In stabbing’s aftermath, an ‘outpouring of love and support’

MARION - As family members steeled themselves for a memorial service Friday evening for Lynnsey Donald, they said they were 'extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support” from the community in the aftermath of her killing this week outside a grocery store.

The public remarks came on a rainy night filled with grief. Steve Donald, Lynnsey's father, had planned to read the statement. Too emotional, he turned to his sister, Marsha Loux, to speak instead.

Loux, of Fairfield, said the family wanted to thank the Marion police and fire departments, emergency workers, and employees of the Marion Hy-Vee where the attack occurred Tuesday.

Authorities said that Nicholas Luerkens, 32 of Cedar Rapids, ambushed Lynnsey Donald, 29 of Marion, outside the store and stabbed her to death, He then stabbed and injured himself.

Police say the two had once lived together, and family members described him as her former boyfriend.

Marion police Chief Harry Daugherty joined the family Friday night as they met the news media at the Marion First United Methodist Church, where a memorial service was held.

Earlier Friday, Daugherty said he expected Luerkens to be released from the hospital Saturday or Sunday. Daugherty said Luerkens will be charged in the killing once he is released.

Investigators have conducted searches during their investigation, including one at Luerkens' apartment.

The chief said earlier that evidence was collected there, but declined to give details.

Lynnsey Donald, the mother of 7-year-old son Ashton Oscar Tlusty, attended an Iowa City cosmetology college and worked at Cost Cutters. Most recently, she worked as a teller coordinator at U.S. Bank in Cedar Rapids.

Loux said there is a Lynnsey Donald Memorial Fund set up at U.S. Banks in the area. A fundraising website was also established by a relative this week to cover funeral expenses. The page on gofundme.com had raised over $20,990 as of Friday afternoon.