CARROLL — A Lanesboro man faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of a Caroll man that happened nearly six years ago.

Albert J. Wolfe, 33, was arrested Thursday in the death of Christian Balke-Thompson, 26, who was last seen on May 2, 2020.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and the Iowa Cold Case Unit announced Wolfe’s arrest.

According to court documents, Wolfe admitted to dismantling and cutting up Balke-Thompson’s vehicle, but denied knowing anything about his disappearance. A vehicle believed to be Balke-Thompson’s was found May 4, 2020, in a shed five miles north of Carroll. His cell phone last pinged near that address.

Balke-Thompson was reported as a missing person to the Rockwell City Police Department. Investigators followed up on many leads, but Balke-Thompson has never been found.

According to court documents, a friend of Balke-Thosmpson’s said Wolfe shot him and wrapped his body in a tarp before setting it on fire in a burn pit.

“This arrest is a milestone in securing justice for Christian Balke-Thompson and his family,” said Bird. “No one should get away with murder, and no family should have to wait for answers.”

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was assisted by the Rockwell City Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County Attorney’s Office, and the Iowa Search and Rescue K9.

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office and the Carroll County Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case in Carroll County.

The investigation into Balke-Thompson’s case is still active.

The Iowa Cold Case Unit was created in 2024.