Death in Benton crash ruled homicide

A Dysart woman who died in a crash this month near Garrison was intentionally killed, the Benton County Medical Examiner's Office says.

Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Mark Dearden is not saying why the death of Stephanie Dripps, 36, was ruled a homicide.

“Law enforcement is doing their investigation,” Dearden said. “We had enough information that came up with that conclusion for us.”

Dripps was a passenger in a car driven by Paul S. Lauritson, 42, of Hudson, on Oct. 8. According to the Iowa State Patrol, Lauritson drove onto 19th Avenue from 63rd Street into the path of an oncoming sport utility vehicle.

The SUV struck the passenger side of the car, where Dripps was sitting. Both Dripps and Lauritson died at the scene.

Dearden said Dripps died by homicide due to “multi-system trauma caused by a motor vehicle accident.”

Lauritson's death certificate has not been signed, Dearden said.

The State Patrol is continuing its investigation. The trooper in charge of the investigation was not available Tuesday.

Three people in the oncoming SUV were injured. Driver Jennifer L. Engler, 40, of Garrison, and her two children were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

Dripps was a mother of four daughters, according to her obituary.