The Haunting Truth Behind Iowa’s Infamous Murders

Unfortunately, bad things can happen even in quiet states like Iowa. I've always felt safe living here. But our state is no stranger to crime, including murder. Here are some of Iowa's most infamous unsolved crimes.

The Villisca Axe Murders 

In 2025, the Villisca Axe Murders remains one of the most violent crimes in the history of the state. And you can even take a tour of the house where the crime happened!

Iowa Starting Line reports that the crime happened June 9th, 1912, in the home of Sarah and Josiah Moore. In the middle of the night, someone entered the home with an axe and murdered the couple, their four young children, and two other children who were visiting.

A suspect confessed to the murders in 1917, but later recanted and was acquitted by a jury. You can book a daytime or overnight tour of the home HERE.

Edward Kriz Murder in Iowa City

Iowa Cold Case reports that Edward Kriz and his wife walked to Hamburg Inn No. 2 in November of 1962. The couple wanted a coffee and a sandwich. As Kriz and his wife were leaving, they encountered a masked robber. A struggle ensued, and Kriz was shot. The killer fled and Kriz died a short time later.

Officials hope with improved DNA technology, this unsolved murder might still be solved.

The Disappearance of Newswoman Jodi Husientruit

Jodi Huisentruit failed to report for work at the TV station she worked at in the early morning hours of June 27th, 1995. Iowa Starting Line reports that friends called her and Jodi revealed that she overslept and would be in soon. She never arrived.

When police found her vehicle, they found her belongings inside and signs of a struggle. Jodi was declared legally dead in 2001.

Many believe that people involved or others have information about her disappearance. Tips continue to pour in at FindJodi.com.

The Disappearance of Lynn Schuller

Keith Schullar of Cedar Rapids reported his 25-year-old wife Lynn missing in August of 1972. He reportedly told police that the day before, he took his toddler son for a long bike ride. When they returned, he found Lynn and her bike missing. After taking his son swimming, Keith said that his wife's bike had returned, but Lynn did not.

Iowa Starting Line reports that there was no sign of forced entry. Keith also failed to cooperate with law enforcement. Police then found out that he had asked Lynn for a divorce a year earlier but she had refused.

Keith was arrested by police, but the charges were later dropped. Iowa Starting Line reports that in 1978 he convinced a judge to declare Lynn as deceased so he could get his divorce.

To this day, many believe Keith killed Lynn, and one theory is that he fed her remains to a 6-foot pet alligator. Yikes.

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