Introduction

Authorities in rural Webster County were alerted to a distressing incident last night when a caller reported a shooting involving two individuals. The subsequent investigation has revealed that this tragic incident is likely a double murder-suicide.

Discovery of the Scene

Upon arrival at the residence, deputies discovered the lifeless bodies of two women in the garage area, both having suffered from gunshot wounds. Without hesitation, the deputies initiated life-saving measures on both victims until paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Search for the Suspect

Concurrently, additional deputies and Fort Dodge police officers conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area, aiming to locate the suspect who was reported to have fled on foot. During the search, law enforcement officials discovered the lifeless body of a male who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Criminal Investigation and Ongoing Inquiries

Following the grim discovery, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division were summoned to the scene. Their primary task is to meticulously process all evidence and conduct interviews to ascertain the sequence of events leading up to this tragic incident.

Public Safety Assurance

Sheriff Luke Fleener of Webster County has assured the public that there is no immediate threat to their safety. However, the investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement authorities exhaustively gather information to fully comprehend the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking occurrence.

Victim Identification

Authorities have identified the victims as 39-year-old Molly R. Barlow, 63-year-old Phyllis J. Versteeg, and 41-year-old Duran M. Barlow. The community mourns their untimely deaths, and their families are undoubtedly devastated by this tragic loss.

(Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)