Investigation concludes into body found in Fairfield in 2022

FAIRFIELD — Jefferson County officials have identified the body of a person that was found in April 2022.

A news release from the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office indicated that the remains were that of Harold “Hal” Bennett, who was reported missing in the fall of 2020.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a call on April 8, 2022 that human remains had been located east of Fairfield near the Fairfield Loop Trail and the BNSF railroad tracks. Deputies responded to the call and discovered what appeared to be human remains belonging to an adult male in a state of advanced decay.

The sheriff’s office launched an investigation in response and determined that the remains belonged to Bennett, who would have been about 64 at the time of his death. The sheriff’s office determined there was no evidence of foul play, and no threat to the public.

Assisting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation were the Fairfield Police Department, Fairfield Fire Department, Jefferson County Medical Examiner, Iowa Office of State Medical Examiner, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation — DNA Unit, and Jackson, Wyoming, Police Department.

“A special thanks is due to the citizens who called the Sheriff’s Office and provided information to assist in this investigation,” stated the news release. “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Hal Bennett.”

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com