Even in a peaceful state like Iowa, chilling mysteries and unspeakable crimes have left a dark imprint on its history.
While many of us feel safe in our communities, the state has seen its share of haunting cases, some of which remain unsolved to this day. Here are a few of Iowa’s most infamous unsolved crimes that still send shivers down the spine.
The Villisca Axe Murders
Over a century later, the Villisca Axe Murders remain one of Iowa’s most brutal and puzzling crimes. And yes, you can tour the house where it all happened.
According to Iowa Starting Line, the massacre took place on June 9, 1912, inside the home of Josiah and Sarah Moore. In the dead of night, an unknown intruder crept in with an axe and killed the couple, their four children, and two young guests.
Though a suspect confessed in 1917, he later recanted and was acquitted. The case remains officially unsolved. Today, brave visitors can book daytime or even overnight tours of the eerie Villisca Axe Murder House.
The Murder of Edward Kriz – Iowa City
Iowa Cold Case reports that in November 1962, Edward Kriz and his wife were leaving Hamburg Inn No. 2 after grabbing a late-night coffee and sandwich.
As they exited, they encountered a masked robber. A struggle broke out, and Kriz was fatally shot. The killer fled and has never been found.
With the advancement of DNA technology, authorities still hold hope that one day this case might be solved.
The Disappearance of News Anchor Jodi Huisentruit
On the morning of June 27, 1995, popular TV anchor Jodi Huisentruit was expected to report for work, but she never made it.
According to Iowa Starting Line, friends contacted her that morning, and she said she had overslept and would be on her way. That was the last anyone heard from her.
Police later found her car in the parking lot, her personal belongings still inside, along with clear signs of a struggle.
Jodi was declared legally dead in 2001, but her case remains a mystery. Many believe someone out there still holds the answers. Tips continue to come in at FindJodi.com.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Lynn Schuller
In August 1972, Keith Schuller of Cedar Rapids reported his 25-year-old wife, Lynn, missing. He told authorities he had taken their toddler for a long bike ride, and when they returned, Lynn and her bike were gone. Later, he claimed the bike mysteriously reappeared, but Lynn did not.
As Iowa Starting Line details, there was no sign of forced entry, and Keith refused to fully cooperate with the police. Investigators also discovered he had asked Lynn for a divorce the previous year, but she had declined.
Although Keith was arrested, charges were dropped. In 1978, he successfully petitioned a judge to declare Lynn legally dead, freeing him to divorce her officially.
One disturbing theory suggests he may have fed her remains to a 6-foot pet alligator. Chilling, to say the least.