Victim Likely Suffered "Prolonged Domestic Abuse"

"MONTROSE, IA — A Montrose couple is dead after a man beat his wife to death before shooting himself, a Lee County official said. The couple was found Wednesday.

"Lee County Medical Examiner Eugenio Torres says Dirk Richard Fellows, 59, beat Jody Carol Fellows, 64, all over her body with his fists. Torres determined a blow to her head killed her.

"Fellows then shot himself in the head. Sheriff officials also found the family dog shot dead.

"Sheriff Jim Sholl said the couple was found in their home after a welfare check request. Sholl says a family friend was concerned when she hadn't heard from Jody Fellows in several days.

"After checking local hospitals and getting no response at the door, deputies saw the vehicles were in the garage and the house doors were locked from the inside, so they looked in the windows of the house. Sholl says deputies saw Dirk Fellows in his bed and saw blood.

"They went into the house and found Jody fellows near the door dead on the floor.

"Investigators say the occurrence wasn't a fluke.

"`She is possibly the victim of extended, prolonged domestic abuse,` Sholl said. `When you look at old bruises and new bruises, I think she was a victim of continued domestic violence.`"

From WGEM.com...

Police Find Dead Couple In Home

"DES MOINES< IA — Two people were found dead inside a house early Monday in what Des Moines police said appeared to be a murder/suicide.

"Matthew John Hansen, 49, and Melissa Jo Downing, 48, had gunshot wounds, police said. Police said they believe Hansen fatally shot Downing and himself.

"Downing lived at the house on 3269 East Douglas Avenue where the bodies were found. One of her friends went there at about 8 a.m. Monday after Downing didn't show up for work, police said in a news release. The back door was open and nobody came to the door, so she called police.

"When officers entered the home they found the man and woman dead. Police didn't say when they died."

Source: Des Moines Register...

"It Was Like 'Pow, Pow, Pow!'"

"CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Police are investigating a murder-suicide in southwest Cedar Rapids.

"Police were called to the 6100 block of Dean Road SW at about 4:40 p.m. after a 911 caller reported two shooting victims in a parking lot outside of a multi-family dwelling.

"An adult male and adult female were dead. The names and ages of the shooting victims are not going to be released until Monday morning, police said.

"`Based on preliminary information, investigators believe this is a domestic-related situation involving a murder-suicide and that the public is not at risk,` police said in a news release.

"A neighbor standing near the scene Friday night said he heard shots between 3 and 4 p.m. Friday.

"`I heard it, it sounded like fireworks—it was a consistent 10 or 12 rounds,` said Tristan Hermanson, 24, who has lived in the condominium complex for a year and two months. `It was like 'pow, pow, pow,' at least a dozen rounds went off and then police and ambulances and fire trucks came running up.`"

Source: wcfcourier.com...

Man Kills Wife, Mother-In-Law Before Shooting Himself

"CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — A man shot his wife and his mother-in-law before turning the gun on himself in a southwest Cedar Rapids homicide/suicide Thursday morning.

"Robert Drew Livingston, 47, of Cedar Rapids, allegedly shot and killed his wife, Ingrid Huber Livingston, 41, and her mother, Linda Jane Huber, 73, both of Cedar Rapids, early Thursday morning, according to Cedar Rapids Police.

"Livingston then allegedly shot and killed himself, police said.

"Livingston allegedly entered the residence of Huber, located at 3515 Banar Drive SW, Unit B, before the shootings occurred, according to police.

"The Livingstons lived at 3600 Big Horn Road SW. They have two minor children who were not hurt in the incident, according to police.

"Police say they will not release further details at this time but that the public is not in danger."

From KWWL.com...

Two Dead After Domestic Disturbance

"MUSCATINE, IA — Two people died after a shooting that Muscatine Police are investigating as a possible murder/suicide.

"Police were sent to a home in the 800 block of Oak Street at about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013 after someone called and reported a disturbance there. When officers arrived, they reported hearing multiple gunshots coming from the residence.

"Teresa Rowan, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lance Stormm, 39, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital and later airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospital where he later died. Police said Stormm had suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

"`At this time this incident is being treated as a possible murder/suicide,` said a statement from Lt. Jeff Kirak of the Muscatine Police Department."

From WQAD.com...

"A Bad Situation Gone Bad"

"COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA — A relationship ended with gunshots in a Council Bluffs home on Saturday.

"Police said 38-year-old Stephony Metzger died from a gunshot wound Saturday morning at the Bluffs Acres mobile home park, north of Lake Manawa. They also found 42-year-old Terry Francis inside, who died of a single gunshot wound.

"Authorities said it appeared that Francis shot Metzger and then turned the gun on himself.

"The two had been in a long-term relationship, according to police, one which a neighbor said the woman had been trying to end.

"`He would not take no for an answer, and it just accumulated to this,` said neighbor Jennifer Iwersen. `It’s just a bad situation gone bad.`

"A family member called police just after 10 a.m. after the shooting. Investigators said a woman and a child were also inside the home during the shooting, but officials said they were not suspects.

"Officials said they were not searching for anyone in the case.

"Family members said they loved the woman who lived at the home. She had three children between the ages of 12 and 18, family members said."

From KETV...

Murder/Suicide Suspected In Deaths Of Mother, Son

"COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA — Earlier this week, a passer-by discovered two bodies deep in the woods in an Iowa State Park. The bodies were too decomposed to be identified other than being a woman and a boy, so autopsies were performed to learn the identities and the causes of death for the two people.

"When the results came back, according to CBSnews.com, speculations were confirmed. The bodies were a Nebraska resident, Charlotte Schilling, and her young son, Owen. The two had disappeared about two weeks before and never returned. Schilling's car was found, but authorities were still looking for the mother and son.

"Schilling was last seen at a convenience store earlier with her son according to witnesses, but nothing else was known about the events that led up to the deaths. Everything seemed normal, so the authorities' guesses at this point are surprising.

"Outside foul play is not suspected by authorities. Instead, at this point, they believe that Schilling herself is responsible for the actions. More work is being done to confirm it, but the action is believed to be a murder-suicide.

"Neighbors and witnesses are very surprised at this assumption, believing that nothing at all had been wrong with the family. The boy was said to be very happy and the mother was very kind. They were great people, according to neighbors."

From The Owl...

Mom Crashes Car Into Bridge Pillar After Killing Son

"DES MOINES, IA — Police say a young Iowa mother was upset about custody arrangements a day before killing her 2-year-old son and herself.

"Indianola and Des Moines police held a joint news conference Sunday about the deaths of 23-year-old Kelli Sly and her son, Gavin.

"Police say Sly killed Gavin inside their Indianola apartment sometime Sunday morning.

"Then Sly drove about 20 miles north to Des Moines where she crashed her vehicle into a bridge pillar and died. The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. Sunday, and Gavin Sly's body was found about a half hour later.

"Indianola police say officers spoke to Kelli Sly Saturday because she violated a court order by contacting her estranged husband. Sly's husband said then he worried she would hurt herself, but Sly denied being suicidal on Saturday."

From KGAN...

UPDATE:

03/28/2012 — Iowa mom struggled with depression, bipolar disorder...

"She Was The Sweetest Girl I Ever Met"

"JESUP, IA — A family member of a young Evansdale woman who was shot and killed in Jesup Wednesday night has identified the attacker as a local doctor.

"Lindsey Nichols knew Dr. Timothy Roses, a Texas radiologist, through Covenant Medical Center where she had studied radiology, said John Brandenburg, an uncle of Nichols.

"Brandenburg said Roses had followed Nichols to a Jesup address Wednesday and then shot her and himself.

"As of Thursday morning, autopsy results were pending, and Buchanan County authorities would only say they were investigating a shooting that killed two people. They said there was no continuing threat to the public.

"Covenant officials didn’t immediately comment.

"Nichols, a 2008 Waterloo East High graduate, had worked at a Menards home improvement store in Waterloo.

"`She was the sweetest girl I ever met,` Brandenburg said."

From wcfcourier.com...

UPDATE:

03/23/2012 — New boyfriend witnessed killings, called 911...
03/24/2012 — Shooting had Facebook angle...

One Dead In Botched Murder/Suicide

"MUSCATINE, IA — A Muscatine man is dead after police say he tried to kill his wife before turning the gun on himself.

"Around 3:30pm Saturday Muscatine police were called to 1933 Vail avenue after receiving a 911 call of shots fired.

"`Report from female residence in house that male subject had discharged weapon,` said Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Jose Varela.

"Police say the woman was able to make it out safely despite being shot at.

"`Some information released to us that shots fired in her direction,` said Varela.

"As she was running to a neighbors for help, police say a second round of gunfire erupted. Neighbors say the married couple who lived in the house had recently been fighting. Saturday they could only stand in disbelief as police set up a perimeter trying to make cell phone contact with the man inside for nearly and hour before going inside.

"`After maintaining perimeter on house and made entry, sheriff did locate male subject in house that suffered self inflicted gunshot wound,` said Varela.

"Police have not said where the man shot himself but say it appears he tried to kill his wife before turning the gun on himself.

"The name of the victim has not been released and the investigation continues."

From WQAD.com...

Small Town Shook Up Over Murder/Suicide

"SHAMBAUGH, IA — A possible murder suicide is shaking up a small town in southwest Iowa.

"The Iowa Department of Public Safety is handling an investigation in Shambaugh near Clarinda.

"Law enforcement officers were called to a home on 506 2nd Street Wednesday evening after getting a call from a man saying he'd shot his wife and was thinking about shooting himself.

"Investigators surrounded the house and entered it after they were unable to contact the couple.

"The bodies of Frank McCoy and Karen McCoy were found dead in the home.

"Autopsies will be performed to determine how they died."

From KPTM.com...

Elderly Couple Found Dead In Rural Iowa

"ELLIOTT, IA — An elderly couple was found dead in their home Friday afternoon after what officials are calling `dual suicide.`

"Dale and Evelyn Mae Embree, 82 and 83 years old, respectively, were found dead in their home in rural Elliott, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

"Evelyn died from two gunshot wounds, while Dale died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

"Their bodies were found at 12:22 p.m. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office called the deaths a `dual suicide.`

"According to a release, the investigation into the deaths is complete. The sheriff’s office declined to release any further information."

From Omaha.com...

2 Dead, 1 Injured In Murder/Suicide

"DES MOINES, IA — Des Moines police said a man shot a woman to death and wounded another woman and then killed himself.

"Police responded to a shooting report at 1898 East Marion at 11:48 p.m. Monday. When police arrived they found two women had been shot in a parked car in the driveway.

"Police said 24-year-old Carrie Russell died at the scene from a gunshot wound. Police said Leona Fatino, 56, had also been shot in the leg. She was transported to a local hospital. Her condition has not been released.

"Police said they checked on a suspect in the incident, 25-year-old Robert Sears, at 3904 Southwest 4th Street at 3:30 a.m. Police said Sears was found dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Police said Sears was an acquaintance of Russell."

From KCCI.com...

UPDATE:

10/13/2010 — Killer was "a good kid"...

Iowa Shootings Ruled Double Murder/Suicide

"LAKE CITY, IA - Authorities said Tuesday afternoon that the case of three people found dead in a farmhouse near Lake City has now been ruled a double homicide/suicide.

"Officials said autopsies performed on the three people showed that Paige Gallo, 19, and Heather Campbell, 20, died from gunshot wounds.

"Authorities said Luke Schleisman, 20, also died of a gunshot wound and his manner of death has been ruled suicide.

"Calhoun County Communications Center received a phone call on June 11 from Vicki Campbell, mother of Heather Campbell. Campbell reported to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office that she received a voice message from Heather Campbell’s cell phone. The voice message recorded a verbal altercation followed by gunshots.

"Officers responding to 1631 400th Street in rural Calhoun County and found the three bodies.

"The weapon involved with the shootings was recovered at the scene, authorities said.

"No other individuals are believed to be involved with the shootings, authorities said."

From KCCI.com...

Pair Found Dead In Iowa

"OTTUMWA, IA - Ottumwa police are investigating two deaths on Friday morning.

"The Ottumwa Police Department responded to the 900 block of Ingersoll Street on a report of a shooting early Friday morning.

"Police said they found an adult woman who had been shot and an adult man suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Police said the preliminary investigation indicates the man shot the woman and then himself.

"Names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of family members."

From KCCI.com...

Couple Found Dead In Iowa Apartment

"WATERLOO, IA - Waterloo police are investigating the deaths of two people who were found in an apartment Friday night.

"Officers and paramedics were called to a downstairs apartment at 1109 Sycamore St. at 8:38 p.m. and found the bodies of a man and a woman inside, according to authorities.

"The victims in the incident have been identified as Machelle Lynn Nichols-West, 46,and Gregory Charles West, 55, both of 1109 Sycamore Apt A, Waterloo.

"Waterloo police report the incident is believed to be a murder-suicide, but the investigation is ongoing. Autopsies have been scheduled with the State Medical Examiner's Office Sunday.

"Neighbors said the couple hadn't been seen for days.

"A woman who lives next door said she heard screaming from a person who was apparently the daughter of the female victim.

"The daughter was yelling `he killed her,` the neighbor said."

From wcfcourier.com...

"Unhealthy Relationship" Ends Abruptly

"LINN COUNTY, IA — Authorities say the man suspected of killing one person and injuring two others in a shooting on Friday has taken his own life.

"The shooting happened at around 7:30 Friday night at the Vernon Heights Mobile Home Court, 7100 Mount Vernon Road, Unit 24, just outside of Cedar Rapids.

"The Linn County Sheriff's Office says Tawny Jo Tomberlin, 43, was killed in the shooting. Duane Roy Tomberlin Jr., 48, and James Edward Campbell, 27, were taken to area hospitals suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

"Authorities began searching for the suspect, Christopher Allen Vogt, 42, after witnesses reported seeing Vogt leave the scene of the shooting in a pickup truck.

"Around 11:30 Friday night, authorities located the suspect's truck in a farm field off of East Bertram Road, near Mount Vernon. Investigators found Vogt dead inside the truck with what they say appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Neighbors at the mobile home court said Tomberlin had recently left Marengo and moved into the mobile home with her brother to escape an unhealthy relationship with an estranged boyfriend.

"The Linn County Sheriff's Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting."

From KCRG.com...

Retired Iowa Couple Found Dead

"HALBUR, IA - The deaths of a retired Halbur couple are being treated as a murder-suicide.

"The Carroll County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the home of Paul and Darlene Bruch, 23912 Ivy Ave., about 7 Wednesday morning.

"Sheriff Doug Bass said a family member had found the couple dead of apparent gunshot wounds.

"It's not known when the shootings at the acreage about one mile east of Halbur occurred. Bass said it appears Paul Bruch, 75, a retired farmer, shot his wife Darlene, 72, then turned the gun on himself.

"Authorities haven't disclosed any reason for the killings. The case remains under investigation.

"Autopsies are being performed by the State Medical Examiner's Office. Bass said he was expecting results to come Friday.

"The Carroll County Medical Examiner's Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are assisting in the investigation.

"Bass, a five-term sheriff, said he couldn't recall another murder-suicide during his 37 years with the Sheriff's Office.

"`This is a difficult case, very hard on the family,` he said."

Source: Daily Times Herald...

Death At An Untroubled Address

"ALTOONA, IA - Altoona police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are looking into the deaths of Mark and Laura Wharff as a possible case of murder-suicide.

"Altoona officers were dispatched to 607 Fourth St. N.W. about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to check on the welfare of Laura Wharff, 51, after she failed to report for work.

"When officers arrived they found the body of Mark Wharff, 51, and shortly thereafter the body of his wife. There was no indication of forced entry into the house and no signs of a struggle, police said. Both appeared to have died of shotgun wounds.

"Laura Wharff was employed by Iowa Health Systems as a clinic manager. Officers said Mark Wharff was not employed due to a health condition.

"Police said the house on Fourth Street Northwest was not considered a troubled address. No reports of domestic problems had been filed with police."

Source: DesMoinesRegister.com...

Police Urge Residents Not To Discuss Murder/Suicide

"Lone Tree, IA - Autopsies will be conducted today for two people found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in Lone Tree Saturday night.

"According to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, two bodies were found just before 7 p.m. Saturday after deputies received a call concerning the safety of a woman at 401 S. Center St. Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek said in a release that deputies arrived at the house less than a half-hour after the call.

"Law enforcement officials will not release details — including names or circumstances — of the incident until after autopsies are complete. Pulkrabek said there is no public safety concern.

"Some residents of South Center Street said they were asked by investigators not to discuss the matter publicly."

More at The Gazette...