Names Released in Rural Linn County Triple Homicide

Authorities have released the names of three people who were killed in a triple homicide in rural Linn County on Wednesday. 

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says shortly before 4 pm, they received a call of multiple persons injured at 3699 East Otter Road in rural Marion.

Emergency personnel arrived on the scene and found four adults with severe injuries. Three of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as 44-year old Romondus Lamar Cooper of Cedar Rapids, 26-year old Keonna Victoria Ryan of Cedar Rapids and 33-year old Amanda Sue Parker of Vinton. They have been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for autopsy. The fourth person suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to an area hospital. That person has been identified as 34-year old Brent Anthony Brown of Marion – he is currently hospitalized in critical condition. 

The investigation has revealed that the victims appeared to have received their injuries as the result of blunt force trauma to the head, delivered by a metal pipe. The Sheriff’s Office says among the possible motives was the possibility of the crime being made into a movie.

34-year old Luke Truesdell of Marion was arrested. He has been charged with three counts of First Degree Murder and one count of Attempted Murder. 

No additional arrests are expected at this time.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Iowa State Patrol, Robins Police, Alburnett Fire Department and several ambulance services. 

The investigation is ongoing.

photo courtesy of Linn County Sheriff’s Office