IA IA - David Schultz, 53, Wall Lake, 21 November 2023 #2

[LaylaD]

I don’t believe I’ve seen this video shared. This is from a family hog farm in SE Iowa. (This’ll Do FarmThis video shows the unloading process of baby pigs, including a snippet at about the 1:50 minute mark of the role a driver plays in the unloading process.

 

[abanddb123]

I have a hard time believing he ran into foul play because his wallet and a sizable amount of cash were left in his truck. At the same time, it doesn't make sense that he left voluntarily either - because his wallet and a sizable amount of cash were left in his truck. If those two possibilities are out, what's left?

Maybe he really did have a medical incident. Maybe something that was not fatal right away, but maybe enough time to be disoriented and get farther than expected and succumb. Drugs. Love triangle. Jealousy, I'm sure there is more

 

[Seattle1]

11/28/23

12/9/23

12/21/23

12/22/23

$2,000 reward offered for information about missing man David Schultz

 

[mst]

While life history proves it's very much possible to meet the wrong partner, I don't believe you ever get the wrong children, and I think men who willing leaving their children is the minority. In the case of DS, this is a man who dearly wanted a family, and found a partner willing to go through invitro to make it happen. So no, I don't think DS is a man who desired to escape being a father, and abandoned his current life. Just the opposite, I think he was making double runs in a day because he wanted to provide for them -- all a month before Christmas. Also, the couple celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary days before DS vanished-- where he gave his wife a large wall hanging (horseshoe/heart) as an anniversary gift. I don't get the vibe that DS missing is voluntarily. JMO

I thought it was a cross?

 

[Limecat]

I have a hard time believing he ran into foul play because his wallet and a sizable amount of cash were left in his truck. At the same time, it doesn't make sense that he left voluntarily either - because his wallet and a sizable amount of cash were left in his truck. If those two possibilities are out, what's left?

Honestly, I can’t make foul play really work in my head but I think it’s because I’m hung up on the money not being taken. My bias about that piece is I’m sure muddling my addled brain on that part. If it wasn’t for the scent dog tracking his scent only a short distance (I know there is no certainty with those amazing animals and it was so much later as well), I’d be thinking solidly it was a medical event and DS just hasn’t been found, which we know happens in so many missing persons cases.
I reeeeeaaaaaallllly don’t feel it was a voluntary walk away, or self harm. This one is going to gnaw at my brain until there are definitive answers, if there ever are any. Cannot imagine what his wife and loved ones are going through. All just MOO as usual.

 

[geevee]

What I find weird is - as far as we've heard - SS's friend was the only person who saw his truck sitting there. Apparently it was there from ~12:40 a.m. until after 2:00 or so the next afternoon - does no one else ever go down that road?

Aren't there other pig places that trucks would drive to on that road aside from the place SS's friend went to to feed their pigs? Doesn't Iowa highway patrol do patrols, or the local sheriff deputies, or anyone?

Just seems so strange for at least 12 hours only one vehicle passed that truck sitting in the middle of the road with its lights and engine off. Surreally strange.

 

[Seattle1]

I thought it was a cross?

It may have been but clearly, I was focused on the center piece which was a pair of horseshoes joined to a heart. Of course, we all see differently. JMO

 

[B4igo2it]

Dave

DAVID JOHN SCHULTZ | Iowa Department of Public Safety

dps.iowa.gov

 

[tarabull]

Dave

DAVID JOHN SCHULTZ | Iowa Department of Public Safety

dps.iowa.gov

What if I've seen this person?​

If you recognize this missing person, DO NOT TAKE ANY ACTION YOURSELF. Get as much information as you can (e.g. license number of a vehicle, exact location of sighting, activities individual involved in) and then call the number(s) listed above.

What if I know something about this?​

If you have information regarding the disappearance of this individual, please contact: the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation 515-725-6036.

 

[Seattle1]

What I find weird is - as far as we've heard - SS's friend was the only person who saw his truck sitting there. Apparently it was there from ~12:40 a.m. until after 2:00 or so the next afternoon - does no one else ever go down that road?

^^rsbm

IMO, one only needs to understand the culture and values of rural Iowa, and view an aerial map, to truly grasp how a livestock truck could be stopped in the road for for 12+ hours, undisturbed, where the owner returns and finds his cash and valuables waiting for him.

I hope this helps envision the area...

ArcGIS Web Application

isugisf.maps.arcgis.com

And I say this coming from a city environment where well heeled neighbors will gladly have your vehicle towed because they noticed it was parked for more than 48 hours without being moved!

Reportedly, a Sac County secondary road employee called in DS truck at late afternoon (3:04 pm on 11/21) after it was discovered stopped on a stretch of paved roadway in the northbound lane of County Road N-14, not far from where it intersects with D-15 in northeastern Sac County, the truck flanked by cornfields. A number of farms are visible from all directions, along with wind turbines off to the east.

Missing Iowa truck driver fuels speculation -- but not answers

Last month, the 53-year-old Wall Lake truck driver and father of 10-year-old twin boys disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

www.thegazette.com

 

[Interested_But_Confused]

I know the idea that Dave chose to walk away or self-harm isn't a nice one, but as I noted in a previous post there are quite a few pieces of circumstantial evidence that could support it. And there's also this comment from Sarah from the Sioux City Journal article, which I personally think is one of the most important things she has said:

Sarah said her husband, who has high blood pressure, would often complain he was tired and remark, "I can't take this." But when she would respond, "Maybe you need to find another job," he would dismiss her suggestion.

"I can't take this" could have a few different meanings depending on what, exactly, Dave was saying he couldn't take. But none of those meanings are good with respect to his mental health. And it doesn't sound like he was particularly healthy in general. Stressed, working all hours on very little sleep just to make ends meet.

The idea that people don't disappear or self-harm because they love their family, or because they have a new truck they've never driven, or for any other reason at all, is sadly not true.

Wife of missing Wall Lake truck driver David Schultz: 'I want my husband. It's exhausting. It's awful'

"I want my husband. It's exhausting. It's awful," Sarah Schultz said sobbing, as she clutched a plaid flannel shirt jacket that belongs to her husband, missing Wall Lake trucker David Schultz. A similar jacket was found near his abandoned truck.

siouxcityjournal.com

 

[BuySellTrade]

^^rsbm

I recall the same and the incident per public record is quite aged (7/1994)when DS in his early 20's, and no evidence in Iowa that DS was a repeat offender.

IMO, the Sheriff, also of SAC County, was probably an upper classman to DS, and I'd like to think has matured since 1994. Then again, from his interviews, maybe not. JMO.

https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TrialSimpFrame

Thank you. Have a hard time keeping up with WS. You are amazing with volume of good content posts.

Could not get anything to come up at link.

My thinking is that rural America has lots of dysfunction. Memories run deep through the generations. Some rural Sheriffs especially in recent years have gone way off the deep end. Drugs; guns; poverty; and race, religion, or Tribe where locals are aware but many overlook the peculating crime in practice unless directly threatened; many even find indirect profit (as in car dealers that sell to drug dealers). Much rural crime is more personal and in view with weak and corrupt LE often cemented in place, guarding turf.

Is it correct that State LE replaced the SAC Sheriff as lead agency in the investigation?

My impression is that LE has not been working close to Sarah.

 

[B4igo2it]

What I find weird is - as far as we've heard - SS's friend was the only person who saw his truck sitting there. Apparently it was there from ~12:40 a.m. until after 2:00 or so the next afternoon - does no one else ever go down that road?

Aren't there other pig places that trucks would drive to on that road aside from the place SS's friend went to to feed their pigs? Doesn't Iowa highway patrol do patrols, or the local sheriff deputies, or anyone?

Just seems so strange for at least 12 hours only one vehicle passed that truck sitting in the middle of the road with its lights and engine off. Surreally strange.

there were others. Remember SCSO:
Press Release
For Immediate Release
P.O.C. Sheriff Ken McClure
Date: December 9, 2023
SAC COUNTY, IOWA: November 21, 2023, at 2:23 PM, Sarah Schultz .... called the Lake View Police and reported her husband missing after she was unable to make contact with him by telephone."
(I suspect BOLOs issued with the PD and Sac County Sheriff IMO.)
"At 3:04 PM on November 21, 2023, a Sac County Secondary Road employee reported to the Sac County Sheriff's Office that there was a semi-tractor-trailer parked on the traveled portion of the road at the intersection of D-15 (190th Street) and N-14 (Union Ave.). It was reported that this semi had been sitting there since early morning. Responding deputies determined that it was David Schultz’s. The semi was shut off, and inside deputies found David Schutlz’s wallet and cell phone. David Schultz’s driver's license was in the wallet. Investigators would later learn that nothing was missing from the wallet."

Sac County Sheriff's Office | Sac City IA

Sac County Sheriff's Office, Sac City, Iowa. 8,921 likes · 1,119 talking about this · 23 were here. Sac County Sheriff's Office and has 10 sworn members. Sheriff's Office provides 24 hour 911 dispatch

www.facebook.com

 

[B4igo2it]

I visit the f/bk pages of many neighboring sheriff offices, to see what's happening in neighboring counties. I am glad to see Wright County (Eagle Grove) provide a "MISSING PERSON UPDATE ! ! ! dated December 28, 2023" with Reward info and importantly, keeping his name and face in the news.

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[nao]

Moo..if I passed a semi stopped on a, not a big hwy. I would just drive around it. Would figure driver needed to p@@ or something...moo

 

[Seattle1]

Thank you. Have a hard time keeping up with WS. You are amazing with volume of good content posts.

Could not get anything to come up at link.

My thinking is that rural America has lots of dysfunction. Memories run deep through the generations. Some rural Sheriffs especially in recent years have gone way off the deep end. Drugs; guns; poverty; and race, religion, or Tribe where locals are aware but many overlook the peculating crime in practice unless directly threatened; many even find indirect profit (as in car dealers that sell to drug dealers). Much rural crime is more personal and in view with weak and corrupt LE often cemented in place, guarding turf.

Is it correct that State LE replaced the SAC Sheriff as lead agency in the investigation?

My impression is that LE has not been working close to Sarah.

IMO, the County Sheriff has retained the lead because there is no evidence of a crime by DS or a criminal act upon him. The Sheriff accepted assistance from DCI, as he tells it, because they have the resources for electronic forensics (cell phone, surveillance cameras, etc.).

Sorry for the broken link -- I think this should work. (I don't use an App but for some reason copying the browser link to WS post pastes like an app).

Iowa Courts Online Search

 

[Interested_But_Confused]

Going back to the beginning, this is what I think we know based on the articles, press releases and interviews previously linked in the thread. Apologies if I've muddled or missed any details. Take it as IMO:

Dave was running late from a previous load and called his wife, Sarah, asking her to set out a change of clothes for him. When Dave arrived home between 7:00-7:30pm (sources differ on the exact time) he told Sarah he needed pants with deeper pockets, and either he or Sarah went upstairs to get a different pair. Dave gave Sarah and his grandson Niko a kiss as he was leaving, but told his 10-year-old son Joseph there wasn't enough time to give him a hug or kiss. Sarah remembers that Dave was wearing Wrangler pants and cowboy boots. She can't remember the colour of his shirt, and to my knowledge hasn't mentioned the colour of the pants or boots.

Dave arrived for the pick-up at Eagle Grove later than expected and was the last to load. The site has been searched and there's no publicly-released evidence of anything suspicious or unusual happening at the loading site. He left the loading site at 10:50pm.

Dave's trip from Eagle Grove to Marker 126 seems to have followed the expected timeline. He arrived at 11:15pm and stopped for 16 minutes. He was seen on camera checking the truck and his phone. There's no confirmation on whether he made a phone call. Other truckers have said this was likely a normal check on the truck prior to delivering a load. Nothing suspicious was seen on the video and there was no sign of a third party. Sarah looked at a video still and confirmed the man in the video is Dave, but she refused to watch the whole video because she didn't want it to be her last memory of him. Dave's truck was subsequently caught on a DOT camera heading west along Hwy 20 towards his destination.

Dave reached the Hwy 20/71 intersection within the expected timeframe at 12:18am. There's no evidence from cameras or paperwork that Dave ever reached his destination at Wiechman's, nor that he met with any third parties on the road--that doesn't mean he didn't meet anyone, but there's no publicly-released evidence that he did.

For whatever reason, Dave's truck turned north along Union Avenue instead of south along Hwy 71. The truck traveled four miles in the wrong direction before being parked on a quiet section of N14/Union Avenue close to the D15/190th St intersection. Data shows the truck traveling north to its final location, which it reached by 12:40am. There's no proof that Dave was driving, but equally, no evidence anyone else was. Driving from the 20/71 intersection to the N14/D15 intersection shouldn't take 22 minutes, but it's unclear if the truck was moving slowly, or remained stationary for extended periods of time along the way.

The parked truck was passed by a male friend who works feeding pigs, first at 5:30am and again on his return at 7:30am. The friend didn't think it was suspicious and assumed Dave was dealing with whatever the problem was.

Sarah was visited by Dave's boss later that morning, who informed her Dave never delivered his load. The boss and Dave's other colleagues spent the next few hours searching Dave's most likely route(s). Sarah called Dave's phone a number of times, without response. At 2:23pm Sarah reported Dave missing to the Lake View Sheriff's Office. She reported it as a medical issue because she had been told LE would respond more quickly--this may or may not have affected LE's initial handling of the case. At 3:04pm a Sac County road employee reported the truck to the Sac County Sheriff's Office.

A female officer called Sarah using Dave's phone, which was still inside the truck along with his wallet. Nothing was missing from the wallet, including $2000 in cash. Dave's old orange jacket was found in a ditch nearby, along with a pocketknife, phone charger and towel. Early reports of a muck boot and gloves being found may be incorrect. A tracker dog followed Dave's scent to a nearby field entrance, but reports differ on whether the dog lost the scent, or was called off due to poor weather conditions.

Thermal imaging cameras, drones, and ground searches were conducted for the next two days. Nothing was found. The weather was very cold with snow falling a few days after Dave went missing. It's unclear how wide the radius of the initial search was. Jake Rowley and the United Cajun Navy later conducted wide-ranging searches using drones, ATVs, horses and ground volunteers. They searched approximately 100,000 acres along Dave's presumed route. They also found nothing connected to Dave.

LE have examined many possiblities, including the possibility of Dave taking a flight or otherwise leaving the country. They have found no evidence he crossed any borders.

Dave's wife, Sarah, and his friends and colleagues don't believe he would leave by choice, nor that he would leave a load of pigs unattended. However, Sarah has admitted Dave has high blood pressure and would often tell her, "I can't take this." He has a loan for a new truck requiring $2000 per month repayments. Sarah quickly opened fundraising accounts after Dave went missing and admitted they relied on his paycheck.

Whatever happened, it happened when Sarah's daughter (Dave's stepdaughter) and grandson were visiting. Over the summer Dave had taken his twin sons, Joseph and Isaack, out with him on the truck for the first time. Dave grew up in Sac City and is familiar with the area.

Dave has had previous run-ins with LE and may have had previous addiction issues, but there's no public evidence of current problems, nor of any other drug-related issues.

---

I've tried to keep my personal opinions out of this and just lay out the known details.

 

[tarabull]

Where is David J. Schultz?

 

[SharonNeedles]

IMO, one only needs to understand the culture and values of rural Iowa, and view an aerial map, to truly grasp how a livestock truck could be stopped in the road for for 12+ hours, undisturbed, where the owner returns and finds his cash and valuables waiting for him.

I respectfully disagree. I think the determining factor here is that the truck likely did not appear abandoned to people passing by. I don't know how to what degree the truck was obstructing traffic, but it seems to me that it was just stopped in one lane. No shoulder there to pull over on, and visually obvious so as not to be a hazard. If I were to come upon this, I'd assume that the driver is in truck and simply go around. No reason to think the driver needs assistance or is missing.

 

[LC2]

I respectfully disagree. I think the determining factor here is that the truck likely did not appear abandoned to people passing by. I don't know how to what degree the truck was obstructing traffic, but it seems to me that it was just stopped in one lane. No shoulder there to pull over on, and visually obvious so as not to be a hazard. If I were to come upon this, I'd assume that the driver is in truck and simply go around. No reason to think the driver needs assistance or is missing.

View attachment 471207

The thing that bothers me about the friend that almost ran into his truck at 5:30, then again at 7:30 on his way back, is that he said he knew DS, and that whatever was the problem, he thought he had it handled. But if he knows DS and knows his work ethic/ character, wouldn’t he also question why he would park his truck like that? SS has said that many times in interviews that anyone that knows DS, knows he wouldn’t leave his truck like that. It’s still pitch black at 5:30 am and just getting light at 7:30. I am from rural Iowa myself, and would find that odd. But that’s just me I guess. We have reported cows out before. Not to get anyone in trouble, but out of concern for motorists safety and the cows. Plus the farmer may not even know they are out. And this is MOO, not insinuating anything. Just strange to me that his truck sat there for nearly 14 hours without being reported. And then again maybe it was reported and nothing was done about it.