Book on brutal 1975 murders draws surprising attention for author
A recently released book about one of the most brutal murders in Iowa history has drawn interest that has surprised its author. Scott Cawelti chronicled the 1975 murders of Leslie and Jorjean Mark and their two young children in their farmhouse northeast of Cedar Falls in the book "Brother's Blood: a heartland Cain and Abel." The book also details the investigation and subsequent trial where Mark's brother Jerry was convicted of all four murders. Cawelti says he's surprised at how many … [Read More...]
Character Counts taking applications for 2012 awards
If you know an Iowan who's a good role model and displays solid moral fiber, you might consider nominating that person for the 2012 Iowa Character Awards. Amy Smit, who runs the Character Counts in Iowa office in Des Moines, says being recognized for this type of honor is a real prize. "It's great to be able to show others what types of great character we have in our communities," Smit says. "Over the past seven years, we've been having our Iowa Character Awards where we recognize 10 to 15 … [Read More...]
Supreme Court rules in Davenport jury selection case
The Iowa Supreme Court has ordered a new trial for a man convicted of assaulting a police officer based on the jury selection in the case. Jerin Mootz was accused of assaulting a Davenport police officer outside a bar following a disturbance in 2009. During the selection of the jury, Mootz asked that a potential juror who had been a bartender, be removed from consideration. The district court ruled the juror could not be removed because he was Hispanic, and the officer involved in the case … [Read More...]
Man sentenced to 15 years in fatal school bus accident
A north-central Iowa man, who admitted guilt in the death of a young girl who was about to board a school bus, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Thirty-two-year-old Aaron Gunderson received his sentence in Worth County District Court this morning. Earlier this month during a plea change hearing, he pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide by reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. The more serious charge of vehicular homicide while intoxicated was … [Read More...]
Fate of 88 rescued dogs still up in the air
It's unlikely the 88 neglected dogs, removed this week from a property in northwest Iowa, will be available for adoption anytime soon. Authorities say the dogs, mostly Cocker Spaniels, were living in filthy conditions with their coats matted in dried feces. Employees and volunteers at animal shelters in Carroll, Boone, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City have spent hours grooming the dogs and treating them for tooth decay and skin, ear and bladder infections. Bob Citrullo, … [Read More...]
