Gone Cold: Doris Konecne, killed in 1973

This is a weekly feature highlighting some of Iowa’s unsolved homicides in the hopes that it will lead to new tips and potentially help solve cases. The project is a partnership between this newspaper and other members of the Iowa Newspaper Association.

Doris Elaine Konecne, secretary for Union County Attorney Robert Rolfe, was found dead on the kitchen floor of her Creston apartment the morning of Oct. 28, 1973. Overturned and broken furniture as well as numerous bruises around Konecne’s neck indicated she had been strangled after a struggle.

First to arrive at the crime scene were Union County Deputy Sheriff James Hildebrand and Marion Manley, acting chief of police for the Creston Police Department. Shortly after photographing the crime scene, Rolfe and Sheriff Don Loy arrived and conducted their own walk-through. When they left, Hildebrand and Manley re-entered the apartment. They said the crime scene had been tampered with.

Hildebrand and Manley asked that an autopsy be conducted, but Loy and Rolfe denied the request, contending that Konecne had died from an unfortunate accident while drinking alone.

No calls to the BCI (now known as the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation) to request investigative assistance into Konecne’s suspicious death were ever made. An autopsy was not conducted. No criminal investigation took place. Konecne was buried in a turtleneck sweater. The choke marks on her neck couldn't be seen.

Anyone with information concerning Doris Elaine Konecne’s unsolved murder is encouraged to contact the FBI at 712-258-1920 or contact Special Agent in Charge Mike Motsinger at the Iowa DCI at 515-725-6010 or email mmotsing@dps.state.ia.us.

Cold Case breakdown

WHO: Doris Elaine Konecne

AGE: 38

DIED: Oct. 27, 1973

LOCATION: Creston

How you can help: Anyone with information concerning Doris Elaine Konecne’s unsolved murder is encouraged to contact the FBI at 712-258-1920 or contact Special Agent in Charge Mike Motsinger at the Iowa DCI at 515-725-6010 or email mmotsing@dps.state.ia.us..

MORE: Read more stories in our series, explore the database and watch videos on Iowa's unsolved murders, at DesMoinesRegister.com/GoneCold

DATABASE: Explore an interactive map of Iowa's unsolved murders, dating back to 1847, and learn more about each case from information gathered by Iowa Cold Cases

ABOUT THE PROJECT: Gone Cold: Getting away with murder