Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for 2016 Murder of Missing Teen
James Bachmurski Sr., 67, was convicted of murder in the second degree in August 2025 for the death of Jade Colvin. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Jade Colvin was 14 years old when she was reported missing on June 10, 2016, after running away from a youth shelter in Iowa. Her remains have not been found.
The Investigation and Trial
The case was investigated by a multi-agency team from the Des Moines Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation as part of Operation Homecoming.
Investigators determined Jade was last seen alive in March 2017 at Bachmurski's farm in Decorah, Iowa. Her mother, LaDawn Colvin, who was in a relationship with Bachmurski at the time, had arranged for her to stay there. LaDawn Colvin died in 2019.
Key evidence presented at trial included text messages and photos from Bachmurski's cellphone, which showed Jade at the farm and included the last known communications from her.
Prosecutors also presented photos from Bachmurski's phone taken days after Jade's disappearance showing his kitchen and bedroom in an unusually clean state, which they argued indicated cleanup of a crime scene. Audio from interviews was played where Bachmurski stated, "a long time ago, figured, I'd go to grave before I tell the truth."
The defense argued there was no physical evidence, such as a body, murder weapon, or DNA, linking Bachmurski to a murder, and highlighted Jade's history of running away. The jury returned a guilty verdict after several hours of deliberation.
Background of the Case
Jade Colvin had been in foster care and had a history of running away from placements prior to her disappearance. Her mother, LaDawn Colvin, had lost custody due to substance abuse issues.
Investigators said the plan was for Jade to stay at the Bachmurski farm temporarily while her mother addressed legal matters. Bachmurski had a prior criminal history, including a 2013 charge for child endangerment against his own children, to which he pleaded to a lesser assault charge.
Statements from Officials and Family
- Scott Brown, Assistant Iowa Attorney General (Prosecutor): Stated the evidence showed Bachmurski was the last person to see Jade alive and questioned why he did not report her disappearance.
- Special Agent Jon Turbett, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation: Said the investigative team believed they had identified the correct person responsible.
- Detective Cheryl Nablo, Des Moines Police Department: Said the conviction represented justice for Jade.
- Tandra Brus, Jade's aunt: Expressed relief at the verdict and a desire to find Jade's remains for a proper burial.
Friends and family of Jade Colvin, including Dainlynn Greer and Jamee Koopman, described her as a positive person and stated they continue to seek closure.