DES MOINES, IOWA (July 2, 2024) — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird discussed the office’s cold-case unit’s partnership with local law enforcement to investigate Iowa’s more than 400 unsolved murders. The announcement was made in a press conference at the Cedar Rapids Police Department in Linn County. Speakers at the press conference also included:
- Steve Ponsetto, Investigator and lead of the Iowa cold case unit in the Iowa Attorney General’s Office;
- Chief David Dostal, Cedar Rapids Police Department;
- Sheriff Brian Gardner, Linn County Sheriff’s Office; and
- Nick Maybanks, Linn County Attorney.
“The Cedar Rapids Police Department’s cold case unit is a success story,” said AG Bird. “But most other states also have a statewide cold case unit to back law enforcement in searching for answers. Now, Iowa does, too. I look forward to partnering with our law-enforcement heroes, like our friends here in Linn County, to help families and seek justice. If we solve even one cold case, and uncover answers for one family, it is all worth it.”
The cold-case unit will consist of three full-time investigators and one prosecutor. The unit will partner with local law-enforcement agencies in different regions across the state to crack cold cases, seek answers for families, and ensure no murderer walks free.
To submit a cold case tip, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-800-242-5100 or coldcase@ag.iowa.gov.
