Evansdale Murders 13 Years Later, Hope Rests on Technology

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Crime Lab in Ankeny is investigating the abduction and murder of two young cousins in 2012. More than a decade has passed since Elizabeth Collins, 8, and Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10, disappeared from a bike ride in Evansdale, Iowa, but the case remains unsolved. Now, with new technology and renewed determination, investigators continue the search for answers.

The girls’ bikes were found abandoned on a wooded trail near Meyers Lake. The area, obscured by trees and drowned in the sound of interstate traffic, was eerily perfect for an abduction. Five months later, hunters discovered their bodies 20 miles away in the Seven Bridges Wildlife Area. The cause of death remains undisclosed. No arrests have been made.

Special Agent Scott Reger became a lead investigator in 2017. He said over 2,000 leads have been followed, and five investigators are still actively assigned. The DCI Crime Lab has produced 30 reports related to the Evansdale case, 20 of which are DNA-related.

Elizabeth’s father, Drew Collins, remains hopeful. “We haven’t had the results we want yet, but I think they’re coming.” Both he and his wife, Heather, vow to fight for justice “until the day we die.”

In 2013, there was a possible connection to Michael Klunder, who kidnapped two girls in Dayton, Iowa. He killed Kathlynn Shepard before dying by suicide. The other escaped. DCI ruled out Klunder as a suspect in the Evansdale case.

Questions have also been raised about Lyric’s parents. Her mother, Misty Cook, declined to speak with reporters and was recently charged with drug-related offenses. Lyric’s father, Dan Morrissey, has a history of drug use. However, DCI has not commented on whether drugs played any role in the girls’ abduction or death.

The public is still encouraged to come forward with information. Tips can be submitted by emailing: [email protected].

Timeline: The Disappearance and Murder of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook-Morrissey

2012

• June 13, 2012:
  Elizabeth Collins (8) and Lyric Cook-Morrissey (10) go for a bike ride in Evansdale, Iowa, and never return.

• June 13, 2012 (Later that Day):
  The girls’ bikes and Elizabeth’s purse are found near Meyers Lake, in a remote wooded area under interstate traffic.

• July–November 2012:
  Extensive searches are conducted involving volunteers, law enforcement, and the FBI.

• December 5, 2012:
  Hunters discover the girls’ remains in the Seven Bridges Wildlife Area, about 20 miles from where their bikes were found. The cause of death is not released.

2013

• May 20, 2013:
  Michael Klunder kidnaps Kathlynn Shepard and Dezi Hughes in Dayton, Iowa. Shepard is murdered; Hughes escapes. Klunder dies by suicide.

• Late 2013:
  DCI rules out Klunder as a suspect in the Evansdale case.

2017

• Scott Reger becomes the lead investigator for the Evansdale case.

2012–2025

• Over 2,000 leads have been investigated. The case has remained open and active with a dedicated team of five investigators.

• Forensic Progress:
  DCI Crime Lab produces 30 forensic reports, 20 of which are related to DNA evidence from the crime scenes.

April 2025

• The DCI Crime Lab begins using Starmix, advanced software for analyzing complex DNA mixtures. It allows the separation and interpretation of minor DNA components that were previously indistinguishable.

June 2025

• Lyric’s mother, Misty Cook, is charged with conspiracy to manufacture or deliver methamphetamine and marijuana.

• DCI declines to comment on whether Lyric’s parents’ drug histories are connected to the case.

• DCI reaffirms no suspect or motive has been officially named. Agent Reger refuses to rule anyone in or out.