Fugitives roam free beyond borders

Iowa law enforcement agencies are unwilling to chase fugitives across a state border in about one out of five cases, according to a joint investigation by The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY into how aggressively suspects are pursued when they flee a jurisdiction to avoid justice. Fugitives from Iowa who have fled across state lines include some wanted for sexual assault, aggravated assault and robbery.

Source: Des Moines Register and USA TODAY

Posted on: March 12, 2014

Abduction suspect had long history of violence

The man suspected of abducting two Dayton, Iowa girls on Monday had a long history of sexual violence, including an accusation of attempted rape at the age of 15 and years spent in prison after being found guilty of two separate assaults and kidnappings. Michael James Klunder, 42, was found dead of an apparent suicide several hours after the abductions. Law enforcement officers and volunteers spent Wednesday searching for Kathlynn Shepard, 15, who was still missing as of Thursday morning.

Source: Des Moines Register

Posted on: May 23, 2013