Green Hollow Killer
Donald Dean Studey
For decades, rumors surrounded a remote rural property near Thurman, but few outside the area had ever heard the name Donald Dean Studey. That changed in 2022 when his daughter, Lucy Studey, publicly accused her late father of being responsible for the deaths of dozens of women over several decades. Her allegations, which included claims of hidden burial sites, abandoned wells, and bodies buried across the family property, quickly drew national attention and sparked a major investigation involving the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Green Hollow Killer
Green Hollow Kille
Green Hollow Killer
Donald Studey Timeline
May 21, 1937
- Donald Dean Studey was born to Ira “Bud” Studey and Rose Lee Reeves Studey.
- Donald grew up in the Green Hollow area near Thurman.
- The area was described as isolated, rural, and heavily wooded, with poor dirt roads, deep ravines, and scattered family properties.
- According to the diary, the Study family lived without electricity and relied on wood stoves, wells, gardens, and hunting for survival.
- Donald was reportedly kicked out of the family home after repeated conflicts with his father.
- He later moved to live with relatives in Nebraska.
- Donald joined the Army Source
- Donald Dean Studey was reportedly listed as AWOL while connected to the U.S. Army.
- Records reportedly connected the incident to imprisonment and military disciplinary issues involving Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
- Ira “Bud” Study, Donald’s father, died after a tractor accident near Green Hollow.
- Donald reportedly returned home from the Army for the funeral.
- The funeral was held at King’s Church near Green Hollow.
- Donald was reportedly imprisoned at Fort Leavenworth for desertion.
- According to Marilyn Kepler’s diary:
- Donald allegedly deserted the military after the death of his father.
- He reportedly returned to the family home in Green Hollow until authorities located him.
- Marilyn later wrote:
- “Don deserted the Army and lived in Dad’s house until they found him and put him in prison in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for desertion.”
- Following his release from prison, Donald reportedly moved in with his sister, Enid “Jean” Lawson, near Plattsmouth, Nebraska.
- According to Marilyn Kepler’s diary:
- Donald needed a place to stay after leaving prison.
- Marilyn and Donald were both living with Jean at the time.
- Lewis “Lew” Study was working in Nehawka, Nebraska, before later relocating to Plattsmouth.
- Jean later introduced Donald to Joyce Eis.
- Joyce reportedly came from a financially stable family that owned a grocery store.
- According to Marilyn:
- Donald spent significant time with Joyce.
- Marilyn washed Donald’s car every Saturday for 50 cents.
- Donald and Joyce later married and moved into a farmhouse nearby.
- Donald and Barbara Hill’s daughter, Donna Studey, was born in Sheridan, Wyoming.
- Donald Dean Studey reportedly informed family members that his wife, Joyce Eis Studey, had left him.
- According to Marilyn Kepler’s diary, Donald later returned from Wyoming following his divorce from Joyce.
- Marilyn described food shortages and poverty inside the home.
- She alleged Donald stole produce and items to help feed the family.
- Marilyn later wrote that Donald frequently stole items and sold them for money.
- Trip to Omaha Horse Races
- Marilyn described accompanying Donald to horse races in Omaha.
- Donald allegedly taught her how to read racing forms and allowed her to pick horses.
- Marilyn later described the trip as one of the few times she felt important and valued.
- Alleged Gas Station Assault and Homicide Claim
- Marilyn later alleged she recognized a gas station attendant as one of two men who had previously attacked her.
- According to the diary:
- Donald allegedly confronted and violently assaulted the man.
- Donald later allegedly told Marilyn:
- “That man will never hurt anyone again. I killed him.”
- No publicly confirmed homicide investigation matching the allegation has been identified.
- Donald faced a bad check charge in Beatrice, Nebraska. Source
- Donald married Barbara Hill in Buffalo, Wyoming.
- According to Marilyn Kepler’s diary, Donald became associated with a man identified as Larry.
- Marilyn alleged that Donald and Larry retaliated against men who allegedly attacked Larry.
- Marilyn alleged that Donald participated in a robbery involving a poker game and a man from Omaha.
- According to the diary:
- Donald allegedly assaulted the man during a ride to Omaha.
- Donald reportedly stole the man’s checkbook.
- Donald and Larry allegedly wrote fraudulent checks totaling more than $1,000.
- Donald and Barbara Hill’s daughter, Marilyn Studey, was born in Bakersfield, California.
- Donald was charged in another bad check case in Syracuse, Nebraska.
- Donald and Barbara Hill’s daughter, Barbara Studey, was born in Lincoln, Nebraska.
- Donald was reportedly incarcerated on check fraud-related charges after returning to Nebraska.
- Marilyn later wrote that Donald told the family Larry was incarcerated with him.
- According to the diary, the charges stemmed from fraudulent checks allegedly written using a stolen checkbook.
- Barbara Hill filed for divorce from Donald.
- Later, family accounts alleged Barbara suffered severe physical and sexual abuse during the relationship.
- Donald married Lucy Hogan in Omaha, Nebraska.
- Donald and Lucy Hogan’s son, Gary Studey, was born in Omaha.
- Lucy Hogan filed for divorce from Donald.
- The divorce filing was later canceled.
- Donald and Lucy Hogan’s daughter, Susan Studey, was born in Omaha.
- Donald received a traffic citation in Malvern, Iowa.
- Lucy M. Studey filed a restraining order action against Donald Dean Studey. Source
- Donald and Lucy Hogan’s daughter, Linda Studey, was born in Los Angeles, California.
- Donald and Lucy Hogan’s daughter, Lucy Studey, was born in Omaha.
- According to Marilyn Kepler’s diary:
- Donald allegedly described an argument where Lucy Hogan threw a grilling fork that pierced his foot.
- Marilyn later wrote Lewis “Lew” Study told her Donald severely beat Lucy afterward.
- Lucy Hogan Studey died in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
- Donald claimed Lucy died by hanging herself in a pantry-style closet.
- According to Marilyn Kepler’s diary:
- The apartment scene contained blood and signs Marilyn believed were suspicious.
- Donald allegedly claimed Lucy had injured herself with a beer can before hanging herself.
- Marilyn later wrote:
- “Someday, he will kill me.”
- Marilyn stated that she later began to believe Lucy’s fears may have been justified.
- No homicide charges were filed in connection with Lucy Hogan’s death.
- Donald was cited for driving with an expired license in Schuyler, Nebraska. Source
- Donald and his four children reportedly relocated from Sidney, Nebraska to Murray, Nebraska.
- The family lived in a trailer on property owned by Donald’s sister, Jean Lawson.
- The trailer house reportedly burned down, leaving the family homeless.
- Donald faced an assault and battery charge in Bartlett, Iowa.
- Rose Study Drewel, Donald’s mother, died.
- According to family accounts:
- Rose had reportedly been living with Donald in Iowa.
- She had allegedly been experiencing heart problems.
- Donald reportedly informed relatives that her death was sudden.
- A default debt judgment was entered against Donald.
- According to Marilyn Kepler’s diary:
- Donald told family members he was traveling to Phoenix, Arizona, for work.
- He transported a crate inside a homemade trailer.
- Donald allegedly stated the crate belonged to a man identified as “Dave.”
- Alleged Phoenix Trailer Incident: Marilyn later wrote that Donald unexpectedly returned, frightened and paranoid.
- According to Donald’s alleged account:
- The trailer disappeared during a delivery arrangement in Phoenix.
- Donald believed unidentified individuals were searching for him afterward.
- Alleged Phoenix Torture and Burial Story: According to Marilyn’s diary:
- Donald allegedly claimed he witnessed unidentified men torture another restrained man.
- Donald allegedly stated the man was mutilated and buried alive at a construction site using heavy machinery.
- No publicly confirmed homicide investigation matching the story has been identified.
- According to Marilyn Kepler’s diary:
- Donald later stayed with Marilyn and helped babysit.
- Marilyn later alleged that Donald assaulted a child identified as Leah.
- Marilyn claimed Leah required hospital treatment after Donald allegedly struck her.
- Marilyn also accused Donald of stealing food stamps and cash from the household.
- Marilyn later ordered Donald to leave the home.
- Donald Dean Studey, then age 49, reported being attacked following a minor traffic incident near Emmertsen Road and Highway 38. Source
- According to the report:
- Donald told sheriff’s deputies that a vehicle had struck his car from behind after he passed it on the roadway.
- He alleged that two teenage youths later followed him to his garage and physically assaulted him.
- Donald was treated at a hospital for cuts and bruises before being released.
- Deputies charged two Mount Pleasant youths, ages 15 and 16, with battery.
- The teenagers reportedly told deputies:
- Donald had backed his vehicle into theirs after they stopped behind him.
- Deputies reportedly stated they found no new damage to either vehicle during the investigation.
- The article listed Donald’s address as 5929 3 Mile Road.
- Charlotte M Studey filed for Divorce. Source
- Charlotte Studey filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Donald Dean Studey in Nebraska court. Source
- A court notice published under Court Room No. 13 before Judge Stephen A. Davis listed:
- “Charlotte M Studey v Donald D Studey; TRO”
- The notice scheduled the matter for hearing at 1:15 p.m. on May 20, 1982
- Donald was cited a $456 fine for fire code violations for 59293 Mile Road Source
- Charlotte Marie Johnson Studey died from a single rifle shot to the head while inside Donald’s vehicle in Omaha, Nebraska.
- Later reporting referenced:
- Alleged unpaid funeral expenses
- Life insurance money allegedly collected by Donald
- Renewed scrutiny after Lucy Studey’s later allegations surfaced
- No homicide determination has been publicly announced.
- No criminal charges were filed.
- Another default debt judgment was entered against Donald.
- A default debt judgment totaling approximately $4,557 was entered against Donald.
- Later reporting alleged the debt involved unpaid funeral expenses connected to Charlotte Studey.
- A robbery warrant was reportedly issued for Donald in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
- Donald was charged with DUI in Omaha.
- Donald faced an assault-related charge in Webster County, Iowa.
- Donald was charged with criminal mischief in Fremont County, Iowa.
- A legal dispute identified as “Kepler vs. Studey” reportedly involved a land-related conflict.
- Another default debt judgment was entered against Donald.
- Donald was cited for operating a vehicle without insurance in Fremont County.
- Donald Dean Studey died.
- He was never charged with homicide during his lifetime.
- Lucy Studey contacted law enforcement with allegations against her father.
- She reportedly provided:
- Hand-drawn maps
- Burial site diagrams
- Locations of wells and cisterns
- Authorities began reviewing:
- Missing persons cases
- Historical records
- Property surveys
- National media outlets began reporting extensively on Lucy Studey’s allegations.
- Lucy publicly alleged:
- Donald murdered dozens of women.
- Bodies were hidden on family property near Thurman.
- She witnessed disposal events and was forced to help.
- Some bodies were buried using heavy machinery.
- Victims were wrapped in blankets or plastic.
- Alleged Murders and Disposal Claims: According to Lucy Studey:
- Donald allegedly picked up vulnerable women from bars and roadside areas.
- Victims allegedly included women involved in sex work and women struggling with addiction.
- Lucy alleged Donald killed between 50 and 70 women over several decades.
- Bodies were allegedly disposed of in:
- Wells
- Cisterns
- Creek areas
- Remote wooded sections of property near Thurman
- A cadaver dog team brought in by the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reportedly indicated the possible presence of human remains in areas identified by Lucy Studey. Source
- The search focused on a heavily wooded bluff area known as “Green Hollow” near Thurman.
- According to reports:
- Lucy identified multiple locations she believed were connected to alleged burial sites.
- Cadaver dogs alerted at several spots during the search operation.
- The search became one of the first major publicly reported investigative developments after Lucy Studey’s allegations against Donald Dean Studey gained national attention.
- Authorities later conducted additional excavation and forensic review efforts in the area.
- The FBI and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation conducted excavations and searches at alleged burial sites.
- Authorities later announced no human remains or evidence were recovered from the primary well excavation.
- The true-crime podcast Defense Diaries, hosted by Bob Motta, published a statement regarding ongoing independent search efforts related to allegations against Donald Dean Studey .Source
- A group including Lucy Studey and a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) operator conducted an independent search near the Studey property in rural Fremont County.
- The search occurred on neighboring property with the landowner’s permission.
- The group believed they had identified what they considered the “correct well” referenced in Lucy Studey’s allegations.
- Lucy alleged her father, Donald Dean Studey, disposed of victims in the well during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Lucy had allegedly been attempting for years to convince others to investigate the claims.
- Lucy had spent years attempting to convince others to investigate her allegations.
- The FBI and Iowa DCI searched what Defense Diaries described as the “wrong well” during the December 2022 excavation.
- “We, however, were not done, not by a long shot. This is the result of our search. To find the remains, we first have to locate the correct well. The dig is coming and soon.”
- Marilyn Kepler, the sister of Donald Dean Studey, died in January 2025. Before her death, Marilyn publicly supported allegations made by Lucy Studey regarding Donald Studey’s alleged violence and criminal behavior. According to reporting and family statements:
- Marilyn stated she believed Lucy was “100% right” about her father.
- She reportedly believed Donald was capable of extreme violence.
- Marilyn left behind a handwritten 188-page journal titled: Source | Source
- The Hollow People
- The journal reportedly detailed:
- Generational family abuse
- Poverty and instability in Green Hollow
- Allegations of violence committed by Donald Studey
- Arsons
- Criminal activity
- Fear within the family
- Alleged incidents Marilyn claimed to have witnessed or been told about
- Portions of The Hollow People later became central to renewed public interest in the Green Hollow investigation and were referenced in:
- Investigative reporting
- Documentary productions
- Public allegations made by Lucy Studey
- Many of the allegations in the journal remain unverified and have not been conclusively confirmed by forensic evidence or criminal prosecutions.
- Funded by a documentary crew, Lucy returned to the property with forensic anthropologists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Despite advanced ground-penetrating radar detecting anomalies, physical digging failed to unearth bones. Lucy noted that her childhood memory of the vast property’s exact coordinates might be slightly off.
- A forensic excavation was conducted in rural Fremont County near Thurman, as investigators and excavation crews searched for potential evidence related to allegations involving Donald Dean Studey.Source
- The excavation focused on areas alleged by Lucy Studey to contain burial sites tied to alleged victims.
- Photographs from the scene showed:
- Heavy excavation equipment
- Forensic personnel
- Law enforcement presence
- Digging operations across the rural property
- The search was among the latest known excavation efforts connected to the long-running Green Hollow investigation.
- Authorities have not publicly confirmed the recovery of homicide victims or forensic evidence tied to Donald Studey from the excavation efforts as of 2026.
- General Location: The property is a remote 400+ acre plot in Green Hollow near Thurman, Iowa (Fremont County), approximately 40 miles south of Omaha.
- The “Well” Discrepancy:
- Lucy’s Memory: She identified a specific location on a hillside where a 90-foot-deep well was used as a primary disposal site. She recalled using “mushroom trails” and specific landmarks to find it.
- 2022 Official Excavation: The FBI and DCI drilled at the exact GPS coordinates Lucy provided. They found a well but recovered no human remains or “items of concern,” leading them to close the case.
- 2025 Independent Dig: A second team funded by a documentary crew found no additional wells in the area Lucy indicated. Lucy admitted on-site that the removal of trees and decades of erosion had changed the terrain, and that her memory might be off by “feet.”
- Cadaver Dogs: In initial sweeps (2022), cadaver dogs alerted to four separate spots on the property. Susan Studey countered that these alerts could be caused by buried pets or the stillborn sister she mentioned.
- The FBI File (Still Classified):
- Federal authorities maintain a 612-page investigative file on Donald Dean Studey.
- The file includes 1 hour and 42 minutes of audio recordings.
- This file is currently under review and has not been fully released to the public, but experts suggest it indicates a level of criminal activity (likely gambling/trafficking) that warrants federal attention.
- Current Status: No map currently exists that matches Lucy’s claims to physical evidence of human remains. The “missing well” remains the central piece of physical evidence needed to validate her story.
- Donald Dean Studey remains accused through allegations made by family members.
- No homicide charges were ever filed against him.
- No confirmed homicide victims have been publicly tied to him through forensic evidence.
- The investigation remains one of the most controversial unresolved alleged serial killer cases connected to Iowa.
Alleged Victims
Studey Victims
Alleged Victims
Alleged Victims Timeline
1970s to Early 1990s
- According to statements made by Lucy Studey, numerous unidentified women were allegedly brought to the Studey property near Thurman.
- Lucy claimed many of the women were vulnerable individuals, including hitchhikers, women involved in sex work, and women struggling with addiction.
- She alleged some women disappeared after arriving at the property.
- Lucy stated bodies were allegedly buried in:
- Wells
- Cisterns
- Ravines
- Creek areas
- Remote sections of the property
- No publicly identified victims from these allegations have been officially confirmed by investigators.
- Lucy Studey alleged that Donald Dean Studey frequently visited bars in:
- Omaha
- Council Bluffs
- Rural southwestern Iowa communities
- She claimed some women allegedly left bars with Don Studey and were never seen again.
- Authorities have not publicly linked any specific missing persons cases to these allegations.
- Lucy Mae Studey died Source
- The Official Narrative: According to the original police filing, Donald Studey reported that his second wife, Lucy Mae, died by suicide inside their home. He stated she used an electrical cord to hang herself inside a small closet.
- The Scene Anomalies: Responding investigators noted blood at the scene and distinct physical signs of a violent struggle.
- Physical Impossibility: The report and subsequent family statements confirmed that the closet space was too small to accommodate hanging; her knees would have rested on the floor at the spot where she was suspended.
- The Overlooked Admission: No homicide investigation followed the initial suicide ruling. Her daughter, Lucy Studey-McKiddy, later told reporters that Donald privately admitted for decades that he accidentally choked her mother to death during an argument
- Charlotte Studey died in 1987. Source
- The Official Narrative: According to the original police filing, Donald Studey reported that his second wife, Lucy Mae, died by suicide inside their home. He stated she used an electrical cord to hang herself inside a small closet. Later reporting referenced:
- Funeral-related financial disputes
- Alleged unpaid funeral expenses
- A life insurance payout reportedly collected by Don Studey
- The Scene Anomalies: Responding investigators noted blood at the scene and distinct physical signs of a violent struggle.
- Physical Impossibility: The report and subsequent family statements confirmed that the closet space was too small to facilitate a hanging; her knees would have rested on the floor from the spot she was suspended.
- The Overlooked Admission: No homicide investigation followed the initial suicide ruling. Her daughter, Lucy Studey-McKiddy, later told reporters that Donald privately admitted for decades that he accidentally choked her mother to death during an argument.
- Charlotte’s death later received renewed scrutiny after Lucy Studey publicly accused her father of multiple murders.
- Reports later indicated that investigators reviewed aspects of Charlotte’s death and burial circumstances.
- No homicide determination has been publicly announced.
- No criminal charges were ever filed in connection with her death.
- Lucy Studey alleged the killings may have continued into the early 1990s.
- She claimed some alleged victims may have originated from neighboring states, including:
- Nebraska
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Authorities have not publicly confirmed interstate victim connections or DNA identifications.
- After Lucy Studey approached authorities, investigators began reviewing:
- Historical missing persons reports
- Cold cases
- Unidentified remains
- Property maps
- Wells and excavation areas
- Agencies involved reportedly included:
- Fremont County Sheriff’s Office
- Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
- Authorities publicly acknowledged:
- Multiple “areas of interest.”
- Animal remains
- Soil disturbances requiring additional analysis
- No confirmed homicide victims have been publicly announced.
Records
Records
Case Records
Donald Dean Studey case records and related files.