Barbara Lenz was 31 when she disappeared from her western Iowa apartment in May 1989. Her body was never found.

Barbara Lenz went missing in 1989 but the case went cold. Her boyfriend was charged Monday with first-degree murder thanks to a new cold case unit.

"This arrest is a milestone in securing justice for Barbara Lenz,” Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said in a statement.

Benjamin Lee Lewis passed away on February 25, 2025 at the age of 70, surrounded by his loving family.