KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsCommunity wonders if cold case could finally be solved

Community wonders if cold case could finally be solved

IDA GROVE, Iowa (KTIV) - It's been 12 years since 21-year-old Connie Ruddy disappeared, now that authorities plan to reopen her case residents of Ida Grove are hoping to find the answers they've been looking for.

"I'm just glad they're re-opening it.  If it was my daughter, I would want to know," said Tabitha Bockelman, Ida Grove Resident

"We've always prayed for the families and that they find closure and I hope that they can do this by re-opening the case," said Steve Kallas, Ida Grove resident.

As much as solving the case would bring closure to Connie's parents, folks in town say they need closure too.

"Even for our community, just to know what really happened to her," said Mary Ann Newquist, Ida Grove Resident.

"You know this is probably the biggest case that's ever hit our town and I think it did, it shook a lot of people up, and made them worry for their children's safety," said Steve Kallas.

While the Sheriff's department says they have no new evidence, folks hope that by opening the case, something or someone will show up.

"We hope so, they do a lot of things now with these criminal cases, so perhaps something will show up," said Newquist.

While many people are hopeful that an arrest will be made, others have their doubts.

"They had the investigation going on they didn't find anything, and I just think this much time has passed, I really don't think they'll find anything new," said Steve Gaskins, former Ida Grove Resident.

In a statement from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the commissioner says a "substantial reward" will be offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case

The number to call is 1-800-568-4401.

Again, the Sheriff's department will formally re-open the case on Tuesday, the anniversary of Ruddy's disappearance.

We spoke to Connie Ruddy's father Friday night.

He's looking forward to Tuesday, when he'll learn more about the case along with the public.

"About two weeks ago the Sheriff called and said they got a cold case unit in Iowa, that I guess started or going to look into it, that's all we know right now," said Gary Neumayer, Connie Ruddy's dad.

Connie left behind two children, a son and daughter.

News Channel Four will keep viewers up to date on this case.

Online Reporter: Rebecca Sunshine rsunshine@ktiv.com