UPDATE: In a significant legal development, James David Bachmurski Sr., aged 66, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of 15-year-old Jade Marie Colvin. The sentencing took place in October 2024 after a jury convicted him of the crime, which dates back to March 2017.
Authorities confirmed that Colvin was reported missing only years after her disappearance, with her case initially taken on by the U.S. Marshals Service in late 2020. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office as it garnered renewed attention. The case took a dramatic turn when Bachmurski, who had relocated to Georgia, was extradited to face charges.
Bachmurski was found guilty of murdering Colvin, who had been living at his rural farmhouse when she vanished. The last confirmed contact with Colvin was a text message sent on March 30, 2017, just days before she disappeared. Assistant Iowa Attorney General Scott Brown emphasized the vulnerability of the victim during the trial, stating, “She was a child that was at risk,” highlighting the tragic circumstances of her life.
The trial revealed that Colvin’s mother, LaDawn, lost custody of her children due to mental health and substance abuse issues. The girl had been placed in foster care before returning to her mother, who was living with Bachmurski at the time. Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that Colvin had planned to escape the limitations of the foster system, but her fate took a darker turn.
During the trial, it was revealed that Bachmurski had a prior history of alleged abuse, including accusations of using an electric fence on his son. His past raised alarms about his character and motivations, particularly regarding his relationship with Colvin. As the trial progressed, it became clear that Bachmurski had attempted to manipulate the narrative surrounding Colvin’s disappearance, claiming she had gone to various states, including Tennessee and Arizona.
After the conviction, Bachmurski’s legal team filed an appeal with the Iowa Supreme Court, arguing insufficient evidence was presented to prove that he had committed murder. However, the court denied their request for a new trial, emphasizing the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Colvin’s family expressed their heartbreak during the sentencing hearing. Her sister, Shalie Cino, described Jade as “a light in a dark world,” while her aunt, Tina McLaughlin, conveyed the profound loss felt by the family, stating, “You took our sweet, funny, adventurous, kind, precious loved one.”
Bachmurski’s defense maintained that he was innocent, arguing that there was no direct evidence linking him to her death. Nevertheless, Judge Laura Parrish sentenced him to a minimum of 35 years before he is eligible for parole, which would place him at around 101 years old at that time.
As the legal saga unfolds, the community remains on edge, awaiting further developments from Bachmurski’s appeal, which is still pending. The emotional impact of this case continues to resonate, serving as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by youth in perilous situations.
Colvin’s tragic story has prompted discussions about child welfare and the responsibilities of those entrusted with the care of vulnerable children. The case has not only captured local attention but has also raised awareness on a national level about the importance of safeguarding minors.
As this story develops, family members and advocates continue to call for transparency and justice, hoping that the truth about Jade Marie Colvin will eventually come to light.