January 22, 2026
CARROLL COUNTY, Iowa - On May 2, 2020, the family of Christian Balke-Thompson, 26, reported him missing to law enforcement. Since that time, Balke-Thompson has not been found.
On January 22, 2026, Albert John Wolfe, 33, of Lanesboro, Iowa was arrested and charged with Murder in the First Degree for the death of Balke-Thompson. The arrest stemmed from an extensive investigation conducted by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and Iowa Attorney General’s Office Cold Case Unit.
The investigating agencies were further assisted by the Rockwell City Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County Attorney’s Office, and Iowa SAR K9.
No further details are being released at this time.
Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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