Connie Marie Ruddy was discovered to be missing from her home in Ida Grove, Iowa, on February 10, 1997. A friend went to Connie's residence on that date and discovered Connie's two children, ages 2 1/2 months and 2 years, were home alone. Connie's coat and shoes were gone; but all other personal items, including her identification and purse were left behind. Connie's vehicle was also left in its normal parking space. On August 31, 1999, a fossil hunter found a human mandible on the banks of the Boyer River in Crawford County, Iowa. The mandible was later identified by dental records as being that of Connie Ruddy. Connie's other remains have not been recovered.