Who Was Angela Prichard & What Happened to Her? 2026 Update & Profile

Angela Marie Prichard was a 55-year-old Bellevue, Iowa, woman remembered by family and friends as a devoted mother, grandmother, animal lover, and small business owner. She owned and operated Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels, where she spent her days caring for dogs and other animals. Those closest to her described her as compassionate, creative, and deeply committed to her family, especially her two sons and six grandchildren.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Angela graduated from Hempstead High School and built a life centered around family. She enjoyed arts and crafts, loved her five huskies, and was known for helping others. After a previous marriage ended, she later met Christopher Prichard, a Bellevue electrician. The couple married in March 2019 and initially appeared happy together.

• “Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?”: 48 Hours Reports June 13 2026
• Who Is Christopher Prichard & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Profile

A Marriage That Turned Dangerous

According to family members, the relationship began to deteriorate after Christopher lost his job and began drinking heavily. Angela’s sister, Wendy Budde, said Christopher’s behavior became increasingly erratic and alarming. Family members later learned he was also using methamphetamine.

In April 2022, Angela reported that Christopher had physically assaulted her. He was arrested and a no-contact order was issued. Although Angela briefly attempted to reconcile with him, the situation continued to worsen. She later discovered a tracking device on her vehicle and hidden cameras inside her home. She became convinced that Christopher was constantly monitoring her movements.

Angela Documented Her Fear

As the abuse escalated, Angela began documenting incidents on brightly colored sticky notes. These notes became a diary of the stalking, threats, intimidation, and harassment she experienced.

In her writings, Angela described feeling watched, followed, and terrified. She wrote statements expressing concern that Christopher was capable of extreme violence and repeatedly noted that she feared for her life. The notes provided a powerful record of her state of mind during the final weeks of her life and later became important evidence at trial.

Angela obtained a second no-contact order in September 2022 and moved in with her sister. However, family members said Christopher continued violating court orders by texting her, driving past residences, stalking her, and appearing near places he knew she would be.

The Murder at the Kennels

On the morning of October 8, 2022, Angela arrived at Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels to begin her workday. Investigators later determined that Christopher had entered the property hours earlier and waited inside for her arrival. Surveillance evidence suggested he entered around 4 a.m. and remained hidden until she arrived shortly before 7:40 a.m.

When Angela encountered him, she immediately called 911. During the call, she repeatedly asked him to leave before shouting his name, “Chris!” Moments later, a gunshot was heard. Investigators later described those final words as the first piece of evidence identifying her killer.

Responding officers found Angela dead from a shotgun wound to the chest. She was discovered in the kennel washroom where she cared for animals. The killing shocked the small community of Bellevue and launched a large-scale manhunt for Christopher.

Justice for Angela

Christopher Prichard fled after the shooting but was arrested roughly sixteen hours later at a friend’s home. Prosecutors argued that he had carefully planned the murder, including hiding a vehicle and traveling through wooded areas to reach the kennel without being detected.

During his trial in February 2024, Christopher claimed the shooting was accidental. Jurors rejected that explanation after hearing extensive evidence, including Angela’s 911 call, surveillance footage, forensic testimony, and her written notes documenting months of abuse. The jury convicted him of first-degree murder and robbery after a brief deliberation. In March 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. His conviction was later upheld on appeal.

The Lasting Impact of Her Death

Angela’s family continues to advocate for stronger enforcement of domestic violence protection orders. They have argued that numerous warnings, reports, and court order violations should have resulted in more intervention before the murder occurred. The family filed a lawsuit against the City of Bellevue and several police officers, alleging failures in enforcing the no-contact order and arrest warrant issued against Christopher. Although the lawsuit was dismissed, appeals and legal challenges have continued.

Today, Angela Prichard is remembered not only as a victim of domestic violence but also as a woman who repeatedly sought help and documented the danger she faced. Her final 911 call and her handwritten notes helped secure the conviction of the man who killed her. Through her family’s efforts and national attention from 48 Hours, her story continues to raise awareness about domestic violence, stalking, and the importance of protecting victims before threats turn deadly.

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