July 6, 2021

DES MOINES, Iowa - This afternoon, the Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Laboratory positively identified the body found in rural Adair County on July 1, 2021 as that of 58-year old Timothy Fechter.

Since being reported missing to the Creston Police Department on June 20, law enforcement had been searching the south central part of the state for Fechter. On July 1, Adair County deputies found Fechter’s body just off of 320th Street, near the intersection of York Avenue. 

Based on the circumstances of his disappearance and the discovery of his death, the Division of Criminal Investigation, along with the Creston Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office continued to investigate Fechter’s death as suspicious. 

The exact cause and manner of death for Timothy Fechter are pending further examination by the Office of the State Medical Examiner. 

There is no known threat to the public associated with this investigation.

Anyone with information surrounding the death of Timothy Fechter is asked to call Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater at 641-743-2148 (corrected phone number).

PHOTO: Timothy Fechter

Link to Tim Fechter photo

 

ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.

Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319
https://dps.iowa.gov