Warning: graphic descriptions.
The man authorities say killed three members of a Cedar Falls family at an Iowa state park campground last month shot, stabbed and strangled them, according to the autopsy report released Thursday morning.
Tyler Schmidt, 42, died from a gunshot wound and “multiple sharp force injuries,” according to the medical examiner’s office. His wife, librarian Sarah Schmidt, 42, died from multiple sharp force injuries. Their daughter, 6-year-old Lula, died from a gunshot wound and strangulation.
The alleged shooter—Anthony Sherwin, 23, of LaVista, Nebraska—died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the report.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety said Thursday they believe Sherwin killed the family by himself.
“The known facts and circumstances, and all evidence collected to this point, substantiate Sherwin was the perpetrator of the homicides and acted alone,” officials said in the report.
The Schmidt family had been camping at Maquoketa Caves State Park in the early morning hours of July 22 when the homicides happened, officials said.
Only 9-year-old Arlo Schmidt survived. Family members have set up a GoFundMe for future expenses for the boy, which had raised more than $275,000 as of this writing.
By Amie Rivers
8/4/22
Have a story idea for me? Email [email protected]. I’m also available by text, WhatsApp and Signal at (319) 239-0350, or find me on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Iowa Starting Line is part of an independent news network and focuses on how state and national decisions impact Iowans’ daily lives. We rely on your financial support to keep our stories free for all to read. You can contribute to us here. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Politics
Biden marks Earth Day by announcing $7 billion in solar grants
The Biden administration on Monday announced the recipients of its Solar For All Program, a $7 billion climate program that aims to lower energy...
6 terrifying things that could happen if the Comstock Act is used to target abortion
Does 1873 sound like a really, really long time ago? Well, that’s because it is—but if Republicans and far-right anti-abortion activists have their...
Local News
No more Kum & Go? New owner Maverik of Utah retiring famous brand
Will Kum & Go have come and gone by next year? One new report claims that's the plan by the store's new owners. The Iowa-based convenience store...
Here’s a recap of the biggest headlines Iowa celebs made In 2023
For these famous Iowans, 2023 was a year of controversy, career highlights, and full-circle moments. Here’s how 2023 went for the following Iowans:...