Iowa Woman's Own Words Lead to Justice in Her Murder Case
In the quiet town of Bellevue, Iowa, with a population of around 2,500, the morning of October 8, 2022, was shattered by the news of a murder—the first in nearly ten years. Angela Prichard, 55, who managed the Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels, was found shot to death. Her sister, Wendy Budde, immediately suspected Angela's estranged husband, Chris Prichard, was responsible.
Angela had been trying to leave Chris for months, fearing for her life. Investigators from multiple agencies, including Iowa's Department of Criminal Investigation, were called in to lead the case. The investigation was propelled by a chilling 911 call Angela made just before her death, where she named Chris as her assailant.
The crime scene revealed a violent end; Angela was found with a significant gunshot wound in the kennel's washroom. A trail of blood suggested the attacker knew the area well. Chris Prichard, who had a history of domestic violence and restraining order violations, became the prime suspect.
The investigation uncovered Chris's troubled past, including job loss, substance abuse, and escalating aggression towards Angela. Despite a protective order, Chris continued to harass Angela, leading to her living in constant fear. The police, however, failed to enforce the order effectively.
On the day of the murder, Chris reportedly waited at the kennels for hours before confronting Angela. Surveillance footage and the 911 call were crucial in piecing together the events. After the shooting, Chris fled into the nearby wilderness, an area he knew well. A manhunt ensued, involving local law enforcement and community members.
Chris eventually sought refuge with friends, who, upon realizing his involvement in Angela's death, alerted the authorities. He was arrested without incident and later charged with first-degree murder and robbery.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Chris meticulously planned the murder, driven by anger over the restraining order. The jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Angela's family, represented by civil rights attorney Dave O'Brien, filed a lawsuit against the Bellevue Police Department for failing to protect Angela. Although initially dismissed, the case highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of protective orders.
Angela's story, documented through her own notes and the 911 call, served as a powerful testament to her ordeal and ultimately led to justice. Her family hopes that sharing her story will encourage better protection for victims of domestic violence and stricter law enforcement.
Angela's legacy lives on through her family, who continue to advocate for change in how domestic violence cases are handled. Her courage in naming her killer has brought some peace to her loved ones and serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to and protecting those in danger.