A long-term investigation into the disappearance of a teenager has culminated in a 50-year prison sentence for James Bachmurski Sr. The conviction brings a partial resolution to the case of Jade Colvin, who vanished in 2016 at the age of 14.
A Teenager Lost to the System
Jade Colvin was reported missing in June 2016 after running away from a local shelter for troubled youth. Her disappearance followed a period of instability, including being placed in foster care in September 2015 after the state determined her mother, LaDawn, was unable to care for her.
For years, Jade’s family and friends used social media to plead for her return. Despite these efforts, Jade remained missing for more than five years, and her mother passed away without ever seeing her daughter again.
The Digital Trail to Decorah
The case was adopted by the U.S. Marshals Service as part of “Operation Homecoming,” a statewide effort to locate missing children. Investigators, including Detective Cheryl Nablo and Special Agent Jon Turbett, utilized search warrants to access social media records.
Instagram messages revealed that Jade had been in Arizona in March 2017 before returning to Iowa. Further clues on Facebook pointed investigators toward the town of Decorah and a man named James Bachmurski Sr., who had been in a romantic relationship with Jade’s mother.
Investigators discovered that Jade had been staying at Bachmurski’s farm. While his son, Bryan, confirmed her presence there, he claimed she vanished after a final text exchange on March 30, 2017.
Circumstantial Evidence and the “Clean” Room
The investigation shifted toward a homicide theory when detectives analyzed photos found on Bachmurski’s old phone. Two photos taken around April 1, 2017, showed a kitchen and bedroom that were unusually spotless.
Special Agent Turbett noted that the home was typically not well-kept, suggesting the sudden cleanliness may have indicated a crime scene cleanup. A later photo showed that the bed in the bedroom had been replaced.
Trial and Conviction
James Bachmurski Sr. Was charged with second-degree murder in August 2024. During a second interview with agents, Bachmurski stated he had decided long ago that he would “go to grave before I notify the truth.”
The prosecution also presented evidence of Bachmurski’s history of violence, including a prior child endangerment charge involving the utilize of a battery-powered chair to shock his own children. The jury found him guilty in August 2025.
At 67 years old, Bachmurski’s 50-year sentence is essentially a life term. However, the victory is bittersweet, as Jade Colvin’s remains have never been recovered.
The Search Continues
Despite the conviction, investigators and family members maintain that the case is not fully closed. The primary goal remains the recovery of Jade’s body to allow her family to provide a proper burial.
Law enforcement may continue to seek new tips from the public, as any information regarding the location of the remains could provide final closure. Further forensic analysis or witness testimonies could eventually lead to her discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jade Colvin go missing?
Jade Colvin was reported missing in June 2016 after running away from a shelter for troubled youth.
What evidence was used to convict James Bachmurski Sr.?
The conviction was based on digital evidence from an old cellphone, including photos of a suspiciously clean room and a replaced bed, text messages, and the defendant’s own statement that he would take the truth to his grave.
Has Jade Colvin’s body been found?
No, Jade Colvin’s remains have not been recovered.
Do you believe digital evidence should carry the same weight as physical evidence in cases where a body is never found?