Two Individuals Arrested for Jodie Bevans’ Death

Richard Rahn
Special Agent in Charge

August 4, 2022 

PALO, Iowa:  On the evening of August 3, 2022, Deputies of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Agents of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation arrested thirty-four year old Samantha Faith Bevans of Palo, Iowa for the death of Jodie Bevans.  On the morning of August 4, 2022, thirty-eight year old Tacoa Talley of North Liberty, Iowa was also arrested for the death of Bevans.  

Jodie Bevans was found unresponsive in her residence of 3397 64th Street Palo, IA on July 15, 2022.  An autopsy was performed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner and ruled the cause of Bevans’ death as-Undetermined and the Manner of Death-Homicide.  

Samantha Faith Bevans and Tacoa Talley have been charged with Murder in the 1st Degree under Iowa Criminal code 707.2(1)(A).  If convicted of Murder in the 1st Degree, the State of Iowa mandates a life sentence in the penal institution; without the possibility of parole.  Bevans is currently housed in the Benton County Jail and Talley is currently housed in the Scott County Jail.    

This is an ongoing criminal investigation conducted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Criminalistics Laboratory, Benton County Medical Examiner’s Office, Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, Benton County Attorney’s Office and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.

A criminal charge is only an accusation, and criminal defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Benton County Suspicious Death Investigation

Palo, IOWA:   On Friday, July 15, 2022, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at the Jodie Bevans residence, 3397 64th Street Palo, IA.  Upon arrival, law enforcement officials located Bevans (58) inside her residence, deceased.  Based on the condition of the scene and the suspicious nature of her death, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Criminalistics Laboratory were called to assist with the investigation.  

On Sunday, July 17, 2022 the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy.   .  Autopsy results are pending and the Cause of Death and Manner of Death is yet to be determined.  

The incident is being investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Criminalistics Laboratory, Benton County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Benton County Attorney’s Office.  

The investigation is ongoing and no additional information will be released at this time. 

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.