November 23, 2024

Mount Ayr man charged with murder in the first

By SARAH SCULL

James Klever, 46, of Mount Ayr, is charged in the disappearance and death of Rachel Reuter.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged James Shiloh Klever, 46, of Mount Ayr with murder in the first degree for the death and disappearance of Rachel Reuter, 30, of Cassville, Wisconsin.

According to a press release issued Wednesday by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, Reuter was reported missing to Urbandale Police by her father June 16. A joint investigation between DCI and Urbandale Police resulted in the collection of evidence leading to a residence in Bondurant. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and joined in the investigation.

Information and evidence shifted the missing persons case to a homicide investigation and has led investigators to believe Klever killed Reuter June 13 at the residence in Bondurant. Reuters remains have yet to be found.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and DCI. Information will be released as it becomes available.

Investigators are requesting the public’s help. Anyone who had contact with or saw Reuter or Klever in June are asked to contact Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 515-286-3334.

SARAH SCULL

SARAH SCULL

Sarah Scull is native of San Diego, California, now living in Creston, Iowa. She joined Creston News Advertiser's editorial staff in September 2012, where she has been the recipient of three 2020 Iowa Newspaper Association awards. She now serves as associate editor, writing for Creston News Advertiser, Creston Living and Southwest Iowa AgMag.