In 2015, Jade Colvin, then 13 years old, entered foster care as a result of her mother’s substance abuse and mental health issues. With no contact with her father, authorities determined foster care as the best option for Jade and her siblings.
Over nine months, Jade moved between various facilities and foster homes, struggling with living among strangers while yearning for her mother, LaDawn, in Iowa. Despite attempts to disguise herself, Jade’s outgoing nature and love for her friends made her easy to find whenever she ran away.
On June 10, 2016, Jade fled a youth shelter, evading authorities and disappearing for an extended period. Her family, unaware of her whereabouts, made pleas on social media for her return, hoping she was waiting until she turned 18 to avoid legal repercussions.
The situation took a tragic turn in 2019 when LaDawn passed away, and Jade failed to attend her funeral, remaining out of contact for almost two years. In 2020, the US Marshals initiated Operation Homecoming to locate missing children, leading to a focused investigation into Jade’s case and her last known movements.
After discovering Jade’s social media activity until March 30, 2017, investigators learned that LaDawn had sent Jade to a farm in Decorah, Iowa, owned by James Bachmurski, whom she had met online. While the initial plan was for Jade to lay low temporarily, she abruptly ceased communication after a week at the farm.
Efforts to trace Jade’s steps led to crucial evidence on a phone found in Bachmurski’s possession, including photos confirming Jade’s presence at the farm. Deleted messages revealed attempts from Jade’s family to locate her, corroborating crucial timelines and interactions.
Further investigations and testimonies pointed towards Bachmurski’s involvement in Jade’s disappearance, ultimately leading to his conviction for second-degree murder in 2025. The trial highlighted his suspicious behavior and past criminal record, ultimately resulting in a 50-year prison sentence for the heinous crime.
Jade’s family expressed relief at the verdict, seeking closure for the loss of their beloved daughter and sister, while emphasizing the need for justice and accountability in cases of vulnerable individuals like Jade.