It’s been four years since 10-year-old Xavior Harrelson disappeared from his Montezuma home, and investigators now say they’re making real progress toward finding out what happened to him—and who is responsible for his death.
Xavior vanished in May 2021, just days before his 11th birthday. His disappearance launched one of the largest search efforts in recent Iowa history. For months, community members wore orange ribbons and joined search parties in hopes of finding him alive.
That hope came to a tragic end in September 2021, when Xavior’s remains were discovered in a farm field just outside of town. His death shook the small community and left investigators with more questions than answers.
Since then, detectives from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office have worked tirelessly on the case. Over the past year and a half, they’ve received new information that has led to fresh interviews, search warrants, and a clearer picture of what happened both before and after Xavior’s death.
The investigation has remained focused on those closest to Xavior, including his family and family acquaintances. His mother, Sarah Harrelson, has remained in contact with law enforcement throughout the investigation. She was later convicted on unrelated methamphetamine charges in 2023. Her former boyfriend, James Lowe, was also part of the investigation and was previously the subject of a federal firearms search shortly after Xavior’s body was found.
Although there was speculation about a possible connection to the 2018 murder of Mollie Tibbetts—another high-profile case from the same county—investigators have not found any evidence to link the two cases.
Despite the challenges, investigators say progress continues. They believe there are still individuals in the community who have important information and are urging those people to come forward. Even the smallest detail, they say, could help complete the picture.
Law enforcement officials are keeping some of the most sensitive information under wraps in order to protect the integrity of the case. Xavior’s family still does not know exactly how he died, but they remain supportive of the investigation and continue to seek justice.
As the fourth anniversary of his disappearance passes, the commitment from those working the case hasn’t wavered. Investigators continue to follow leads, conduct interviews, and move steadily toward answers.
The community of Montezuma and all those who searched for Xavior are still waiting for justice. And according to those closest to the investigation, it may finally be within reach.
