A chilling chapter in Iowa’s criminal history has reached a resolution nearly 30 years after a triple homicide that left the small towns of Drakesville and Eldon in shock. On April 13, 1984, the bodies of three victims were discovered in separate locations, leading to a decades-long search for justice.
Victims Identified
The victims were:
- Justin Alfred Hook Jr., 20, whose body was found in a burned mobile home in rural Drakesville.
- Sarah Lee Link, 41, Justin’s mother, whose body was discovered on April 16, 1984, in a wooded area near Eldon.
- Tina Marie Lade, 19, Justin’s fiancée, found on April 18, 1984, in a ravine about half a mile from Sarah Link’s location.
All three victims suffered fatal blunt force trauma to the head, prompting a widespread investigation and community outcry for justice.
The Investigation
Following the discovery of the bodies, law enforcement agencies launched an intensive search for Tina Lade, who was reported missing. Her body was located by trained police dogs in a ravine, further deepening the tragedy surrounding this case.
Despite numerous leads and public appeals over the years, the case remained unsolved until recently.
Breakthrough in the Case
On January 10, 2014, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Wapello County authorities announced a breakthrough, identifying Andrew Wessel Six as the suspect responsible for the murders. Six was already on death row in Missouri for the 1987 kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Kathy Allen, having been executed in 1997.
Community Reaction
The announcement has brought a mix of relief and sorrow to the families of the victims and the local community. “It’s a bittersweet moment,” said a family member of one of the victims. “While we are grateful for the closure, the pain of losing our loved ones remains.”
Justin Hook
Sarah Link
Tina Lade
