Gone Cold: Maureen Farley, killed in 1971

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.

The body of newly married Maureen Farley was found lying atop a junk car Sept. 24, 1971, by two boys hunting in a wooded ravine off Ely Road near Cedar Rapids’ southwestern edge. The Linn County medical examiner ruled that Farley had been dead for between 48 and 96 hours, and said that her death was caused by a massive blow to the right side of her head.

She had last been seen alive one week earlier when she borrowed money for a pack of cigarettes, planning to repay the debt later that day after picking up her paycheck from her waitressing job at Weida’s Restaurant. Police officials believed Farley’s death occurred at a place other than where her body was discovered and were particularly interested in her actions and whereabouts from Sept. 17 — the day she was last seen alive — through Sept. 22.

Farley’s body showed no indication of defense wounds, which would be evident if a struggle occurred or if she been given an opportunity to fight off her attacker or attackers. Her clothing was somewhat in disarray, but not torn. The blunt trauma to the side of her head pointed to a surprise attack that caught her off guard.

The Des Moines Register, in partnership with the Iowa Newspaper Association, is highlighting some of Iowa's unsolved homicides in the hopes that it will lead to new tips and potentially help solve cases.

Cold Case breakdown

WHO: Maureen Brubaker Farley

AGE: 17

DIED: Sept. 21, 1971

LOCATION: Cedar Rapids

How you can help: If you have any information about Maureen Brubaker Farley’s unsolved murder, please contact Detective Doug Larison at 319-286-5412 or email d.larison@cedar-rapids.org or call the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at 515-725-6010.

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