Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Cold Case Unit has made its first arrest since its establishment in July 2024. On March 10, 2025, authorities charged 61-year-old Robert Allen Davis with first-degree murder in connection with the 1989 disappearance of Barbara Lenz, marking a major breakthrough in a case that has remained unsolved for over three decades.
A Breakthrough in a 36-Year-Old Mystery
Lenz, who was 31 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen on May 6, 1989, in Woodbine, Iowa. She was reported missing soon after, but despite years of investigation, her body was never found. The case remained unsolved until recent efforts by the Iowa Cold Case Unit led to Davis’s arrest.
The Iowa Cold Case Unit, launched under the direction of Attorney General Brenna Bird, was created to revisit unsolved cases and bring long-overdue justice to victims and their families. This recent arrest underscores the unit’s commitment to solving cold cases using modern investigative techniques and forensic analysis.
New Evidence Leads to Arrest
Investigators revealed that Lenz had expressed fear of Davis due to his violent behavior. Witnesses had reported incidents of domestic violence, including an attack where Davis allegedly strangled Lenz into unconsciousness. Additionally, one witness claimed to have seen Davis and his brother burying an unknown object wrapped in plastic near his home shortly after Lenz vanished.
The renewed investigation uncovered further evidence supporting the murder charge, though authorities have not disclosed specific forensic findings. Davis was taken into custody and is currently being held without bond at the Harrison County Jail.
“This is a case that has haunted Lenz’s family for years,” said Attorney General Brenna Bird. “Our Cold Case Unit was created to bring justice to victims, and we will not stop until every possible lead is pursued.”
Lenz’s Family Seeks Closure
For Lenz’s family, the arrest is a long-awaited step toward justice. Her daughter, who was only three years old at the time of her disappearance, expressed hope that this development will bring closure.
“My mom has been missing for 36 years, and we’ve never had answers,” she said. “We just want to find her and bring her home.”
Role of the Iowa Cold Case Unit
The Iowa Cold Case Unit was established to handle the state’s backlog of unsolved cases. By employing advanced forensic techniques, reviewing witness statements, and leveraging new leads, the unit has reinvigorated investigations that had previously gone cold.
“The arrest of Robert Allen Davis is a testament to the importance of reopening these cases,” said an official from the Iowa Department of Public Safety. “New technologies and dedicated investigators make a difference, and we are committed to seeking justice for victims and their families.”
For more information on how the Iowa Cold Case Unit operates, visit the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
Next Steps in the Case
Davis is scheduled for a preliminary hearing later this month. Prosecutors are expected to present key evidence that led to his arrest, and additional details may emerge as the case progresses. If convicted of first-degree murder, Davis could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Authorities continue to seek information regarding the whereabouts of Lenz’s remains and encourage anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Iowa Cold Case Unit through the state’s Crime Stoppers website.
Conclusion
The arrest of Robert Allen Davis marks a significant achievement for the Iowa Cold Case Unit and offers renewed hope to families still seeking justice for their missing loved ones. With advancements in investigative methods and a renewed focus on unresolved crimes, authorities remain committed to ensuring that no case is forgotten.
For ongoing updates on this case and other cold cases in Iowa, visit Iowa Cold Cases.
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