Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook-Morrissey -- Missing 7/13/12

Morrissey appears in court; trial gets continued

Posted: Aug 24, 2012 2:59 PM CDT
Written by Nikki Newbrough, Multimedia Journalist


Dan Morrissey

WATERLOO (KWWL) - Dan Morrissey was in Black Hawk County Court Friday morning for a pre-trial hearing on charges from several separate incidents last year.

The charges include domestic abuse while displaying a weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of meth making materials.

Friday morning, a judge agreed to delay his trial 30 days. Morrissey's lawyer said he is not able to focus due to his missing daughter.

Morrissey admits he has made mistakes in the past, but he says being a loving father wasn't one of them.

"That was daddy's little girl. She's so awesome, so full of life," said Morrissey, Lyric Cook's Father.

Video at link:

http://www.kwwl.com/story/19370410/morrissey-appears-in-court-trial-gets-continued

'Missing Cousin's Law' gets support from thousands

Posted: Sep 05, 2012 7:20 AM CDT
Written by Nikki Newbrough, Multimedia Journalist



CEDAR FALLS (KWWL) - A Cedar Valley woman is making a push to get missing children home faster.

"I would say we have about 6,000 signatures," said Robin Arnold, Cousin's Law Creator.

That's how many people are backing Arnold and her mission to find missing children.

Although Arnold didn't know either family before Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins went missing, she was moved to help.

Video at link. Read more:

http://www.kwwl.com/story/19459578/missing-cousins-law-getting-support

Surveillance video may help find missing girls

Posted: Sep 07, 2012 4:29 PM CDT
Written by Nikki Newbrough, Multimedia Journalist



EVANSDALE (KWWL) - This Friday marks eight weeks since 9-year-old Elizabeth Collins and 10-year-old Lyric Cook disappeared from Evansdale.

Authorities believe the people involved in the abduction may have been recorded on a surveillance camera. Officials have hundreds of hours of footage collected, but they need your help to find what to look for.

Drew, father of Elizabeth Collins, goes through each day, not knowing where his daughter and niece are. After hearing news about the surveillance video, he hopes someone will come forward with information.

"We are just waiting and praying," said Collins.

Read more:

http://www.kwwl.com/story/19487211/surveillance-video-may-help-find-missing-girls

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2012/09/13/thursday-marks-the-two-month-anniversary-of-iowa-cousins-disappearance/

Two months since the girls went missing.

Details released on last sighting of missing Iowa girls

Kids were much closer to lake than previously believed.

12:08 AM, Sep 14, 2012
Written by
Emily Schettler

Two months have passed since cousins Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins disappeared from the northeast Iowa town of Evansdale while riding their bicycles.

Authorities said in a statement Thursday that they were working “vigorously” to solve the case but still needed help from the public as they searched for more information on the girls’ whereabouts.

Officials released new details about when the girls were seen on July 13 that puts them much closer to the lake where their bicycles were found abandoned later that day.

Read more:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120914/NEWS01/309140045/1001/?nclick_check=1

Dubuque County Adds "A Child is Missing" System

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

Story Created: Sep 19, 2012 at 5:43 PM CDT
(Story Updated: Sep 19, 2012 at 7:06 PM CDT )



DUBUQUE, Iowa - Dubuque County is changing the way it handles missing child reports. The county is now using an alert system called, "A Child is Missing". That system alerts communities when any child, mentally ill, or elderly person disappears.

Terri Wainwright, of Dubuque, is collecting signatures for "the cousin's law". In an effort to help police issue alerts earlier in the event of a missing child search.

Wainwright is the great-aunt of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins, two cousins now missing from Evansdale for more than two months.

Read more:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Dubuque-County-Adds-A-Child-a-Missing-System-170413496.html

Vigil for missing girls may move indoors tonight

October 13, 2012

EVANSDALE, Iowa --- A vigil marking three months since two young cousins disappeared in Evansdale may move indoors this evening in the event of severe weather, organizers announced via social media.

The vigil for Lyric Cook-Morrissey, now 11, and Elizabeth Collins, now 9, is scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight (Saturday Oct. 13) at Meyers Lake, but will move to Countryside Vineyard Church, 3467 Lafayette Road, Evansdale in event of rain or severe weather, organizers announced in an update posted on Facebook.

The church is the same location where Lyric's 11th birthday was observed earlier this month.

Read more:

http://wcfcourier.com/news/evansdale_search/5281cde6-153d-11e2-8a37-0019bb2963f4.html

UPDATE: Parents of missing Evansdale girl speak at D.M. conference on preventing abuse

October 20, 2012 11:15 am • By MIKE WISER,

Drew and Heather Collins talk to a Des Moines television reporter about their missing daughter, Elizabeth, during a preventing child abuse conference in Des Moines Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. (Photo by Michael Wiser)

DES MOINES --- For three months, Drew and Heather Collins have hoped, pleaded and prayed for the safe return of their daughter, Elizabeth Collins, and niece, Lyric Cook-Morrissey.

Friday was no different, except the couple was now in a conference room of a Des Moines hotel, listening to a Los Angeles police detective sergeant talk about the connection between drug use and missing children.

“This is ground zero for what’s going on,” Drew said, explaining why he, Heather and other members of their family made the trip to Des Moines to talk about their tragedy at the Preventing Abuse conference put on by the California-based Cedars Cultural and Educational Foundation. “A lot of people need to hear what’s being said here.”

Read more:

http://wcfcourier.com/news/evansdale_search/43c9b688-1aa1-11e2-9abd-0019bb2963f4.html

Hunters Asked To Help With Missing Girls' Case

Posted: Sun 6:05 PM, Oct 21, 2012

Friends of two Iowa girls missing since July are asking hunters to watch for potential clues about the cousins. The FBI believes Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins were abducted from Evansdale this summer.

Chad Hartogh, who manages the Waterloo Hy-Vee store, hopes reminding hunters about the case will help bring the girls home. Since they were reported missing, Lyric turned 11 and Elizabeth turned 9. Their bikes were found near Meyers Lake in Evansdale.

Chris Jones with the state Department of Natural Resources says he thinks this is a good idea because hunters will be in remote areas that don't get much traffic the rest of the year. Jones was part of the initial search for the girls.

http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/Hunters-Asked-To-Help-With-Missing-Girls-Case-175165701.html

Drug Trial Delayed for Father of Missing Evansdale Girl


Misty and Dan Morrissey speak to the media near Meyers Lake where their daughter Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10, and Elizabeth Collins, 8, disappeared last Friday, Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in Evansdale, Iowa. The girls' bikes were found Friday afternoon near a bike trail at the edge of the lake. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Story Created: Nov 9, 2012 at 6:18 PM CST
(Story Updated: Nov 9, 2012 at 6:18 PM CST )

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — The drug trial of the father of one of two missing Iowa cousins has been delayed until next month.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier says Black Hawk County court officials say Daniel Morrissey's trial, which had been set for Tuesday, was delayed on Friday until Dec. 11.

The delay came as the defense renewed its efforts to have the trial moved, citing publicity about the girls' disappearance.

Read more:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/crime/Drug-Trial-Delayed-for-Father-of-Missing-Evansdale-Girl-178224321.html

Mother of missing Iowa cousin to appear in court

RYAN J. FOLEY, Associated Press
Updated 11:25 a.m., Monday, November 12, 2012


IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The mother of one of two missing Iowa cousins must appear in federal court to face allegations she violated the terms of her supervised release in a decade-old methamphetamine case, records show.

U.S. District Judge Linda Reade signed an order last week directing Misty Morrissey to appear in a Cedar Rapids courtroom Wednesday, one day after family members will mark the four-month anniversary of the disappearance of 11-year-old Lyric Cook and 9-year-old Elizabeth Collins.

A summons delivered to Morrissey on Friday says that federal probation officials have filed a "supervised release violation petition" against her. The allegations against Morrissey are shielded from public view, as the documents were filed under seal.

Read more:

http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Mother-of-missing-Iowa-cousin-to-appear-in-court-4029902.php#ixzz2CAgwrEmn

Former Intelligence Specialist Weighs-in on Evansdale Abduction Case

By Jillian Petrus, Reporter

Story Created: Nov 15, 2012 at 4:06 PM CST
(Story Updated: Nov 15, 2012 at 4:08 PM CST)

PLATTEVILLE, Wisc. - Sabina Burton is a former intelligence specialist with an emphasis in forensic psychology and terrorism. She has worked with different federal authorities consulting on extreme cases including serial killings, sociopaths and abduction cases.

~Snipped~

Burton is not directly involved with the Evansdale case, and has never been given specific details about the investigation. However, the professor says criminal profiling can breathe new life into a case starting to turn cold.

"They can give it a new spin," Burton explained. "So when everything is going dead, they may have some new insights."

Profilers are often called "mind hunters". Burton says that's because they focus on the mindset of extreme criminals. People who, she explains, typically do not use sound logic or logic a normal person might be able to understand.

Read more:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Former-Intelligence-Specialist-Weighs-in-on-Evansdale-Abduction-Case-179558461.html

New reward established in missing girls case

This combo made from undated photos provided by the FBI shows cousins Elizabeth Collins, 8, and Lyric Cook, 10, right, who have been missing since Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/FBI)

November 20, 2012
4 hours ago • Tina Hinz/Waterloo Courier

EVANSDALE, Iowa --- Authorities hope a separate reward will help them locate two cousins who have been missing since July.

Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook-Morrissey disappeared four months ago while riding their bicycles in Evansdale. The case is being treated as an abduction.

Their families, in conjunction with Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers, are collecting donations now through Dec. 19. The total will be announced Dec. 21.

Anyone who provides a tip leading to the girls is eligible to receive the money. Currently, a $50,000 reward has been offered for an arrest and conviction.

Read more:

http://qctimes.com/news/local/new-reward-established-in-missing-girls-case/article_c991cb38-3302-11e2-a3fb-0019bb2963f4.html

Donor Offers Up to $100,000 Reward in Missing Cousins Case

Story Created: Nov 30, 2012 at 7:03 PM CST
(Story Updated: Nov 30, 2012 at 10:29 PM CST )



WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — The Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office says an anonymous donor is offering to add up to $100,000 to a reward for information leading to the return of two missing cousins and the arrest and conviction of those responsible for their disappearance.

In a statement released Friday night, Capt. Rick Abben expressed hope the donation would aid in the return of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins.

Read more:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Donor-Offers-Up-to-100000-Reward-in-Missing-Cousins-Case--181623751.html

Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins: Bodies Found in Search for Missing Iowa Cousins
Dec. 5, 2012

Snipped:
-----
Nearly five months after Iowa cousins Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins disappeared, the girls' families have been told two bodies were found by hunters in a wooded area, though the identities of the bodies have not been confirmed, authorities said.
------

Read more at source: http://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-iowa-cousins-lyric-cook-elizabeth-collins-bodies/story?id=17888330#.UL_iD6yPybI

I am sickened to read of the remains possibly being the girls, I had so hoped this case would have a happy ending.

Prayers to the families, a terrible ending to this story.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57557418-504083/elizabeth-collins-lyric-cook-morrissey-update-hunters-find-bodies-believed-to-be-missing-iowa-cousins/


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/05/lyric-cook-elizabeth-collins-found_n_2247615.html


http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/05/hunters-reportedly-find-bodies-missing-iowa-cousins-police-say/

It is sad that we are depending on the hunters to find these missing kids now instead of law enforcement. The one thing that soo many depend on to help them relax is now turned into something they may choose not to do because of the fears of something like this happening. May the person or people that found them be able to come to terms with what they had to discover. They too are part of this horriable crime cause each waking minute this will be on their mind also. These crimes are affecting soo many people and not just the families. The families, law officers, searchers and now the people that find the victims. Something needs to be done but the sadness is that it will not happen in our lifetime cause it is getting worse every minute of every day. Prayers for all involved and especially for this person whose life is ruined by finding them. They will never be the same. I am glad though that the families be able to know where they sweet girls are but there are so many unanswered questions.
RIP Lyric and Elizabeth. May God give the families the answers they need.

Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins: Bodies Found in Search for Missing Iowa Cousins

By MATTHEW JAFFE (@matthewbjaffe)
Dec. 5, 2012

(VIDEO) Press Conference - News Report

http://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-iowa-cousins-lyric-cook-elizabeth-collins-bodies/story?id=17888330

Vigil held for missing Evansdale, Iowa, cousins

Dec 05, 2012

Video:

http://www.usatoday.com/media/cinematic/video/1750025/vigil-held-for-missing-evansdale-iowa-cousins/

2 bodies may be linked to missing Iowa girls case

Emily Schettler, The Des Moines Register

Lyric Cook-Morrissey, then 10-years-old, and her cousin Elizabeth Collins, then 8, have been missing since July 13.

10:44PM EST December 5. 2012 - DES MOINES, Iowa -- Authorities searching for two Evansdale girls missing since July announced Wednesday that hunters had discovered two bodies in a wooded area.

~Snipped~

In a statement announcing the news conference, Abben said it was "regarding the missing girls from Evansdale."

Lyric was 10 and Elizabeth 8 when they disappeared on July 13.

Abben released scant information Wednesday. He declined to say where the bodies were found; the condition of the bodies; or the sex or approximate age of the bodies.

He also declined to say whether police have identified any suspects in the case.

Additional information may be released at a news conference scheduled for Thursday

Read more:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2012/12/05/missing-iowa-girls/1749449/

Like sisters: The girls, pictured in 2009, would often spend the day together when Lyric's mother was at work and were very close

By Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press
PUBLISHED: 18:11 EST, 5 December 2012 | UPDATED: 19:44 EST, 5 December 2012

Article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2243714/Iowa-cousins-missing-Hunters-bodies-Lyric-Cook-Morrissey-Elizabeth-Collins.html

Bodies of missing Iowa cousins found?

By Richard Dool
updated 7:17 PM EST, Wed December 05, 2012

•Cops say hunters in Iowa discovered two deceased bodies in a wooded area
•Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins vanished on July 13



http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/12/05/jvm-iowa-cousins?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Nene_Please wrote:It is sad that we are depending on the hunters to find these missing kids now instead of law enforcement. The one thing that soo many depend on to help them relax is now turned into something they may choose not to do because of the fears of something like this happening. May the person or people that found them be able to come to terms with what they had to discover. They too are part of this horrible crime cause each waking minute this will be on their mind also. These crimes are affecting soo many people and not just the families. The families, law officers, searchers and now the people that find the victims. Something needs to be done but the sadness is that it will not happen in our lifetime cause it is getting worse every minute of every day. Prayers for all involved and especially for this person whose life is ruined by finding them. They will never be the same. I am glad though that the families be able to know where they sweet girls are but there are so many unanswered questions.
RIP Lyric and Elizabeth. May God give the families the answers they need.

NeNe_Please - Despite all the searches LE did, it was hunter's that found the remains that may possibly be the girls, a horrible experience in itself. In some of the articles I have read, LE is talking about how hard they have worked around the clock and maybe one line is mentioned that it was the hunter's that found the girl's, not LE. Hopefully, there might be some clues at the site, but time will tell, LE may choose not to share that information.

In Morgan Harrington's case, she too was found in a field by the farmer than owned the property but they aren't close to arresting anyone in her case. I guess the murderer's in both cases felt comfortable that it would take time for someone to find the remains but in the case of the cousins, the murderer might not have anticipated hunter's finding the remains, the murderer might have thought it would have taken longer.

I can't imagine the pain the families feel, but, I agree with you, at least they know and can bring them home to for a proper burial. I have seen interviews w/some families that have never found loved one's and they say "the not knowing is the hardest part."

'Our nightmare of not knowing is over': Mothers' agony as hunters find bodies of missing cousins who disappeared five months ago while riding their bikes.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2243714/Iowa-cousins-missing-Hunters-bodies-Lyric-Cook-Morrissey-Elizabeth-Collins.html

My prayers today for the family of these girls.. my fervent hopes, wishes and prayers that they find the person(s) responsible.

justanopinion wrote:My prayers today for the family of these girls.. my fervent hopes, wishes and prayers that they find the person(s) responsible.

My thoughts exactly.

Iowa Cousins Bodies Found: Remains Identified As Elizabeth Collins And Lyric Cook

By iDigital Times Staff Reporter on December 7, 2012 9:51 AM EST

The two bodies found in Iowa woods on Wednesday are believed to be those of Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins, who disappeared in July after a bike ride. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

After two bodies were found by hunters in Iowa woods earlier this week, police have determined that the bodies are almost definitely those of the young Iowa cousins, Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook, who disappeared after taking a bide ride in Evansdale in July.

"This 100 percent blindsided us and it absolutely did them as well," Sara Curl, a friend of the girls' families, told Fox News.

Autopsies by the state medical examiner's office will take some time, but it is believed that the remains are those of the Iowa cousins, who were 10 and 8 when they went missing this summer, Black Hawk County Sheriff's Capt. Rick Abben said.

Read more:

http://www.idigitaltimes.com/articles/13430/20121207/iowa-cousins-bodies-found-remains-identified-elizabeth.htm

Police seek to 'find a killer' of 2 Iowa cousins

By By RYAN J. FOLEY and DAVID PITT, Associated Press
December 7, 2012

EVANSDALE, Iowa (AP) — A sheriff investigating the apparent kidnapping and slaying of two Iowa cousins said Friday that the discovery of the young girls' bodies is a long-awaited break in the case that could help find their killer.

Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson said investigators would be deliberate in pursuing the case of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins, who were 10 and 8 when they disappeared in Evansdale in July. Hunters stumbled upon two bodies believed to be Cook and Collins in a wooded wildlife area some 25 miles away on Wednesday.

Thompson said it could take "several weeks" for their autopsies to be complete and the results to be made public.

"We're going to be extremely meticulous and we're not going to apologize for that," he said a phone interview with The Associated Press. "We've got an opportunity to find a killer."

Read more:

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/police-seek-find-killer-2-iowa-cousins

Spoke with relatives from the area.
I was told LE are VERY tight lipped re this case.
Exactly where the girls were located, whether an attempt had been made to bury, the condition of the remains and possible clothing, etc., is ALL being kept under very tight wraps.

The bikes and a cell phone were found early on and NO WHERE near where the girls were located. The bikes were located near a lake--- which authorities then drained to no avail.

IIRC, the girls were located about 25 miles from last sighting, and that is too far for them to have walked.

Speculation is the girls may have been kept alive in another location for some period of time.

BTW, it is of interest Blackhawk county is the one involved. Apparently, the girls were abducted from near Evansdale, Blackhawk county, and transported to a different county where they were found. They were NOT found in Blackhawk county.

Vigil to be Held in DSM for Evansdale Girls

Posted: Dec 07, 2012 10:09 PM CST
Updated: Dec 07, 2012 10:37 PM CST

(VIDEO)

Jessica Daley
jdaley@myabc5.com
@TheDaleyReport

It was an outcome nobody wanted. The bodies of the missing cousins from Evansdale, Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins, were discovered Wednesday in a wooded area.

The Evansdale community has held two vigils to remember the girls in the past two days, and now a couple local women decided to do the same.

They say this is just a little something they can do to help comfort the family and the community.

Read more:

http://www.woi-tv.com/story/20293087/vigil-to-be-held-in-dsm-for-evansdale-girls

Lyric and Elizabeth Update: Autopsies Are Complete

Authorities have all but officially confirmed that the bodies found in Iowa on Wednesday are cousins, Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins. The girls have been missing since July 13, when they rode their bikes away from their grandmother's house.

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981803208

My prayers are with the families during this very difficult time. So sad they will be without their little girls this Christmas.

Medical Examiner Confirms Bodies Are Missing Evansdale Cousins, Lyric and Elizabeth

Snipped:
-----
Authorities confirmed Monday that two bodies found in the Seven Bridges Wilderness Area in Bremer County on Dec. 5 are Elizabeth Collins, 9, and Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 11, of Evansdale.
-----

Read more at source: http://marion.patch.com/articles/medical-examiner-confirms-bodies-are-missing-evansdale-cousins-lyric-and-elizabeth

Cousins mourned: Service for Lyric Cook-Morrissey after Christmas


One of the four Christmas tree has been decorated for Elizabeth Collins, and Lyric Cook-Morrissey Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, in Evansdale, Iowa. The bodies that hunters discovered last week at Seven Bridges County Park have been confirmed to be the bodies of missing cousins Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

19 minutes ago • By TINA HINZ, tina.hinz@wcfcourier.com

EVANSDALE, Iowa --- The community will gather tonight to celebrate the life of Elizabeth Collins. But absent will be any service for her cousin, Lyric Cook-Morrissey.

The girls' grandmother, Wylma Cook, along with Lyric's mother, Misty Morrissey, and aunt, Tammy Brousseau, are planning a service after Christmas --- possibly in January. They said Wednesday that plans call for Lyric's remains to cremated and placed in an urn from a monastery in Dubuque. Lilacs will be present at the funeral, as Lyric's favorite colors were purple and blue, Brousseau said.

"Lyric will not be forgotten," Cook said.

Read more:

http://wcfcourier.com/news/evansdale_search/cousins-mourned-service-for-lyric-cook-morrissey-after-christmas/article_0aa203df-f03c-5322-87b6-194cb70a60a1.html

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New reward offered for info in Evansdale cousins case

9:45 AM, Dec 21, 2012 | by Emily Schettler

A new reward is being offered for anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest in the case of two Iowa cousins who were found apparently murdered earlier this month in Bremer County.

Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers has raised $20,500 for a reward for someone who provides “important and relevant” information in the case. The reward money will be available immediately upon an arrest, according to a news release issued this morning by the Evansdale Police Department.

~Snipped~

The new reward is separate from the $150,000 being offered for someone who can provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.

~Snipped~

Anyone with information regarding this case can call the Evansdale Police Department at 319-232-6682 or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be sent by e-mail to OURMISSINGIOWAGIRLS@dps.state.ia.us.

Read more:

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2012/12/21/241202/viewart

Judge Orders Misty Morrissey to Remain on Supervised Probation

Story Created: Dec 18, 2012 at 10:41 AM CST
(Story Updated: Dec 18, 2012 at 6:40 PM CST)



WATERLOO, Iowa - A federal judge has turned down a request to end the supervised release of one of the mothers of the two young missing cousins whose bodies were found last week.

Misty Morrissey, 35, also known as Misty Cook, the mother of Lyric Cook-Morrissey, has been under supervision in connection with a 2003 methamphetamine conviction since she was released from prison in 2006. The supervised stint is scheduled to end Jan. 30, 2013.

Read more:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Judge-Orders-Misty-Morrissey-to-Remain-on-Supervised-Probation-183957401.html

Funeral services planned for Lyric Cook-Morrissey

Posted on: 12:17 pm, December 27, 2012
Updated on: 12:13pm, December 27, 2012

By Sharon Torri



Funeral services for Lyric Cook have been set for Saturday, December 29. Family members tell KCRG-TV that the service will be held at the Heartland Vineyard Church in Cedar Falls from 2 to 5:30 p.m.

Lyric’s mother Misty is expected to speak. A funeral was held for Lyric’s cousin, Elizabeth Collins, on December 13.

Read more:

http://wqad.com/2012/12/27/funeral-services-planned-for-lyric-cook-morrissey/

Cause of Evansdale cousins' deaths will be kept confidential

Iowa law will allow doing so if there's a risk of jeopardizing the investigation

8:42 AM, Jan 3, 2013

Authorities will keep secret for an undetermined amount of time the cause of death of two northeast Iowa cousins whose bodies were found in a park in December, officials said Wednesday.

In addition, authorities do not have immediate plans to release other information related to the cousins’ deaths.

~Snipped~

Details of when and how the cousins were killed will remain confidential as the investigation into their deaths continues, Evansdale Police Chief Kent Smock said Wednesday.

“Part of that is, the only people that are going to know this information are the people who are responsible,” Smock said. “At least until somebody is arrested and we’re comfortable with that, that’s information we’ll keep confidential.”

Read more:

http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20130103/NEWS01/130103001/Cause-Evansdale-cousins-deaths-will-kept-confidential?nclick_check=1

Evansdale still shaken 6 months after girls disappear

Jan 13, 2013

Photo Gallery - 6 of 64

Written by
Emily Schettler

EVANSDALE, IA. — The Christmas trees covered in ornaments and mementos have been packed away and pink balloons hanging from fence posts along the lake are deflated, yet the minds and hearts of many here are with two young girls who disappeared six months ago.

“It’s a topic of conversation and I think it always will be until they find out who did this, and even then, you’ll never forget it,” said Lela Bracken of Evansdale.

Cousins Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins disappeared last July 13 while riding their bicycles in this Black Hawk County town.

Read more:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130113/NEWS01/301130054/Evansdale-still-shaken-6-months-after-girls-disappear?Frontpage&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1

Wow.

I've hoped for the best, but was very disappointed to read the two cousins were found deceased.

Prayers to the families.

Death penalty bill

Posted: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 12:00 am

Death penalty bill By Stanley Ihejirika,
stanley.ihejirika@iowastatedaily.com

Iowa remains one of the 17 states without the death penalty; however, this quality of Iowa could change with a new bill that has been introduced by Sen. Kent Sorenson.

The death penalty was abolished close to 47 years ago in 1965.

The last time a conversation about the death penalty being reinstated occurred in 1995 when it was rejected by a vote of 39-11.

The focus of the death penalty is mainly the protection of children. The proposed bill, Senate File 76, states that if someone is found guilty of “murder in the first degree, and the commission of either kidnapping in the first degree or sexual abuse in the first degree, or both, against the same minor who was murdered,” a penalty of death can be sentenced.

The kidnap, murder and possible sexual assault of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook-Morrissey, who were taken from Evansdale and found in December 2012 in Bremer County Park, is what fueled Sorenson to take action.

Read more:

http://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/article_46a173c4-8765-11e2-82dd-0019bb2963f4.html

Daniel Morrissey faces more drug charges

Daniel Morrissey, 36, appears in court with his defense attorney Kevin Schoeberl at the Black Hawk County Courthouse to plead guilty to three charges Friday, March 1, 2013, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morrissey was scheduled to stand trial in Davenport on Monday. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

23 hours ago | By Tina Hinz

WATERLOO, Iowa — The father of one of the cousins abducted from Evansdale last year faces additional drug charges.

Daniel Eugene Morrissey, 36, of Waterloo, has been in custody since Feb. 11 for failing to keep appointments with a pre-trial probation officer at the time and allegedly using drugs.

Morrissey most recently is charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a simulated methamphetamine, Class C felonies; ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony; possession of ephedrine, third-offense possession of methamphetamine and third-offense possession of marijuana, all Class D felonies.

The charges stem from events that occurred between Dec. 1, 2012, and his February arrest. He is subject to enhanced sentencing because of prior convictions.

Read more:

http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/c508fd96-9939-11e2-a380-0019bb2963f4.html

Funeral service held for missing Iowa girl

April 13, 2013


Lyric Cook

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KWWL) Family members of Lyric Cook say a small, private funeral service was held for her Friday morning.

KWWL heard from a few people, including Heather Collins, mother of Elizabeth Collins, that a private service for Lyric was held Friday.

It was unclear if any additional events, like a burial, were conducted.

The family of Lyric Cook has generally kept to themselves during the disappearance and discovery of their daughter's remains, choosing to hold a "Celebration of Lyric's Life" without media presence and staying largely out of the public eye.

~Snipped~

Police have so far not made any arrests in the case.

Read more:

http://www.wxow.com/story/21968856/2013/04/13/funeral-service-for-lyric-cook-held-today-sources-confirm

Concert for the Angels raises initial total of $31,100

Posted: Apr 22, 2013 5:32 PM CDT
Written by Adam Amdor, Producer


EVANSDALE (KWWL) - Fundraising efforts from the Concert of the Angels have rounded up more than $31,000 for Angels Park, organizers said Monday.

The concert was held Saturday at McElroy Auditorium, with headliners Saving Abel playing an acoustic set.

Sarah Werkmeister notes the total is preliminary, and there are more efforts currently underway.

The money will pay for renovations at Meyers Lake to build a memorial park in remembrance of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins, who were last seen near the lake on July 13, 2012.

Read more:

http://www.kwwl.com/story/22046430/2013/04/22/concert-for-the-angels-raises-initial-total-of-31100

Hundreds mourn at burial service for Elizabeth Collins

19 hours ago • By JON ERICSON

PHOTO GALLERY

Callie, Drew and Heather Collins listen at the grave side service for their daughter and sister Elizabeth Collins at Waterloo Memorial Park cemetery Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Waterloo, Iowa. Elizabeth Collins and her cousin Lyric Cook went missing in July after riding their bikes by Meyers Lake in Evansdale. Hunters found their bodies in a wooded area in December. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)


Heather Collins, left, mother of Elizabeth Collins gives a flower to Collin Yu, 10, after the grave side service for Elizabeth at Waterloo Memorial Park cemetery Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Waterloo, Iowa. Elizabeth Collins and her cousin Lyric Cook went missing in July after riding their bikes by Meyers Lake in Evansdale. Hunters found their bodies in a wooded area in December. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

WATERLOO, Iowa --- It’s a tough road and the way forward is uncertain, but the Saturday burial of Elizabeth Collins showed support for her family has not faded.

Nearly 200 people attended the burial of Collins, more than 9 months after she went missing from Evansdale.

“What we are going through today, we’re not sure how it goes. We try, we keep going, we hope, we persevere, we walk on,” said Pastor Chris Reeves at the ceremony.

Read more:

http://wcfcourier.com/news/evansdale_search/hundreds-mourn-at-burial-service-for-elizabeth-collins/article_30c57ea2-b4eb-11e2-804a-0019bb2963f4.html

Father of missing Iowa girl sentenced to prison
Posted: Sep 13, 2013 2:19 PM PST

Snipped:
-----
(AP)  A judge has sentenced the father of one of the cousins abducted in Evansdale to prison on drug charges.

Judge David Staudt sentenced 37-year-old Daniel Eugene Morrissey, of Waterloo, on Friday to up to 90 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 30 years.
-----

Read more:  http://www.whbf.com/story/23428063/father-of-missing-iowa-girl-sentenced-to-prison

Still no progress on this case? Wow.

Lyric Cook's mom Misty has been arrested..Now both her parents have been arrested!

http://www.kmaland.com/news/local_news/mother-of-slain-evansdale-girl-facing-drug-charges/article_e23652d0-56e2-11e3-9259-0019bb30f31a.html

Dirt donations rolling in for Angel's Park

Posted: Mar 24, 2015 3:09 PM CDT
Updated: Mar 24, 2015 3:09 PM CDT

Written by Michael Crowe, Multimedia Journalist

Organizers in Evansdale are thanking God, and the community, for an outpouring of support for Angel's Park.

The park, founded in the wake of the murder of cousins Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins, serves as a memorial for those we've lost in the Cedar Valley. Last week, organizers made a plea for several tons of topsoil, which they say is necessary to seed grass on the island, and complete the park.

Now, organizer Dona Frickson says the donations have come rolling in, and that they're close to their goal, if not past it. She said, 'big things are coming,' early next week.

"God is good!" the group wrote on Facebook. "I cannot say thank you enough to all the wonderful people stepping up for the Angels Park! Our 'Angels' have been busy tapping shoulders and hearts."

Read more:

http://www.kwwl.com/story/28603836/2015/03/24/dirt-donations-rolling-in-for-angels-park

Memorial Ride and Drive for Elizabeth & Lyric today

Posted: Jul 11, 2015 9:42 AM CDT
Updated: Jul 11, 2015 9:51 AM CDT

Written by Caitlin Harbach, Producer




WATERLOO (KWWL) - The 3rd annual Ride & Drive, in memory of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook, is set for this morning.  

On July 13, 2012, Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins were abducted in Evansdale. Hunters later found their bodies in December at the 7 Bridges Park in Bremer County.

No one has been arrested in the case.

Money raised at the fundraiser is split equally between Cedar Valley Crimestoppers and Angels Park Memorial Island of Evansdale.

Organizers say all bikes and vehicles are welcome.

The ride will start at Lofty's Lounge in Evansdale at 11 a.m.

Registration is $20.

It will end at the Screaming Eagle in Waterloo at 6 p.m. followed by a live concert.

http://www.kwwl.com/story/29525371/2015/07/11/memorial-ride-and-drive-for-elizabeth-lyric-today