Iowa Mom's Murder Almost Went Unsolved, Until a Zipper Exposed the Truth
When Ilene Gowan's frozen body was discovered in an Iowa ditch, her family was left heartbroken and without answers. Her boyfriend, Ivan "Sam" Brammer, was a suspect, but a lack of evidence kept authorities from charging him with murder — until a peculiar mark on her neck helped uncover the truth.
A Missing Mom Found in the Cold
On Feb. 26, 2023, Ilene Gowan's frozen body was found in a roadside ditch near Old Mormon Bridge Road in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The 60-year-old mother had been missing since Valentine's Day and was last seen on surveillance footage leaving her job at Sugar's Lounge and Diner and entering Brammer's truck.
When her body was discovered, Gowan was still wearing the same clothes seen in the surveillance footage, except for one missing shoe. Her cellphone, purse, and personal safe containing $1,200 were also missing, raising immediate suspicions about foul play.
Despite multiple injuries on her body, including over 30 cuts and bruises, an initial autopsy failed to determine the cause of death. With no concrete evidence, police could not charge Brammer with murder, leaving Gowan's family desperate for answers.
An Unexpected Clue Reveals the Truth
Enter Dr. Michael Baden, a renowned forensic pathologist. At the request of Gowan's family, Dr. Baden reexamined her case, carefully reviewing photos of her body and the scene where she was found. That's when he spotted something unusual: an imprint on Gowan's neck resembling the teeth of a zipper.
Baden testified that such marks often occur when an object like jewelry or a zipper is caught between a victim's neck and an assailant's arm during strangulation. Ultimately, his findings and testimony led to a murder charge being added to Brammer's existing charges of theft and abuse of a corpse.
A Web of Deception
Brammer's attempts to cover his tracks began almost immediately. Just days after Gowan's disappearance, he deposited $1,200, the same amount missing from Gowan's safe, into his bank account. On Feb. 25, he destroyed his Ford F-150 at a salvage yard, likely hoping to eliminate incriminating evidence.
Despite his efforts, investigators pieced together the truth through surveillance footage and phone records. Footage showed Gowan slumped in Brammer's truck the morning after her disappearance, indicating she was already deceased while in his vehicle. Phone records further corroborated the timeline, aligning Brammer's movements with key moments in the investigation. These critical details painted a clear picture of Brammer's involvement and helped build the case against him.
One Step Closer to Closure
In November 2023, a jury found Brammer guilty of second-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and theft. During his sentencing on Jan. 16, Gowan's family confronted him in court. Her son, Jack Kilgore, asked for the highest possible punishment. "Your honor, I'm asking you to give this monster the max sentence, considering he beat our mother, leaving over 30 cuts and bruises on her body," according to KETV.
Judge Richard Davidson sentenced Brammer to a maximum of 65 years in prison, citing the cruelty and seriousness of the crimes. Given Brammer's age, the sentence ensures he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
A Family's Persistence Pays Off
Thanks to Gowan's family’s persistence and Dr. Baden's forensic expertise, Ivan "Sam" Brammer was held accountable for his crimes. While the tragedy cannot be undone, it showcases how advancements in forensic science and relentless determination can bring justice to victims and ensure that criminals are held responsible for their actions.
In addition to his 65-year sentence, Brammer was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution. His defense team has announced plans to file an appeal, though the evidence presented in court strongly supported the jury's verdict.
References: Iowa mom's boyfriend nearly got away with murder — until a zipper changed everything | 61-year-old man sentenced to prison for killing his girlfriend, dumping her body
