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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has moved to block the release of confidential records in the murder case of James David Bachmurski, the Decorah man accused of killing 15-year-old Jade Marie Colvin. This comes after a judge previously agreed to privately review the records at the defense's request. On May 9, Assistant Attorney General Michelle R. Becker filed a limited appearance on behalf of DHHS and submitted a motion to quash the subpoena, which sought the department's complete file on Colvin, including all correspondence and notes. The subpoena had been served just one day earlier, on May 8. In the filing, DHHS argues that the requested materials include confidential and privileged information protected under Iowa Code § 217.30, which prohibits the release of personal data about individuals who received services from the department—except under limited, legally defined circumstances. Those include disclosures for law enforcement or child protection purposes. Becker noted that none of the authorized exceptions apply in this matter and asserted that neither Bachmurski nor his attorney is entitled to access the confidential child abuse information in question. However, the department left open the possibility that the court could independently review the records if it finds the information is "necessary for the resolution of an issue" in the case under Iowa Code § 235A.15(2)(d). This development is part of an ongoing legal back-and-forth in the high-profile case. The defense contends that key DHHS records could show inconsistencies in the official timeline of Colvin's disappearance and may offer evidence that could help exonerate Bachmurski. In April, the judge agreed to subpoena the documents but stated that they would first be reviewed privately before determining what—if anything—could be disclosed. Bachmurski, 65, is accused of murdering Colvin, who was last seen by family in March 2017. His trial, initially scheduled for March 19, was postponed and is now set to begin on August 4. The court has not yet ruled on the DHHS motion.

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DHHS Moves to Quash Subpoena for Records