Minnesota Double Murder Suspect Arrested in Muscatine County After Multi-County Chase

MUSCATINE COUNTY, Iowa — A Minnesota man wanted in connection with a double homicide was arrested Sunday evening in southeastern Iowa after a high-speed chase that crossed three counties.

Authorities identified the suspect as Randy Zimmerman, 45, of rural Courtland, Minnesota. He is accused of fatally shooting a 50-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman early Sunday morning in Hanska, Minnesota, about 30 miles west of Mankato.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 4:22 a.m. when a boy called 911, reporting that his mother’s former boyfriend had broken into their home and shot his mom.

Following the shooting, Zimmerman fled Minnesota. By late afternoon, he was spotted in Washington County, Iowa, where deputies began pursuing him. The chase continued through Louisa County and into Muscatine County, according to Louisa County Sheriff Brandon Marquardt.

“When they started to try to pull him over — even before that — he took off at a high rate of speed,” Marquardt said. “A chase ended up here, where our deputy ended up pitting the individual. He did get out on foot through the field here. He was taken into custody.”

Marquardt confirmed that Zimmerman fired at a Louisa County deputy during the pursuit but missed. “It was our squad and our canine deputy who ended up hitting him to get him stopped out here,” he said. “Thankfully, no one was injured.”

Zimmerman was taken into custody around 4:12 p.m. near Letts, Iowa, approximately 340 miles southeast of Hanska. Multiple sheriff’s vehicles were spotted near the intersection of 255th Street and Emmert Avenue in Muscatine County around 6 p.m.

Zimmerman is currently being held in the Louisa County Jail, and Minnesota authorities are expected to travel to Iowa for questioning. Sheriff Marquardt said Zimmerman will likely be extradited back to Minnesota, and Iowa counties involved in the chase may also file additional charges.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims. The case remains under investigation.

David A. Neff

David A. Neff, 77, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

Memorial Services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. A luncheon and time for gathering of friends and family will follow until 2:00 p.m. Private family burial will be at Fell Cemetery in Libertyville. Memorials may be made to the Carnegie Museum Foundation or Jefferson County Historical Preservation Commission. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Dave was born November 9, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Julius Cleveland and Nelle Conner Thompson Neff. After graduating high school, Dave moved to Fairfield and enrolled in Parsons College, graduating in 1969 and later began teaching at the college. While at Parsons, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He married Sally Rinehart Sheffield, April 1, 1972. They later divorced. Dave married Sheri (Lint) Blough, May 26, 2007 at First United Methodist Church.

After teaching at Parsons, Dave found a job as a cashier at Iowa State Bank. Over his 35-year career he rose through the ranks, becoming president of the bank. A role he held for four years.

Dave was an active civic minded citizen of Fairfield, serving on numerous boards including, Greater Jefferson County Foundation, Carnegie Museum Foundation, Parsons College Foundation, Parsons Alumni Association, Fairfield Parks and Recreation, Fairfield Arts and Convention Center and Octoberfest. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Fairfield for over 40 years and later First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. Dave was honored as Fairfield Citizen of the Year in 1985.

Dave attended the Drake Relays as an annual event with friends and family for 54 years. He was an annual Santa’s helper on the square and at various events during the Christmas season, ran in the annual Parks and Rec Turkey Trot, served as an official for 30 years for Fairfield High School Cross Country and Track, and mentored children in an investment club.

In 2017, Dave and Sheri donated 36 acres of land for wetlands preservation in collaboration with the Iowa National Heritage Foundation.

Dave also belonged to special groups where various life problems were discussed and solved; the Templeton Rye Templers, and the Glasgow Road Mafia, where he and his friends had controlled prairie burns.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Sheri Blough Neff; children, Laurie (Jamie) Swanson of Bondurant, Iowa, Betsy (Kelly) Luck of Oskaloosa; and

Scott (Allison) Blough of Sanford, North Carolina; grandchildren, Spencer and Parker Swanson, Reid and Mia Luck, and August Blough; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be made to Dave’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Leo Edward Turner

Leo Edward Turner, 80, of West Burlington and formerly of Keokuk and Webster City, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Leo was born on June 26, 1945, in Clinton, Iowa the son of Leo Elias and Ruby Mae (Sellers) Turner, Sr. His family later moved to Webster City, and he attended high school there.  Leo was united in marriage to Barbara Carver on August 28, 1998, in Keokuk.  He worked at Keokuk Steel Castings Company, in Keokuk.  He enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Budweiser Lucky Throw Horseshoe League for many years. 

 

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Barbara, of West Burlington, his son, Bill (Brenda) Turner, of Keokuk, his grandson’s, Jeremy Turner and Justin (Hailey) Turner both of Keokuk,  his great grandson, Ryker Turner and a great granddaughter due in May of 2026, his sisters, Sharon (Ron) Keigan, of Webster City, Linda (Phil) Thomas, of Decatur, Illinois, Sherri Osborne, of Webster City, Patty (Tim) Burcham, of West Burlington, Patricia Blummer, of Sioux City, Donna Turner (Ken Freeman) of Webster City, and Betty Westman, of Webster City, his brother-in-law, Gordon (Maureen) Carver, of Ames and a sister-in-law, Kathy Patterson-Turner, of Woolstock, Iowa, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

 

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Terry Turner, Dennis Turner, Ronnie Sellers, and Robert Leroy (Fuzzy) Turner, his brothers-in-law, Kenneth Osborne and Daniel Blummer, his in-laws, Lowell and Gola Carver, a special friend, Gary Stice and his beloved dog, Brandy.

There will be a celebration of Leo’s life held at a later time in Keokuk and Webster City.  Burial will be in the Collins Evergreen Cemetery at Collins, Iowa.  Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Leo Turner.  

Sports, November 3rd

High School Cross Country

The Classes 1A and 4A state meets ran over the weekend and one of our local runners finished in the top 10 in the Class 1A race. 

Starting with the girls’ race, WACO’s Josie Dykstra led the way with a 21st place time of 19 minutes and 54 seconds, while Macie Carter turned in a 59th place performance for the Warriors. 

Iris Garza of Columbus snuck into the top 30 with a 29th place time of 20 minutes and 19 seconds. Danville’s Alaina Gourley clocked a time of 20 minutes and 41 seconds for 44th place. 

As a team, Van Buren County finished in 7th place with 198 points. Kaylee Snowgren led the pack with a 57th place time of 20 minutes and 54 seconds, followed by Rylee Philips, who took 60th place with a time of 20 minutes and 56 seconds. 

On the boys’ side, Lincoln Bainbridge collected a 7th place time of 16 minutes and 36 seconds, which helped Van Buren County take 12th place as a team. Gavin Noll aided the cause with a 59th place finish.

Columbus brought their own team and the Wildcats claimed 6th place behind Ryan Villa’s time of 17 minutes and 34 seconds for 50th place and Cade Storm’s 56th place time of 17 minutes and 40 seconds. The Wildcats compiled 227 points. 

Lastly, Locken Henderson (18:12) of WACO and Isaac Shinn (18:13) of Danville finished in 89th and 90th place, respectively, with the two clocking times a second apart. 

The top finishers for the Classes 2A and 3A meets included Mediapolis’ Simon Wendel’s 7th place time of 16 minutes and 36 seconds for the boys’ Class 2A race. 

Moving over to the girls’ Class 3A race, Avery Fedler of Mt. Pleasant snatched 24th place with a mark of 19 minutes and 22 seconds.

On the boys’ side, Silas Hulett of Mt. Pleasant ran a time of 17 minutes and 3 seconds for 53rd place.

Postseason High School Football

For Class 3A Pod B, Solon will host Winterset on Friday, November 7th, at 7 pm.

For Class 2A Pod C, Mid-Prairie will take on Van Meter on Friday at 7 pm. 

For Eight-Player Pod D, Iowa Valley will face off against Audubon at home on Thursday, November 6th, at 7 pm for their quarterfinal matchup. 

Despite the loss last Friday night, Mt. Pleasant head coach John Bowlin is excited about the direction of the program,

“Just the expectation to be there every year, the expectation to win you know and it doesn’t come easy. I think, you know, so I tell them all the time. There’s nothing in life that’s worth doing that is easy. You know, it takes a lot of work, and it takes a lot of grinding. And you know when it’s over, you get to really feel what you’ve put in and I think that’s what these guys have done and they know how hard they work to put us there and man, just the support of everybody and seeing everybody excited about football and what these guys are doing is a lot of fun to watch. It just makes the fall go and just makes it a lot of fun.”

Postseason High School Volleyball

In Class 5A, #1 Waukee Northwest will start off today with a noon game against #8 Indianola. #2 Ankeny Centennial will face off against #7 Iowa City West and #4 Dowling Catholic will battle with #5 Ankeny. Rounding out the quarterfinals will be #3 Pleasant Valley attempting to avoid the upset against #6 Valley.

For Class 4A, #1 Clear Creek Amana enters as the favorite as they are tasked with playing #8 Sergeant Bluff-Luton. #7 Marion will look to knock off #2 Sioux Center. #4 Dallas Center-Grimes will square off against #5 North Scott and #3 Pella will take on #6 Norwalk to round out the quarterfinals.

Class 3A will begin at 10 am tomorrow, November 4th, with #1 Western Christian taking on #8 Mt. Vernon. #2 Davenport Assumption will compete against #7 Mid-Prairie. #4 Cherokee and #5 Humboldt will tangle, while #3 Red Oak will face off against #6 Kuemper Catholic.

The Class 1A bracket is now set with #1 Saint Ansgar taking on #8 East Mills at 6 pm on Tuesday. #4 Dunkerton, in their first ever state tournament appearance, will square off against #5 BCLUW. #2 Janesville will clash with #7 Gladbrook-Reinbeck and #3 North Tama will face off against #6 Sidney to end the night.

Over in Class 2A, #1 Denver enters as the favorite with their first match on Tuesday being against #8 Wapsie Valley. #4 Grundy Center will tangle with #5 Beckman Catholic. #7 Aplington-Parkersburg will look to upset perennial powerhouse #2 Dike-New Hartford, while #3 Hinton will contend against #6 Regina Catholic. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team gutted out a five-set victory over Northeast Community College in the Region 11 semifinals over the weekend (25-21, 25-27, 24-26, 25-15, 15-12). Five members of the Blackhawks collected double-digit kills in the comeback victory with Aviana West’s 17 kills leading the effort. SCC will travel to Fort Dodge for the championship match at 7 pm on Wednesday, November 5th, against Iowa Central Community College. 

The men’s soccer team fell to Iowa Lakes Community College in the Region 11 tournament over the weekend, 3-0. The Blackhawks finished the season with a 12-4-3 record. 

The men’s and women’s basketball teams collected 1-1 records to start the season over the weekend.

The women’s team will travel to Carl Sandburg College tomorrow, November 4th, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s team will host the Midwest Classic on Friday, November 7th, with game one at 7 pm.

College Football

For the fourth game in a row, Iowa State was on the wrong end of the final score, losing 24-19 to Arizona State over the weekend. Rocco Becht finished the game with 186 passing yards and two total touchdowns. The Cyclones will make the trip to TCU on Saturday, November 8th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

Iowa will host #6 Oregon on Saturday at 2:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1935 – The Philadelphia Eagles beat Boston, 7-6 at Fenway Park; respective quarterbacks combine to throw an NFL record 11 interceptions.

1996 – San Francisco 49ers receiver Jerry Rice grabs 3 passes for 45 yards and a TD to become the first player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions in 24-17 win over New Orleans Saints; finishes career with 1,549.

2013 – Nick Foles connects with Riley Cooper three times to become the 7th passer in NFL history with 7 touchdown tosses in a game during the Philadelphia Eagles’ 49-20 win over the Raiders at Oakland; Foles completes 22 of 28 for 406 yards.

November 3, 2025 – November 9, 2025

11/03/25
Julie Brown
11/03/25
Joyce Wathen
11/04/25
Dorothy Brickey
11/04/25
Susan Haffarnan
11/04/25
Katie Byczek (Be-Check)
11/04/25
Jerry Keeley
11/04/25
Sharon & Scott Barron *Anniversary
11/04/25
Gail Donnelly
11/04/25
Owen Denning
11/05/25
Madison Flowers
11/05/25
Dennis White
11/05/25
Marlene Donnelly
11/05/25
Matt & Ashley Hobbs *Anniversary
11/06/25
Elisha McMullin
11/06/25
Oliver Goody
11/06/25
Jay Coble
11/06/25
Tiffany Menke
11/07/25
Beverly Hucker
11/08/25
Philip Barr
11/08/25
Leah Anderson
11/08/25
Emma Humble
11/08/25
Kristi Maxwell
11/08/25
Matt & Tiffany Hauptman *Anniversary
11/09/25
Justin Hultman
11/09/25
Becky and Jerry Keeley *Anniversary

Sports, November 1st

High School Cross Country

The Classes 2A and 3A state meets are now in the books and one of our local runners claimed a spot within the top 10. 

Starting with the boys’ Class 2A race, the Mediapolis boys’ team was led by Simon Wendel’s 7th place time of 16 minutes and 36 seconds. Will Schmidgall’s 17th place finish aided the Bulldogs’ 13th place accumulation.

As individuals, Cavin Denney of Notre Dame/West Burlington took 66th place with a time of 17 minutes and 48 seconds. 

On the girls’ side of the race, Hannah Ritter of Notre Dame/West Burlington led the local pack with a 39th place time of 20 minutes and 47 seconds. Central Lee’s Aubree Bunnell was five-seconds behind in 42nd place.

Moving over the girls’ Class 3A race, Washington’s Iris Dahl outpaced the Southeast Conference with a time of 19 minutes and 16 seconds, which was good enough for 20th place. Avery Fedler of Mt. Pleasant snatched 24th place with a mark of 19 minutes and 22 seconds, as she was followed in 25th place by Fort Madison’s Avery Rump. 

On the boys’ side, Washington again led the SEC pack with Andrew Rees grabbing 18th place with a time of 16 minutes and 22 seconds. Silas Hulett of Mt. Pleasant ran a time of 17 minutes and 3 seconds for 53rd place, while Fort Madison’s Riley Tripp clocked a time of 17 minutes and 15 seconds for 68th place. 

Running today for Class 1A will be the Columbus boys’ team and the Van Buren County boys’ and girls’ teams. Participating as individuals on the boys’ side, will be Locken Henderson of WACO and Isaac Shinn of Danville. On the girls’ side, WACO will have the duo of Josie Dykstra and Macie Carter participating. Additionally, Alaina Gourley was able to qualify for Danville. 

Postseason High School Football

In Class 3A Pod C, Mt. Pleasant gave West Delaware all they had but it was not enough in the Panthers’ first trip back to the state playoffs since 2010 as they fell 35-21. Ramzy Davis finished the night with two touchdowns, including a one-yard rushing score and a scoop-and-score from 25-yards out to tie the game at 14. Panther head coach John Bowlin talked about the effort showed by his team last night,

“Yeah, I think that’s been kind of our goal all year is to just come out and be a physical team with relentless effort and that’s what these guys have done, how we’ve got great leadership. Obviously, we got 12 seniors that are that you know played their last game tonight and I’m just so thankful for what they’ve done for the program and you know it shows out there on the field. I think you know they’re the ones that have got us on this track and we got to get kids that keep stepping up and buying in. And I think we will. But man, I’m really proud of those 12 seniors we have this year.”

Mt. Pleasant finished the season with a 7-3 record. 

Solon ran over Benton last night 31-6. The Spartans will host Winterset on Friday, November 7th, at 7 pm.

For Class 2A, Mediapolis was shutout 46-0 by Mid-Prairie last night. The Bulldogs claimed a 5-5 season. The Golden Hawks will take on Van Meter on Friday at 7 pm. 

In Class A, Pekin’s offense managed a paltry 45 total yards in a 21-3 loss to North Linn last night. The Panthers finished the season with a 9-1 record. 

For Eight-Player, Iowa Valley steamrolled Janesville last night 63-0. The undefeated Tigers will face off against Audubon on Friday for their quarterfinal matchup. 

Postseason High School Volleyball

In Class 5A, #1 Waukee Northwest will start off the day on Monday, November 3rd, with a noon game against #8 Indianola. #2 Ankeny Centennial will face off against #7 Iowa City West and #4 Dowling Catholic will battle with #5 Ankeny. Rounding out the quarterfinals will be #3 Pleasant Valley attempting to avoid the upset against #6 Valley.

For Class 4A, #1 Clear Creek Amana enters as the favorite as they are tasked with playing #8 Sergeant Bluff-Luton. #7 Marion will look to knock off #2 Sioux Center. #4 Dallas Center-Grimes will square off against #5 North Scott and #3 Pella will take on #6 Norwalk to round out the quarterfinals.

Class 3A will begin at 10 am on Tuesday, November 4th, with #1 Western Christian taking on #8 Mt. Vernon. #2 Davenport Assumption will compete against #7 Mid-Prairie. #4 Cherokee and #5 Humboldt will tangle, while #3 Red Oak will face off against #6 Kuemper Catholic.

The Class 1A bracket is now set with #1 Saint Ansgar taking on #8 East Mills at 6 pm on Tuesday. #4 Dunkerton, in their first ever state tournament appearance, will square off against #5 BCLUW. #2 Janesville will clash with #7 Gladbrook-Reinbeck and #3 North Tama will face off against #6 Sidney to end the night.

Over in Class 2A, #1 Denver enters as the favorite with their first match on Tuesday being against #8 Wapsie Valley. #4 Grundy Center will tangle with #5 Beckman Catholic. #7 Aplington-Parkersburg will look to upset perennial powerhouse #2 Dike-New Hartford, while #3 Hinton will contend against #6 Regina Catholic. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team earned the #5-seed for the Region 11 tournament as they travel to play Northeast Community College today at 1 pm. 

The men’s soccer team will head to Spencer tomorrow, November 2nd, at 2 pm to face off against Iowa Lakes. 

College Football

Iowa State will host Arizona State today at noon. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

Iowa is on a bye week. 

This Day in Sports History

1913 – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish upset the Army Cadets 35–13 in a game that is considered to have marked the beginning of modern football as Gus Dorais tossed for 243 yards and two touchdowns. 

1924 – The Boston Bruins officially join the NHL, becoming the first United States based team to enter the League; the Montreal Maroons also join the NHL, but only last until 1938.

1964 – Cleveland running back Jim Brown runs for 149 yards in a Browns’ 30-17 win at Pittsburgh to become the first NFL player to exceed 10,000 career rushing yards.

SEISO KIDSYMPHONY This Weekend!

The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra is hosting a Kids Symphony with a Halloween theme this weekend.

Kids and parents can wear their Halloween costumes to the concert and take time to meet the performers and their instruments. There will be a costume photo booth, snacks and prizes. The concert will feature music from John Williams.  Tickets may only be purchased at the door. Adults are $5, kids through college-age and season ticket holders for the Performing Arts Series can attend for free.

  • 11am – Bridge View Center in Ottumwa-Saturday, 11/1/25
  • 2pm – Chapel Auditorium in Mt. Pleasant-Saturday, 11/1/25
  • 4pm – Capitol Theater in Burlington-Saturday, 11/1/25
  • Sunday, 2pm – Fairfield Arts & Convention Center