Minnesota Man Charged in Fatal 1995 Shooting of Woman in Iowa

In a significant development in a long-unsolved murder case, authorities have apprehended a suspect in the death of Angela “Angie” Renee Buck, who was found near a creek in rural Black Hawk County, Iowa, in 1995. On October 15, 2023, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced the arrest of 59-year-old Kelly Grant from Bertha, Minnesota, in connection with the cold case that has haunted Buck’s family for nearly three decades.

The tragic discovery of Buck’s body occurred on August 11, 1995, when turtle hunters alerted the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office after encountering human remains near a creek east of Waterloo. Law enforcement officials arriving at the scene found Buck’s body lying along the creek bank. Subsequent examinations performed by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office indicated that Buck had succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound, classifying her death as a homicide.

In the years following the discovery of Buck’s remains, little progress was made in the investigation until recent developments. According to a criminal complaint reviewed by local news outlets, including KCCI and FOX 9, evidence has emerged implicating Grant in her death. The complaint reveals that Buck and Grant, along with a group of others, spent the early hours of August 11, 1995, at a residence before leaving together. Witnesses alleged that they witnessed an argument between the two prior to their departure.

Over the years, authorities noted inconsistencies in Grant’s retellings of the night’s events during various interviews. These discrepancies raised suspicions and ultimately led to the recent charges. Attorney General Bird expressed hope that this breakthrough would provide much-needed closure to Buck’s family. “After 31 years, Angie Buck’s family is getting answers,” Bird stated, adding that the dedication exhibited by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has been pivotal in reviving the case.

The arrest represents more than just a legal proceeding; it embodies a commitment from law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of violent crime. According to Bird, “No one should get away with murder,” emphasising the lengths to which authorities will go to ensure accountability. With the assistance of the state’s Cold Case Unit, law enforcement has been able to revisit the evidence and testimonies that once faded into the background.

Currently, Kelly Grant is being held without bond at the Todd County Jail in Minnesota as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Buck’s death continues. Grant’s arrest has reignited public interest in the case, as communities remember the unsolved mystery that has lingered since the mid-nineties.

The announcement of Grant’s arrest brings a renewed sense of urgency and focus to the case, prompting local residents to reflect on the loss of Angie Buck and the impact of her death on the community. Many will be eager to see how the judicial process unfolds for Grant, who now faces the serious charge of murder.

As the story develops, the focus will inevitably shift to the trial and the potential for further revelations about the events leading up to Buck’s untimely death. For now, the arrest signals a crucial step towards bringing justice to those affected by her tragic murder and serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence in law enforcement efforts.

Angela Buck’s family, who has long awaited answers, may finally be on a path toward closure, knowing that their loved one’s case remains a priority for those seeking justice. The community and Buck’s family continue to hold out hope that the forthcoming legal proceedings will bring to light the truth surrounding her death, nearly thirty years after a life was cut short.