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Elizabeth Collins, left; Lyric Cook-Morrissey, right
Elizabeth Collins, left; Lyric Cook-Morrissey, right

EVANSDALE, Iowa – Investigators in Evansdale believe the person who abducted two girls in July 2012 is likely from the area. The information comes from newly released details about a profile developed by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, which develops profiles of suspects.

Elizabeth Collins, 8, and Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10, disappeared from Evansdale while on a bike ride on Friday, July 13, 2012. Their bodies were found in a rural Bremer County wildlife area five months later. No arrests have been made in their deaths.

The Evansdale Police Department launched a new website to provide updates on the investigation and a character profile on the suspect.

According to the website, the offender is familiar with both Meyers Lake/Angels Park in Evansdale and Seven Bridges Wildlife Area in Bremer County. The suspect chose Seven Bridges because he or she was familiar with the area and knew it was secluded, the site said.

“The offender blends in with and may be part of the Evansdale, Bremer and surrounding communities. It is unlikely that the offender is a transient or someone who was merely traveling or ‘passing through’ the area,” according to the site. The suspect likely used “quiet coercion” to gain the girls’ compliance into leaving Meyers Lake, using a ruse or threats of violence.

According to the website, other characteristics include:

  • The suspect may have been experiencing stress related to legal troubles, spousal problems, employment difficulties, financial strain or mental health issues in July 2012.
  • The suspect may avoid discussing the case or showing interest in the matter but is likely following developments in the media.
  • The offender may have attempted to abduct children or adults in the past.
  • Following the disappearance, the suspect may have altered his or her physical appearance, such as changing hair style and facial hair. The offender’s vehicle may also have been altered with a new paint job or re-upholstery.

“The offender blends in with and may be part of the Evansdale, Bremer and surrounding communities. It is unlikely that the offender is a transient or someone who was merely traveling or ‘passing through’ the area,” according to the site. The suspect likely used “quiet coercion” to gain the girls’ compliance into leaving Meyers Lake, using a ruse or threats of violence.

If you have information on the case, call the Evansdale Police tip line at 319-232-6682.