5 key details about Angela Prichard's murder
Angela Prichard was shot and killed at her dog boarding business, Mississippi Ridge Kennels, in Bellevue, Iowa, on October 8, 2022. According to the Telegraph Herald, Angela's estranged husband, Christopher Prichard, was found guilty of killing her. He was sentenced to life in prison in March 2024. The case of Angela's fatal shooting is set to be featured on a 48 Hours episode titled Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved.
Before her murder, Angela had taken several legal precautions to protect herself from her estranged husband. She had filed a restraining order against Christopher, citing harassment and threats, but it wasn’t enforced. While an arrest warrant was issued for Prichard just days before he killed his wife, authorities reportedly didn't take action, despite knowing his whereabouts.
After Angela’s death, her family filed a lawsuit against the Bellevue police, claiming officers delayed Christopher’s arrest and treated him with favoritism. The Des Moines Register, on April 12, 2024, reported that the lawsuit accused police of ignoring red flags that could have prevented the murder.
The 48 Hours episode featuring Angela Prichard's murder is set to be released on CBS on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10/9c. It will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
5 key insights about Angela Prichard's murder explored
Angela Prichard was murdered by her estranged husband, Christopher Prichard, at her dog-boarding business, Mississippi Ridge Kennels, in Iowa, in October 2022. The case was widely covered due to its legal implications, including alleged failures by law enforcement to enforce protective measures.
The murder was featured on 48 Hours in the episode Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved? The episode examined whether intervention by authorities could have prevented her death.
1) Violation of restraining orders and delayed arrest
Months before her murder, Angela Prichard had filed a restraining order against Christopher, citing ongoing harassment, stalking, and threats. The restraining order was granted on September 1, 2022, after Angela had moved out of their shared home.
However, Christopher repeatedly violated the order, including sending threats via text. An arrest warrant was issued for him on September 30, 2022, for failing to serve a six-day jail sentence. However, law enforcement reportedly did not take action despite knowing his whereabouts, as per Iowa Capital Dispatch, January 16, 2025.
2) 911 call and key evidence from the scene
On the morning of October 8, 2022, Angela Prichard arrived at Mississippi Ridge Kennels to begin her workday. However, she was unaware that Christopher had been waiting inside with a shotgun. He reportedly snuck into a nearby barn the night before and trekked through the woods to avoid detection.
As Angela entered and discovered her estranged husband, she called 911. In the call, she can be heard pleading, "Please get out," before screaming, "Chris!" followed by the sound of a gunshot. The recording provided key evidence in the case noted in CBS News on March 14, 2025.
3) Police were accused of favoritism toward the suspect
Angela Prichard’s family filed a lawsuit against the Bellevue Police Department, alleging negligence in enforcing legal protections. The lawsuit claimed that police officers had a personal relationship with Christopher and had "shown favoritism," which contributed to the delayed enforcement of the arrest warrant.
It alleged that Christopher had provided electrical services to officers at discounted rates. The judge dismissed the case in January 2025 due to insufficient evidence, but the family has appealed, as per Des Moines Register, April 12, 2024.
4) Christopher Prichard’s trial and conviction
Christopher Prichard spent sixteen hours on the run before authorities caught up with him. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and robbery. His trial started on February 5, 2024, and wrapped up by February 13, 2024, and he was found guilty of killing his wife.
While prosecutors had forensic evidence that left no room for doubt, the bullet trajectory analysis also worked in their favor. They could disprove Christopher’s claim that the shooting was an accident.
They also had a recording of the 911 call, which had Angela's final moments being presented to the jury. They heard her voice pleading with her estranged husband to leave, after which he shot and killed her.
Christopher Prichard was sentenced to life in prison without parole on March 23, 2024.
5) Public and legal impact of the case
Angela Prichard’s murder raised concerns about the enforcement of restraining orders and the responsibilities of law enforcement in domestic violence cases. Despite multiple reports of threats and stalking, authorities reportedly didn't act swiftly to detain Christopher. The case sparked discussions on legal reforms and accountability measures for local police departments.
48 Hours explored these issues in Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?, and questioned whether stronger intervention could have changed the outcome. Angela Prichard’s family continues to seek legal action, arguing that her murder was preventable.
The case highlights the importance of the strict enforcement of protective orders and the role of law enforcement in addressing domestic violence threats before they escalate.
Stay tuned for more updates.
