Iowa Archives - The American Retiree

Decades-Old Mystery Lingers: Villisca Axe Murders Haunt Iowa Town, Leaving Unanswered Questions and Unsolved Crimes

Villisca, IA – More than a century has elapsed since the quiet Iowa town of Villisca was shaken to its core by a gruesome and mysterious crime that claimed eight lives, including six children. The unsolved Villisca axe murders of June 10, 1912, continue to haunt the community and puzzle historians, with many experts and locals still searching for answers. In a town known for its camaraderie and quaint charm, the Moore family was well-regarded, …

Authorities in Anaheim Take Down Iowa Murder Suspect in High-Stakes Operation

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Authorities in Anaheim reported a fatal police shooting of an 18-year-old man, identified as Victor Delgadillo, who was sought by law enforcement for his alleged involvement in a June 1 homicide in Iowa. The incident occurred on Friday while officers were executing a search warrant. The operation was a coordinated effort between the Anaheim Police Department and a U.S. Marshals Service task force. According to Sgt. Matt Sutter of the Anaheim Police, …

Tornado Catastrophe in Iowa: Multiple Fatalities as Storms Ravage Plains, Flatten Entire Town

Greenfield, Iowa — A series of powerful tornadoes tore through Iowa on Tuesday, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and the extensive destruction of a small town. The severe weather event affected several areas across the Plains and Midwest, bringing thunderstorms and heavy rain. Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reported the tragic impact of the storm, noting the significant and permanent disruption to the lives of many residents. In particular, Greenfield, located about 60 miles southwest …

Iowa Man Arrested for Fatal Shooting Following Bar Dispute in Clearfield

Clearfield, Iowa — A fatal shooting occurred early Thursday in Taylor County, Iowa, claiming the life of a 19-year-old man. Local authorities along with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations are probing into the incident that has shaken the small town of Clearfield. Shortly after 3 a.m., Taylor County dispatchers were flooded with calls reporting a shooting at Bootleggers Bar and Grill on Broadway Street. When deputies arrived, they discovered a young male, later identified …

Flood Risk Alert: Multiple Iowa Counties Brace for Potential Flash Flooding Through Early Wednesday

Des Moines, Iowa — A flood watch is currently in place across several counties in Iowa, expected to last until 1 AM CDT Wednesday, as the region braces for potential flash flooding due to expected heavy rainfall. This weather event has raised concerns about excessive runoff which could inundate rivers, creeks, streams, and flood-prone areas. Continuous rainfall has saturated the soil in many parts of central, northeast, south central, and southeast Iowa, increasing the risk …

Delayed Justice: Trial Date Pending for Third Suspected Accomplice in Missouri Murder of Iowa Man

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Judicial proceedings have been slated for two Missouri residents implicated in the murder of a Cedar Rapids man last fall, whose body was discovered with fatal gunshot wounds in a secluded region of Missouri. Shawn William Michael Kiger, 31, was reported missing by his girlfriend in November 2023 after he failed to return from a trip to Missouri. His body was found weeks later in Shannon County, hands bound and life …

Tornado Tragedy Strikes Iowa Town of Greenfield, Leaving Multiple Dead and Dozens Injured

Greenfield, Iowa – A deadly tornado swept through the town of Greenfield, Iowa, causing multiple fatalities and injuries, according to Iowa State Police Sgt. Alex Dinkla. The tornado left a path of devastation in this community of about 2,000 residents located approximately 40 miles southwest of Des Moines. Sgt. Dinkla confirmed the presence of fatalities but did not provide a specific number. At least a dozen individuals were sent to hospitals for treatment following the …

EF4 Tornado Leaves Devastation in Greenfield, Iowa – Multiple Deaths Reported

GREENFIELD, Iowa – Multiple fatalities have been reported as violent tornadoes tore through Greenfield, Iowa, leaving a destructive path in its wake. The devastating EF4 twister caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the area. The tornado outbreak caught many residents by surprise, with the storms rapidly intensifying and creating chaos throughout the region. Emergency services are working tirelessly to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected by …

Attack: Sole Survivor of Iowa Metal Pipe Attack Dies, Bringing Death Toll to Four

Marion, Iowa – A tragic incident unfolded in rural Marion, Iowa, resulting in the deaths of three individuals who succumbed to injuries sustained from a brutal metal pipe attack. The lone survivor, Brent Anthony Brown, 34, who was initially hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, has tragically passed away. According to a press release from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Brown was pronounced dead by the Johnson County Medical Examiner on Friday, June 7. The investigation into …

Tornado Tragedy Strikes Iowa, Leaving Devastation in its Wake

Greenfield, Iowa – A series of tornadoes wreaked havoc across the Midwest on Tuesday, leaving a trail of devastation in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The fierce storms claimed several lives as they tore through communities, leaving destruction in their wake. During a press conference, Iowa State Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Alex Dinkla confirmed the tragic loss of life caused by the tornadoes, although specific details were not provided immediately. Tragically, a storm chaser lost her life …