12-year-old Iowa boy in custody after 13-year-old girl is found dead in reported shooting

ELDORA — A 12-year-old is in custody in relation to a shooting that left a 13-year-old dead, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said in a news release.

The Eldora Police Department and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 800 block of 12th Street in Eldora at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday for a report of a shooting, said Michael Krapfl, special agent in charge of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. A 13-year-old girl was found dead and a 12-year-old boy was taken into custody, Krapfl said.

The boy and girl were friends, Krapfl said. The boy was still in custody as of Monday afternoon.

Officials did not release any more information on the children involved.

On Monday morning, a thin piece of red tape that was marked "evidence" was seen placed on the crack of the front door at 810 12th St., where the shooting took place. A bike was laid out in the driveway.

Neighbors said the news of the 13-year-old's death was deeply unsettling and sad. Some heard a single muffled gunshot, speculating that the shooting happened inside the home. Most of the neighbors said they only heard rumors of the shooting and declined to comment on the record.

Mayor Dave Dunn referred questions to the Eldora Police Department, which declined to comment.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was called to assist and the investigation remains ongoing. All information on the case will be forwarded to the Hardin County Attorney’s Office for review of potential charges.

South Hardin Schools superintendent Dr. Adam Zellmer said in a news release a student who attended South Hardin Middle School had died. Members of the district counseling staff will be in the school for student support, he said.

“Please keep the families involved, our students and our staff in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead,” Zellmer said in the release.

José Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 12-year-old Iowa boy in custody after 13-year-old girl is found dead in reported shooting