As reported by KOAA, authorities conducted a search of the home and the surrounding property. However, they did not find any evidence to suggest Kara Nichols was killed or buried on the property. Joel Hollendorfer’s mother, Betty, suggested authorities search another property he had access to, which was across the street from her home. Authorities searched the property at 1660 Green Acres with cadaver dogs. Although the dogs led authorities to what appeared to be a shallow grave, no evidence of human remains was found.
In a follow-up interview with Hollendorfer, he admitted he actually did make plans to meet Nichols, but she never showed up. He also admitted he hired escorts frequently and also used illegal drugs. Hollendorfer was married at the time, but his wife refused to talk to authorities. As they had little evidence directly linking Hollendorfer and Nichols, the case went unsolved for nearly 13 years. However, Joel’s former wife, Kristina, finally agreed to an interview in February 2022. During the interview, she revealed her husband confessed to accidentally killing an escort by strangulation. He further confessed to burying her in a horse’s grave on his parents’ property.
During a subsequent search of the Hollendorfer property, authorities found Nichols’ remains buried with the remains of one of the family’s horses. According to KOAA, Hollendorfer was ultimately arrested and charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
