Podcast Summary: "Jade Colvin is Missing"
Podcast: 48 Hours
Host: CBS News
Date: April 20, 2026
Overview
This episode of “48 Hours” delves into the complex disappearance and subsequent homicide investigation of Jade Colvin, a 14-year-old girl last seen in June 2016 after running away from foster care. Through interviews with investigators, family, and friends, the episode untangles the web of a cold case—unveiling family struggles, failed institutions, and the determined efforts that ultimately brought Jade's killer to justice, even as her remains have never been recovered. The episode emphasizes the emotional and procedural challenges of solving a “no body” murder case, the impact on those left behind, and the continued hope for closure.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction to Jade Colvin and Early Life
- Jade described as an “angel” and a “sweet little ray of sunshine” by friends (02:44).
- Her early life marked by familial instability: her mother, LaDawn, would leave for periods, leading to Jade’s placement in foster care, which she “hated” (03:55–04:06).
- Jade learned to “run and hide,” changing her appearance and evading the system (10:19–10:32).
- Despite a history of running away, she always kept in touch—until, suddenly, she didn’t in June 2016 (04:11).
Notable Quote:
“She was a sweet little ray of sunshine. Just an angel.” – Friend of Jade (02:44)
2. The Disappearance
- Jade last seen in Decorah, Iowa, an area unfamiliar to her (04:44–04:48).
- Authorities initially listed her as a runaway; uncertainty persisted if she was in hiding or endangered (04:37–04:42).
- No digital footprint after her arrival at the Bachmerski farm—inconsistent with typical runaway behavior (21:06–21:19, 41:19).
Notable Quote:
“There’s something that doesn’t feel right about this as to what’s going on.” – Detective Chris Webker (20:59)
3. Family and Community Response
- Friends and family spent years searching for Jade, leaving messages online: “Happy birthday, Jade. Please call me. We still love her.” – Friend Dane Lynn Grier (11:41)
- LaDawn’s heartbreaking posts conveyed her desperation: “It’s hurting all of us so much. Please call someone, Jade, I’m seriously, physically dying of a broken heart.” (12:06)
- Hopes persisted she’d resurface at 18, but her continued silence solidified concerns (12:41).
4. Investigative Breakthroughs
- Operation Homecoming and social media campaigns generated a surge of tips nationwide (13:11–13:14).
- Detective Nablo accessed Jade’s and LaDawn’s social media, revealing Jade spent time in Arizona before being brought to Decorah (16:31–16:35).
- Key lead: Jade was left at the Bachmerski farm, with her mother planning to resolve legal issues and reunite (17:33–18:09).
Notable Quote:
“You’re going to live here until you are probably 18 and able to get out of the system... and you’ll have a good life, baby.” – James Bachmerski (18:09)
5. Focusing on the Bachmerski Family
- Interviews with Brian Bachmerski confirmed Jade stayed at the farm, but her sudden silence online was “extremely unusual” for her age (20:51–21:19).
- Brian’s alibi confirmed by Walmart shifts and text messages (31:01).
- James Jr. ruled out; James Bachmerski Sr. becomes the primary suspect (25:40).
6. The Break via Cell Phone Evidence
- Investigators recovered James Bachmerski’s old cell phone from a neighbor’s barn—containing critical photos and texts (29:16–29:44).
- The last photos of Jade highlighted moments at a bonfire and with friends; subsequent photos showed Bachmerski’s home “unusually clean” shortly after Jade disappeared (32:13–32:33).
- Evidence of tampering: deleted messages from Jade’s loved ones (31:16, 31:34).
7. Confronting the Suspect
- Initial interviews with James Bachmerski yielded evasive, defensive statements: “All I wanted was to go to my grave to know that my kids had nothing to do what was going on... I don’t know if they do.” (27:19)
- Under pressure, Bachmerski made incriminating remarks: “Figured I’d go to the grave before I tell the truth about this.” (38:19)
- Investigators concluded he killed and disposed of Jade's body, despite no physical remains being found.
Notable Quote:
“I'd go to the grave before I tell the truth about this.” – James Bachmerski (38:19)
8. Prosecution and Trial
- James Bachmerski Sr. charged with second-degree murder in August 2024, tried in August 2025 (38:51, 41:29).
- Prosecution presented circumstantial evidence: last person to see Jade, unusual phone activity, deleted messages, suspiciously cleaned and rearranged rooms (39:32–41:19).
- Defense relied on the “runaway” history and absence of a body or DNA evidence (41:58).
- Bachmerski had a criminal past, including child endangerment (43:07–43:17).
- After hours of jury deliberation, Bachmerski was found guilty and sentenced to 50 years (44:14–44:22).
Notable Quote:
“She did have a history of running away, but she always resurfaced. She always stayed on her cell phone. Why would she stop using her cell phone? That was a big hurdle for them.” – Assistant Iowa Attorney General Scott Brown (42:19)
9. Legacy, Justice, and Unfinished Business
- Investigative team proud but not “done”—Jade’s remains have never been found; the family still wants to bring her home (45:19–45:48).
- Emotional impact on friends and family is ongoing:
- “I talk about her. I don’t let people forget about her. She didn’t deserve any of this.” – Friend Dane Lynn Grier (46:10)
- “She got everything she didn’t deserve in life. She deserved the entire world.” – Friend of Jade (46:27)
- Call to anyone with knowledge to come forward so Jade can have a proper burial (45:48).
Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)
- “She was a sweet little ray of sunshine. Just an angel.” – Friend of Jade (02:44)
- “I don’t think Jade had an easy life.” – Special Agent John Turbot (03:55)
- “Once I was assigned this case, every trace of her was gone.” – Detective Cheryl Nablo (04:27)
- “Her mom tried to keep her out of the police spotlight, just trying to hide her out different places.” – Detective Cheryl Nablo (10:12)
- “She always resurfaced. She always stayed on her cell phone. Why would she stop using her cell phone?” – Assistant Iowa Attorney General Scott Brown (42:19)
- “There was never a doubt that we had the right person.” – Special Agent John Turbot (41:24)
- “Just because James was charged and convicted doesn’t mean that... she still doesn’t deserve to be found.” – Detective Cheryl Nablo (45:39)
Important Segment Timestamps
- [02:41–04:48]: Introduction of Jade, her personality, and background.
- [04:50–06:36]: Circumstances around Jade’s disappearance; introduction of investigators.
- [10:09–11:58]: Jade’s life on the run and family coping with her absence.
- [13:11–14:48]: Online efforts, social media campaigns, and the surge in tips.
- [16:31–18:27]: Discovery of Jade’s time in Arizona, decision to bring her to Decorah, and Bachmerski’s involvement.
- [20:51–21:19]: The significance of Jade’s digital silence.
- [27:09–28:09]: Bachmerski's interview—odd statements and implications.
- [29:16–33:21]: Recovery and analysis of Bachmerski’s cell phone, revealing critical photos and deleted messages.
- [37:53–38:41]: Second interview; near-confession from Bachmerski.
- [38:51–41:19]: Charges, feelings of family, and trial preparation.
- [41:29–44:22]: The trial, defense argument, conviction, and sentencing.
- [45:19–46:27]: Continuing search for Jade and the impact on loved ones.
Conclusion
The disappearance and murder of Jade Colvin reveal the tenacity required to solve cold cases, especially when evidence is largely circumstantial and the victim’s body is never found. The episode showcases the heartbreak of loved ones, the meticulous work of law enforcement, and the imperfect search for closure. Justice prevailed in the courtroom, but for Jade’s family and investigators, the case isn’t fully closed until Jade can be laid to rest.
If you or someone you know has information about the disappearance of Jade Colvin, authorities urge you to come forward. Her family and friends continue to hope for answers, closure, and a proper goodbye.
