Winneshiek County, IA – A 66-year-old man, James Bachmurski, was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of 15-year-old Jade Colvin, who went missing from his Iowa farm in 2017. Despite her remains never being recovered, a jury found Bachmurski guilty, and he now faces up to 50 years behind bars for the crime.
The tragic case centers around Jade Colvin, who had a troubled history and frequently ran away from foster homes. She was last seen on March 23, 2017, after arriving at Bachmurski’s farm in Winneshiek County. Jade’s last known contact was shortly after she arrived, speaking to a family member via the defendant’s phone—her final communication before vanishing.
Details Surrounding Jade Colvin’s Disappearance
Jade Colvin had a turbulent past: removed from her mother’s home in 2015, she ran away multiple times from various foster homes, eventually moving to Arizona. It was there that she engaged with Bachmurski through social media. Notably, Bachmurski had a previous relationship with Jade’s mother.
In March 2017, Jade arrived at Bachmurski’s farm, a location with no cellphone service. The limited contact thereafter is believed to be the last time anyone heard from her. Authorities were alerted after receiving a tip, which led them to Bachmurski, who by that time had relocated to Georgia.
The Investigation and Courtroom Revelations
The Iowa Department of Public Safety interviewed Bachmurski twice, in August 2023 and April 2024. Special Agent John Turbett testified that Bachmurski seemed unsurprised by law enforcement’s arrival, remarking, “I’ve just been waiting for law enforcement to come and talk to me.”
During questioning, Bachmurski admitted Jade had been at his farm, claiming the last time he saw her was when she was doing laundry before leaving to visit a farm store. When asked why he hadn’t contacted authorities, he acknowledged knowing it was “illegal or wrong.” Turbett relayed Bachmurski’s admission, “He says, ‘I know I’m getting myself in super trouble.'”
In the second interview, Bachmurski was notably uncooperative regarding Jade’s fate, telling the agent,
“You know what? I already, a long time ago, figured I’d go to the grave before I tell the truth.”
Defense Arguments Versus Prosecution’s Case
Bachmurski’s defense attorneys argued that Jade could still be alive, emphasizing the lack of physical evidence and no recovered body. Defense Attorney Leigha Lattner asserted, “No body, no evidence and no crime.”
However, prosecutors strongly disagreed, highlighting the suspicious circumstances. Prosecuting Attorney Scott Brown stated,
“She was physically okay until she met James Bachmurski.”
Next Steps: Sentencing and Justice
With the conviction secured, sentencing is scheduled for October 21. Bachmurski faces up to 50 years in prison for the murder of Jade Colvin. The case underscores ongoing challenges in missing persons investigations, especially when physical evidence is limited.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victim: Jade Colvin, 15 years old, last seen March 23, 2017
- Defendant: James Bachmurski, 66 years old
- Charge: Second-degree murder
- Location: Winneshiek County farm, Iowa
- Authorities involved: Iowa Department of Public Safety
- Interviews: Bachmurski interviewed in August 2023 and April 2024
- Sentencing Date: October 21, 2024
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