The "cold case" of an Ida Grove woman’s disappearance 12 years ago is being reopened by the Ida County Sheriff’s Department. Ida County Sheriff Wade Harriman says Connie Ruddy disappeared on February 10th, 1997, leaving her two young children alone in their home.
Despite considerable searches by law enforcement and the public, no trace was found of the 21-year-old woman until two-and-a-half years later. A fossil hunter in August of 1999 found a jawbone along the Boyer River near Dow City, some 35-miles from Ruddy’s home.
The jawbone was determined to be Ruddy’s, but despite searches along the river and the surrounding area, no other remains were found. Harriman says they’re re-opening the case today in the hopes of finding her killer. He says a substantial reward will be offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.