by Iowa – A 66-year-old man has been convicted of second-degree murder in the 2017 disappearance of a 15-year-old girl whose body has never been found.
On Tuesday, a jury found James Bachmurski guilty in the death of Jade Colvin, who vanished after arriving at his farm in Winneshiek County more than seven years ago. He now faces up to 50 years in prison when sentenced on Oct. 21.
Jade’s Disappearance
Colvin’s last known contact was on March 23, 2017. Authorities say she had been removed from her mother’s home in 2015 and frequently ran away from foster care before moving to Arizona. There, she reconnected with Bachmurski, who had previously been in a relationship with her mother.
Investigators say Colvin traveled to Bachmurski’s Iowa farm, where she had no cellphone service. She spoke to a family member using his phone shortly after arriving, marking the last time anyone heard from her.
Key Evidence and Testimony
Bachmurski later moved to Georgia but became a focus of the investigation after police received a tip. The Iowa Department of Public Safety interviewed him in 2023 and 2024.
Special Agent John Turbett testified that Bachmurski admitted Colvin had been on his farm and claimed he last saw her before she left for a farm store. When asked why he didn’t contact police, he allegedly admitted, “I know I’m getting myself in super trouble.”
In another interview, Bachmurski reportedly told investigators:
“I already, a long time ago, figured I’d go to the grave before I tell the truth.”
Trial and Conviction
During trial, defense attorneys argued there was no proof Colvin was dead, saying: “No body, no evidence and no crime.”
But prosecutors maintained that Bachmurski was responsible for her disappearance. “She was physically okay until she met James Bachmurski,” said Prosecuting Attorney Scott Brown.
Jurors sided with prosecutors, convicting Bachmurski of second-degree murder. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing.
