Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced the launch of a new cold case unit dedicated to investigating over 400 unsolved crimes, including homicides and missing persons cases. Bird, the first Republican to serve as attorney general in Iowa since 1979, has focused on conservative principles during her tenure and has actively challenged federal policies she views as overreaching. She endorsed former President Donald Trump in 2023 and has taken significant actions on consumer protection and public safety.
The new cold case unit will consist of three full-time investigators and one prosecutor, led by Steve Ponsetto, a retired Division of Criminal Investigation agent. The unit aims to bring justice to victims and their families by investigating long-standing unsolved cases. Bird has expressed her dedication to solving these cases, promising to fight for victims and families and never giving up on finding answers. The family of Leota Camp, a victim killed in Des Moines in 1967, continues to hold out hope for justice, fifty years after the crime.
The cold case unit initiative reflects Bird’s commitment to victims and their families, a priority she highlighted during her campaign. The unit will officially begin operations on July 1 and will focus on homicides, missing persons, and cases involving unidentified human remains where local law enforcement have exhausted all leads. Iowans are encouraged to submit any information they have on cold cases by contacting the Attorney General’s Office.
Sheriff Kevin Schneider of Polk County and Jody Ewing, founder of IowaColdCases.org, also spoke at the press conference, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving cold cases. They encouraged Iowans to come forward with any information they might have regarding unsolved crimes. Bird thanked the legislature for providing the necessary budget for the unit, making the initiative possible.
In conclusion, the launch of the new cold case unit in Iowa reflects Attorney General Brenna Bird’s commitment to justice for victims and their families. The unit will investigate over 400 unsolved crimes, focusing on homicides, missing persons cases, and unidentified human remains. Bird’s dedication to solving these cases, coupled with community involvement and legislative support, underscores the importance of bringing closure to long-standing unsolved cases. Iowans are encouraged to come forward with any information they may have on cold cases to help bring perpetrators to justice and provide answers to families of victims.
