Julia Benning:1975, Waverly, Iowa

   

  Julia Benning was born on December 12th, 1956. Her mother was Joann M. Demro Benning and her father was Lowell Benning. She was one of five daughters. 

 

  Julia grew up with a love of reading and art. On Find a Grave there are several wonderful photos of her with her family. In one photo she poses in her room with her paintings. In another photo she is lifting a very large rock on her family’s farm. 


  She was working as a server in 1975 at the Sir Lounge and living in Waverly with her Grandmother. 


  On November 28th, 1975, she was on her way to work but never made it. 


  Months went by with no sign of Julia. The Christmas holidays came and went. She was finally found in March in a ditch in the area of Shell Rock, Iowa. That’s a little town west of Waverly. It’s officially in Butler County. 


   She had not been far from home but Winter snow likely concealed her remains until the Spring thaw. Butler County and Bremer County officers responded as well as members of the Iowa Bureau of Criminal Investigation. 


  There are some similarities to the disappearance and murder of Sheila Foley. She was murdered within two weeks of Julia Benning. Sheila had been sitting in a car outside a tavern waiting for friends.  Gary was known to be a drinker. Did he also go out drinking the night that Julia went missing? 


  Gary Lee Frazer was found guilty of Sheila Foley’s murder. He was 25 at the time of his trial. He was found guilty in May. He is currently incarcerated and will be for life. Did he also kill Julia?


   Is there any evidence that can be tested? DNA might still be under her fingernails even though she was left outdoors for months. DNA might still be under her fingernails even though she has been buried all these years. Julia was strong.  She was tough from farm life. She had four sisters and sometimes there are fights.  Julia would have fought hard. There is probably still DNA from her killer under her nails. 


   Maybe it was Frazer. Maybe we can just assume it was and then there is no need to test the DNA.  But what if it wasn't?  What if her killer is sitting around in front of his t.v. today? What if he smiles thinking that he has fooled everyone?  I think we should test to be sure.


   If you have a tip about the murder of Julia Benning please email  coldcase@ag.iowa.gov


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