Iowa Man Guilty in 1989 Cold Case Murder

An Iowa man has been convicted in the murder of Barbara Lenz, who disappeared in 1989. Robert Davis, 62, of Council Bluffs, was found guilty of second-degree murder on Tuesday, March 31, by a jury, according to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.

The Disappearance of Barbara Lenz

Barbara Lenz, 31, was last seen on May 6, 1989. Davis told law enforcement at the time that he had dropped her off at her home in Woodbine, Iowa. Lenz had reportedly planned to travel to Omaha, Nebraska, to meet with her ex-boyfriend, with whom she shared a three-year-old daughter.

Investigation Reveals Evidence of Abuse

Investigations at Lenz’s home indicated she may have been abducted against her will. Prior to her disappearance, Lenz confided in multiple individuals that she feared Davis and was attempting to leave the relationship. Witnesses stated Davis had threatened to kill her if she ever left him.

History of Violence

According to the criminal complaint, Davis allegedly physically assaulted Lenz multiple times during their approximately two-year relationship. These incidents included an alleged instance of strangulation and causing visible injuries.

Arrest and Trial

Davis was arrested on March 10, 2025, on a first-degree murder charge. This conviction marks the first case successfully prosecuted by the Iowa Cold Case Unit, established in July 2024. His defense attorney, Joseph Hrvol, maintained Davis’s innocence throughout the trial, stating, “Robert Davis did not have anything to do with the disappearance of Barbara Lenz and certainly not the death of Barbara Lenz.”

Justice After 37 Years

“No one should get away with murder,” Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said in a statement. “Barbara Lenz’s family has been waiting nearly 37 years for justice.” Lenz’s daughter, Lindsy Baumgart, and her father, John Crews, were present in the courtroom for the verdict.

Family Reactions

“I just held out that one day, someone might speak up or maybe I might be able to figure it out myself, but I was never successful,” Baumgart told news outlets. Crews expressed relief, stating, “I’m just really relieved after 37 years of praying for this to happen.” He also expressed gratitude that Lenz had given their daughter to him shortly before her death.

Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22. Lenz’s body has not yet been recovered.