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Who were Lyric and Elizabeth?
Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins were two young cousins who went missing on July 13, 2012, in Evansdale, Iowa. They were last seen riding their bikes near a popular recreational area in the middle of town. Their bikes and a pink purse were found near a lake hours later, but the girls were nowhere to be seen.
Lyric was 10 years old and Elizabeth was 8 years old at the time of their disappearance. They were described as bright, cheerful, and loving children who enjoyed spending time together. Their families and friends were devastated by their loss and hoped for their safe return.
How were their bodies found?
Unfortunately, their hopes were shattered on December 5, 2012, when hunters discovered their bodies in a remote wildlife area in Bremer County, about 25 miles away from where they vanished. The area where their bodies were found was called Seven Bridges Park, a secluded spot surrounded by woods and creeks.
The authorities confirmed that the girls were the victims of homicide, but did not release any details about how they died or who killed them. They said that the cause of death and other information would be kept confidential to protect the investigation and catch the killer.
What are the theories about their killer?
The investigation into the murders of Lyric and Elizabeth has been ongoing for almost 11 years, but no arrests have been made so far. The police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation have received hundreds of tips and leads, but none have led to a breakthrough in the case.
Some of the theories that have been proposed by the public and the media include:
- The killer was a local person who knew the area well and had access to a vehicle.
- The killer was a serial killer who had killed before or after Lyric and Elizabeth.
- The killer was involved in human trafficking or child pornography.
- The killer was a random stranger who acted on impulse or opportunity.
None of these theories have been confirmed or ruled out by the authorities, who have said that they are open to all possibilities and are following every lead they receive.
Why is their cause of death still unknown?
One of the most frustrating aspects of this case is that the public does not know how Lyric and Elizabeth died or what they suffered at the hands of their killer. The authorities have said that they are withholding this information to preserve the integrity of the investigation and to avoid compromising any potential evidence or witnesses.
However, some experts have speculated that the reason why the cause of death is still unknown is because the bodies were too decomposed to determine it with certainty. According to Dr. Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist and former state medical examiner, it is possible that the bodies were exposed to extreme weather conditions, animals, insects, or water that could have erased any signs of trauma or injury.
Another possibility is that the killer used a method that did not leave any obvious marks on the bodies, such as strangulation, suffocation, poisoning, or drowning. These methods could also explain why no weapon or DNA evidence was found at the scene.
What can be done to solve this case?
The case of Lyric and Elizabeth remains unsolved, but not forgotten. Their families and friends continue to seek justice and closure for their tragic deaths. They have organized vigils, fundraisers, memorials, and awareness campaigns to keep their memory alive and to urge anyone with information to come forward.
The authorities have also renewed their efforts to find the killer and have offered a reward of $150,000 for any tips that lead to an arrest and conviction. They have also asked for the public’s help in identifying a white SUV that was seen parked near where the girls disappeared on July 13, 2012. They believe that this vehicle could be connected to the case and could provide a crucial clue.
Anyone with information about this case can contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at 515-725-6010 or email ourmissingiowagirls@dps.state.ia.us. You can also call Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-8477.
Conclusion
The murders of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins are one of the most baffling and heartbreaking cases in Iowa history. Their cause of death remains a mystery that haunts their families and communities. Their killer is still out there, possibly hiding in plain sight or moving from place to place. Whoever they are, they must be brought to justice for taking away two innocent lives.
We hope that this article has shed some light on this case and has encouraged you to share it with others who might have information or interest in it. Together, we can help solve this case and honor Lyric and Elizabeth’s memory.
