Two dead following homicide and officer-involved shooting in western Iowa

SIOUX CITY — An investigation into a homicide and an officer-involved shooting that left a father and son dead at a farm near Hornick, Iowa, is continuing, Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan said during a Monday news conference at Sioux City's Law Enforcement Center.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, a 911 caller, later identified as Todd C. Sulsberger, 72, told dispatchers that his son was shooting at him on his farm. Deputies responded to the area, setting up a perimeter at the farm, which was located on Old Highway 141.

Investigators learned that the suspect, later identified as Walter M. Sulsberger, 44, was still on the scene in a white pickup truck.

"At 9:10 p.m., I contacted the suspect, via phone, and he told me there would be no peaceful resolution and made threats towards law enforcement officers," Sheehan said.

Sheehan said a Woodbury County Sheriff's Office crisis negotiator spoke to Walter Sulsberger through the night.

"At approximately 2:45 a.m., while the crisis negotiator was attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender, the suspect fired multiple shots at tactical teams who were attempting to move it to take him into custody," Sheehan said.

Being met with gunfire and in fear for their lives, law enforcement personnel returned fire, striking the suspect.

Medical personnel were called in. Both Todd C. Sulsberger and Walter M. Sulsberger were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) was immediately contacted to investigate both the officer-involved shooting and the homicide.

The law enforcement personnel who shot Walter M. Sulsberger has been placed under administrative leave, Sheehan said, and no first responder was injured in the incident that lasted more than seven hours.

The Woodbury County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Sioux City Police Department, Iowa State Patrol and the Tri County CERT Team, who all sent their respective armored vehicles and tactical personnel.

Additionally, the Iowa State Patrol provided air support.