Lisa Techel, a 23-year-old newlywed and expectant mother, was tragically murdered in her Agency, Iowa home on May 26, 2012. Her death, caused by a single shotgun blast, shattered the idyllic life she shared with her husband, Seth, and extinguished the promise of their unborn daughter, Zoe Marie. This case, shrouded in dark secrets and simmering feuds, became a complex legal battle that would unravel a web of lies and ultimately lead to justice, but not without significant heartbreak and controversy.
Lisa and Seth Techel’s love story began at a local bowling alley, where they both worked as teenagers. Their high school romance blossomed into marriage in October 2011. They had recently moved into their first home, a trailer on a picturesque piece of land, and were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. Lisa had embarked on a career in law enforcement, working as a jailer at the Washington County Jail. Seth was soon to follow in her footsteps, starting a similar role in nearby Wapello County, where Lisa’s father, Todd Caldwell, served as a sheriff’s deputy. Their future seemed bright and full of promise.
Lisa and Seth Techel on their wedding day.
The Early Morning Tragedy and the Initial Suspect
The tranquility of their lives was shattered in the early hours of May 26, 2012. Seth called 911, reporting a horrifying scene: his pregnant wife, Lisa, had been shot in their bedroom. The responding deputy, Marty Wonderlin, immediately summoned Lisa’s father, Todd Caldwell, to the scene, a decision that would later haunt him due to the graphic nature of the crime.
The investigation immediately focused on a volatile neighbor, Brian, a disabled veteran with a history of mental health issues. A long-standing feud between Brian and the Techels, stemming from a dispute over a deer carcass and accusations of vandalism, made him an immediate person of interest. Todd Caldwell himself pointed to Brian as the likely culprit, urging deputies to apprehend him.
Seth Techel during his murder trial.
Shifting Focus and Unraveling Secrets
While Brian initially appeared to be the prime suspect, investigators began to scrutinize Seth Techel’s account of the events. During an interview with the Division of Criminal Investigation, Seth maintained his story of being in the shower when an intruder entered the home and shot his wife. However, investigators soon uncovered a troubling secret: Seth had been engaging in a clandestine relationship with a coworker, Rachel, communicating with her on a burner phone. He initially downplayed the affair but later admitted to misleading Rachel about his intentions to leave his wife.
The discovery of the murder weapon, a shotgun owned by one of Seth’s friends and kept in the Techel home, further complicated the case. The weapon was found discarded in the woods near the house. After interviewing Brian again and determining he was unlikely to be the perpetrator, investigators shifted their focus entirely to Seth. He was subsequently arrested, a particularly poignant moment as the arresting officers used the same handcuffs Lisa had used as a reserve deputy.
Three Trials and a Search for Justice
The case against Seth Techel proved to be far from straightforward. He faced three separate trials, the first two ending in hung juries. The defense in these trials attempted to redirect suspicion towards Brian, who sadly passed away shortly after Lisa’s murder, never having the opportunity to clear his name.
In the third trial, Seth’s new defense team shifted their strategy, focusing on what they claimed was a flawed investigation. They highlighted untested evidence and the absence of direct physical evidence linking Seth to the crime. They also uncovered a startling revelation: Lisa had been having an affair with a married colleague.
Despite this unexpected twist, the jury ultimately found Seth guilty of first-degree murder and nonconsensual termination of a human pregnancy in 2014. The verdict brought a sense of closure to Lisa’s family, but the case left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of secrets, betrayal, and a justice system grappling with complex and emotionally charged circumstances.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Loss and a Pursuit of Truth
The murder of Lisa Techel remains a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love and loss. The convoluted path to justice, marked by multiple trials, shifting suspicions, and hidden affairs, underscored the complexities of human relationships and the challenges faced by the legal system in unraveling the truth. While the verdict ultimately brought a sense of closure, the scars of this tragedy will undoubtedly remain for both families involved. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of thorough investigation, the pursuit of justice, and the lasting impact of violent crime on individuals and communities.
