Secrets in the cornfield: Iowa's Unsolved

By True crime podcast

To date, there are more than 600 unsolved homicides and disappearances in the state of Iowa. Although there are a handful of cases from the hawkeye state that gripped the nation many have gone years without notice. From a native Iowan born and raised it's time to give victims their voices back and attempt to bring some form of closure to families that have been waiting years, even decades for answers.

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Bonus Episode: The Sueppel Family Murders

Secrets in the cornfield: Iowa's Unsolved May 15, 2023

00:00

12:59

Bonus Episode: The Sueppel Family Murders

In March of 2008 an early morning call came in to 911 from an unknown caller. The man gave the operator an address with instruction to send police out there immediately then hung up. As police are dispatched to the address 911 receives another call about a single car crash on I-80. Once police realize that both calls are related it leads them to a bone chilling that left an entire town in shock.
Sources:
www.newspapers.com/article/iowa-city-press-citizen-sueppel-family/100069520/
www.newspapers.com/article/iowa-city-press-citizen-sueppel/100108522/
www.newspapers.com/article/iowa-city-press-citizen-sueppel/100109937/
www.newspapers.com/article/iowa-city-press-citizen-sueppel/100110117/
www.newspapers.com/article/iowa-city-press-citizen-sueppel/100110818/
www.newspapers.com/article/iowa-city-press-citizen-sueppel/100111043/
www.newspapers.com/article/iowa-city-press-citizen-sueppel/100112483/

May 15, 202312:59

The murder of Roger Warren

In August of 1979 2 brothers left their home in Davenport, Iowa to play by a nearby river. But a short time later only 1 of the brothers returned home and by evening when there was still no word from the other boy he was reported missing. A painstaking 6 day search would result in every parents worst nightmare.
sources: iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/roger-warren/
www.riveraction.org/node/N166
www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-warren/123735516/
www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-roger-warren/123504178/
www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-roger-warren/123434782/
www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-roger-warren/123368699/
www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-roger-warren/123368642/
www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-roger-warren/123368527/

May 15, 202321:46

The Disappearance of Harry Milligan

In 1984 a young man home from his first semester of college goes out with some friends, but he and his vehicle fail to return home the family takes immediate action. Now almost 39 years later the family is still looking for the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Sources:
www.youtube.com/live/Jomzg8s_-Aw?feature=share
iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/harry-milligan/
www.nbcnews.com/dateline/brother-hoping-reignite-search-harry-milligan-who-disappeared-38-years-n1296807

Apr 17, 202325:38

The Evansdale Murders

In July of 2012 two young girls took off for a bike ride in their small Iowa town in the middle of the day. Hours went by and the girls had not returned and seemed to have vanished. Later that afternoon items belonging to the girls were located but it would take 5 long months to find them and the killer or killers remain unknown.

Sources: Iowacoldcases.org By: Jody Ewing
Crime Weekly Podcast By: Stephanie Harlowe and Derrick Levasseur
"Parents of missing Iowa girls spent time in prison for running meth lab drug rings" By: James Nye Daily Mail July 19th 2012
"Police say missing Iowa girls are still alaive as FBI probe abduction beyond state lines" By: Daily Mail Reporter July 21, 2012
"Video of missing Iowa girls: Surveillance video of two missing cousins Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins" By: New York Daily News July 25th 2012
"investigators hope to decide next week whether Klunder involved in Evansdale murders" By: Erin Jordan May 29th 2013
"New focus on vehicle gives parents of abducted girls some hope" By: Radio Iowa Contributor June 25th 2013
"Evansdale Murders: Police rule out Klunder" By: who13.com
"Investigators release suspect profile in murder of Evansdale Cousins" By:Who13.com
" 5 years later: New leads in devastating case bring family hope" By: Laura Terrell KCCI July 12th 2017
www.wikipedia.org
www.google.maps.com

Apr 03, 202330:41

The murder of Alicia Hummel

In June 2015 a young woman set out on a solo fishing trip about an hour away from home to a spot in South Dakota along the Missouri River. Several hours later the body of a woman is found in the water near a boat dock and a family's worst nightmare becomes an unimaginable reality.

Sources:
Clay county, sd investigators admit they have victim's cell phone dec 6, 2021 by: Matt breen ktiv news

investigators have cold case cell phone by angela kennecke dec 3 2021 kelo news

iowacoldcases.org by: Jody Ewing
The Sioux City Journal June 9 2015
"Still a Mystery" Investigation Discovery
enigma web productions episode 5: the murder of alicia hummel
timeline: a walk through alicia hummels final day by kelo news dec 5 2021
authorities continue 2015 alicia hummel homicide investigation by dakota news now dec 6 2021
friends and family seek answers in murder of iowa woman alicia hummel by nbc news june 25, 2018

Mar 20, 202322:32

The murder of Sarah Ann Ottens Part 2

After James Wendell Hall was convicted of the 1973 slaying of 20 year old Sarah Ann Ottens it appeared to everyone to be a closed case, but after many years it was revealed that the state had been hiding evidence all along which would prove to be a very deadly mistake. Sources: Iowacoldcases.org by: Jody Ewing "New Trial for James Hall Denied" By: Claren F. Dale July 3 1974 ICPC"50-year term for hall in ottens murder case" By: John R. Munson Jul 4 1974 ICPC " C.R. police investigate death of woman" Mar 21 1992 The Des Moines Register "Obituary" March 21 1992 The Gazette "Death not natural causes; drugs or foul play probed" By: Rick Smith Mar 24 1992 The Gazette "Woman strangled, C.R. police decide" By: Rick Smith and Jeff Burnham March 25 1992 The Gazette "Hall knew finding body would put focus on him" By: Tom Fruehling March 26 1992 The Gazette "Hall appeal planned tuesday" Jul 8 1974 ICPC "Appeal of James Hall conviction filed" Jul 9 1974 ICPC "Rally in support of Hall planned" Jul 11 1974 ICPC "James Hall transferred to penitentary" Jul 16 1974 ICPC "James Hall transferred to Anamosa" Oct 1 1974 ICPC "Hall attorney asks for $11,000 from county" Dec 16 1974 ICPC "Brief filed in appeal for Hall" Dec 20 1974 ICPC "Delay granted for James Hall in Forgery Case" Jan 23 1975 ICPC "Delay OK'd in answering Halls appeal" Feb 27 1975 ICPC "Hall conviction upheld" By: Mark F. Rohner Nov 12 1975 ICPC "Turner: Hall decision hinders grand jury role" By: Mark F. Rohner Dec 2 1975 ICPC "Evidence found Hall lawyers seek new trial" Jan 7 1976 ICPC "Halls retrial bid considered" Jan 10 1976 ICPC "Judge orders Hall transcripts" Feb 16 1976 ICPC "Hall retrial bid denied" Feb 28 1976 ICPC "Hall plans another appeal" Mar 8 1976 ICPC "Hall appeal again denied" by: Mark F. Rohner Jan 19 1977 ICPC "Hall attorneys ask court to reconsider" Feb 3 1977 Iowa City Press-Citizen "Justice lets Hall remain free" By: Mark F. Rohner Feb 22 1977 ICPC "New lawyer handles hall appeal" By: Mark F. Rohner Apr 8 1977 ICPC "High court receives Hall appeal" May 16 1977 ICPC "Hall appeal rejected by court" Oct 3 1977 ICPC "Board denies parole to Hall" Aug 10 1979 Iowa City Press-Citizen "James Hall check charge dismissed" Jul 17 1980 ICPC"State now denies violating halls rights" by: Jerry Heth Aug 10 1983 ICPC "New Hall prosecutor reversed position" by: jerry heth Aug 11 1983 ICPC "Witness will prove Hall's innocence lawyers contend" By: Lyle Mueller Oct 7 1983 ICPC "Investigator: 2 witnesses said another man visited Ottens" By: Lyle Mueller Oct 13 1983 ICPC "Friends of James Hall band together to post his bond for Thanksgiving" By:Belinda Stewart Nov 24 1983 ICPC "Murder victim's mother: I'm shocked, confused" By: The associated press Nov 25 1983 ICPC "DNA testing expected in Hajek murder" By:Jeff Burnham Apr 15 1992 The Gazette "Hajek case to grand jury" By: Rick Smith Aug 4 1992 The Gazette " Hall plans to testify willingly" By: Tom Fruehling Aug 5 1992 The Gazette "Hall indicted in murder" By: Rick Smith Aug 15 1992 The Gazette "First degree murder trial begins; man accused of strangling woman" By: Debora Wiley Apr 8 1993 The Des Moines Register "Officials errors cited by defense" By: Debora Wiley Apr 9 1993 The Des Moines Register "Witness: Hall smoked crack 3 hours before victim was found dead" Apr 10 1993 The Des Moines Register "Hall told police he feared for his life" By: Leslie Yazel Apr 13 1993 The Des Moines Register "Hall lawyer again calls for mistrial" By: Dick Hogan Apr 16 1993 The Gazette "Prosecution rests case in Hall trial" By: Dick Hogan Apr 17 1993 The Gazette "Hall jury not told of similar case" By: Debora Wiley & Leslie Yazel Apr 19 1993 The Gazette

Mar 06, 202337:50

The Murder of Sarah Ann Ottens Part 1

In 1973 a 20-year-old college student is found murdered inside of a dorm room on the University of Iowa campus. 6 months after her death a fellow college student is charged and later convicted of her murder but the case doesn't end there. Sources: "UI Coed Apparently Slain, Body Found in Rienow Hall" By: Claren F. Dale March 14, 1973 Iowa City Press-Citizen "UI Coed Died of Suffocation" March 15, 1973 Iowa City Press-Citizen author not published "Coed Death Won't Close Dorm Floor" March 18 1973 The Courier "Question Haunts Dorm of U of I: Who Killed Coed" By: Larry Eckholt April 12 1973 The Des Moines Register "Grand Jury Subpoenas 2 Tuesday" May 2, 1973 Iowa City Press-Citizen "Grand Jury to hear evidence in Sarah Ottens murder case" July 20 1973 Iowa City Press-Citizen "U. of Iowa coed's slaying has not been written off" By: Ford Clark August 12 1973 The Gazette "Evidence emerging in slaying" By: Mark Rohner August 27 1973 Iowa City Press-Citizen "Grand Jury considering evidence in Ottens case" By: Mark Rohner September 6 1973 Iowa City Press-Citizen "Subpoena is challenged" By: Mark Rohner September 18 1973 Iowa City Press Citizen "James Hall arraigned in murder" By: Mark Rohner September 20 1973 Iowa City Press Citizen

"Testimony begins in murder trial" By: Mark Rohner May 13 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"discovery of murder recalled" By: Mark Rohner May 14 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"Witness met hall in dorm" By: John R. Munson May 15 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"Detective questioned in Hall trial" By: Mark Rohner May 15 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"Hair sample found to be consistent with halls: BCI chemist testifies" By: Mark Rohner May 17 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"BCI agent quizzed as murder trial ends first week" By: Mark Rohner May 18 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"Testimony in Hall trial centers on Broom" By: Mark Rohner May 20 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"Witness admits lying in hall murder trial" By: Mark Rohner May 23 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"Defense rests case in murder trial" By: Mark Rohner May 22 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

"Prosecution rests case in hall murder trial" May 21 1974 Iowa City Press Citizen

Iowacoldcases.org By: Jody Ewing

Feb 20, 202334:53

Cornfield Mini: The Murders of Tyrese Parson and Marquavion Brown

Tyrese and Marquavion were two young men whose lives were taken by gun violence. Their deaths merely reported on one day and forgotten the next. It is important to keep their pictures and names in the media and continue to fight for answers in these senseless tragedies.

Sources:

Iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing and case summary by Carol Kean

"Teen found shot dead on Des Moines' east side, the city's 5th homicide this year." The Des Moines Register. June 9th 2018 by Linh Ta, Makayla Tendall, and LUke Nozicka

"RAGBRAI 'dream team' remembers biker gone too soon." weareiowa.com June 12, 2018 by Angelina Salcedo

sinceparkland.org

hamiltonsfuneralhome.com/tyreseparson

"10 years for shooting man in the face." kwayradio.com posted by scottshur August 16, 2021

The Courier by Amie Rivers October 31, 2018

" Homes, vehicles shot in separate shootings in Waterloo." The Courier by Amie Steffen December 27, 2018

Feb 05, 202313:55

The murders of Cody James and Gary Harker

In late December of 1979 two long-time friends took off from Moline Illinois to run an errand, but the two men failed to make their last stop and vanished without a trace. About 4 months later they were found dead and the location of their bodies were right under police's noses for months. These are the murders of Gary Harker and Cody James.

Sources:

newspapers.com

Iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing

"Police search for 3 suspects linked to deaths" The Quad-City Times Wednesday May 14, 1980 By: D'Anne Dodd page 6

"Police renew 25-year-old slaying case" The Quad-City Times Sunday December 19, 2004 By: Todd Ruger page 1 & page 3

"Murder weapon found" The Dispatch Wednesday May 14, 1980 page 7

Cody James Obituary The Dispatch Monday April 28, 1980 page 5

"Auctioned truck holds 2 bodies" Quad-City times Friday Apri 25 1980 page 1 by: Jim Kosowski

"Police link soil, deaths" Quad-city Times Tuesday June 3, 1980 page 5

"Slaying probe tests offer little help" Quad-City Times Tuesday August 5, 1980 page 3

"Search for David Harker ends" The Rock Island Argus Thursday October 3, 2013 page 1 by: Tyler Langan

"Elder Harker's brother was found murdered in 1980" The Rock Island Argus October 2, 2013 page 1 by: Tyler Langan

"Man gets 2 years for hiding body" The Des Moines Register Friday October 7, 1977 page 3

May 01, 202222:48

The disappearance of Erin Pospisil

In June 2001 a 15 year old girl from Cedar Rapids made plans to go to a friend's house to hang out and spend the night. She left her home with a family friend and was never seen or heard from again. With no clues and very few answers, her family has spent the last 20 years waiting for her to be found. This is the disappearance of Erin Pospisil.

Sources:
The Vanished Podcast-"Erin Pospisil" by Wondery hosted by Marissa
Iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing
Helpfindachild.com
Iowacourts.state.ia.us/curtispadgett
www.ncjrs.gov

Apr 24, 202223:50

Update episode: Iowa Cold Case solved!

28-year-old Jacob Greer is found alive!

Sources:

"Iowa man who Faked His death to avoid trial is arrested." The New York Times by: Johnny Diaz April 6, 2022

"BOLO alert: wanted in Montana: Jacob Greer." KXLH 9 Helena By: Site administator

Apr 19, 202205:34

The Waverly Stranglings

Between 1971 and 1976 3 horrific murders shocked the small community of Waverly and left many, including law enforcement, to question whether these murders were committed by a single individual or if the police were looking for multiple assailants, so just how many serial predators did Waverly have hiding in plain sight? Today that question has yet to be answered. This is the case of the Waverly Stranglings.

sources:

Iowacoldcases.org by; Jody Ewing

Apr 18, 202227:42

The disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit

In the early morning hours of a summer day in 1995 in Mason City, a local news anchor failed to show up for her morning news report. Her coworkers became concerned and contacted police and when law enforcement reached the woman's apartment complex they came across a shocking scene. Even though the young woman's disappearance captivated the nation almost 27 years later her whereabouts are still unknown.

Sources:
Find Jodi podcast hosted by Scott Fuller
"Gone at Dawn" 20/20 episode by abcnews
Jodi's journal by: Bob Link The Globe Gazette Sunday June 22, 2008
Iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing

Apr 04, 202229:28

The mysterious death of Keara Coshow

In July 1979 firefighters are called to a motel fire in Red Oak, Iowa. When they arrive on the scene and extinguish the fire they discover the body of a child lying dead on the floor. On the surface, the police are convinced that it is just a tragic accident, but as additional details come to light several years later that may not be the case.

Sources:
Iowacoldcases.org by: Jody Ewing
The Des Moines Register Friday July 13th, 1979 "Girl,3, is killed in fire at motel."

Mar 27, 202226:21

The tragic murder of Leota Camp

On a typical Monday in Des Moines in 1967 a mother of 3 is found stabbed in her home, while her husband is at work. She was still alive when the ambulance arrived but died on the way to the hospital. Neighbors believed they saw the person responsible arrive and leave, but his presence at the house didn't arouse suspicion until he was long gone. This is the murder of Leota Camp.

Sources:
iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing
"Who Killed Leota Camp." By Mike Kilen The Des Moines Register Sunday July 26, 2015
"A young man in black car seen at home." By James Beaumont The Des Moines Register Tuesday July 11, 1967
"Police ask aid in tracing car." By: Julie Zelenka The Des Moines Register Sunday August 20, 1967
"Searching for Motive in Slaying." By: Richard Hatfield The Des Moines Tribune Tuesday July 11, 1967
"Doctor feels kook killed D.M. woman." By: Nick Lamberto The Des Moines Register Wednesday July 12, 1967
" Camp reward in D.M. killing." By: Dick Deak The Des Moines Register Thursday August 17, 1967
"Two months later Camp looks back." By: Norman Brewer The Des moines Tribune Wednesday September 13, 1967

Mar 21, 202226:15

The triple murder of Jesse Hanni, Ernest Isom Jr, and Freta Bostick

In early December 1974, a young couple and their roommate are found dead in their home in Sioux City. The background of the 3 makes it appear likely that their death was a direct result of their lifestyle, and some feel their list of potential enemies was so long that it would be impossible to narrow down and find the person or people responsible. After 47 years without a single arrest, it seems likely that could be the case.

Sources:
Iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing
"Coriden testifies in own defense." By: David Lundy Sioux City Journal Saturday December 13, 1980 page 8
"False pregnancy case jury seated." By: David Lundy Sioux City Journal Wednesday December 10, 1980 page 20
"Negligence ruled out in cell death." By: Barbara Mack Des Moines Tribune Tuesday April 9, 1974 page 22
"Slaying of three last year in Sioux City still a mystery." By: Chuck Offenburger Des Moines Register Wednesday December 3, 1975 page 3
"Triple murder still haunts officers." By: Timothy Allen Sioux City Journal Tuesday January 9, 1992 page 1
The Billings Gazette Wednesday February 27, 1974 page 21
"Prosecution hits snag." By: Roger Hawthorne The Billings Gazette Tuesday April 8, 1969 page 34
"Quigg case goes to jury." By: Roger Hawthorne The Billings Gazette Wednesday April 9, 1969 page 22
"Pair held in Sioux City slayings." Iowa City Press-Citizen Thursday December 5, 1974 page 2
"House Comes Down." Sioux City Journal Wednesday April 23, 1975 page 2
"Sioux City shootings at close range." Cedar Rapids Gazette Wednesday December 4, 1974 page 32

Mar 14, 202223:56

The disappearance of Brian Burns

In December 2013 a 55-year-old man was waiting for someone to pick him up at his home in a small Iowa town. From there the man vanishes without a trace. 5 years later one of his relatives is arrested and charged with first-degree murder of a young woman and people can't help but wonder if the cases are related.

Sources:
Iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing
Webslueths.com
"Missing Manchester Man Declared Legally Dead." November 4th 2021 By: Janelle Tucker KMCH

Mar 04, 202211:03

BONUS EPISODE: The Murder of Michelle Martinko

It was the week before Christmas 1979 in Cedar Rapids when a local teen was found stabbed to death inside her parents car in a mall parking lot. After years of speculation and dead ends, it seemed as though her murder would never be solved. Then almost 4 decades later, after advancements in DNA testing, genetic genealogy cracked the cold case wide open and a cold-blooded killer was finally taken off the streets. This is the case of Michelle Martinko. Sources: Jerry Burns Trial- Prosecution closing arguments by Law&Crime Network wikipedia.org murder of Michelle Martinko CBSnews.com Michelle Martinko murder case Killer Cases- Michelle Martinko case solved- A&E Iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing chillingcrimes.com On the Case with Paula Zahn- "A test of Patience"- ID

Mar 02, 202224:48

The disappearance of Lynn Schuller

In August 1972 a young mother vanishes without a trace while her husband and 3 year old son are out for the day. Police had their doubts that she would walk away from her life and believed the husband knew more than he was telling. Almost 50 years later she has yet to be found.

Sources:
Newspapers.com
Iowacoldcases.org by Jody Ewing
The Gazette Thursday March 19, 1992 "Murdered Missing Unsolved." By:Jeff Burnham
The Gazette Monday January 22, 1979 "Families think daily of two who are missing." By: Dick Hogan
The Gazette Wednesday August 15, 1973 "Father offers reward for missing daughter."
The Des Moines Register Sunday February 4, 1973 " Woman's disappearance at C.R. baffles lawmen." By: William Simbro
The Gazette Friday September 1, 1972 "Infrared photos provide leads in Schuller search."
The Gazette Wednesday September 6, 1972 "Search yields no trace of Lynn Schuller."
The Des Moines Register Wednesday August 30, 1972 "Use photos in disappearance."
The Gazette Friday September 8, 1972 "Hearing is held on items seized at Schuller home."
The Gazette Monday August 28, 1972 " Items seized in Schuller home search." Cedar Rapids News
The Gazette Thursday August 10, 1972 "Woman missing; Linn deputies fear foul play."
The Des Moines Register Saturday August 19, 1972 "Wife gone; BCI called in." The Register's Iowa News Service
The Gazette Friday August 11, 1972 "Searchers for missing woman find no trace." By: Doug Halliday
a-z animals.com/blog/alligator-attacks-do-alligators-eat-people/: Alligator Attacks: Do alligators eat people
Tampa Bay times August 23, 2018 "Alligator attacks are on the rise in Florida. Thank humans, scientists say." By: Daniel Figueroa IV

Feb 24, 202217:56

The disappearance and murder of Corinne Perry

In April 1983 in Creston, Iowa a local high school senior leaves her home and heads to the local laundromat. After finishing her laundry and leaving she is never heard from or seen alive again. Sources: *Iowacoldcases.org. By: Jody Ewing *nbcnews.com "Woman still searching for justice in sister Corinne Perry's nearly 40 years after she was killed after leaving Iowa laundromat." By: Andrea Cavallier. *The Ded Moines Register Tuesday September 18, 1984 "Call about missing daughter mystified, unnerves Iowa mother." By: Bob Shaw. The Des Moines Register Monday November 5th, 1984 "Officers seek death cause." By: Frank Santiago. The Des Moines Register Sunday November 4th, 1984 "Young hunters find remains of Corinne Perry" By: Gary Heinlein The Des Moines Register Tuesday May 3rd, 1983 "Witness sought in girls disappearance" By: Nick Lambero. The Des Moines Register Sunday May 15th, 1983 " Life imitating art in baffling Creston case." By: Frank Santiago. The Des Moines Register " Search goes on for girl missing nearly 10 months." By: Gene Raffensperger. The Des Moines Register Thursday July 7th, 1983 " Creston folks gather to find young woman who is missing." By: Frank Santiago. The Des Moines Register Sunday August 21, 1983

Feb 18, 202219:51