On April 8, 2022, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a call that human remains had been located east of Fairfield near the Fairfield Loop Trail and the BNSF railroad tracks. Deputies located human remains belonging to an adult male in a state of advanced decay.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and have identified the remains as Harold “Hal” Bennett 11/12/1956. Mr. Bennett had been reported missing by family and friends to the Fairfield Police Department in the fall of 2020. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has determined there is no evidence of foul play and no threat to the public. The following agencies assisted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation:
Fairfield Police Department
Fairfield Fire Department
Jefferson County Medical Examiner
Iowa Office of State Medical Examiner
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation – DNA Unit
Jackson (Wyoming) Police Department
The Jefferson County Attorney’s office said a special thanks is due the citizens who called the Sheriff’s Office and provided information to assist in this investigation. The Attorney also sent out condolences to the family and friends of Hal Bennett.