In 2015, 13-year-old Jade Colvin and her siblings entered foster care due to her mother’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. Separated from her father, Jade experienced frequent relocations among various foster homes and facilities. Despite her attempts to evade authorities by changing her appearance and seeking refuge with family and friends, she was consistently located and returned to the system.
On June 10, 2016, Jade ran away from a troubled youth shelter, initiating a period of being untraceable by authorities. Hidden by acquaintances and family members, Jade remained out of sight, with some speculating she aimed to reach legal adulthood at 18. However, in March 2017, shortly after turning 15, Jade disappeared without a trace.
Following her mother LaDawn’s passing in 2019, Jade’s prolonged absence became alarming to her relatives, who had been attempting to reconnect with her through social media. The launch of Operation Homecoming by US Marshals in 2020 aimed to locate missing children, leading to a renewed investigation into Jade’s case and her last known whereabouts.
Evidence revealed that Jade had been residing at a farm in Decorah, Iowa, under the care of James Bachmurski, whom LaDawn had met online. Despite initial interactions indicating a temporary stay for Jade’s safety and reunification plans, her communication ceased abruptly after a week at the farm.
Further inquiries uncovered deleted messages and photos on Bachmurski’s old phone, providing snapshots of Jade’s time at the farm and interactions with him and his son. Suspicion grew as inconsistencies in Bachmurski’s account emerged, leading to his eventual arrest and charge with second-degree murder in August 2024.
During the subsequent trial in 2025, the prosecution highlighted Bachmurski’s suspicious behavior and prior criminal history, ultimately securing a guilty verdict. Substantial evidence, including digital traces and witness testimonies, painted a damning picture of Bachmurski’s involvement in Jade’s disappearance and demise.
In October 2025, Bachmurski received a 50-year prison sentence, with a minimum term of 35 years before parole eligibility. The verdict brought closure to Jade’s family, who condemned Bachmurski as a manipulative predator, ensuring justice for their lost loved one.