On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at approximately 2:01 a.m., the Fort Madison Police Department received a 911 call reporting that an individual had been shot at 505 10th St. in Fort Madison. Upon arrival, law enforcement and first responders located a young male with a single gunshot wound to the upper torso.
The victim, 16 year-old Cary T. Griffin, was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
An autopsy has been scheduled at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny for March 13, and the results are pending. The case remains under investigation by the Fort Madison Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Lee County Attorney’s Office. At this time, there is no threat to the general public. No further information will be released as the investigation is ongoing.
Additionally, on March 12, officers with the Fort Madison Police Department responded to the Fort Madison Middle School following concerns from students who interpreted news of the juvenile’s death as a potential threat to the school. After an investigation, the Fort Madison Police Department and the Fort Madison Community School District determined that no credible threat existed and that social media posts suggesting otherwise were false.
To ensure the safety and security of students, the Fort Madison Police Department placed additional officers inside the school as a precautionary measure.
We appreciate the cooperation of the community as we continue this investigation. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Fort Madison Police Department.
Chief Cody Potthast
Fort Madison Police Department