Iowa cold case laws need changes

Changes are needed in how law enforcement agencies in Iowa are able handle cold case homicides, those unsolved criminal investigations that remain open awaiting the discovery of new evidence. Presently, families of victims aren’t allowed any access to case information (non-confidential or confidential) or given any updates or rights concerning the cases of their loved ones. And law enforcement agencies need resources and training to effectively do their jobs and get these cases closed in a timely manner.

For an example, I’m going to refer to a cold case I’m familiar with: the homicide of Ron Novak, which took place 40 years ago today Dec. 23, 1983 in rural Center Point. His cold case falls under the jurisdiction of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. There is still no resolution and no updates have been made available to family members over the years. (For details on Ron’s case, see iowacoldcases.org)

On Aug. 3, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill called Public Law 117-164: Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act of 2021. To summarize, this law gives family members of cold case victims a way to make official requests to have investigators review their cases with the latest available technology. It also prevents previous investigators from leading the new investigations and requires agencies to keep families updated on the case file.

Unfortunately, this law only covers federal cold cases.

I feel strongly that changing some of the laws on a state level to mirror portions of this federal law would be very effective in getting the 800-plus cold-case homicides throughout Iowa resolved; sooner, rather than later.

There is a new online petition called the “Iowa Cold Case Initiative” at: change.org/iowacoldcaseinitiative

Included in this petition are suggestions and ideas that will hopefully garner enough interest from Iowa residents and Iowa lawmakers to bring about the changes needed. Anyone signing the petition has the opportunity to make their own suggestions and share their ideas.

Also, following through on one of her campaign objectives to “back the blue,” Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office is planning to make a legislative proposal to get support for local law enforcement agencies by hiring AG investigators to assist local agencies with cold cases. Kudos to the AG’s office.

And The Gazette has a series of articles planned on cold case investigations in Cedar Rapids and Linn County. This is great news, as any exposure is good exposure. Seeing info in print often triggers memories or generates new leads in the cases.

In Ron Novak’s case, it’s been 40 years of waiting and wondering for his family and friends left behind. And, notably, there is DNA in Ron’s case. If the Iowa laws change, Ron’s case and many others in Iowa could likely be solved quickly with genetic genealogy testing, when DNA is available.

So, for those of you who agree that we need changes to the laws here in Iowa, please share the petition link on social media. It’s the best way to get the word out and get the needed signatures. The victims’ families and friends could really use your help.

You can also join the Ron Novak Unsolved Homicide 1983 group on Facebook to get updates on the Iowa petition and see how we’ve tried to get his case moving forward and resolved.

With all of the advancements in technology, especially in the area of DNA analysis, now is the time for change. Forty years is way too long for the Novak family to wait for justice and/or closure. Way too long.

Prayers are especially welcome at this time of year for all of the Iowa homicide victims’ families and friends awaiting answers. Blessed holidays to all.

Marlene (Florang) Chramosta is retired and lives in northwest Cedar Rapids. She grew up in the same southwest neighborhood as the Novak family, near Jones Park.