely stay away from Chris Drew because he knew he was dangerous. In fact… so dangerous that he was the one who shot and killed Big Earl. In early 1997 Chris asked me and my roommate to hold guns for him and I told him absolutely no way!! Chris was kicked out the nightclub of Earls over Chris getting mad about the attention his girlfriend was getting. I can’t remember if she was fired or stayed to work but either way he was removed from the club that same night. I’m coming out now because it has bothered me for years and I seen he was arrested for public into just today on inmates on the web. I will say I am scared for my life by coming out with this information. Please post your response on how I can personally talk to someone
I want to say that he was talked to after this incident. Two people involved in this argument were suspects from day one. Did you ever call the investigator?
No. Too scared. It was info that was dumped into my lap that I wanted no part of. I just found this sight many many years later and felt the family needs answers. So many years have passed that dates and last names are hard to recollect but I do know the name of the person I had mentioned prior. I find it interesting that he has been questioned beings I have no ties to this case other than being warned ( for my safety) if Chris Drew’s alleged involvement
Justice has not been served for my grandfathers death, and our family will never be able to rest comfortably until we know who did this to our family… Please keep searching For the murderer
CEDAR RAPIDS MAN (Brian Zirtzman) ARRESTED FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE IB FRONT OF CHILDREN:
Posted December 30, 2011 12:30 pm by Jeff Raasch/SourceMedia Group News
Updated: Cedar Rapids Police confirm that Zirtzman is the same Brian Zirtzman found not guilty of murder and arson in a fire that killed a Cedar Rapids man and his daughter in April of 2003. The July 15, 2004 story from the day the jury ruled in the case is added below.
CEDAR RAPIDS – Police arrested a Cedar Rapids man Thursday night after witnesses said he masturbated while he was watching them.
Brian Zirtzman
Brian D. Zirtzman, 47, was arrested on suspicion of four counts of indecent exposure. According to a police report, he masturbated in the back doorway of his apartment at 2279 C St. SW, Apt. D.
Police said three females, ages 6, 11 and 18 were outside playing around in the yard with a 20-year-old male around 9 p.m. when they noticed Zirtzman watching them and masturbating. They questioned his actions and he went inside.
The witnesses said they had seen Zirtzman before, but were not friends with him, according to police.
Officers arrived and found Zirtzman inside his apartment. He was taken to the Linn County Jail.
Story written by Elizabeth Kutter from the day the jury ruled in a case where Zirtzman was found not guilty of murder and arson.
CEDAR RAPIDS Â… Brian Zirtzman walked out of jail a free man Wednesday after a jury found him not guilty of murder and arson in a fire that killed a father and daughter.
“The victory belongs to the Lord, the lawyers and the jury,” said Zirtzman’s twin brother, Brad.
The stone-faced Zirtzman of the courtroom was all smiles as he lugged three yellow plastic bags of clothes and books to the lobby of the jail where his family greeted him. Zirtzman had been in jail since June 2003, unable to post a $500,000 bond.
Zirtzman, 40, was accused of starting an April 5, 2003, fire in the home of his neighbors Jay Grahlman and Vickie Reed-Grahlman and their four children at 3755 H Ave. NE. The fire claimed the lives of Jay Grahlman, 38, and his daughter Jaymie Grahlman, 6. Reed-Grahlman and the other three children survived.
Law enforcement officials could not be reached to say whether Zirtzman’s acquittal would prompt them to reopen the case.
Zirtzman, who lived across the street at 3748 H Ave. NE, spent the afternoon and evening of the fire socializing at the Grahlman’s home playing cards and watching TV. He was the last one awake before the fire roused Reed-Grahlman about 11:55 p.m.
Zirtzman was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson in June 2003 after he confessed to starting the fire.
On Wednesday, Judge David Remley read the verdict, “Not guilty on count one. Not guilty on count two. Not guilty on count three.”
Zirtzman’s mother, Orion Zirtzman, collapsed sobbing. Her husband held her as Pastor Doug Morris of the Toddville Free Methodist Church led the family in prayer in the back of the courtroom.
“We’re very pleased with the verdict, but our hearts go out to the Grahlmans.
We’re very mindful of their loss,” defense attorney Casey Jones said. Family and friends of the victims filed out of the courtroom quietly.
The defense case focused on several issues attorneys believed were key to Zirtzman’s innocence: His confession, a psychologist said, was too complex to be made by a man with a 67 IQ. An insurance investigator concluded the fire was accidental or of unknown origin. No physical evidence tied Zirtzman to the fire, and he had no motive. And perhaps Grahlman had accidentally started the fire.
The prosecution emphasized other points: Zirtzman was the last person awake at the Grahlman house. The fire started just as Zirtzman described in his confession, and his motive for starting it was to be a hero.
Information from Zirtzman’s juvenile record, which contains two fires, was not available to the jury.
Thanks so much for sending along this information. Somehow I’d missed this article when it first came out and appreciate your sending it. Despite Zirtzman’s background, this still surprised me. Personally, I do not believe Zirtzman was responsible for the fire that killed Jay and Jaymie Grahlman.
i live in iowa..not far from des moines so these cases really get to me
Shared in MD. Please have Marc’s mom get her DNA on file, if she hasn’t already.
Since we went public with the website about Paula Oberbroeckling (www.whathappenedtopaula.com), a lot of people have been asking us about Lonnie Bell. We have not been able to talk to him and have lost contact information for him. We have tracked him to a woman who seems to be (or have been) his wife. Her maiden name was Beverly Jean Fishel. We gather that she grew up in Marion and it looks like she was Miss Cedar Rapids in 1963 (she was called Jeanie Fishel then). In 1966 she married Ronald Albert Sheperd.
Lonnie is sometimes referred to as Lonnie A. Fishel. He and Beverly were married in 1981.
If you know Lonnie, or know how we can reach him, please let us know! We’d love to talk to him and get his version of what happened to Paula.
I’m SO happy this is being shared. I’ve been following this since it’s happened. I pray we bring justice soon!!!
God’s blessings to you and your family, Lori. I pray someday very soon you have the answers you all need.
Wow, that is harsh. Hope somebody recalls this.
If there was no smell of smoke on the surviving twin then he was NOT in the house. How sad the little boy died at the hands of a very messed up mother. She should not only be put on the child abuse registry but charged with murder.
Lindsy–It must have been so hard for you all these years, not knowing what happened to her. If the woman that was found is your mother I hope it gives you at least a little peace to have her finally found.
Hello, I am La’Chaira Fisher, the daughter of Johnetta Jackson, and I would like more information like my brother. Is it possible for you to put us in touch with the individual who contacted you? Do you have an email address where we can send you a photo? Thanks for your help and opening this back up. Having the possibility of closure after almost 20 years is… almost unbelievable. Thank you again.
Dear La’Chaira,
You may send photos directly to me at: jody@iowacoldcases.org
Were you able to ever connect with Barbara Jackson? If you’d like to e-mail me privately, we can pick things up from there.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother.
All best,
Jody
I thought I had gone to school and was friends with your Mom but I went to Meredith Junior High. I haven’t been able to find out if she went to Meredith and I don’t remember her going on to Hoover. Maybe I have the wrong Johnetta. Was Jackson her maiden or a married name? I pray you find closure.
Im Dominique Moreno the son of johnetta jackson and id like to know more about this and where your getting information from.
Dominique,
The only information we have so far is that from the article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette (shown on your mother’s page). I’ve included a small clip of it so you can see what it said. Other than her birthdate I found through the U.S. Social Security Death Index, I’ve been unable to locate any other info about her.
I don’t have the name of the individual (the man) who shot himself the same day police went to question him. If he was the main suspect, his suicide would have made it virtually impossible for police to close the case, even if they were fairly certain he was responsible. (And I can’t imagine him committing suicide if he “wasn’t” responsible.)
And, while criminal prosecution may not be possible now, if we at least knew his name and/or names of any of his close relatives or friends, we at least might be able to speak with them to see if they have any information or knew of any motive he may have had for killing her.
I’m so sorry you and your sister had to grow up without your mother. I can’t imagine anything more difficult. I, too, would want answers. The more information we can include on the site about her life (and the man who committed suicide), the better chances we have that someone might come forward with any knowledge they might have.
All the very best,
Jody Ewing
Iowa Cold Cases Administrator
Hi Dominique I lived across the street from you guys on Amherst and played with you and your sister when your moms boyfriend wasnt there I had 2 younger sisters I’m real sorry about what happened I’ve thought about you guys often
Haven’t been back on here for years. Its crazy to see someone comment on it in 2020. Your name sounds familiar its just been so long. Thanks for thinking about us. Its appreciated.
After reading the article, I must question whether David Farley’s relationship with inmates incarcerated at the ISMR in 1971 may have played in the homicide. Often inmates form relationships inside the walls and share pictures and stories of their family and friends including wives and girlfriends. A cell mate, or inmate, befriended may have seen Maureen visiting at the prison, and took the opportunity to contact her as a friend of David upon release. It’s an interesting case that could use another set of eyes!
no she worked at a resturant and the police thank it was a truck driver as that who she was last seen with
It would be short sighted to focus on a truck driver. In 1971, Weida’s Restaurant on 1st Ave. is a “Mom and Pop” place to eat – not a truck stop. Maureen was found on C Ave, a narrow black top, located along the Cedar River and not a tractor/trailer route to Hwy #30.
well when danny and i found her we were told that the last person who talked to maureen farley was a truck driver and it was a regular place back then for truckers as as the parking lot across the street is where most of them happen to park but i was only 15 yrs old when i found her and was quite shaken up
no she was found over by the shack traven on ely road over by the power plant off of cst sw
Truck drivers eat in lots of places :)
The Reformatory link could be a very good one. Not only do inmates talk, but they also would know that her husband was in jail and she would be alone. If they talked enough the other inmate might know where she worked, been able to get her address from a letter she sent him and enough information to convince this young lady that he was a friend of her husbands. I wonder if people released from the Reformatory near this time were looked at?
I grew up in Newton, I was only three when this happend but I remember hearing about it years later as I grew up. Such an awful thing and very scary and strange that something like this would happen in small town, close knit Newton. I feel so so sad for both families, I cant even imagine what they must feel every day not knowing and not having any answers.
It’s nightmarish to me to even think about my daughter disappearing. Or my husband, brother, family, friends…I’m fortunate not to have someone I love gone with only the touchable part of them in the form of paperwork inside a file folder. Rhonda, thanks for taking a look! Anyone else reading this, hit the website link and see what I’m talking about. So many of our fellow Iowans gone, disappearing into thin air. Another reason why I kiss my husband goodbye and hello when he leaves/comes home from work, and say those three little words at bedtime — and mean it every time I say it.
This is haunting. Just my opinion: I knew that there were a lot of cold cases here in Iowa but I had no idea that there were so many and it hit me hard emotionally to think about the families that have no answers, no idea of where loved ones have gone. Dead or alive the families deserve answers and we owe it to them to give it to them. Supporting our local law enforcement officials is one way of doing that — and getting the word out there. There is someone somewhere that has information, even the tinyest bit of info can crack one of these cases wide open. All of the CSI television shows in the world can’t give any comfort because a majority of them are fiction and therefore cannot supply answers to give that comfort of closing one of these cases.
Thank you for sharing.
We are still waiting on the DNA but we hope that one day the people she came down here with say someting to someone as to what happened to her. Since my sister disapeared Her middle daughter vicky was killed in a car accident she was 15 she lost her mom when she was 3. It is my hope that my sister was there to greet her and vicky now knows her mom didn’t leave because she wanted to. Our brother and mother have passed since that time but my sister lives on through her Son and Daughter and her four grandchildren.
Thank you
Betti
I've been to the house and it really consumes you. I've had numerous dreams that I'm in the house alone, sitting in the childrens room in the rocking chair. Reverend Kelly is just standing in the doorway stairing at me with this sinister grin and tells me he did the murders and got away with it. Creepy!
Was my neighbor and friend, I think he did it!
I think he did it too but the police can’t figure out 21 years later murdered and there’s a killer on the loose, I bet my mom’s file have not even been opened for 21 years sickens me ,Karma – what goes around comes around ,who ever killed her will pay the price of life in he’ll where they belong piece of sh** on the bottom of my shoe you are u will pay one way or another
Every day is a reminder. He lives very close. I see him come and go. Sheltered by his mother.
I am interested in any information in followup to Lisa’s exhumation in 2010. DNA evidence was to be examined in her cold case. I was the last person she dated before leaving Knoxville for school and I never heard from her again. I’ve always wondered if her case was related to the book and investigation she was working on.
Me too!!
This story is so sad, and I hope his family finds peace. How has this person not been caught yet? Jared seemed like a great kid with a bright future.
We realize that now that you are doing good by trying to spread the word…I was just upset at first to think that the case was considered cold, mainly because of the name of the website (Iowa Cold Cases)…It was just too soon for me to think that it was a shut case. Thank you for making this a more widely known case. :)
No problem at all, Brandy. We’re happy to help, and anxiously await any kind of news on your grandfather’s case as well as Kay’s. Everything about this case is so terribly sad and tragic. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please stay in touch.
All best,
Jody
Please call 515-344-9533
Please tell me someone called you.
P — I have contacted Greg off-list. I also provided the DCI (this past March) with information an eyewitness shared with us. The sketch of the person of interest in this case is a clear match for one of the two individuals seen in Kansas City with the red pickup that belonged to Bill and Kay.
Arthur Charles Scott, Jr. – spoiled rich boy, lied, dis-respectful of authority, inconsistant statements, quickly lawyered up, refused polygraph, scratches on face, etc. It doesn’t take rocket science to figure this one out. Another one who got away with murder! My prayers go out to your family, Kathy. I’m sorry Marlene never received the justice she deserved :(
shared
Rest in peace my beautiful Aunt!! Your taken away to young and I will meet you in Heaven someday!
I read the comments from the woman, who Marlene watched. It shocked me that her father-in-law a police officer basically ignored her story that Shirley’s ex-husband and his brother were involved in her murder.
Here you have your daughter’in-law, with information about two individuals involved in her murder. But, I agree that Marlene and her family were not liked by many in the community.
It appears that Marlene, was to sure if herself. This does not take the hear of the young Mr. Scott, who could have cooperated with the investigation.
But, we see hear and see the family members of elected officials getting away with stuff us common people would have been tried and convicted.
I’m thinking that even thought this case is still under investigation, like the Ashley Okland case, it was added to the website to create more widespread awareness of it.
That is exactly right, Eloise! Thanks for the comment!
Jody
Did anyone ever contact Greg @ the phone # he left. Noticed there are two comments
Wow..I had never heard of this before but then I was only 7 then.
this person was found laying on a old car on ely rd sw in cedar rapids as i was hunting that day. as tho the person was asleep on the car her face was black and her cloths were torn
no words to describe this! how sad. :( the mother is listed on the child abuse registry…why was she allowed to have these precious children in her care in the first place..esp. unsupervised?! our justice system needs some major changes! if the courts would protect children from monsters like her the first time…this poor baby would still be alive!
Lies. No record of abuse for mother.
Again woman prove to us that the paperwork is wrong.
What a dumb b**ch. This is so sad
The mother did it… And soon it will be proven.. Either you are an idiot or you know something that we don’t. But I’m voting for the first idea.
Just for the record, the above comment was “not” made by ICC founder Jody Ewing. (We at ICC do, however, believe that with the further investigation into this case, the primary suspect will be charged in the not-so-distant future.)
EXACTLY WHAT I WAS GONNA SAY!!
Becky N.
I also knew Eric’s family pretty well. My wifes cousin was married to Eric’s mom when Eric was small. I haven’t seen the family to talk to them in years, but I have talked to my wife’s cousin a few times before his death. Joe (my wife’s cousin) didn’t believe the suicide scenario any more than I did. Both of these cases NEED to be reopened and investigated by someone that DID NOT participate in the initial investigations. They need to be looked at with fresh eyes and open minds. Both Toni and Eric deserve nothing less. The truth needs to come out and the actual murder needs to be sent to prison.
I am Eric’s maternal aunt, my sister would love to know what really happened and we know Eric did not kill himself. Someone knows who killed Toni and Eric and I am sure it is connected.
thank you mike I totally agree
I am sure the same PERSON KILLED BOTH OF THEM!!
Carolyn, I haven’t seen you in years and haven’t had the chance to say how sorry Pam & I were to hear about Eric. We lost Jeremy in 2001 and know first hand what losing a child means to a parent. The truth is, nobody knows what you are gong through, NOBODY!! I hope you find the answers that you are looking for, you deserve nothing less!
Mike you were right, the Keokuk Police did botch their investigation. Much was done wrong, and they wanted to just try to get “us” the family & extended family to shut up & leave them alone. According to DCI, and telephone records, I was the last person to talk to Toni. Living in Des Moines at the time, she called me talking about the supposed “accidental shooting” of Eric around the corner. It was on the 12th, that he was shot. Specific details surrounding that “supposed” accidental suicide were brought to Toni’s attention by someone living in the same house where he was shot, and she went to the Keokuk Police about it. But… she also talked with many loved ones about it too, including me. She was murdered the very next day. I told DCI when I came to Keokuk to talk with them that there was no way they could ever convince me that her death was not related to what happened around the corner. I believe that to this day. Toni was an amazing person. She filled the room with her personality. She was as big as life. I miss her and love her and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish she was here to share things with. Hi Nicole, it’s been a long time. Tell your dad I said hi. Hi Jess love you!
i believe it was all botched from the start also eric redinbo ismy son and so many things do not make sense,kpd would not let our family identify his body either, so we have never had closure in this case
Jane Doe – Jane Doe2,
Please, please contact myself or authorities and give more detailed information.
I had a friend who was murdered in the 90’s Connie Choate or bodensteiner. I do not see her here. Does anyone know how to find out about her case? She was my best friend as a child and teenager.
Thank you for contacting us, Penni. I did some searching tonight and tracked down a Connie Jo Choate, born Dec. 15, 1970, who died Aug. 8, 1995, but other than her being buried in Greene County at the Paton Cemetery, the only other mention of her I found was her mother’s obituary.
According to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s website on unsolved murders, there are currently no open cases in Greene County.
If you’re fairly certain her case is unsolved, could you provide us with a little more information about where in Iowa she was killed and how her death came about? Thanks in advance!
Jody Ewing
Penny,
I was looking through the cold cases in Iowa tonight and I found your friend on here: Connie Choate Bodensteiner, age 24, August 8th 1995, Des Moines Iowa….I did see her picture and read the article. So hopefully if you go through it again you will find her…
Penni, I apologize for not having posted the link here in the comments section once we got Connie’s page added to the website. Her case summary is at: https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/connie-bodensteiner/
If you have any favorite stories or memories you’d like to share about her, I can add them to her page if you like. If you have any photos we could use, you would be properly credited for having provided them. I’m still holding out hope that one day Connie’s case, like many others we’re seeing, will be solved.
All the very best, Jody
Toni or “Aunt Toni” to me was a fun amazingly creative person and a very loving mother and Aunt…i miss her big smiles and booming laugh.Jess you are right something should be done as to all the unanswered questions. You of all deserve the truth as to why your mother was murdered. Rest in Peace Aunt Toni you are not forgotten.god bless
I am Toni’s daughter and it has been very hard living without my mother, and the fact that we have no answers about her murder makes it that much harder, not only for me but my family as well.
I also believe that her murder and the young man’s death are linked. I just hope that we will find out who did this.
She was a great woman, mother, daughter, sister, friend, cousin and so much more and was loved by so many people. All I ask is if anyone knows anything, even the littlest thing, to come forward because it may help solve this case.
David,
I’m sorry I missed your most recent comment in response to my earlier reply. Attribution just means that if you use something from someone else’s story or article in your own project (i.e. a quote, a paragraph, a photo, etc.) that you show in your work where you got the information. My “Sources” list following Maureen’s story is a good example; it lists all the publications or media sources I used to put a case summary together for Maureen’s page here on our site.
Your project is probably over by now, and I hope you earned a nice grade for your work. You are right about how difficult it is to find information online about these older cases; it is precisely why I decided to build the website and make information available to the public.
Please feel free to contact me directly at jody@iowacoldcases.org if I can still be of any help or if you have any further questions. Thank you again for writing.
All best,
Jody
what that person said in that comment its true you can spell legion…
John most likely did it, he is a diabolical bastard, eh.
I pray that they find the creeps who did this to this young soul. My prayers go out to his family.
Also, an obituary for his sister back in 1999 says he lived in Illinois. It was published November 28, 1999, in The Gazette (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City), on page 4:
“Christine Celeste Kirkpatrick,21, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1999, in Cumming following a sudden illness. Services: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Powell Funeral Home, Wellman, by the Rev. Larry Brown. Burial: Wellman Mennonite Cemetery. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
“Survivors include her mother, Phyllis Kirkpatrick of Keota; a sister, Jennifer Miller of Keota; and two brothers, Ian Pate of Cedar Rapids and Aaron Pate of Illinois.”
wow an accident? Thats horrible! The family is saying he wouldn’t leave his chair. That’s no accident. I hope they find the person who did this.
May his soul rest in Gods Hands
There are some court documents on line which show the extent of Mr Pipers depravity. Hopefully he stays in jail for a long, long time.
Where are the documents that appear on line in regard to the serial killer Donald A Piper?
Marcia, here’s a link to one of them — https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ia-supreme-court/1357525.html — STATE v. PIPER, June 11, 2003.
Thank you Mike for saying that I am Rob’s daughter. Toni’s brother and she is very loved and missed everyday. We are trying to think of things to do to bring new light to this case. I was thinking of handing out flyers outside of super wal-mart in keokuk the sunday before v-day. The truth is someone knows what happened and we deserve to know what happened. We will not stop untill the truth is found. Also if you send me your email I can send you a picture and I can send pictures for this websight as well.
I miss Toni a lot. She was a one-of-a-kind person. Nicole, say hi to your dad for me, will you?
Just curious as to why you consider this a “cold case” when it is very much under investigation? Just because there has not been current articles with new information about the case does not mean that they are not working on leads or other angles. I am Bill woods grandchild and I don’t want family and friends to lose hope by seeing articles like these that consider the case “cold”.
I am wondering why this is considered a ‘cold case’?
Have y’all considered contacting someone who has a true crime podcast? They are very popular right now and it might be another avenue to get the word out. Somebody, somewhere knows or has seen something. The public can be instrumental in solving a lot of these cases. Also a FB page for tips? My heart goes out to you and I hope you’ll soon have answers.
there was a young man found shot in the head laying in a farm field east of town in 2008, noone has never confessed or been convicted of murder
Is this the person/murder you are referring to? https://www.radioiowa.com/2008/06/06/man-charged-with-murder-in-page-county/
(Link edited by admin to correct page.)
I just saw this but yet it still seems like yesterday My brother told me, I was a great sister, his last words to me. Mike your nieces and nephews even know of you. We miss you and love you! I pray one day this person who I believe did accidentally hit him will come forward the true will set us and free.
thank you… I just wish someone would come forward i want my family reunited and not to feel tension when we are all in the same room.
I have some information…i am unsure if any of it is true…
If you have information contact the dci
Jason I would like to hear what u have to say….call me 563 794 1929
Jason if u would like to tell me what u know call me at 563 880 6054
Jason, I am this man’s daughter. Would you please contact me @ granny_smurf@yahoo.com
Please call me 5638806045
Hey jason, I am francis’s grand daughter. I never got to meet him. None of us really got the chance. I know he wasn’t the greatest man ever… but i would love some information, even if it is possibly faulty. Anything that is remotely close to being on track I’m sure would put my grandmother to rest… if you would like to, I would greatly appreciate a call.. 563-794-2331
this is my grand father and some one has made a choice to take him away from our family and has torn our family apart. My grandma just passed away and want it solved before she passed, she never got her wish.
This is so sad…I am so sorry for you and your family..What a horrible thing to happen…I am from around here and I do not remember hearing about this…Someone knows something, I hope they come forward…God Bless..
Good Evening,
I was just emailing to find out if there have been any new leads of the case of John
Stephens? He is on your website here. He was an Iowa police officer working as a security guard and was killed at a restuarant called Club 64. This happened way back in the early 60’s. He is my mom’s half-brother. Did the police just quite searching? Did they ever have any suspects or leads? Does anyone know what really happened? Thank you so much.
I can’t believe that no one has come forward with any information about this cold case!!Who could do such a horrible thing to someone and just leave them there.My heart and prayers goes out to his family and lets just pray that someone will come forward with some information to catch the person or persons who did this.
I am also curious why Jo Jo Zolicoffer isn’t on this site, he went to East Waterloo high school and was an 85 grad I believe.
The reason Jo Jo Zolliecoffer is not yet listed on our site is because the extent of the info I’ve been able to locate about him amounts to this, from the Social Security Death Index:
J Zolliecoffer
Born Nov. 3, 1965
Death: Sept. 1989
Age 23
SSN 481-78-3320
I have searched every online source I can find, including archives, the Waterloo paper (at least what’s online; I live on the other side of the state), plus even the Waterloo High School website. And, I’ve used a wide variety of spellings. Note:
– Rob has it spelled Zollicoffer
– Zach has it spelled Zolicoffer
– The SSDI has it spelled Zolliecoffer
The truth is, I know nothing about this case (i.e. how he was killed, the location in Waterloo “where” he was killed, the circumstances behind the murder, etc.), and the reason I don’t know is because no one has provided any of those details to us. Was his (birth) name “Jo Jo” or is that a nickname? If it’s a nickname, what does the “J” stand for as used by the SSDI? Joseph, Joe, Jo, James — no one has given us that information, either.
Do any of you have any old newspaper clippings or photos you could scan and send to me? I will also contact the Waterloo Police Dept. and see what information they’d be willing to provide.
I will go ahead and do a “basic” page for Jo Jo right now, and will add more information as it is provided to me. You may contact me directly with the details at: jody@iowacoldcases.org
I look forward to hearing again from some of you.
All best,
Jody Ewing
Zach, Rob and Jahmilah: I began searching again after writing, and finally (after using a different online library for newspaper archives) was able to find four short pieces about Jo Jo, (first name Jeffrey/Jeffery – confusion on that, too), but at least they will be enough to put together a summary that explains what happened to him. (What an awful way to die! From what I gathered from the articles, his body was found in the Cedar River; he’d been shot in the head and his body tied to concrete blocks.) What a tragic death. Absolutely barbaric. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Please, though, still feel free to pass along any other information/photos and/or favorite stories you might have of your friend. We can state the facts, but close friends and family members can paint a vivid portrait of a loved one’s personality or sense of humor in ways only they can tell.
It’s quite late here and I’m heading off to bed, so will tackle the page summary tomorrow.
All best,
Jody
heartbreaking
I think after 30 some years it’s a shame that so many crimes are being done and not solved in the webster county area. If they had been white someone would have solved it by now. But because its black on black crime it seems like nobody cares.
Until we start acting like we care about each other and what happens to our brothers and sisters in this community it will never change. Its too sad that we as a people don’t have one another’s backs …truly sad…!
This has nothing to do with race.
Cases get solved based on evidence & if there is none availabale there’s not much police can do.
Thanks Ms. Bowers, I know funding is low. Rose was my best friend and a very good person. She loved her little girl, who is now a mother herself. Rose would now b a Grandmother of three, I just dont want her to b forgotten. Thanks for all that u do.
Tammy Howard Burkman We post victims on the FB page for anniversaries and special events. But all victims can be read about any time on the website iowacoldcases.org. Check the blog post about Rose and Roger which was on our website last September. Unfortunately, the Iowa Cold Case Unit was closed down due to lack of funding. Thanks for your comment. Nancy Bowers
It is so strange to see my brother’s picture on here! I pray that one day this mystery could be solved after years of wondering. Mike , you are still in our hearts and minds.
Prayers that this case will get solved, so the Altman family can be at peace.
Can’t believe another year has gone by, seems like we were just talking about this in your office. (probably our only serious chat)
Could u please post something about the murder of my best friend, Rose Burkert and Roger Atkinson. I still pray it will be solved everyday. Is anyone working on her case n the Cold Case Unit?
it appears there was a prime suspect in this case. is he still living and in davenport area and was there ever a connection with 1972 jeff ramsey murder case in rock island. he was also 12.
Are the brothers old enough to be able to know anything? Has anyone tried talking to them?
when it comes to the Brock case the girl that lives on the alley in the now tan house saw it and is afraid to come forward. This is some information that I had heard and as far as I know she still lives there
It would be great to find the killer of William. He sounded like a quiet man who was simply doing his job when he was murdered. It’s really sad.
Has DNA been taken from belongings of Lonnie Bierbodt even though he died in 2002.My husband and I think the authorities should pursue the DNA angle.
I wasnt even born yet and I think about this case all the time
Dear Cheryl,
Thank you so much for contacting us about your missing sister, Audrey, and for clarifying the date. In cases like these — where we have so little information and what we do have appears to be the same erroneous information reprinted across the Internet — it helps enormously to hear from one of the victim’s family members.
Would it be possible for you to send me the correct details and information about Audrey’s case, and (if at all possible) to send me a better photo of your sister that we may use on her case summary page? (Full credit will be provided to you for any photos you let us use.)
If you’d like to include additional details about your sister’s case such as the circumstances under which she went missing (and whether there were any immediate suspects or persons of interest) I will get that added to Audrey’s page as soon as I receive it. You may send it directly to jody@iowacoldcases.org.
Watching months and then years pass after Audrey’s disappearance, I can’t begin to imagine how difficult the “not knowing” must be for you and your family.
You are in my thoughts.
Thank you in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you again.
All best,
Jody
You don’t have the correct date Audrey Eileen Dill was reported missing. She disappeared in the 1970’s. She is my sister.
To Martin it was the screen door that was cut from the inside.
I want the police to step up and try and solve some of these older cases there is two kids out here in this tuff life without there mom you guys want to talk about all the negative things that happened to her or that she did and its not right clean your own closet before you go trying to clean someone elses out thank you and plese soomeone say something that will turn this into a solved case
Thank you I am her DAUGHTER! We need the help oh the PUBLIC someone knows something and we want our mother to rest in peace and the person or persons that killed her be put to justice!!!!
Jenny, the case summary written by a former ICC volunteer has been removed and I’ve included a new summary for Judith Weeks. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and know we share your concern for seeing this case solved and her murderer brought to justice. I welcome anyone’s input insofar as favorite stories involving Judith, her passions and dreams, and anything else that will let our readers know more about her as a person. We would also welcome any photos (proper attribution will be given), which may be sent to jody at iowacoldcases.org. Thank you again for writing!
I recently read about this tragedy in a book my grandaunt wrote about her life. She was apparently friends or neighbors with Geraldine’s parents. She helped the family move out Geraldine’s things after her funeral. My grandaunt wrote that they found no scraps of paper with a phone number or anything in the home, but they found it odd that there were several bags of candy in the kitchen.
Unfortunately no. It just seemed odd to me that she’d mention bags of candy in a book about her life.
I didn’t know her very well and she died a few years ago. I’m the family genealogist so I was lucky enough to have the book passed on to me.
I am Ed Kriz’s neice. I would as my sister and brother, love to see this case reopened. Nothing was done right during the hearing, etc.. of the man that our family and all of my uncles friends, and most all of Iowa City, believe that there was more than enough evidence to convict him.. I hope that anyone remaining of my uncles friends would step up as well as all our family to request the murder case to be reopened..
I personally am the only individual in my class working on this case. However I have no attribution, I think you mean more information. All I know about the case is what I have read here on the website. It is very difficult for me to obtain any information about the case because I live far away from Cedar Falls and it is very hard to find case files online.
We wish we had a good answer for you, Tracey Reitterer. Change of venue? Age at arrest and trial? Defense Attorney Alfredo Parrish, who has a way of “winning” even the most challenging cases? Nothing was made public in the media concerning the jury’s reasons. Thanks for your interest.
I am a high school student in Iowa and I am taking a CSI class. We are all doing a report on cold cases and am choosing this case. If anyone has any information that would be useful for my project please email me at-> 14dtruckse@spirit-lake.k12.ia.us
Thankyou
Thanks for writing, David. Just for clarification, will all students be writing about the same case (Maureen Farley) or did you (individually) choose this case for your report?
I will contact Maureen’s family and pass along your info, and if they’d like to speak with you then you should hear directly from them. You may also use whatever you like from Maureen’s case summary page here on ICC as long as proper attribution is given. :-)
Thank you again, and good luck with your report!
Jody
Why was their son acquitted??
Because the Jury stated that he was innocent. That is not complicated. He did not ,the Jury found this to be so.
b.corena, your attitude may cost you. You go after anyone who dares disagree with you and calls into question your brother’s innocence. That really negative attitude could turn off someone who has legitimate information that could clear your brother. They might see how you take apart the other people’s comments and they might decide it’s not worth tangling with you to share whatever info they might have, even if it backs your arguments up that your brother is innocent. So keep that in mind next time you want to have a giant meltdown on here and attack the other posters.
Anon, I fully share your concerns about b.corena’s negative attitude here. Anyone with information may decide it’s simply not worth sharing because they fear their every word and syllable will be attacked. It’s hard not to think of the old adage “One can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”
B.Corena, the criminal justice system is far from perfect and not always easy to understand, but one thing is certain: when a jury reaches a “not guilty” verdict, they are NOT saying the suspect is “innocent.” What they are saying is that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
I can’t count how many times I’ve read interviews conducted with jury members after any given trial, and a vast majority of jurors will state he or she “was absolutely convinced” of the defendant’s guilt, but could not opt for a “guilty” vote because of the judge’s legal instructions. Do some online research about the psychological aftermath many jurors live with after having reached a compulsory not guilt verdict.
What does aftermath really mean? What consequence would a juror suffer for following absolute instructions of a judge?
Sweet heart, my brother has been cleared,correct me if I am wrong. Everybody has attitudes, snowflake.
Law enforcement allowed for all other area law enforcement to become involved, by the time DCI became involved a forensic investigation was impossible, The law enforcement of the area is directly responsible for trying my brother,the jury followed good instruction, and he is NOT GUILTY. If knowing a innocent person was jailed brings tears to your eyes, to me that sounds like poor citizenship. The county atty ,the investigators whose fault is it actually? is law enforcement that did not secure evidence of the crime scene or those that could not secure guilt or the county atty that could not present a case strong enough to prove guilt? the crime scene (the Mayor and his wife walked through the house) to allow a forensic investigation? Again my plea if you have any information contact law enforcement. Step up and be a good citizen and end this charade.
A jury doesn’t find someone “Innocent”. It’s “Not guilty”. That doesn’t mean they didn’t do it. I think he did.
Wanted to say My sister is dearly Missed. Also Jody Ewing should get her facts straight as Ronette and I share a mother and she is alive and well In Lakecity Florida. I find it insulting for her to refer to her mother as dead. He step mother on the other hand may have died.. But not our Mother.
Dear Danielle,
Thank you for contacting us about your sister’s case, and please accept my apology for inadvertently stating your mother was deceased. Here at ICC, we write our case summaries based on research, which often includes newspaper archives and other sources. Of all the sources used for Ronette’s summary (cited at the bottom of her page) only one mentioned a mother — findagrave.com — and none so much as mentioned a stepmother.
Using bold text to emphasize the referenced material from the findagrave article, I submit the following:
—–
—–
As you can see, nowhere does it refer to Ronette as a stepdaughter, and at the time when I found and included this information, I’d felt good about having discovered it because we’d not heard from any of Ronette’s family members, and one of our goals in doing these summaries is to remind the public that each of these victims had family members that loved them. Our intent is never to cause further pain for these families. We do all that we do here on a volunteer basis because we care about these victims and the many families with whom we’ve established relationships, and because we feel that the more our readers know about these victims, the more they can “see them,” per se, as unique individuals — funny, witty, dedicated, passionate, committed-to-family or whatever — rather than just another cold case name. We try to celebrate these lives whenever possible, which is almost always accomplished by family members reaching out to us (with pictures, more information, tributes they’ve written, etc.) because they’ve taken time to look around our website and understand what we’re trying to accomplish.
The more details we have on any case, the better chances are that someone else might just provide the one missing puzzle piece to help solve a loved one’s case.
Please extend to your mother my deepest apologies for having used a source (normally quite reliable) that turned out to be inaccurate. And, I extend to all of you my deepest condolences on the loss of your sister and [your mother’s] daughter.
Jody Ewing
Iowa Cold Cases Founder
I live in Polk County and a p.i. Wish i could help masspijoe@aol.com
Hello:
‘
In the mid to late 1960’s, a Des Moines teenager was murdered in a Fleur Drive shop where she was a clerk. The murder weapon, a golf club, was found atop the ceiling tiles.
Was this murder ever solved?
Hello
I thought I was the only one who recalled this! Thought I dreamed it. Not sure of the year. She was in her teens & I heard at the time-her father was a DSM policeman.I can’t find anything on this at all.Also, it was a dry cleaning shop & in the old Dahls strip. The name of the shop was was either Jack Nicolas or Arnold Palmer. And they had a golfer mannequin in the window with a golf club! Either Arnold or Jack had in-laws who were the dry cleaning business. Now does that sound like a dream or not? But I swear that’s how I recall it. Never heard another word about it after the first report.
Nancy, the victim was 17-year-old Linda Boothe, and you’re right about the location; she worked at the Arnold Palmer Dry Cleaners shop on Fleur Drive in the Wakonda Shopping Center. She died Nov. 20, 1968 after being beaten to death with a golf club.
Des Moines police later arrested and charged Michael C. Niccum with her murder, and in 1969 jury members found him guilty of the crime. Jody @ ICC
I did not know Anna Miller, but lived in the upstairs apartment in a house behind hers. I was a single 26 year old living alone.
When I arrived home from work on the murder was discovered, A DSM policeman was in my driveway. He was questioning neighbors about any strange happenings over the previous month. He was especially interested in prank or obscene phonecalls, dogs’ night time barking and unusual night time happenings. I reported having received several hang-up calls, all between midnight and 2:00 am. I also reported being unhappy about the incessant barking of the dogs in the yard next to Anna’s, whenever they heard noises.
The door to my apartment swelled in hot weather and would not close tight enough to lock. I remember being very fearful about coming home to and sleeping in an unlocked home. Whenever I left home I would slip a piece of paper between the door and the jamb, so I could tell if the door had been opened while I was away. Each night I put pie pans and other clatterly objects on indside stairs going up to my place. I kept a baseball bat at the top of my stairs.
Once I came home and found the paper fallen into the threashhold. Upstairs I found the book Of Death And Dying out of my bookshelf and in the middle of my living room floor. I assumed that one of friends was playing a trick on me. I did not report the incident
However, maybe I should have called the police about it. Maybe a year or less after the murder, the DSM Register had an article about women living alone on Anna’s street. Some of them were receiving hang-up calls and reporting window peekers. One mother and her college-aged daughter were finding strange and creepy notes. I don’t have the article, but I remember one of the notes saying something like: RIng around the rowdy, axes axes, we all must die. The article also had something about the daughter finding her car with battery cables disconnected in the Grandview College parking lot. When she got home, there was either a note or an anonymous phonecall (I don’t remember the particulars) saying something like “I don’t like it when you go so far from home.”
Gossip around the neighborhood was that Anna’s neighbor with the dogs was possibly responsible for all of this, because he was fed up with people making complaints about his dogs. Supposedly nobody heard the dogs barking the night of the murder. Therefore, the murderer had to be somebody the dogs knew.
Janelle, we will never forget Michael either. Keep the faith that someone will come forward. Nancy Bowers
We still hold hope that Mike’s case will one day be solved. You are not forgotten, Mike!
So sad. I wish I could help but back than I was just a infant.
Beautiful young lady.
Yep, I do too. I can’t believe it’s been all these years and the case still hasn’t been solved. :(
I think of this case alot when I go to the mall for some reason. One of those random things my parents told me about when I was very young and it has stuck with me all these years.
So awful that this case has gone unsolved for so long. Hope it gets solved soon.
If we assume the DNA cleared the family members, we still are left with the issue of the screen being cut from inside. I was thinking this over and it occurs to me that an intruder might have chosen to exit the house through that window. Maybe he got in earlier and had been hiding, maybe in the basement. I doubt Law Enforcement could go back and check neighbors families’ DNA at this late date but it might prove interesting.
Martin – give it a rest – enough already.
Lee, well, I don’t know how to respond to you or if I even should. You seem to think I am insensitive to even make any comments- why, I wonder? I don’t see you making this sort of statement to other posters. I have the same right to post as you do. No, I will not shut up and go away. But neither will I be irresponsible and make pointless speculations, which I don’t think I am doing. I just threw out a possible suggestion as to what happened. If this bothers you so much, maybe you should quit reading this thread. There seem to be others who do want to discuss this. I am sorry for your pain and assure you I mean well.
I was wondering if any of the guests at the Veaches Party the night before were from Ireland since I have heard this through the family, and I was wondering if any of them had been questioned in connection with this Murder Case
In addition, the police have done DNA testing on evidence from the scene, and both Mr. Veach and Billy were CLEARED.
My sister Kay was Tricia’s best friend. I can assure you, Tricia’s father and brother had NOTHING to do with her murder. My sister spent many sleep-overs at the Veach house and has stated that Tricia’s family was/is very caring and loving. Please stop wasting your time with horrible accusations about Tricia’s father and brother. This poor family has suffered enough.
Wouldn’t life be simple if we could determine if someone is good or bad by how caring and loving they might act in public. All of our children would be safe. Attorneys would be out of work. There are many people who are involved in the church, summer camps, priest, etc. that have committed horrible crimes. One can’t rule out someone just because they show a loving and caring behavior.
I just read this for the first time. I am so sorry for what happened.
What about this cold case of the Moore family murders? Katie Stilfer in 1903. What about her murder? This is terrible that no one has solved any of these cases. Who would do such a horrible thing to these people; why? And Donna Sue Davis; such a sweet, pretty little girl.
I don’t know of a connection but haven’t researched back in their family. I just saw this post about her parents when running a quick search. https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/ia-lillian-demaris-31-mason-city-1952.116912/ I guess Lillian’s husband could have been related to Ruth’s husband in some way, especially since they are all from the same general vicinity. Sorry I couldn’t help!
I found this article while searching for family tree info – very interesting yet disturbing. (Cyrus Strait was a relative of mine)
I have been following this case for a few years. I grew up in a small town not far from Bedford and first discovered this case on the internet. Every piece of info I’ve seen so far states that she disappeared in the night. It doesn’t say if they think she ran away from home, or someone broke in and kidnapped her. Did she have a history of running away from home? Even though I don’t know her family, I just think it’s crappy that after so many years they don’t know what happened to her.
From what I understand, she had no history of running away. There are several “town” rumors such as she is in the bottom of a well or she is living out of state. I don’t know how someone could simply disappear off the face of the earth???
If they believe she’s in bottom of well then why haven’t they been checked and In Clearfield if that’s where she’s actually lived all info in these cases is critical
colleen was my best friend, she didn’t disappear from home, the family went to a function out of town and disappeared from that function, and they were living outside of grant, iowa at that time. I believe if she could have she would have contacted me. I miss her still.
This is her older brother, Michael & to set the record straight–she ran away from home in the middle of the night in Clearfield, while Dad was on patrol as a deputy sherriff. she wasn’t missed until next morning & since then we’ve been searching where ever to find her!!
Michael, I would very much like to help with this case. I am a retired Deputy with Ringgold County. if there is any information you would be willing to share with me, that would be great. If so, contact me via messenger on FB if you’d like.
Have you or any of your siblings submitted spit samples for DNA testing to groups like Ancestry, NamUs, etc. that may help law enforcement?
https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/?fbclid=IwAR3ge-1C8uXBUkIDmlGcbK7FeRf9ojfShKkV_2DBzYUo-TIUq5c-CuVhjWk
Also, have you thought about starting a Facebook page to seek out leads and information?
Have you requested that the Iowa Cold Case Unit at the DCI review your sister’s case?
I have heard multiple Bosnian kids from Urbandale high school that graduated with his class talk about how a Bosnian killed him over drugs. The person or persons who did this walked amongst him every day but the police won’t go as far as they need to. I reported to crime stoppers what I knew and the racist things these kids say about him . The kids that talked about it where at Lyons park everyday and still go there. Its across from the high school. I’ve been there a couple times with a friend and heard 4 boys say he got what he deserved for owing someone money. they need to look at his classmates and peers. It was someone close to him that knew he would trust to go with them. It’s so sad his family and little sister has to deal with this every day. If only the police would dig further. And no racism here but they are Bosnian boys. The police need to step it up or the family needs to hire a private investigator and get it figured out. This is so sad and he deserved justice. Drugs are not worth murder. Many people say that is impossible for such a good school well it’s not. Urbandale has problems like this. I feel sorry for the family they have to know their son was involved in drugs but they need to know so it can get solved.
Jessica, I was your mothers “big sister” when she was in Davenport as a teenager. You both came to stay for about a week when you were an infant. I just recently started searching for her and was so saddened to come across this site. I am so sorry for your loss. Cindy Henning
I saw this myspace page:
In it, Aaron’s sister states: “I made this profile for the soul purpose of trying to find my brother, Aaron Michael Pate, born March 3rd, 1975, left Keota April 30th, 1993. Aaron- Perhaps one day you’ll do a google search on your name and find this. I’m on my own now, completely disconnected from our mother.”
Sounds to me like Aaron’s mother was probably a toxic person. Toxic people score high on Hare’s psychopathy checklist. Has his mother been looked at as a suspect?
Can’t believe i came across this! That woman called “mom” was a highly disturbed sick individual!! I grew up in same town and have always thought that lady belonged in a mental institution!! Not to mention i knew the family.
Do you have some examples of what gave you that indication and are you willing to share?
This sister must be Jennifer Miller?
Does anyone know if family members are still living? Have they been contacted? I’m with Andrea on this one – talk with the family and see what the family dynamics were when he disappeared. Of course, he was of age to leave home if he chose. Has the family heard from him at all over the years?
This case does not appear to have been investigated in depth and if it has perhaps the updates are just not on this site? Sometimes a case just stands out to you and this one has grabbed my attention for various reasons.
This case was so horrifying and sad. My brother was a friend of hers and we were very distraught when we found out she was dead. Though I moved away from Cedar Rapids 35 years ago, I’ve never forgotten. I assumed that all leads had been investigated, but seems I was told details that were never known. The source of the info was not always reliable but what she told me may be very relevant indeed. My best friend’s sister told me she knew the name of the murderer and the name of at least one guy who helped assault her. I never forgot those names. It seems people who were questioned, including this person, and Ms Kellogg did not reveal everything they knew. I am hoping my info may lead to some resolution. I hope so.
Did U tell the police about this. It is Ur duty to come forth so Paula’s case can be solved.
Thanks so much for the link, Jeff! I remember hearing about this and am going now to watch the video.
John Joubert was a military man who killed two paper boys in Nebraska. Robert Ressler FBI profiler from Iowa worked the case.
Jeff
After all this time since this comment posted, I suppose what I have to say makes no difference. But contrary to what the documentary stated, the 2nd boy in Omaha was not a newspaper carrier. Danny Jo Eberle delivered newspapers and was abducted while on paper route. Christopher Walden was NOT a newspaper carrier and was abducted while walking to school. Just wanted to clear up some misinformation.
Jan lived behind one street north of me and two houses over. I remember her and also when it happened. We were terrified. I didn’t go outside at night any more. Our bubble of safety in our quiet little neighborhood was gone. We had a neighborhood sexual predator at that time also who called the neighborhood women. His identity however was never found.
It would be helpful if law enforcements around the country would add all they know in a case. When they make public announcements. I personally experienced some
thing once where the information, if I had it all. Would have aided a case.
In the cases of these three news paper boys. Had law enforcement investigated the News paper workers? Had the law enforcement checked into arrests, to connect the 2yr gaps? In one of the cases, witness said.. a man in a vehicle asked for specific street number directions, did law enforcement investigate the street in question?
There is a number of things that would help the public, help law enforcement.
Jeff
I hope for the sake of her children and the rest of her family that the DNA is a match. Must be so horriable for them not to know what has happened to their mother/family member.
I just found out the DNA results that my niece,nephew and myself submitted are now complete and entered in CODIS hoping that somewhere some day we will find my sister…
That is good news!! Hopefully you’ll learn soon if this is your sister or not!
I am so sorry for your loss. How terrible of an act, murder is a crime against humanity in which loved ones of the victim do not get over easily, if ever. I know this from personal experience. My father was murdered in 1977 in Davenport. I was 13yrs old. It is the hardest thing to deal with, homicide, and you learn to live with it and go forward in your life. But you never forget, even though others do as the decades go on. You have my deepest sympathy for your entire family. I hope you have all remained close. I cannot say the same for my family. My family exploded on May 10, 1977 and has never been close since. Good luck to you and your family. Please tell the children about their Aunt Jackie, that is the only way we can keep our loved ones alive forever….
This case is so disturbing, I grew up in Fredericksburg and was in High School at the time. I always felt it had to be someone she knew because of the way she was killed. All kinds of rumors then and today. One was it was a cop. Recently I heard they knew who it was but couldn’t do anything about it because this person was dead. If true that is stupid because Rhonda deserves justice no matter what.
Anyways, I have nothing to add but wish Rhonda peace & justice.
Glad it’s all working now. Yeah.
Patty Van Pilsum
And since some of the family members have been deceased for 15 years and possibly even longer, I am assuming that a family member signed a release for the DNA to be tested of the deceased family.
2011 is a long time to wait for DNA testing surrounding the murder of this little girl…
The problem is this, they can’t exclude even a family member by family DNA. Even back 2 generations. People would take in orphan kids and raise them as their own. Or women could get pregnant by another man, and raise the child has her husbands.
It happened more often than people know.
So Roys DNA and Pauls DNA would have to be tested as individual test. So there is no way to exclude them.
Patty Van Pilsum
I agree with Marie Derry and share her thoughts on the uncle in the Patricia Veach family.
I was wondering if the information on the DNA provided by willing family members is public and whom I would contact to view it, I also recently read an old article on this case that stated lie detector tests were being issued..
I am wondering if that information is public also and where one might view that as well.
I have always thought the Dad and the Uncle were both directly involved with that precious childs murder.
I was wondering if the evidence provided by a family member is public.
I would alsolike to know how long ago this volunteer by family members to provide DNA to the authorities took place.
I agree with Marie Derry on the uncle in the family.
I have always believed that the uncle and the father both may have had something to do with this childs murder.
My heart and my prayers are with you and your family and most of all your little angel. So beautiful, so innocent. Oh, my tears are flowing for you and yours. May God always be with you, now and forever.
Absolutely beautiful. My heart goes out to you. Being a mother myself to a beautiful princes, I can’t imagine the pain you have felt. <3
Terriable that they never caught the person that did this. Luckily with all the advances in forensics etc…there is still a chance that justice will be done.
It is sad they never caught him.
I just wish we had a better photo to display on Laura’s page.
I have heard the name Bandixen, but I don’t know when or where.
Our world lost a brilliant, beautiful young woman the day Laura died. It is a tragedy our family relives over and over again.
Dearest Kelli, Justin and Joe, Cindy,
Thinking of all of you this week! Lots of love and prayers for you. Corey was such as awesome person. Hoping that your terrific memories can sustain you through this very tough week.
Nikki Oberlin
I knew Jesse Hanni, briefly dating him when I was 18 and he 23.
He was a quiet, mild-mannered fellow who was proud of where he came from. He was involved in drug activity, as it seemed everyone was at that time.
I found out about Jesse’s demise five years ago and hope the winds of time will blow new and relevant information toward solving the crime.
Sincerely, Renee Cellmer
that beautiful baby girl, why would a creep like l virgil vance wilson do such a horrible crime. she was just a baby, couldnt defend for herself.i know her parents must to had nightmaires. it must to had about killled them. her snall brother timothy, and her oldest sister mary claire. beautiful names. iam soo sorry, even tho i was born in 1955, baby donna sue would had been a mother, grandmother, but her small life was snuffed out by some sexulal creep. she would had been arounr 54. thanks, god bless, and soo many sorries. patty
Patty, back on December 20, 1955 (see timeline), Sioux City Police Chief James O’Keefe announced that Virgil Vance Wilson had been eliminated as a suspect in Donna Sue’s murder. For any number of reasons, people will sometimes confess to a crime they didn’t commit. Wilson had been in Des Moines that night and couldn’t have made it to Sioux City to kidnap Donna Sue in the time frame she went missing. I, too, often wonder what her life might be like today had this never happened. All best, Jody
thank god, virgil vance Wilson was eliminated. she was such a beautiful child, her parents had nightmares, until the day thay died.
There is not a day goes by I do not think about you Dad ..My boys missed their chance to grow up with a grandpa and a grandma. I will never stop looking for you Dad ..You were my best friend! Life is very lonely without you! I will never stop looking for you …Love you
Betsy. I’m so sorry the boys didn’t get to know the Bill I got to know. He was a good man and I wish he were here. Did I tell you that I went mushroom hunting down by your dads place. Billy run us off, before we could get into Menasea’s land.
That’s because billy was involved with his dads death.
Throwing stones only breaks glass. Finding fact s instead of pointing fingers can get the whereabouts of findings to put this case to bed.
What would make you say that?
Just a very bad feeling! Did he own property in Arizona?
You are right. I went to a phycic in the summer to connect with him and you are very much right.
Actually I’ve been working on finding him, I’ve tried to talk to law enforcement and they completely disregard the case. I watched a home video of William and my grandpa loyal made many years ago. I don’t know why my heart is set on finding him but it is.
I found this after reading an article today that referenced your missing dad. I am so sorry for what you’re going through. I am close with and love my own dad very much, so this brought me to tears. I read on another site that he was on the phone with his mom when someone was at the door. Were you able to confirm who that was at the door that day? And what time that was?
Robert (Bob) Hatcher was our son. We just saw this website and are wondering what you do other than write about the person. Do you do any investigating? I can send a picture of Bob. But would like to find out more about this website first. He was a loving person who would do anything for anyone he just wanted to be loved as much as he loved everyone else. We miss him a lot and wish that the people responsible for murdering him would be caught.
Thanks and would love to have you contact me at my email address and give me more information about this website.
Marjorie A. Hatcher
Can I email Mrs Hatcher his mother
Our loving angels always in our prayers and heart.
In loving memory of these little angels, you shall always be remembered and loved.
My impression is that he knew the person. This person that stabbed him knew him well. Either loved him very much or hated him that much to kill.
He may not even have known this person’s true feelings of him.
But I am sure the police must of checked all that out closely.
We lived a block north of where this happened-had friends that lived in the front of the building-wasn’t the landlord/maintenance man suspected?
I just emailed you pics
body
I will look— funny- I don’t think I ever believed in ghost–but even before we found out about it— really weird things happened in the house and then afterwards we wondered if it was her spirit
Thank you, Brenda! We try!
This is Mhiyu Thomas and I think me and my family got the short end of the stick when it comes to my father’s assassination. We would like more answers. We feel like the police are not doing their jobs especially when it comes to my father. We ask for justice.
Thanks for writing, Mhiyu, and please accept my condolences on your father’s unsolved murder. I know it doesn’t get much easier over time, especially when there are no answers and there’s been no resolution. Many people — including police officers and other investigators — share your frustration insofar as wanting to allocate more time to cold cases. It isn’t that they don’t care, but rather budget cuts that force already overworked officers to devote what time they do have to new cases coming in every day.
They may not have the cold case files open on their desk, but they *do* follow up on every lead or tip that comes in. I’ve had other family members state they don’t think police care as much about solving their loved one’s murder due to the victim’s line of work or past arrests or whatever, but based on what we’ve been told, priorities are based not on the victim’s race, social status or line of work, but rather what cases have the best chance of being solved via DNA or other types of evidence.
You’re already on the right track, Mhiyu; make sure people never forget the case is still open. The years go by much faster for people who read about crimes in the paper than they do for families left behind still waiting for answers and justice. Take care, and thank you again for writing.
Your father was not assassinated. He was murdered. Let’s not pretend he was a political figure.
Shot in the back of the head is assignation due to your status in the community. Every article identifies him as a local legend.
Don’t know anything about this case but this is an awesome site…goes way back!!!
How tragic. Murdered on their first date. Hope justice comes for these two and their families.
I was a classmate of Patricia’s and I remember the summer when she was killed very well. I have had also the pleasure of meeting and talking to her brother. I was terrified as any 10 year old would be. And after talking to Bill I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it was for the family. He told me a few months ago that after all these years they finally cleared him his father and an uncle. For forty years these folks not only had to endure the loss of Patricia but the finger pointing and behind the back whispers. I am saddened that things like this happen more frequently now that we are supposed to be older and wiser. I also hope that if the one who did this is caught. If not may they burn in the hereafter. My sincere condolences to the Veach Family I was not able to do that 41 years ago but I have never forgooten
Was Paula simply going out to retrieve something from the car, or would she have gone to a store in her nightgown? I think someone in the general area of the apartment complex may have kidnapped her.
Paula was not wearing a nightgown. That is something the police first stated and the media ran with it. She had on a powder blue “bra dress”. It was a short dress with a built in bra. They had just become fashionable. I had worn that dress myself as we always shared out clothes.
Just for the record they were renting a house.
It appears this article implies Rolfe was heavily involved. Why no follow up on him?
Jim, thanks for writing. I hope to have new information to add to this case very soon. Jody
If I recall correctly wasn’t this murder attributed to Donald Piper? Investigative Discovery showcased Mr Piper who was convicted of First Degree Murder for the murder of a woman in a West Des Moines hotel. He was the Building Engineer and had a pass key to her room. The Investigation tied him to other murders in Des Moines as well. I should think he is possibly Iowa’s first convicted Serial Killer.Kind regards, Joe
Donald Piper actually worked for my father. I remember shaking his hand when I was 12 years old. Scary.
Did he make you uncomfortable at all? In the report on Investigative Discovery a 12 year old girl exited the elevator when he entered as he made her so uncomfortable.
He’s family for me. How do you think I feel?
We lived in this neighborhood when I was nine years old and I remember this event well. We heard the Police sirens and saw the ambulance arrive. As kids do, we stood and watched as the Police looked through the bushes and in the storm drains near the house. This was a time when most mothers were stay at home and several stood with us kids keeping us from getting too close. The Police talked to all the neighbors as I remember. The fear in the neighborhood was very real. Several neighbors ended up with dogs. Whenever we saw a green fastback Mustang we ran for the house until it drove on (it was a popular make of car lol). Oddly, several neighbor ladies (my mom included) had recieved obscene phone calls prior to this. Some recieved the calls after. It was a major reason we moved from this neighborhood. It was rumored that whoever did the murder was arrested in another state on another crime and Iowa wasn’t going to bring him back for trial. I think someone made it up to lessen the fear after this event.
Thank you for writing, Don. I can only imagine what this must have been like for you and the other neighborhood kids. I’ve not heard anything about the perp being arrested for another crime, though it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen; in fact, that very thing happens a whole lot more often than people might think. I can’t imagine Iowa “not” extraditing him to stand trial here if they were convinced he was responsible, but it’s never too late, even if he’s been released and still out there somewhere. We can only hope someone who knows something will eventually come forward. Thanks again for writing.
It’s unreal how no one has come forward with anything on this man. with all those tattoos especially. You mean to tell me no one remembers or knows someone who had those tattoos. I have two and everyone I know knows I have them. so sad…..
i was thinkin just the same thing
Unless I missed something in the article my question to Mr. Hathaway would be, How do you know whether Mr. Harker was shot or not.
You missed something…he didn’t say he was shot.
“He and that dog were like the left and right hand. You couldn’t see one without the other being right there,” Hathaway says, “and so I thought that was weird. It must have been just one of those rare times where he didn’t take his dog with him, because his dog would probably have ended up shot too, because that dog wouldn’t let nothing happen to him.”
In many of the cases listed here on ICC, more is often known than what we can publish on the victim’s case summary page. As many law enforcement officials often tell us, “It’s one thing to know who did it, and something entirely different to prove it in a court of law.” The quote references what Hathaway told me during an interview. (And no, he is not considered a suspect. He was one of Kenny’s very close friends and put himself on the line by telling me what he knew.)
After 13 years, why not publish Mikey’s real name?
I don’t think it was his friend that got him . The 2 suspects where spooks Knucklehead Joe is hammerhead Harry and Mikey’s last name is Hedges . I don’t know the full names
He kind of did when he said the dog would have been shot too.
Connie and Cindy, you make an astute observation. If Hathaway knows Kenny was shot, what else do people know, how many know something, and what would it take to get them to spell it out, on the record, for police? Are they afraid of being silenced?
It’s wrong to automatically assume two cases being connected. Unless there’s evidence supporting the fact, it has to remain as conjecture. Most likely the Des Moines register people have already been checked out thoroughly. It’d be the easiest source to check.
What one should be asking is if all fair goers have been accounted for, or even interviewed. I’m not saying that the officers on the case haven’t been doing their due diligence, but it’d be awfully difficult to interview everyone there.
Possibly start with employees running new attraction, or just new employees working in that area. While a fair goer could have easily kidnapped him, an attraction worker would have the readily available excuse of being an attraction worker for, saying, moving large items, tools, etc. Not to mention that they’d have access to areas that might otherwise be off limits.
I can just imagine what the police were dealing with at the time, with the chaos of a nationally-acclaimed fair AND a kidnapping occuring simultaneously. Just taking into accound the fair, it sounds like pure chaos on which a criminal could easily capitalize. Hopefully Eugene Martin will finally be found.
Neither boys’ disappearance happenef during dates the fair was going on.
Yes, Eugene was taken during the fair. It states in the article.
I have been researching my maternal grandmother who killed a man name Paul Stewart in Des Moines in 1965. She was convicted of manslaughter for that crime. In the trial records a witness to the crime was a person by the name of Anna Miller. I wanted to know more about what happened and started researching the case. I came across this unsolved case and couldn’t help but wonder if this was the same person that witnessed the killing my grandmother was involved with and if this had any link. My grandmother’s name was Arlene Violet Shipley. November 15, 1965 was the date on the docket. I would hope this has nothing to do with my grandmother but need to clear up either way. You can reach me at the email above. I would appreciate any assistance.
Scott
I grew up with LINDA BOOTH in Fort Dodge, IA. Her father was a highway patrolman (ARLIS BOOTH). LINDA was killed at a dry cleaning shop where she worked before and after school. They were living somewhere around Des Moines or Ames at the time and she would’ve been around 17-18. So this would have happened in 1967/68. I didn’t think they ever solved this case, so I was surprised not to see her listed. Can anyone provide additional information?
I’m not seeing a Niccum on the Corrections site which could mean he has been released or died?
Michael Charles Niccum #0103259 discharged sentence in Polk County Cause #55814 for Murder, 2nd Degre, on 12 August 1999.
He should not be walking the streets. The murder was brutal and I have never forgotten Linda or what she went through. I knew her from 5th grade up until the time she was murdered.
Nicum was right handed…evidence withheld by the state says killer was left handed…states witness Lodgson, died 2009, found guilty as accomp.
Both Niccum and Logsdon admitted being at the murder scene, throwing out the murder weapon, and throwing out the bloody clothes. It was a matter of which one did it. They were just having a “good time.” I guess when Niccum does it again he might go back to where he belongs. Poor Arlis and Ruby. Linda was a beautiful girl.
Linda Booth was killed Nov, of 1968 at a Dry Cleaners in Wakonda Shopping Center in Des Moines. She is buried in the NE part of a cemetery in Indianola, Iowa Her boyfriend , at the time of the murder, Jimmy Lucia, died in 2014 and is buried in the same cemetery. They caught the guy who killed her(with a golf club) and was convicted and sent to prison. Don’t know his name or his disposition. It was a big trial. I didn’t know she grew up in FD, iowa Linda went to Lincoln High school in DM and was Scheduled to Graduate in 1969. She was a knock out beautiful woman. I was working at a Burger Chef near the shopping center,the nite of the murder. I was in the same class at Lincoln High.
Michael Charles Niccum was found guilty of Linda’s murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Don’t know if he was ever paroled or not.
She was a close friend of my brother and sister-in-law. Same class at Lincoln. I’m glad it was solved. I didn’t think it was.
This sounds like the murder that took place at the Arnold Palmer DryCleaners on Fleur drive. The lobby had a Putter as a “prop”. She was beaten to death with that Putter, and yes I do recall that her Father was a State Trooper.
Thanks for writing, Cind. I’ll follow up with this with the Council Bluffs PD and get back to you. Also, if you have any additional info or photos you’d like to share, we’d be happy to include them on John’s page. Feel free to contact me directly at: jody at iowacoldcases.org
Hello,
I’ve lived in CB all my life just a mile or so from the “64 club”. Actually, where “Fareway” is was once an old gas station. The 64 club was just a little way up the road from Fareway and on the opposite side. It seems like it was razed in mid-nineties. It is now known as “64 Estates” and is a cul-de sac of about 15 houses.
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.
Sounds like the husband did It.
Have they ever found any evidence in the John stephens case? My mother is his half -sister. Do they have any leads or do we know if the perps are dead already?
Thank you
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Please read the attached link which I read via aol. Perhaps Boyer is worth looking into. Was Bierbolt ever connected to the Zywicki case with DNA??
Why does it read like you had a serial killer or killers down in Iowa in the 1970’s.
For all these unsolved murders I hope the guilty party is found out. Oh, and I see the writer was Jody E. who went missing. Sounds like there has to be some connection.
Why does it read like you had a serial killer or killers down in Iowa in the 1970’s.
For all these unsolved murders I hope the guilty party is found out.
I remember this as we lived a couple houses down across the alley. I then met a friend who lived in the same apt. and she showed me where you could still see blood around the tub from this incident. It was pretty scary back then.
Please email me with any updates.
I am Bob’s older sister and Sally’s cousin. I remember this too…I have no info to provide or pics…just that it was a scary time as we lived on the south side at that time.
the murder of jo jo zollicoffer in waterloo in late 80’s or early 90’s should be on here
you damm right it shuld be on i was wanting to read about it. signed a little ticked off.
This is the first time I have read this particular article, I happen to be thinking of Jan and wondered if there was anything on the internet about her case. I knew it was never solved, which has always been a mystery to me and one that I would give anything to know what actually happened. The story is mostly correct and I’m sure some of the details are what has been related by press accounts or law enforcement. I had a lot of conversations with one particular Lt. at the time and a whole lot of what happened left a lasting impression on me. I just wanted to say the picture of course doesn’t do her justice she was such a cute, sweet person. I’m sure her parents were very proud and they should of been commended for the great job they did she had so much potential. I could ramble on about all that is missing in this article and comment on what is in the article. As you get older your memory fades but in Jan’s case I remember almost every little detail and am still haunted by the fact that it has never been solved. You now have my e-mail so if anything ever comes up please keep me informed. I wish I had a better picture for you, but in those day’s we didn’t take a lot of random pictures.
I was (am) a friend of Ang’s and tho we didnt always agree and didnt see each other hardly at all when she was brutally taken, I do miss her and pray that who ever did this will be found and made to pay for their crime, I still think about you Ang !
and thank you Jodi for not forgetting about her either ! x jude wyant hansel
One of the problems with the investigation was that the murderer defiled the body with a broomstick and the cops brought all their buddies into the crime scene to see it, trampling the evidence in the process.
Writer Brad Steiger brought well-known pyschic Irene Hughes to Iowa city and she is the one who suggested Jane had been dumped on Interstate 80.
To anyone that reads this article about my father and Michelle, YOU stole their lives from their families on my birthday. YOU STOLE THEIR DREAMS BELIEFS,THOUGHTS, FUTURE,FAMILY, TO ALIENATE AND DISRUPT FRAGILE GENTLE DAILY LIFE.
To anyone that reads this article about my father and Michelle, YOU stole their lives from their families on my birthday. YOU STOLE THEIR DREAMS, BELIEFS,THOUGHTS, FUTURE, FAMILY TO ALIENATE AND DISRUPT FRAGILE GENTLE DAILY LIFE.
My wife is Lisa. And we are looking for the person who is responsible for this Childs death. It seems to me this was no accident but, a murder. If so do you have a suspect and if so why no inditment?
Was Lillian Eileen Demaris who disappeared in 1952 related to Ruth Strait DeMaris the daughter of Elgin Hobart Strait an obvious sex offender? Could his murder and Lilllian Eileen Demaris’ disappearance related?
was her ex husband kenny ever cleared?
the person that hasn’t been cleared is William Halterman and he has a facebook look him up.
There’s a bill halterman in Knoxville ia,is that the same guy your talking about??
There are s couple of William Halterman Facebook profiles. I do not believe it is the Knoxville profile….
There was a lady named Marry Green that was murdered in the 1970s Or 1980s. At Spring creek moble home park in Oskaloosa iowa, was the case ever solved? I beleave she is related to some of my family members. I am not sure if I spelled her last name right. I was a kid when this happened, please e mail me a follow up Dan Dewit
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/mary-ann-green/
Still a cold case. Here is her direct link
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/mary-ann-green/
anything new here?
i would still do anything to help find his killers,i think linn cty could have done more.
My brother could not have asked for a better friend Dale. Bless you, I know it was as hard on you as it was on us!!!!
Dale, many times LE officials pretty much know who’s responsible, but fear making an arrest if they haven’t enough “rock solid” evidence to basically ensure a conviction once the person has been charged. As you know, they get no second chances to retry the killer(s). I know it sounds like an age-old platitude, but it’s so true it really bears repeating; that is, just “one little tiny detail that’s seemingly so insignificant” is often all that’s needed to tie all the other small threads together with a firm knot at the end. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your friend. We won’t give up.
i know all that but they have the gun .and i know whos it was,and so do they,and. and an attack like that had to leave d.n.a.ron didnt go down with out a fight!!!
Wow! I knew they had the hammer and golf club but didn’t know they also had the gun! Yes, there definitely should have been some DNA somewhere after all that struggling. A while back, Aaron Brilbeck with WHO-TV Channel 13 in Des Moines was trying to get interviews arranged with Ron’s sisters for a story on Ron’s murder. Aaron’s weekly cold case series got scaled back, but he still tries to cover cases whenever he can. I’ll check with him to see if he can still get this one in. There are plenty of people he could interview, and getting Ron’s story “out there” could do a world of good. Thx for the info!
Thank you so much for writing this article. Ronnie was my uncle. We miss him everyday.
Thank you, Betsy, for taking the time to write. If there are any special memories you’d like to share about your Uncle Ronnie, I’d be more than happy to add them to our blog as a “guest post” or else include the info on his case summary page. All the family members are welcome to share whatever info they like. Thanks again, and know how sorry I am about the loss of your uncle.
Thank you for your non-judgemental and accurate article. One thing missing is the name of our oldest brother Bob. We did learn that the evidence box did not float away in the 2008 flood, so there is still hope.
Thanks for writing, Mary. I’ve added Bob to the list of Ron’s survivors, and am relieved to hear officials still have the evidence box. Would it be possible for you or any of your siblings to scan and send me some better pictures for Ron’s page? Photos tell so many stories, and it would be nice to have one that does Ron justice. (Pix with family members/siblings are welcome, too.) You may e-mail them to jody@iowacoldcases.org — let me know if there’s anything else I can add to Ron’s story.
What about Clyde Wilkerson from Benton, Arkansas He’s in prison on other murders. Was a trucker.
Hello! I left another message in the wrong area. I am correcting that by reposting the message here. I do not know anyone in the following case but I spend time scouring over cold cases. In the case of Michael James Delaney: Mark Edward Handlon, your person of interest is in the Illinois Department of Corrections, Shawnee Correctional Center. He has been there since Sept 4, 2008.
I assume tht you know this, but just in case you don’t, I wanted to let you know. Thanks Vickie
Hi there,
I was wondering if the case of John Stephens has ever been solved? I am asking because he is my mother’s half brother. She oftens thinks about him and has always wondered if the person or persons have ever been caught?
Thank you so much.
Not responding to Ann. She seems to think like I do and also lots of people who are not related to this family.
DID THEY HAVE AN AUTOSPY ON NATHANIEL CARNAGY?
I don’t think they had autopsies back then.
kind of obvious how he died
I was so surprised to find out there was a COLD CASE department here in the State of Iowa. I Hope and pray that this case as the others could some day be solved, so that we can put this whole thing to rest. Just reading this brings things back and seem fresh in memory. It seems that there are so many unanswered questions…then and still now. Thank you for all the work you are doing!
Llinda Carr
I grew up with Jo Jo he stayed at my house that night and the next. Rose and my birthday were the same,
Mike. You knew JoJo?
we played together was my friend from 57 to when they moved, we stayed in touch, he was a couple years younger than me, went to Dowling together, also St Theresa’s.I remember playing baseball, he could really zing the ball but no control.
i
Did you know Chuck ? Nicholasryankardashian@gmail.com
Thanks for doing this! We hope that one day, we will be able to put an end to years of uncertainty.
Janelle Carr
It’s amazing this is still considered cold. Was blanket DNA ever compared to what DNA was gotten from the trucker, Bierbodt?
They collected hair and blood samples from him. Thats DNA
Yes they said he was ruled out.
i saw her flyer in iowa at a Taco Johns…. and i am wanting to help in the search
Was she missing white or black disco style boots?
John, I’m not sure if the missing shoes included white or black disco style boots. Of course, I am curious as to why you ask. Did you hear something in the area concerning those particular shoes?
Jody, I believe the police did say she was missing some shoes from her apartment, although we never knew why they thought that. That was definitely her style though. I’m with Jody John, what makes you ask?? (Maureen’s sister.)
no when i found her she had both white work shoes on they were more of a tennis shoe type i do remeber it well as i go past the place daily where she was found
I thought they found her barefooted, Kevin?
She would have had some kind of work shoes on as disco came in a yr later
Kevin,
Stop this Right now! Something is not right with you commenting over and over the same lines! I do not believe You! this is Sick! this young womans family is on here and are reading these comments!
tammy, thank you for your note. i am one of her children i was wondering how close you lived to us.
I too thought of Keith Jesperson – have you seen his mug shot? 6’6″ with dark bushy hair. Have they checked him out? He has victims (according to him) that have not been identified.
Lynn,
As a matter of fact there is a writer, Susan Chehak, who has been investigating this case for many years. Susan grew up in Cedar Rapids and is quite serious in her investigation. She has interviewed police officers assigned to the case, reviewed case files, interviewed neighbors and possible witnesses and has developed interesting theories. Feel free to contact me at daddyofduke@aol.com and I will get you in contact with her.
near her in her teen years. i ask almighty God to bring forth the person who committed this crime in the name of mercy.
I have been reading about Myrtle Cooks murder. I was wondering if anyone knows the address where she was living (where she was murdered)? I have recently purchased a home in Vinton Iowa and rumor has it that a lady who was affliated with KKK was murdered in my home, did some research and come up with the Myrtle Cook case, just wondering if she was murdered in my home. I would greatly appreciate any help you could offer, I have done hours of research but am unable to come up with an address for Myrtle Cook.
Much Appreciation,
Cindy Nofal
Thank you so much for the information. I live on 1st ave so it seems I am not living in the Myrtle Cook home. This does provide some relief but it would have been interesting to live in such a home. Again, thank you for the prompt reply. I plan on doing more research!
during mid 70’s to mid 80’s we lived in this house at 703 3rd Avenue- during this time I was reading a book at the library and found out about this and we also found out that it was at this house. Eerie!
When the people say Legion did the killing, look at the reverends name, LyGeIn, that’s Lyn George Jacklin, all in 1 word
I believe that it’s Legion that stays in the attic. He had nothing to do with the murders. The demon was brought to the attic about 10 years ago.
Ummm, sorry to burst your bubble, but there are no friendly demons, they are all sent out to do satans work…KILL STEAL AND DESTROY. Please dont applaud the devil by putting things past him. That would make you a fool
well, i worship the devil, so i believe that all the things they do it nothing but right.
may God have mercy on your soul
More wars have been wages in the name of God than in the name of Satan. Satan killed 6 people in the bible; God killed off his entire worldly creation save 2 of everything and some humans. Yup. Satan’s the bad guy.
Well of course you worship the devil. That’s nothing special
Most people do since most people do not know the Lord Jesus Christ. See John 8:44. If you want to change that see John 3:3, 14:6, 3:16.
Thank you for listing my sister on this website. My family has always been frustrated by the fact that every single time “cold cases” are talked about in the media my sister’s case is never mentioned. NEVER!! I did not expect it to be listed on this website. The police told us in 1970 that her case would always be considered an open case but I doubted that. I doubt the new cold case squad will look into this case but I would love to find out what happened to her. If you have any information regarding her case, I would love to hear from you.
Thank you!
Lyn, Don’t know if you remember me (you once chewed me out for smoking my tires at washington parking lot) I went out with Paula a couple times and thought a lot of her. Never got the chance to tell you and your family how sorry I felt when her body was found so I’m taking the time to let you know now. I hope who ever did this is brought to justice or is all ready dead and rotting in hell. Best regards Larry
Larry, I am an eighth grader at McKinley and I am doing something called national history day. I was wondering if I could talk to you about the case. My friends and I are trying to do a project on her and we need to interview people to find out more information. Thanks.
I knew who Paula was and am still sadden that this happened to such a beautiful girl. Years ago I dreamt that Paula & her sister came to me In a dream & were trying 2 wake me up 2 tell me something. Not sure what it met. I was told many years ago that Paula died from a abortion that went bad. That dirty needles were used & that w
Lee,
It was never my intent nor do I think was it the intent of anyone posting on this case to create anguish for the family. I am truly sorry if anything I said had that effect. You must however understand; I cannot speak for the other posters but although so much time has elapsed we still want justice for this little girl. I would think at least you could appreciate that. No it is not a chat site, it is so far as I know a discussion board, that is what I felt we were doing. Part of discussion is to throw out all possibilities, if only to eliminate them. Sadly in many cases a family member is involved. Please, do not take offense when possibilities are simply aired.
IMO, I do not believe any family was involved in this tragic case.
To the people who have responded in the past few week, really this isn’t a chat site. Did you actually read the above article word for word. Did you stop to think of the anguish that the family has gone through and is now going through because of your senseless comments?
sign me LVL, friend of the Veach family.
I don’t recall being interviewed by police at the time. I figure they probably thought being I arrived after the fact I wouldn’t have any relevant information. Perhaps you could pass on my info to them. If they’re interested I’ll give you my cell or private email address for them to contact me. I work full time,therefore I’m unable to take time off to go to the police station. By the time I get downtown off bus it’s around 5:00pm during the week leaving me with mimimal desire to do much except take the bus from downtown to home. Fridays are my one day off during the week ,and I have Saturdays off.
I worked for Kimco cleaning service in those days in the business park where this took place. I worked almost around the corner from where the crime took place. Department of Natural Resources was one of my accounts I cleaned and Nova Care just slightly up the parking lot. The day this happened I came in after the police were already there. What I found unusual was prior to this murder occuring I had often felt like I was being watched while cleaning. The building I cleaned had some front windows. It was a creepy feeling,however I dismissed it at the time as a over active imagination that is until the murder took place than I began to have second thoughts considering this might have been premeditated. Reason being is the fact their were obviously no witnesses or this individual would have been caught by now. In my opinion it wasn’t by chance this person wasn’t seen. Reading this site it tells me whoever did it was too cautious making sure no prints were left or any evidence. I think it’s possible the perp did their homework thoroughly even knowing others schedules in nearby accounts including cleaning people such as myself,which could explained why I felt watched some days before. One thing I do recall some days or months prior is seeing a truck with a man outside of it socially talking to a woman with dark hair by that building where this woman was killed. I think he too had dark hair and my memory is so so but I know for a fact it was either a red or blue truck. This is all I know. Hope it helps. It would be great if this case was solved to ease the pain her family must still feel after all these years.
Do you know the name of the person who murdered her? It is possible you can look him up to see if he is still in prison. The Corrections Department has a “inmate locator” on its Web site which may be helpful.
A very good friend of mine was murdered in Des Moines in the 60’s. Her name was Linda Terry and she was stabbed to death by her mother’s boyfriend’s son if I remember correctly.
I believe it happened in 1964 or 1965, when she would have been 13. I am interested in learning more about it and what happened to the man who killed her. Hope you can help me. Thank you.
I was in high school with her when she was murdered. Probably in 1968-69. I always felt it was a racial murder since she was dating a black guy……not acceptable in those days unfortunately. She was a lovely, beautiful girl.
It happened in September of 1968. The boy, age 16, who murdered Linda was sent to prison for life. His name was Gulling. His father, Donald Gulling, married Linda’s mother, Florence, in October 13, 1969, about a month after the murder in their home in Des Moines. She was a beautiful girl.
Sorry the two parents married a year and a month after the murder.
He committed suicide while in prison.
Jody: I am so sorry for the loss of your step-dad. He and your Mom sound like a great team. I cannot imagine how much you all must miss him. What a tragic outcome of the theft of 20 dollars worth of copper …
I pray your family finds justice.
Thanks so much for your comment, Teri. We’re all still hopeful justice will be served. (And still hoping Iowa will eventually take it seriously enough to pass some decent scrap metal legislation.) I appreciate your taking the time to write.
Were all family members’ DNA tested against the sample? Earlier someone mentioned an uncle that was susect, if he were related by marriage only, and is deceased, couldn’t he still be a suspect? Or, was a test run using one of his children? There’s a lot we do not know here.
I had never heard about the screen being cut from inside; that makes you go hmmm. It would suggest someone trying to make it look as if there had been a break in.
I’ve never heard of any DNA test being done??? I heard evidence was lost in a flood too….. I guess after 40 years stories grow taller on down the line.
I wish they would find the piece of scum, but he may already be dead.
I also understood DNA testing was never done because of the above statement. I Also heard any evidence was lost in a flood.
The family lived in a very very small home. From what I remember the brother had been sleeping on the porch but had stayed the night with his grandmother that night. The parents had a few people over that evening for drinks. When the child was found the screen had been cut but the screen had been cut from the inside of the house. It makes you wonder was the screen cut from the inside of the house by someone who had left that night with knowledge the brother was gone and to re-enter or was it cut from the inside to look as if someone had broke in? In those years my family would go on vacation for 2 weeks at a time and not even lock our doors. That stopped after this very sad sad tragedy.
It just makes me wonder because the home was so very small that anyone would have had the guts to even attempt coming in and committing such a crime in fear of being
heard.
The brother was not sleeping on the porch. I don’t know where you got your information but his room was in the basement.
I think it was the fetter brothers that left the state when they found Helen Wimber (aunt of Patricia)
Talking to the police about it they tried finding them for years and they kept moving and finally died at the age of 87 and they where 18 or 19 when they did it
Your math doesn’t add up.
The screen was cut from the inside of the house
If the one did it, that I believe did it, he would be dmart enough to cut the screen from the inside as a frame. No one who commits such a crime is going to cut yhe screen from inside the house.
Thay would have to be a moron to do that.
It just convices me all the more , that Bill did not do this to his daughter.
But is something a cop would think of, if he were trying to place suspsion on Bill.
I still pray that this case be solved.
My inlaws were very close to the Veach family and they are convince the dad did it.
Patricia played in our neighborhood, I was 10 when she was killed and it scared the hell out of me… Wish they had DNA back then.
In the 60’s there was no legal obligation upon the accused to provide a blood sample, nor was there any lawful means by which the police could obtain one without his concent. In fact, the court emphasized there was no statutory authority by which the police could obtain a warrant to seize a bodily substance from an accused for the purposes of DNA testing. Defence counsel could properly advise their clients not to submit to DNA testing voluntarely and any police action to seize bodily samles without consent would be considered illegal. The evidence was inadmissible
I grew up as her neighbor and played with her 3 kids, they were such nice people… I still think about them all and wonder how they are doing… This is such a sad story… I hope whoever did this is caught.
Your article says that the ME could not determine if Roger had been sexually assaulted but whoever created Roger’s memorial on Find A Grave says he was.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=58936643
i havent forgot you sandy
We need help now to convict this man. My father, the victims son, has the button and possible dna evidence that could close the case for out family. The police wanted to reopen the case years ago while my grandma, Bernice, the victims wife, was alive, but she didn’t want to go through the ordeal again. She is now gone, and I would really like to see justice served against the man who stole the opportunity for me to know my grandfather.
Your father has the button that the FBI Lab lost?
WHO-TV 13 made several attempts to contact Terri Supino? Really, that is funny. No one ever attempted to contact her, not to mention she isn’t hard to find. The Jasper county Sherrifs department knows exactly where to find her. Her entire family lives in Newton. You guys are ridiculous.
Well, apparently they had no trouble finding terri now..
and i am glad.
Hang in their Casey I went to school with your Mom. So sorry for what you and your borther are going though. I have known your Mom since grade school, spent stay overs when we were kids. My prayers are headed your way, too you and all in the family.God Bless and Hold your Heads up High. For he who think he know’s what happen: “Throw the frist stone”, if you never have sinned; replied God. If you don’t know shut up, that’s how 2nd hand talk strarts. :)
stop defending this woman Julie – you are completely ignorant to the facts – she killed two people – no matter how “NICE” she was. She is still a murderer!! Wise up – people can change when their livelihood is about to be taken away. And Casey – I feel sorry that you actually think your mom is innocent. Hope she goes away for the rest of her life!!
May she rot in hell for what she did!!
She can defend my grandma all she wants! That is my grandma, and I will believe in her! and my grandma is innocent so you can hut up and move on with your life! and just wait till she gets out!
Everyone believed that Ted Bundy was such a great guy too.
Right up until he went to trial (and later confessed to more murders) there were people defending him and saying what a great guy he was. How they couldn’t believe that he could be capable of such things.
Even Ann Rule the author, who was a police woman and worked right next time him night after night for years at a suicide prevention call center had no idea what he really was. What he had been doing to all of those girls the entire time.
Look at the guy who recently murdered Hannah Graham and Morgan Harrington. The guy has been raping, kidnapping and murdering for more than a decade and no one suspected a thing. He appeared to be just a normal college student who was employed as a patient technician in the surgery at the university, caring for people who were at their most vulnerable.
Look at how many other cases on this very website have been solved, and the killers have been walking among us for decades, and no one suspected them. They looked and acted just like normal people!
Look up the definition of a sociopath. There are many of them walking among us right at this very moment.
What you think you see isn’t always what you are really looking at.
Not throwing stones, just stating plain and simple facts.
Well this rings so true many times. I remember the BTK serial killer was a father, Deacon in his church and worked for the City. So sometimes you never know. Looks can be deceiving for sure. You never know what lurks around in the minds of people. People can be very evil.
Wow. Way to twist the word of God to justify MURDER. may you for in hell with that old bag!
I was curious, what evidence linked her to the killings. Did she ever admit anything to make them arrest her or is it just known that she did it but somehow got away with it?
The old hag did it. The girl whose face the jealous loser bashed in was prettier by leaps and bounds. And, unlike your psycho mom, didn’t suffer from mental illness. Glad she will rot in hell, lmfao!
Our looks Change As We Age..Melissa Was A Very Beautiful Young Lady & So Was Theresa. Did You See Theresa’s Picture When She Was Younger?..Blonde & Very Pretty..
Picture of Johnny aged, by Noreen his mother.
Picture of John Doe found in Colorado, never identified. This would represent the time after Noreen said she saw her son. The man was found in an area of Colorado that Noreen said Johnny was taken during his time held captive. There is an obvious resemblence, including the front teeth gap. The recreation was done of the deceased man, but he was found within 24 hours of his death.
The link to this unsolved case is:
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/174umco.html
This information was submitted to Noreen’s sight but no reply was received. It would be great to finally bring Johnny home, but I hope he is still living and in peace.
Thank you for the links, Terri! I hadn’t seen this Colorado case before, but you’re right about the resemblance. The Doe Network states that dental records and DNA are available, though I have no idea whether they’ve been compared to Johnny’s records. Thanks for passing this along, and hopefully someone else might have further insight. All best, Jody
Hi Terri, did you ever find out if the Doe Network ever moved forward with trying to connect this UID to Johnny Gosh? It certainly looks very credible.
Noreen is aware of the John Doe in Colorado, dental records were not a match. The body was badly decomposed and NOT found within a day, the recreations varied from artist to artist.
It was brought to my attention that soneone knows some information regarding a location that might be of some interest. They contacted WDM PD and they were not interested in the information. If anyone wants this person’s name please contact me.
You can get the information to me and I can get it to Noreen. I handle online investigations for her.
Yes if you would email me i will give you his information.
I cannot locate your email
who are YOU ? Iowamom
You are Noreen. Now, back off harassing Sarah DiMeo.
What do you know about your son’s kidnapping that you are now willing to talk about? How is it that all his half or step siblings are no longer alive? Or are they alive and been told they cannot speak out? Are they threatened? A lot of secrecy for something that is supposedly just a local case.
Great question. Where are the step-siblings?
Ann C you couldn’t be more wrong. You might want to watch your words, they boarder on slander. You have no more info then anyone else about this case. You probably have a lot less. And to put yourself out there as “someone who knows” is very irresponsible. If you are implying that Leanne told you that she believes what you said, well I would find that very interesting. Didn’t she sue a trucking co. for the wrongful death of her daughter?? Am I wrong? There is very incriminating evidence that the detectives have. It just needs to be matched to the right person. Thus far they have not found that match. What will you do when someone is convicted and you were wrong? Will you be able to sleep at night? I also find it strange that you are so quick to demonize Donnie, and you let Laura babysit your children. I knew Laura, Laura was a fantastic mother and she was great with children, but she also had the same if not worse past as Donald did. Maybe that is why they fell in love?? Sam did not deserve to be taken away from his father that loves him. The courts did not award Leanne full parental rights. Donald was granted the right to see, spend time with, talk to, and guide his son. What Leanne did was wrong. She will have to live with that.
there’s been counterpoints to the false information you wrote here. What do you have to say about that?
Also turns out his father rarely paid child support and rarely caught up with his kid. It looks like you’re only trying to convince yourself.
Thank You so Much Jody for taking the time to write your comments. My little sister has been gone 2 years now but I think about her each and every day. I was the one rocking her when she was 2 days old, dressing her feeding her and caring a life time for her. I walked her to kindergarten, watched her graduate from high school. Was ther when she married Dean, and was in the waiting room when her babies were born. She was always there for anyone and everyone who she thought she could help in any way. She had a hard time dealing with her and Dean’s struggles. I will never believe she took her own life. She was the most caring person I could have had the privilige of knowing, she never gave up on anything or anyone, especially her family. This world lost a Treasure when she left. Thank You Sandy Marienau
Thank *you* Sandy, for taking the time to leave such a wonderful comment. Reading it made me realize even more what a very special little girl Pamela was and what an amazing woman she had become.
Do you have any photos you could scan and send me for inclusion on her page? (I will provide proper attribution.) Pictures do indeed capture a thousand words. These could be photos from her childhood (with family members, with her pets, etc.) and also those from her adult life: her marriage to Dean, the birth of her first child, and so on. (Size is no problem, so the bigger the KB or MB, the better.) You may e-mail them to: jody at iowacoldcases.org
I’d also like to invite you to write — at any time — a guest post for our blog. We try to remember victims on his/her anniversary dates (birthday, date of death), but in families there are always *many* anniversary dates…. the birth of a first child, a graduation day, or any other event that held meaning for Pamela and/or her family members. You can find more info about guest blogging here: https://iowacoldcases.org/guest-blogging/
Thanks again, Sandy, and know how much your words meant to me. I’m so sorry you lost such a lovely part of your world.
All best,
Jody
Well…!!
I must say I’m intrigued by this article!!….
“Beattie Garage” was owned by my Great Grandfather!!
I’ve been researching my family history since I was a teen & occasionally I do random searches online to see if I can stumble upon anything new….low & behold, I just found this article!!….
Was Thaddeus’s killer ever found? Other than threatening to tell the wife of a party customer, & since he wasn’t robbed….what possibly could have been the motive??…..Interesting story to add to the family history, but sad if it is still a cold case, given that it was nearly 90 years ago, it’ll probably never be solved and Thaddeus’s family will have no closure : (
Miss you Pat!!!
Please email me followup comments
Sally and Jack are my cousins I was only about 8 years old then but I remember it well. Iwalked to school then by Park Avenue all though quite aways from where shewas found I know I was afraid because I was so young. I often wondered if they ever solved this crime.
was any dna saved from this case?Was Richard the only male in this womens life? She was With child. Had she seen R.M. within the last 3 months? This was someone she knew.!
i hope the remains found in dow city are that of connie ruddy who was a childhood friend of mine, so she can final be laid to rest
Daniel: Crawford County Sheriff Steinkuehler has ruled out the connection to Connie Ruddy because a jaw bone was one of those found in Dow City. (And of course Connie’s jaw bone has already been recovered.) Hopefully the IA DCI and State ME’s office will have some answers soon. They’d said it might take 3-4 weeks to get the results.
Thanks for writing!
Concerning the above case for Matthew John Ferris.
There is a case listed on the Doe Network that is of a man, matching Matt’s description who was found 6 months after Matt went missing. The interesting item which caught my eye was that the car they found of this young man’s was bought in North Dakota. His parents reported he had been in South Dakota. The age/height/weight are all possible matches and the hair/composite sketch seem to look alike.
The case number is: The Doe Network:
Case File 502UMAL
1 2
Reconstruction of Victim
Unidentified White Male
The victim was discovered on December 21, 1991 in Dekalb County, Alabama
Estimated Time of Death: August 1991
The man died from asphyxiation caused by hanging, which was ruled a suicide.
Skeletal Remains
Thought I would submit this possibility. Thanks for considering this and I hope it helps!
Thank you, Terri, for making us aware of the similarities. I couldn’t help but notice them as well, and have submitted the information to the IA Dept. of Public Safety for review. Thank you for taking the time to alert us!
Well, the answer is finally in on 502UMAL. They are not Matthew. The remains have been identified as Rainbow Canyon King. https://times-journal.com/news/article_ecb82152-d4cc-11ee-974d-23c4f964df18.html
I miss you every day. Thinking of all that you have missed over the years is very hard to deal with and I just hope that someone will come forward and do the right thing.
Coward.
Thanks, pkdavis. I’m sure many would agree.
Has Ms. Lenz ever been considered as a possible match to McDonald County Jane Doe in MO? She was found on a farm as skeletal remains on December 2, 1990.
Doenetwork case# 784UFMO or NamUs case#5321. Please pass this on if you think it’s a possible match.
I think you’ve got a match here! The two pictures look SO similar…fingers crossed….you might have brought her home!
I’m not sure who you women are or if you will ever see this, but this is my mother. I come to this page every now and then and i just came tonight and i am now shaking and almost in tears after reading about this unidentified body. My mothers favorite Jeans were Lee. This is her to a T almost. I am having get dental and my dna compared to this body. Thank you so much for taking the time to search. Good bless you.
Marie, right now, you need to call the Des Moines police. If I were betting, your aunt or even your mom never did so at the time. It’s too late for justice but it’s never too late to try to provide some measure of closure to the girl’s family.
Making a call like this is very difficult. I live in the Omaha area and have been researching the murders of Thomas Hunter and Shirlee Sherman in March 2008. I was sitting on information for months nbot wanting to make then referral because it seemed to point toward one of the boy’s family, but have done so. Sometimes we have to do these things, if only to lay matters to rest. Please, do the right thing and God bless.
Was all of the girls uncles questioned and cleared. My Aunt was married to one of them. He had a reputation in our family as a molester.
My mother told me, that a few days after the death of this child, my Aunt called her and told her she found a pair of mens bloody under wear hid in her basement.
Mom said, she told her sister to call the police, and she would be right over to her house to give moral support.
When she arrived my aunt told her she had burnt the shorts because she was afraid they would blame her husband.
I thought mom said she had called the police any way. I always wondered why nothing came of that call, does any one know if that call was ever made?
They are all passed away now, but ever one in our family knew of this happening way back at the time of the childs death.
Which Uncle are you talking about? I am related to the family and I have been in misused by one of my uncles but he is dead now.
Lois Sears
name was Roy And he is passed. Which uncle was it, I understand some family members are afraid to name one of the molesters in the Veach family, But if he is passed on no need to be afraid now. Please speak up.
It was Uncle Roy. He drank most of the time. I think his wifes name was margaret I”m not sure. he was uncle Arthur’s brother.
I am very sorry you had to live through, and with it all of these years. We new he was amolester because he molested my sister when she was a baby, and tried again when she was a little older, but by that time she was old enough to stop him, only because Margaret was in the house. Margaret was my mothers twin sister. My younger brother also said he was lmolested by Roy and His adopted son Paul Veach, If Paul had committed this crime, his DNA would not show any relation ship to the veach family. I don’t Know if Paul had been screened or not. He would have been about twenty one at the time. Some say the DNA proved it was not a memeber of the Veach family, but the officer I spoke to said the DNA was to degraded to get results, But Paul veach’s DNA would show up as not being a memeber of the Veach family. But wither the police new that or not. I don;t know, He is dead now also.
We miss you Mom and Dad.
I am a cab driver. picked someone up from a hotel that was in a fight and I was wondering if the woman murdered had a large gash in the bottom of her foot from glass.she acted like she really had no place safe to go.
Regarding my recent post. You can contact me via email with any comments. I forgot to click on the box.
To Lyn Foshe-> Do you by chance remember Babes good friend Ray who introduced Babe to my Pop’s Alan Lee who was President of the largest UFCW local in Iowa
and Illinois and President of the Quad-City Federation (AFL-CIO) and then
Elected Vice President of the 3rd largest UFCW international Union serving
as Director of it’s Retail Division and a trustee of the UFCW international
Pension Fund,
In1983 was Elected Executive Vice President and served as
Director of collective bargaining and Appointed Assistant to the international
President which was Bill Wynn until he retired in 1991 – My Pops told me about
how he met Babe through Ray who worked with my Pops and was a good friend
of Babe and my Pops. Babe’s Bodyguard followed my Pop’s around when he was
with Ray and then handed him his Gun to check out who this guy was who was
following him. It ended up being Babes Bodyguard just seeing if they were alright.
Ray told my Pops that it was all good and that it was just Babes Bodyguard. Babe
always had a Bodyguard and that was the way Babe was. This was around 1963
when he hired Louis K. Risken to sign up his members for Lou’s health and welfare
benefits plan, a self insurance program that replaced Central States health plan.
They all signed up for it and my Pops ended up making Lou Risken 1.2 million
dollars and my Pops didn’t make shit. He screwed him and Lou ended up moving back to Des Moines from Illinois working for the President of the Teamsters local 147 and tried hiring a “hit man” to assassinate the President of the largest teamsters Union in Iowa to stop him before testifying before a federal grand jury.
Lou was afraid that he would implicate crimes on him. The guy he tried to hire was an FBI Informant (Rat!) who secretly recorded him twice and he ended up getting 20 yrs but they let him out early in Arizona where he did his time at cause he was dying. Anyway, if you remember Ray, Alan Lee, Bill Wynn, Jerry Zillion, Sam Talarico, Leo Cinaglia, Louie DeFrieze, joe Talarico, Jerry Messer and any of the other big boys out of Chicago, Des Moines and Washington D.C. then write me or better yet email me s21hane@gmail.com
Ray died not long after Babe died and me, my Pops went to his funeral. Talk Soon
Sincerely Shane
Sorry for the mistake above. Alan Lee is on the opposite side of the spectrum. All good guys who cared very much about there members
especially Alan Lee.
I remember this murder because my father was friends with the Grandanette’s. My father had a pretty “sketchy” reputation in Des Moines at that time and was known as Big Opie. He hung around with Babe Bisignano, Johnny Compiano, Sarge Fontanini, Lew Ferrell & Floren DiPaglia, among others. He owned a restaurant on the east side. I do recall, even though I was only about 12, my father and his friends, talking and laughing about how Ross and Bernie got away with this murder. My brother was at least 19 at the time and I will ask him what he recalls about this.
I’m sure this isn’t anything helpful because the police probably already suspected this, but my father, along with some of these other men, were puported to have “Mafia” ties in Las Vegas, where I know they went a lot. I just listened to someone speak in Ames on the Chavis murder, which brought up a lot of memories from the past.
I know my father was also an aquaintance of Ramona Cox. I know I have nothing of any substance to offer about either of these murders, but thought I would share these details just because murders fascinate me.
I will also remember to ask my brother, who is a Dr. in North Carolina, what he might remember of the talk surrounding my father and friends regarding these people and their murders.
Thanks
Its obvious that the mother did this if he was in a closed room and the fire started there. She had time to go to the top of stairs and grab one twin but couldnt here the other twin give me a break! Shes on the child abuse registry also. This poor kid didnt get any justice just because this monster mother father is a county attorney! Shame on the system! Give this child justice! Im sure if she was tried she would be found guilty in a heartbeat!
I can only assume the mother is guilty. It doesn’t make sense to go out and clean out your car at 10pm at night. It doesn’t make sense she didn’t feel like checking the circuit breaker again or fuses.
Any containers around with finger prints? Did her clothes have flammable liquid spilt on them?
I hope the worse life is ahead for her if she is the guilty one. Who else would do it? Esp if there is a record of abuse already?
Lies. No record of abuse for mother.
BS, She was on the child abuse registry
Judy, this is for you. This is just one of the confirmed reports of abuse.
Written by Connie Kincaid, Child Protection worker for Union County on 01/29/2001
DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER ABUSE DID OR DID NOT OCCUR: (If registry placement is made, list all factors necessary for this decision, using the Child Protective Handbook.)
Based on the following factors, Denial of Critical Care: Failure to Provide Proper Supervision is founded by a preponderance of evidence. The report is confirmed and is being placed on the Registry.
FACTOR 1: Reginald Louis Morehouse, DOB 01/23/1999 and Ricky Neal Morehouse, DOB 01/29/1999, are children.
FACTOR 2: Rachel Page is their mother and primary caretaker
FACTOR 3: The children have been endangered by the acts or
omission of the caretaker. The caretaker has failed to provide proper supervision necessary for the children’s health and welfare which a reasonable and prudent person would exercise under similar facts and circumstances. A reasonable and prudent person would not leave two children under the age of two home alone even if she was only going next door to use the phone. I had been at the home for a while before she showed up. I arrived in a vehicle. She did not know I was there or I feel she would have been home sooner. When we did go inside there were sharp knives on the floor. Rachel admitted she knew they were on the floor. One of the children also had a seashell from a necklace in his mouth. His mom said the jewelry was where she did not think they could get it.
FACTOR 4: The caretaker was financially able to provide for the child’s critical needs.
The above factors enlarged upon in the Summary of Contacts fully support a conclusion of founded Denial of Critical Care: Failure to Provide Proper Supervision.
RATIONALE FOR PLACEMENT OR NON-PLACEMENT ON REGISTRY:
The report is confirmed for Denial of Critical Care: Failure to Provide Proper Supervision. Rachel did leave her children home alone. They were there long enough to get into her jewelry that she had put away. There were sharp kitchen knives on the floor. She knew they were on the floor before she left the children alone.
The children were clearly not adequately supervised. Nothing happened to the children. One of them did have a piece of seashell in his mouth from a necklace. The other children picked up one of the sharp knives while I was there. When his mom told him to put it down he took off running. The children are without a doubt too young to be left unsupervised. These children were not only not supervised in the home they were left in the home alone without anyone even able to hear them if there were a problem. The car or the dog were not heard next door.
Although the children were okay on this occasion the potential for harm was a high risk. There are two small children and it was cold outside. Although Rachel said she would not leave them alone to go next door again it would take longer to get the children ready to go outside than it would to just go. The children were not dressed yet when I was there. One of them had a diaper on. The other one had a sleeper and a dirty diaper that had been wet through the sleeper. Rachel does not have a phone. She is allowed to use the neighbor’s phone. Rachel did not indicate this was an isolated incident. Her comment was, “I only ran next door to use the phone.” She said she would not do it again. I am not sure that she understood the risk that she had put her children in by leaving them alone. Rachel was willing to accept services to help her understand what puts these children at risk and what she can do to reduce the risks to them.
The criteria of minor, isolated, and unlikely to reoccur have not been met. It is not believed that this was an isolated incident and it is believed that there is a risk it will reoccur. Therefore, the report is confirmed and is placed on the Registry as a founded report.
Correction, Ricky’s birthday was typed incorrectly. It is 01/23/1999.
With the evidence we do have, a lot of which seems to implicate the mother, we cannot simply dismiss her as the culprit because some people know her to be a good person. Remember Ted Bundy had friends and “The Stranger Beside Me” may be a good read. I cannot speak on her mental health but it is possible that she was suffering from something that altered her state of mind to a point where she could justify what she was doing or didn’t even know she was doing it. We cannot speak to the operation of her mind and whether her displayed grief is for her son’s death or for the [alleged] thought of her causing it. Although one cannot say how they will react to a traumatic situation, I do know that as a mother myself I would have to be dead or very near it to leave the house without my other child. The circumstances are strange to put it in the nicest way possible and does not mimic a normal routine for a mother with two small children. Getting information on this case should not be as difficult as this one is leading me to believe people’s assumptions of connections with authority are correct or lazy case work but we do also have to keep in mind that sometimes people do try their best to solve crimes and it eats at them but they are faced with impossible obstacles. Whether I believe she is responsible or not (I do), one thing is for certain and that is that Robin is a rockstar. This woman will NEVER let him be forgotten and will NOT rest until justice is served. I have no personal connection to anyone in this case, so my comment means just as little as anyone else’s and although I do have personal opinions on the case that I have shared I do not want to take the focus away from the real victim. There is power in numbers so please help find justice for Ricky.
I grew up with Toni and know her family very well. This case was botched right from the get go by the Keokuk Police Department. There was another shooting that same day at the next door neighbors house and a young boy was killed. The police refused to believe that the cases might be connected to each other. They just assumed that Toni’s boyfriend must have killed her and set out to prove it. They had NO EVIDENCE against her boyfriend and he was found not guilty of her murder. As far as the police were concerned, Toni was just a dirty Mexican hippie whose life was worthless. Well, to her family & friends her life was NOT worthless, she was loved by everyone that knew her. Her case should be reopened and the real killer should be tried and convicted and sent to prison!
No, I’m sorry to say that I don’t have a picture of Toni. I wish I did.
I don’t know if you come back to this site but if you do contact me on Facebook, Becky White Feather Riney. I have pictures of her.
@Mike
That is so true! It’s crazy how someone could raise their family up there…
WAS KEVIN MILLER EVER QEUSTION HE NEW THE VICTEM AND LIVED VERY CLOSE TO THIS ADDRESS AND HAD A VILANT PAST IS IT PUBLIC RECORD OF THE TWO MEN THAT THEY QEUSTION IN THIS CASE WE WHERE TOLD THAT HER HUSBENED HAD DONE IT I DID NOT EVEN KNOW THAT THIS WAS A COLD CASE FILE PLEASE RESPOND WITH ANY ADICTIONAL INFORMATION IF YOU CAN
I don’t know how any parent could raise their children in Des Moines.The police there are INCOMPETENT.Thre young boys have disapeared off the face of the earth and all the police do is twiddle their thumbs!
Just a quick correction of a fact in this article. It says the family lived in a subdivision of northwest Des Moines. It actually is northeast Des Moines. I grew up in this neighborhood and this case scared the heck out of all of us.
In doing family genealogy, I looked up information about the murder and death of Ed Schmidt, an Oskaloosa attorney, Feb. 13, 1972. I posted comments to my cousin in Des Moines, who is also an attorney, on Facebook and a couple other people responded (who had lived in Oskaloosa at the time the murder occured.) The question was raised whether DNA had been done on the evidence since then? Or, has the evidence been kept?
I was a friend of Laura and her mother. Laura was a beautiful, young woman and a natural mother. Laura babysat my children and her mother became a close friend of mine after Laura’s death.
I have no doubt the the Knight family know very well what happened to Laura. The Iowa family court does not grant custody to a grandmother over a parent without a very good reason. The decision was not made lightly. It serves nobody to go into the details, but there were very good reasons why Leanne was granted custody and Donny lost custody. Leanne was legally allowed to relocate to another state to be with her husband who had moved for his job. They deserve their privacy.
I have always hoped that someday her case would be re-examined and solved. Sam should have had the love and care of his mother and thank God his grandmother had the guts and energy to take on the courts and Donny to gain custody and raise him in a loving, safe and normal home.
Ann, I am guessing that you don’t want to “go into details”, because you don’t know any. If you do, they are probably either common knowledge, or don’t come off as dramatically as saying, “it serves no one to go into details..” Someone in Donny’s family may or may not know what happened, but I assure you, Donny doesn’t. He was a kind and loving father and was crushed when he lost his son, and Laura. He made mistakes as a teenager, like many of us do. He was not violent, and doesn’t deserve your innuendos. If you actually know why Donny didn’t get primary custody of Samson (he was awarded visitations), you know that the reasons weren’t that good. Just because you knew Laura (many of us did) and her mother doesn’t make it okay to demonize Donny. He was never under suspicion and he loves his son. Laura’s mom had no right to disappear with Samson. No matter how much she wanted to be the person to raise him in her daughter’s absence. Very, very wrong of her to do.
I would have to ask either of you two attackers: If this woman was a member of your family and was staying with someone’s sister. She goes missing withOUT her child, with baby food, no shoes, clothes strewn about, and nobody in that family has a clue why, what would you think? Would you think politics has taken over common sense? Where was sister and family if they drove her there? Huge pieces are missing and this family knows more than they are saying. I don’t blame grandma for getting out of Dodge. You must be family or you’d also wonder what happened.
If the only people who saw Laura in the hours before her death refused to submit to polygraphs what would you think?
They want to be protected against self incrimination?
There is now a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s). There is also a tip line. Toll free: 855SOLVE25. You can also email the family’s attorney Anne Champion at Championforlaura@gmail.com.
We would love peace of mind. I am Big Earl’s Granddaughter, I am glad to see this is still posted due to the fact that his spirit does live on within each and every one of his family members. May he rest in paradise, and his strength be within everyone in the ongoing generations of our family.
Thanks so much for your comment, Breanna, and please accept our condolences on your grandfather’s untimely death. “Big Earl” sounded like a “larger than life” character, and I’m sure your family will still be sharing wonderful memories about him in generations to come. If you (or any other family members) have any favorite stories or photos you’d like included on his page, please feel free to e-mail them to me and I’ll get them posted right away. Thanks again, and all the very best to you and your family.
Breanna i will keep posting it every so often because yaare like family to me
Love you so much #facts
What about Keith Jeeperson? I saw him on Kids of Killers and thought of Tammy.
I agree my immediate first thought after reading the description was Jesperson.
But I do think it was Bierbrodt. The watch given to his wife and his locations during the crime aren’t just coincidences…
You are right, it was clearly Bierbrodt. All of the cumulative evidence points directly at Lonnie and no one else.
I need some one to tell me if they ever caught this guy.. one detective told me tey thought they knew where her body was but couldn’t get on the prpoerty to search. BethAnn was my best friend and was very loved. Please try and find her. Thank you. Khammett1@cox.net
My new e mail is khammett70@gmail.com
Were you ever told where the property was that they couldn’t gain access to search?
They would not tell me, I spoke with a detective
Amy, I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I’m assuming your family member’s case is/was from Iowa? If it’s still an open case and not yet listed on our website, just send along whatever information you have (photos are a bonus), and we’ll get them added right away. The “Contact” form (last link in our website’s menu bar) will bring up a form asking for some of the standard info, which enables us to further research the case. Jody
There is a John R. “Johnny” Johnson who is listed in the obituary of the Muscatine Journal, February 22, 2011. The birthday is shown as nearly the same as the John Johnson missing on your website, which is October 15, 1935. They also look similar, per the pictures shown.
It is a common name, but just thought I would send this information along to you.
Thanks,
Vesta Stammer
Thank you for your comment, Vesta. I’ve compared the two John Johnsons, and though there’s a remarkable resemblance in the eyes, the “missing” John Johnson has a somewhat wider nose and his forehead is narrower than the Burlington John Johnson. Both were born in October, but the missing Des Moines J.J. was born in 1925, and the Burlington J.J. in 1935.
I read the Burlington J.J.’s obituary you referenced, and given the huge success he had with his career (and given how long the other J.J. has been listed on the IDPS’s website), I’d think someone from the Burlington J.J.’s family would have contacted the IDPS earlier to let them know.
Then again, the Des Moines J.J.’s birth date and year could have been listed incorrectly, and there’s always the chance they could be one and the same. Cases end up being solved when people like you do exactly what you did, which is bring details and questions out into the open for further checking, so I thank you for taking the time to write and ask about it. I’ll keep an eye and ear out and let you know if I find out anything else. All best, Jody
Michael was my brother. If there has been information i would like to know.
Please
I was born in Dec 1955, when I was about 9 years old, I asked my mother why she named me Donna Sue, she said she named me after a little girl that was kidnapped and murdered in Sioux City. After all these years I thought of that conversation and thought I’d research it, thinking I’ll never find this info. After I read the story I was choked up and horrified at what happened to that sweet baby, I think my mother meant it as a way to honor that little girl, not as something eerie, she’s gone too, so I can’t get clarification, just thought I’d write to you, I’m a haunted by your story.
Donna Sue, I can’t tell you how much your comments meant to me, and I’m so glad you finally found the history behind your namesake. Without having known your mother, I think I can still say with certainty that she would have named you as a way to honor Donna Sue. And, in my opinion, it is an honor. Donna Sue was such a precious child. I wasn’t born until three years after she was killed, but I live only 35 miles south of where she lived, and knowing about what happened to her was one of my main incentives for writing my first cold case series. If I may ask, did you live near Sioux City? I know Donna Sue’s murder made national news, but was just curious.
I also noticed you posted your comment after reading the blog story; Donna Sue’s full case summary is now up at https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/donna-sue-davis/ in case you’d like to read that.
Thank you again for writing, and please feel free to contact me via e-mail at jody@iowacoldcases.org any time.
All best,
Jody
I am left wondering about the cases of Johnny Gosch and Eugene Martin. Did anyone check backgrounds of anyone working at the Des Moines Register? It seems strange to me that two boys delivering papers in neighborhoods would be taken by anyone other than someone that would know the routes the paperboys would take and what neighborhoods they worked in.
I can’t imagine having to live with this as a parent. I have a son who is now grown and these cases made me so paranoid that I would worry every time my son went out to play with his friends. I was so bad I even made my son carry a two-way radio so if he ever got into any trouble he could call for help.
Yes! I thought this too. What about the newspaper manager? I’m sure they checked into this but maybe it was overlooked. Also, what about a person (newspaper customer) that might have been common to both boy’s (newspaper) routes.
Apparently, there were known pedophiles working at the Register at the time, so this might be the right track. However, a stranger is not implausible either. A perv. goes where they know children will be and when they will be unsupervised. So, for a stranger to just drive the streets looking for lone paperboys at an hour when the boys would be awake, but the town is not, sounds like a reasonable possibility too. The abductor didn’t have to know the routes.
30 years and still no answers :(
I know sad as it is. Whoever killed her is now suffering by the hands of God. He might have got away with it through The Law but he won’t escape Gods hands.praying for justice for your Mom Jessica
There are so many people who don’t know about Arlin Henderson – please JOIN, SHARE and HELP RAISE AWARENESS FOR HIM!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Find-Missing-Charles-Arlin-Henderson/357719023311
I have a family member that was murdered and it was also a cold case how do you go about someone reopening it or even honoring that member of my family on your site ?
Were any of the neighbors ever questioned as suspects? There was one acquantance of my parents who lived next door to the murder scene whom I recall as being a bit strange; my family always said they wondered if he did it.
Martin, I’m fairly certain the police would have questioned most of the neighbors, but I’m intrigued about this neighbor. We wouldn’t want to publicly name names here on the site, but if you have more information would you be willing to send it along in an e-mail? If you click on the Contact link in the menu bar, you can either fill out the form or use the e-mail links given on the page’s top right side. This was such a sad, tragic case, but even after 42 years, I believe it’s possible to still be solved. Thanks for contacting us!
Jody
I would look into all those who were part of or attended her uncle’s wedding ceremony. I don’t believe that her being a flower girl at that wedding ceremony and her subsequent rape/murder (only 2 weeks later) is a coincidence – do you? I’d especially look at anyone who had paid a bit too much (inappropriate?) attention to her during/after the ceremony. Any known (or rumored to be) pedophiles related to or friends of the aunt & uncle’s family?
This is not a ‘COLD CASE’ . Although it was clearly a tragedy, it is
a CLOSED CASE.. I strongly suggest you re- check you “resources’. And in the spirit of full diclosure, why did fail to speak to Patrick and allow him to respond to your libelous allegations? Even though your intention may have been honorable, you have inferred that Patrick murderd Pamela, and have defamed Mr McPherren,
Sheriff Kruger and his investigation regarding this incident. Your style of ‘journalism’ is nauseating and you should be ashamed of yourself.
Michael,
Thank you for taking the time to comment on the Pamela Shadle story, and I’m sorry it offended you to the extent it did. Our goal here at Iowa Cold Cases is not to write opinion-based articles on crimes, but rather put together “case summaries” about the victims that include as many facts about the cases as we can find. (Thus the “Sources” listed at the bottom of each summary.) We try our very best to include relevant details and, at the same time, word information in ways that will not bring embarrassment or shame to either the victim or his or her surviving family members.
We purposely do not use article titles for our case summaries (article titles alone have the ability to “slant” a story), but instead use only the victim’s name, followed directly by the type of case (Homicide, Missing Person, Triple Homicide, etc.). On Pamela’s page, I drew a clear distinction by using instead the phrase “Suicide – or Murder?” This is how we approach summaries in cases where police have ruled a death accidental or a suicide, BUT where family members have personally contacted us to state they are convinced it wasn’t a suicide or accidental death and would like us to please include their loved one’s case on our website. (We *never* seek out cases ruled suicides on our own or add them to the site without having first been asked to do so by the victim’s family, which was the case with Pamela Shadle.)
As I’m sure you know, many deaths initially ruled suicides have often been reversed and reclassified as homicides after new details surface. I am not implying this is the case with Pamela Shadle, but nowhere in the case summary did I question Sheriff Kruger’s handling of the case or his investigation. Additionally, the only (brief) details I included about Patrick McPherren were those released to the media immediately following Pamela’s death and McPherren’s arrest for assault (and interference with official acts), which makes them “not” libelous allegations but matters of public record.
Nor did I question McPherren’s account of wanting to wake Pamela to watch the 5 o’clock news; Pamela’s family did, and that fact is also made very clear in the case summary. As for me “inferring” Patrick McPherren killed Pamela Shadle, I did no such thing and, quite frankly, would have no reason to do so. If the circumstances surrounding Pamela’s death seemed to infer or suggest Mr. McPherren may have somehow been involved, it is because the details McPherren himself provided to police raised questions in the public’s (and the family’s) mind about what really happened.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Pamela’s family and all those affected by her death, and I’m truly sorry you found the case summary offensive. I respected a family member’s request to add Pam’s information to our site, and also wanted to convey to readers the difficult struggles both Pamela and her husband, Dean, bravely faced and fought together after Dean’s accident. I had no ulterior motive.
Thank you again for writing.
Jody Ewing
any information on the death of austin gilliland on august 1st 2004
let me know if anyone is still investagating this crime thank you
Mmmm…i worked at that Clark while in collage at UNI.
We can assume one thing…he isdead also.
very insulting as Iam this man’s son,Michael D Rogers.
Just a note…Please remember that family members and friends of the victims on our site read the comments that everyone leaves behind. Thank you kindly, Kerry at ICC (entire article researched and written by Jody)
Bonnie,
I feel some how we are on the same page, but you said you knew the family…and I do know one person in particular (if it is the same family) is dead.. but there is more than one person involved in this… Have you talked with any law enforcement agencies yet? I would like to be able to visit with you more.
THE PERSON I THINK DID THIS IS DECEASED. I KNEW THE FAMILY.
Well so far we have not heard anything back from the DCI regarding their follow up on evidence! Just like it has been from the beginning, no one wants to say anything as for they are covering up for the misconduct regarding the Fort dodge Police Department. It gets old, admit your mistakes and make a effort to correct them!
My name is LeAnn Fleming and Jerry Cooper is my father. I am trying to find some family of his so that I can learn about him and that side of his family. Please contact me at brali01@yahoo.com
I don’t know if u have or have not found out anything about Jerry yet, but I am best friends with the mother of Keith Clayborne’s only child and she may be friends with a family member of Jerry’s. I am not at all sure if there is any relation or kin, but her name is Terri (Trumbo) Mahaney, now I have heard that Jerry is kin to the Trumbo’s, if not i’m sorry I tried, but if it works I am happy for u. Good luck with your search. HMJ
I graduated from Albia High School with this girl in 1965. I thought I knew her. But, looking at the picture, I don’t remember her. I can’t locate the yearbook yet, but she must have made some big changes in her appearance after graduating. Keep an eye on Andre. Is he in good health? Maybe he’s the kind to make a deathbed confession when his health goes. Maybe his buddies have already thought of that.
Lee Andre and I were in the same class at Lincoln High School. I’ve not had any contact with Lee after graduation in 1961. I now live in Bakersfield California.
I first heard about the loss of Alice Mae Van Alstine, not by name but as Lee Andre’s wife, about 40 years after graduation. I was relaying the story, as I had heard it, to an acquaintance here in Bakersfield. My acquaintance told me that he had heard the story before from a co-worker that is a relative of Alice.
I post this comment so that I would check the box for followup e-mails.
It was confirmed that Sam and Ruthie’s murders were not related; maybe one day we will believe that. It was suggested that Ruthie knew her murderer and quite possibly her death was an accident. If this is the case, haven’t you suffered enough without a moment’s peace wondering when you will be caught? Please come forward and find peace of mind.
If this is not the case and it was cold blooded murder without any thought for her or those she would leave behind, I pray for justice on this earth which is far less intense than that of eternity. If you are relaxed enough to believe you have gotten away with murder, please know, you haven’t. No one can escape the final Judge.
Please, if you [or someone who knows you] know anything of the circumstances in her death come forward and bring some sort of closure for her family.
I hope one day very soon that Valerie’s killer will be brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law. I’m so very sorry for Ms. Meier and the lifelong suffering that she and her family has endured.
Thanks so much for your comment, Margaret. Valerie’s family deserves nothing less, and we, too, are confident the killer will eventually be exposed and brought to justice. One can only hide so long. Thank you again.
This is my Grandfather any information you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
I’m sorry for your loss</3
For what it is worth to Erin’s family and friends, I remember. I care.
I am just an Iowa mom, who can only imagine the horror of not knowing where a precious child is.
I offer prayers that someday you will have answers.
Thanks so much for your comment, Teri. I’m an Iowa mom too, and know exactly what you mean. Most of us couldn’t imagine facing a single day with what Carolyn and Erin’s family have had to face for thousands of those days. As time marches by and friends and neighbors wonder if to speak or what to say, yours convey it all: I remember. I care. They are healing words. Thank you again for writing.
Jody
It seems to me that Justin’s brother was not fully investigated, it had to be a family member of Justin’s. I went to school with Tina and grew up just down the road from her. I think of her often and wish she could finally have peace in knowing that we caught her killer. Her mother died Ruth died never knowing who killed her only child. It’s such a shame that 25 years later, and with what we now know about extensive DNA evidence, that we can’t figure this one out? We need to reopen this case and try again. Thank You
I found this tribute to my mother by accident tonight. Thank you for remembering her so accurately.
every day I long for her – “closure” is psychological bs.
I tried hard to keep her safe and was up against a monster I underestimated.
how pleased she would be to know Jesus Christ has given me beauty for ashes ! Isaiah 61:3….or maybe she does know
Thank you for this post. There is not a day that goes by, even 12 years later that I don’t think about my mother and what happened to her that day. I still do have hope that justice will prevail someday.
He was involved with drugs and I know that personally. but it was never anything too serious. there were people around him involved with much worse drugs and gangs. I personally thought it was one person, but he ended up taking his own life a few months afterward and the other person i suspected the police already know about but won’t go farther than questioning. the police let this get cold. such a shame for his death to be in vain. someone killed Jared Parks, and that person is still out there laughing at the police department. wow.
hi my born name is Kristin Joe Coker i am the daughter of Judy Weeks.
My mother was a wonderfulll woman full of love and kindness. Yes my mother had some demands she was fighting most of her adult life. She did not deserve to be taken away so violantly and sudden. My brother and I love our mother dearly and do not have any bad feelings for the child hood we had. We want nothing more then to see the person who killed our mother put to justice! Please if anyone has any information please contact detective Larison with the Cedar Rapids police department.
Just wanted to say, I think all of you have done an outstanding job on this site! I thought it was great your site was featured so prominantly on KCRG and I wish KCCI or WHO would do a similar story about cold cases in the DSM area (I’m in the DSM area).
I understand IA Cold Cases is dedicated to IA cases, but have you ever considered making a small section for unidentified children found in our neighboring states? I have done quite a bit of unidentifed persons work, and there are some cases in particular, where the law enforcement has examined all the available potential matches from their area and have come up with only a crime and body, but no name. Please email me if it’s even a remote possibility, I would be happy to give you some examples of what I’m talking about. All it takes is one person to break a case and all the unidentified children deserve to have their names back and for justice to be served.
Again, you’ve done an outstanding job and it’s one more thing that makes me proud to say I’m from IA! Thank You! Lisa
No mention on Jasper Co’s only cold case on the 27th anniversary?
I wish someone would stand up and tell the sheriff what happened.
Link https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/melisa-gregory-and-steven-fisher/
Thank you for putting information regarding the murder of Ramona Jean Cox on your web-site. She was the aunt of my sister-in-law. I did have all the articles regarding her murder that was published in the newspapers. I have since passed them on to her family. I was wondering if DNA testing could be performed on any remaining evidence. If you need anymore information please let me know and I will get the info for you. God bless you for the work you do.
Hi Becca, Congratulations! How exciting for you. We are proud of you and love you lots. Auntie Phoebe and Clyde
Jody, Thank you for your concern! This person has been and is still recovering and painfully processing memories about this in intensive psychotherapy. Her older sister has validated the truth of some of the events.
Reporting these things will be an important part of her therapy,to bring closure and healing.
However, she strongly believes that law enforcement probably participated in or turned a blind eye to, not just the church but 13 years in which mom prostituted her out. Seems it would be hard to miss in their rural little area outside the City.
All said and done, she is the most amazing person I have ever met.
I’m sorry, the name of the individual in my post above was/is Robert Mil___.
Is anyone aware of a cult-like ‘church’ group meeting in the house of a man with the (partial)of John Mil__ or Frank Mil___ in 1964 in Cedar Rapids? The group probably met for a number of years before 1964 and at least 2-3 years after 1964. The person describing this, who is very credible, was forced to attend this “Bad Church” by her mother when she was a child. She described a baby sacrifice and mutilation that was performed, sexual abuse by the leader of services (“Sir God”) and other men there, and other horrific scenes. I would like to verify her story and communicate with anyone who knows about this. Thank you very much!
Anon, thanks so much for your comment.
I’m not aware of this group or the man (Robert Mil___) you referenced, but am definitely interested in hearing more about the person who attended this Cedar Rapids church as a child. Has she already gone to the police with this information? If so, what type of response did she receive? Thanks in advance.
If this is pastor Terry Glenn and wife Erica new assistant pastor Joe knitting please message me
Amanda,
Thanks so much for your comment! It is always so nice to hear from family members, and I truly believe that one day your sister's case will be solved.
Angela was such a beautiful young woman, and no one ever deserves something like this. She had so much talent, and could very well have been a successful radio broadcaster today (or anything else she wanted to be) had she been given the time.
I'll continue to do what I can to make sure people don't forget her, and will provide updates as they come in.
Thank you again for writing, and please do keep in touch.
Jody
Hi Jody,
I too appreciate the fact that I can at least now say Someone is helping to find answers. I am Angela's youngest sister Amanda. I have wondered every day for the last 15 years who did this to my sister. The media portrayed her as if she did not matter or almost as if she was deserving. Being as young as I was when it happened I didn't have the power to do much. I hope and I pray that someday very soon we can be at peace knowing that justice was served. Knowing the who and they why's. Although there is no accepted answers for why. The very same picture is hanging on the wall next to my mother. Just like they are laying side by side in the cemetery. I miss them both every single day. Thank you for all you do!
I am wondering if you can get information about the murder of Angela Renee Buck (Waterloo) in August 1995. She was found shot to death, laying in the fetal position on the bank of a river. She was the mother of one of my best friends.
Dear pjs: I’ve done several searches on the three names you provided, but the few articles referencing any murder (on Tina) came back as “article no longer available.” Could you possibly give me a nearby city or Iowa county so I can check with those local law enforcement officials? It would be even better to have the name of the town or city where the murders took place. Thank you, and I’ll do my best to get information once I have more details.
Just posting the follow-up link to my initial response: http://www.iowacoldcases.com/link_hook_lade.html
i would like to see if there is anyway we can get some information on the cold case of tina lade,justin hook and sara link who were all murdered in se iowa back in april 1984 please check and see thanks a very close friend of tina’s.pjs
To pjs: I’ve been reviewing some of the older comments on the blog, and since my first response to you regarding Tina Lade, Justin Hook and Sarah Link, I honestly don’t recall if I followed up with you regarding the details of these three murders. The page for their information is listed here, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation now has a brief summary of case info on their new Cold Case Unit site. The cases are definitely on their radar.
Google Renee shearer DHS…..Iowa cold case? Maybe she’s not dead….. Bizarre