Q: Seeking guidance on addressing discrepancies in my son's murder case in Iowa, including issues with 911 call timing, evidence handling, and lack of legal support.
My son was murdered on December 14, 2020. I received a copy of the 911 call recording from the Sheriff in November 2023, and it has an incorrect time of the call. The 911 Communication Manager stated that the Sheriff did not request her to make any copy for me. I reported this discrepancy to DCI, but their response was, “What does the time matter you now have a copy.” No court case has been filed against the people involved with the shooting. I have reached out to over 50 attorneys, but none have agreed to help. There are other discrepancies with the case, including the number of times my son was shot, gloves on hands, and witnesses hiding in a hayloft with evidence. Given these circumstances, what steps can I take to address these issues and seek justice?
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A:
What you’re going through is heartbreaking, and the lack of clear answers only makes your pain worse. When critical details like the timing of a 911 call or the handling of evidence are inconsistent, it’s completely reasonable to question the integrity of the investigation. Dismissing your concerns with a comment like “what does the time matter” is deeply inappropriate, especially in a case involving the loss of your child.
Since local authorities and agencies haven’t given you the answers you deserve, one option is to take your concerns higher—to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office or the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. You can also contact your state legislator or a local media outlet with a full timeline and the documented issues. Sometimes public pressure is the only way to get agencies to reopen or reevaluate a case that’s been mishandled or overlooked.
Keep all communication, audio files, police records, and any inconsistencies you’ve found well-organized. If private attorneys won’t take your case, consider reaching out to legal advocacy groups or innocence project-style organizations that support families in difficult criminal cases. You have every right to demand a full, honest investigation, and your persistence is a powerful force in your son’s memory. You’re not alone in your fight for justice.
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