Arrest Made in 2020 Disappearance of Christian Balke-Thompson
Christian Balke-Thompson, a 26-year-old from Farnhamville, Iowa, was reported missing in May 2020. His car was found burned in a shed days later. After an extensive investigation, including the involvement of the Iowa Attorney General's Office Cold Case Unit, Albert John Wolfe was arrested on January 22, 2026, and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Balke-Thompson's death. Balke-Thompson's body has not yet been found.
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January 2026 — 2 developments
Wolfe arrested for murder after Balke-Thompson's phone pinged near his property
An affidavit revealed Christian Balke-Thompson's last phone ping was near Albert John Wolfe's property, and Wolfe had previously admitted to dismantling Balke-Thompson's vehicle. These details emerged following Wolfe's arrest for first-degree murder.
Albert John Wolfe arrested, charged with first-degree murder in Balke-Thompson's death
Albert John Wolfe, 33, of Lanesboro, Iowa, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Christian Balke-Thompson's death. Court documents indicate Wolfe's former girlfriend told authorities she saw Balke-Thompson shot at Wolfe's farm, wrapped in a tarp, and his body set on fire. Balke-Thompson's body has not been found.
July 2024 — 1 developments
Iowa Attorney General's Cold Case Unit Launched in July 2024
The Iowa Attorney General's Office Cold Case Unit, which assisted in the investigation, was launched in July 2024.
March 2024 — 1 developments
Investigators excavate rural property north of Carroll in Balke-Thompson missing person case
Investigators conducted an excavation at a rural property north of Carroll, nearly four years after Balke-Thompson was first reported missing. This was one of several searches conducted on the property between 2020 and 2024.
January 2022 — 1 developments
YouTube video details Christian Balke-Thompson's disappearance and burned car discovery
A YouTube video titled 'The Disappearance of Christian Balke-Thompson' was published, detailing the known circumstances of his disappearance, including his last known whereabouts and the discovery of his burned car.
May 2020 — 3 developments
Carroll County Deputy and State Patrolman Discover Buried Car After Missing Person Report
After learning of the missing person's report, a Carroll County deputy and a state patrolman returned to the farm where the car was found and discovered Balke-Thompson's car had been buried under dirt, manure, and debris.
Balke-Thompson vehicle found burned in Carroll County shed
A vehicle believed to belong to Balke-Thompson was found burned in a shed in rural Carroll County, about five miles north of Carroll. Neighbors reported the shed fire.
Christian Balke-Thompson reported missing after last being seen May 2, 2020
Christian Balke-Thompson, 26, was reported missing to authorities after his family and friends had no contact with him for several days. He was last seen alive in the early morning hours of May 2, 2020.