March 28, 2024

Two charged with first-degree murder in Nodaway homicide case

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NODAWAY — Two men have been charged with first-degree murder in the ongoing investigation of the homicide of Allen Pafford, 44, who was found dead in his bedroom June 20 in Nodaway.

According to an Iowa Department of Public Safety report released Monday, Jon Rubendall, 41, and James Bost, 39, both currently residing in Hiawatha, Kan., were charged with first-degree murder Friday.

According to an Adams County Sheriff report, Pafford's mother, Kathryn Pafford, found her son and called 911 at approximately 11:19 a.m. June 20.

The report states Pafford was found on his knees, slouched over, with his head on the floor. A bed sheet was wrapped around his neck and head, and his hands were bound with a blue nylon strap similar in nature to a truck or trailer ratchet tie-down. His feet were bound with a nylon rope that was connected to the blue strap. There appeared to be a bullet wound to the back of his head, according to the report.

Investigators located a fired 9mm cartridge casing and a bullet that appeared to have come from a Hi-Point handgun. The bullet and shell casing were found next to Pafford's body.

A June 22 autopsy performed by the associate state medical examiner ruled Pafford's death a homicide.

Agents from the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) traveled to Hiawatha, Kan., Friday to interview witnesses and persons of interest, including Bost and Rubendall.

During the interview, Bost said Pafford owed Rubendall $3,000 for drugs. Several items of Pafford's were found in Rubendall's residence.

According to the Iowa DPS report, the investigation is ongoing.

Both Rubendall and Bost were being held on $1 million bond.