Weapon believed to be involved in Marshall County murders located.

November 24, 2008

Hwy 14 north of Marshalltown, Iowa - Discovery of the weapon believed to be used in the Murders of Jessica Deemer and Bryce Mercer on October 17, 2008.

Sheriff Ted G. Kamatchus would like to notify the media that during the morning of November 23, 2008 investigators of the Marshall County Sheriff's Office returned to the scene of the incident which occurred on October 17, 2008 and participated in an overview search of the ditch area along Hwy 14. The purpose for this overview search was to comb the immediate area in an attempt to locate the weapon used in the commission of the murders. With the changing temperature and recent mowing of the shoulder along the roadway, investigators hoped that the thinning of the weeds in the ditch might make it easier to search.

Shortly after beginning the search, a firearm was located that matches the type of weapon believed to be used by Kyle Deemer in the commission of the murders. Marshall County Investigators took the weapon into custody. It will be processed and evaluated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation crime lab for evidentiary purposes. The type of firearm or exact location of where it was found will not be released at this time.

Sheriff Kamatchus stated, "We want to thank the many citizens and various law enforcement agencies who have participated in a number of searches for this weapon. Citizens who stepped forth to assist us during this investigation have played an important role in the development of an arrest and successful conclusion to the investigative portion of this case. Although the act of murder can never be justified or explained, it is important for us to do all we can to ensure that citizens are kept safe and those involved in such crimes are prosecuted in a fair and impartial manner."

Any future inquires into this case should be directed to the Marshall County Attorney's Office, Marshalltown, Iowa.

About Marshall County Sheriff's Office
The Marshall County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is headed up by Sheriff Ted G. Kamatchus. Sheriff Kamatchus is committed to keeping communities and neighborhoods safe in Marshall County.

For additional information or a sample copy, contact:
Marshall County Sheriff's Office
641-754-6380
Fax 641-754-6325
Sheriff@co.marshall.ia.us
www.marshallcountysheriff.com

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