The Tragic Murder of Angela Prichard: A Routine Morning Turned Deadly
On the morning of October 8, 2022, Angela Prichard arrived at her workplace, Mississippi Ridge Kennels in Bellevue, Iowa, expecting a typical day tending to the dogs. Tragically, the day would unfold into a horrific event that would leave her family and community in shock. That morning, her estranged husband, Christopher Prichard, ambushed her inside the kennel with a shotgun, fatally shooting her in the chest. Special Agent Dustin Henningsen of the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation led the probe into the case, revealing that Christopher Prichard had approached the kennel under the cover of darkness, around 4 a.m., and lay in wait for Angela. The case gained national attention through an episode of 48 Hours titled "Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?", which aired on March 15, 2023, on CBS and Paramount+. The episode explores whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.
A Day That Began with Deception and Ended in Tragedy
The events leading up to Angela’s murder are both chilling and heartbreaking. On October 7, 2022, the day before the shooting, Christopher Prichard trespassed into a nearby acquaintance’s barn, where he reportedly waited before making his way through the woods to the kennel under the cover of darkness. Angela’s sister, Wendy Budde, revealed that Christopher knew the combination to the kennel, allowing him to gain access undetected. When Angela arrived at work the next morning to care for the dogs, Christopher confronted her. In a desperate attempt to save herself, Angela dialed 911, pleading with him to leave and even shouting his name, "Chris!" Tragically, the call recorded the sound of a gunshot before it ended. She was later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the barking of the kennel dogs, which could be heard in the early hours of the morning, marked the time Christopher arrived at the kennel.
Angela’s Fears and the Failures in Protection
Angela Prichard had been living in fear of her estranged husband for months before her death. She had been granted a restraining order against Christopher on September 1, 2022, after enduring relentless harassment, stalking, and threats. Fearing for her safety, she moved in with her sister, Wendy Budde, leaving the home she once shared with her husband. Despite these precautions, Christopher continued to violate the restraining order, leading to an arrest warrant being issued nine days before her murder, on September 29, 2022. Angela’s family believes that local law enforcement failed to act swiftly to apprehend Christopher, despite his being relatively easy to locate in the small town of Bellevue. They argue that had police taken more decisive action, Angela’s life might have been saved.
A Family’s Quest for Justice
Following Angela’s death, her family sought accountability for the loss of their loved one. Christopher Prichard fled the scene of the crime but was ultimately apprehended 16 hours later. He was charged with first-degree murder and robbery, and after a lengthy trial, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole in March 2024. However, the family’s pursuit of justice did not end there. They filed a lawsuit against the City of Bellevue and three police officers, alleging that the authorities had failed to uphold their duty to protect Angela despite the active restraining order and arrest warrant. In a devastating blow to the family, a federal judge dismissed the case in its entirety in January 2025. Undeterred, Angela’s family has decided to appeal the decision, determined to ensure that those they believe failed to protect her are held accountable.
Remembering Angela: A Life Lost to Domestic Violence
Angela Prichard was more than a victim of domestic violence; she was a devoted mother, a passionate animal lover, and a vibrant member of her community. Her tragic death has left a gaping hole in the lives of her loved ones and raised questions about the systemic failures that allowed her death to occur. Angela’s family remembers her as a kind and resilient woman who had been working to rebuild her life after leaving her abusive marriage. She had documented her fears and concerns on sticky notes, a poignant reminder of the Fragile existence she led in her final days. Her story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence and the urgent need for better support systems for victims.
A Call to Action: Preventing Future Tragedies
Angela Prichard’s death has sparked a broader conversation about domestic violence prevention and the role of law enforcement in protecting those at risk. While the legal system has held Christopher Prichard accountable for his heinous crime, the dismissal of the family’s lawsuit against the City of Bellevue and its police officers has left many wondering whether justice has truly been served. The case serves as a stark reminder of the gaps in the system that can have deadly consequences. 48 Hours episode "Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?" sheds light on these questions, offering a deeply personal and probing look at the events surrounding her death. As the Prichard family continues their fight for accountability, they hope that Angela’s story will inspire change and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her story serves as a call to action for all of us to Advocate for stronger protections for survivors of domestic violence.
