In a shocking turn of events, Angela Prichard was tragically shot and killed at her workplace, the Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels in Bellevue, Iowa on the morning of October 8, 2022. The serene town of Bellevue, with its population of about 2,500, was shaken to its core by the news of this apparent homicide, the first in nearly a decade. The investigation that followed involved dozens of investigators from six different law enforcement agencies, combing the crime scene at the kennels with body cameras rolling.
Angela Prichard, the woman who ran the kennels, had allegedly been trying to leave her husband, Chris Prichard, for months leading up to the tragic event. Her sister, Wendy Budde, was convinced that Chris was responsible for her murder. The emotional turmoil and fear Angela experienced in the days leading up to her death painted a harrowing picture of domestic abuse and escalating violence.
As the investigation unfolded, special agents from Iowa’s Department of Criminal Investigation, Ryan Kedley and Dustin Henningsen, were brought in to lead the case. The Bellevue police force, with only several officers, sought the expertise of the state police to help connect the dots and uncover the truth behind Angela’s untimely death.
In a heart-wrenching 911 call made by Angela in her final moments, she can be heard pleading for help and calling out the name “Chris” before a fatal gunshot silenced her. The call served as a chilling piece of evidence that pointed to Chris Prichard as the prime suspect in her murder.
The scene where Angela was found lying face down in the kennel’s washroom painted a grim picture of the violence that had taken place. Investigators, led by special agents Kedley and Henningsen, meticulously reconstructed the events that led to Angela’s death, uncovering a trail of blood and evidence that pointed to Chris Prichard as the perpetrator.
Delving into the tumultuous history between Angela and Chris, investigators unearthed a pattern of violence, restraining orders, and a volatile relationship that had reached a breaking point. Chris Prichard’s actions in the days leading up to the murder, including the meticulous planning to cover his tracks and evade law enforcement, painted a disturbing portrait of premeditation and intent.
The manhunt that ensued after Chris Prichard went on the run spanned miles of rugged wilderness, with law enforcement deploying canines, airplanes, and drones to track him down. The intense search for the fugitive painted a picture of the desperate efforts to bring him to justice and ensure he faced the consequences of his actions.
Despite the family’s grief and the overwhelming sense of loss, the trial that followed brought a glimmer of hope for justice. Chris Prichard was found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery, and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The verdict provided a sense of closure for Angela’s loved ones, who saw it as a step towards holding her killer accountable.
The aftermath of Angela’s tragic death also shed light on the failures of the Bellevue Police Department to enforce protective orders and intervene in the escalating domestic violence situation. A federal lawsuit filed against the department highlighted the need for law enforcement to take domestic violence cases seriously and prioritize the safety of victims.
Through the lens of Angela’s story, a poignant plea emerges for greater awareness and action against domestic violence. The harrowing account of her life and death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the systemic failures that allowed her murder to occur. As her family grieves her loss and seeks justice, Angela’s legacy lives on as a beacon of hope for victims of domestic abuse everywhere.
