DCI confirmed body found in NW Iowa was David Schultz. What we know about his death
Northwest Iowa trucker David Schultz's body was discovered Wednesday after he went missing for more than four months.
His wife has told multiple media outlets that a body found in Sac County in northwest Iowa on Wednesday was Schultz and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation confirmed the news Thursday evening. Hundreds of volunteers helped search for Schultz after his disappearance. There was a reward offered for information that led to the location of Schultz's body.
Here is what we know now about Schultz's disappearance and the body found Wednesday.
Who was David Schultz?
Schultz was a semitrailer driver from Wall Lake in Sac County. He was 53 years old and a father of two. Schultz was married to Sarah Schultz.
When was David Schultz last seen?
Schultz left his house in Wall Lake around 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 to pick up a load of pigs from a hog confinement around Eagle Grove, according to KCCI. He left the confinement around 10:50 p.m.
When was David Schultz reported missing?
Schultz was first reported missing by his wife on Nov. 21, 2023. His truck was discovered abandoned on a rural highway near Sac City in northwest Iowa. In it was Schultz's phone and wallet. His jacket was on the side of the road and Schultz's truck was still filled with the piglets he was transporting.
Was the body found in northwest Iowa missing truck driver David Schultz?
A preliminary autopsy confirmed the body found in northwestern Iowa was Schultz, authorities said Thursday evening. Dental records were used to make the positive identification, according to a news release.
How was David Schultz's body found in northwest Iowa?
A resident in Sac County called the local sheriff's office around 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 to report finding a body in his field in the 1900 block of Union Avenue. Officers from the Sac County Sheriff's Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation responded and the body was transported to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.
Is foul play suspected in the disappearance or death of Iowa truck driver David Schultz?
DCI reported there were no signs of trauma, serious injury or suspicion of foul play. Further tests are pending, according to a news release by DCI.
Sarah Schultz asserted in the news conference before investigators released preliminary autopsy details that she believes that David Schultz’s death was caused by foul play.
“Nothing makes sense as to why he would be in a field,” she said. “His coat was found on one side and he was found in the opposite side.”
More: 'I'm glad we know where he is,' says wife of missing trucker David Schultz after body found
When did the search for missing Iowa trucker David Schultz start?
Shortly after Schultz was reported missing, more than 100,000 acres of ground were searched, according to the Storm Lake Times Pilot. Nearly 200 people joined search parties led by a Louisiana search and rescue group known as the United Cajun Navy.
The United Cajun Navy did not search the field where a body was ultimately found. Jacob Rowley told Sioux City TV station KCAU that his organization was told that the field had already been searched.
While looking for Schultz, the body of Mark Riesberg of Calhoun County, another missing person, was found. The Calhoun County Sheriff told the Fort Dodge Messenger that foul play was not suspected.
How much was the reward for information about David Schultz?
The reward for information regarding Schultz's disappearance started at just $2,000 in December, according to the Storm Lake Times Pilot. Since then, the reward reached more than $25,000.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Body found in NW Iowa was David Schultz. What we know about his death
