The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a situation with multiple fatalities that occurred in Laurel in the northeast corner of the state early this morning. Nebraska News Channel reports that the situation includes multiple scenes in the Cedar County community and is an active investigation.
Multiple witnesses reported seeing or hearing an explosion at approximately 3:00 a.m. Officials with hazmat suits were seen walking toward the seen by the middle of this morning.
Local businesses and other buildings in Laurel are reportedly on lockdown. A teacher training in Wakefield is also currently affected, with witnesses in Wakefield stating that the school there is also on lockdown.
The investigation remains active.
NSP will be holding a press conference at 3:30 p.m. to address the situation, according to a press release sent by NSP spokesperson Cody Thomas Thursday afternoon.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety released autopsy results Thursday for the victims of the Maquoketa Caves State Park killings.
Tyler, Sarah and their 6-year-old daughter Lula were found dead in their tents in the park on the morning of July 22. A fourth person, identified as the alleged shooter Anthony Orlando Sherwin, was later found dead in another section of the park.
According to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, Tyler Schmidt, 42, died of a gunshot wound and multiple stabbing injuries. Sarah Schmidt, 42, died from being stabbed multiple times. Lula Schmidt, 6, died from a gunshot wound and strangulation. All three deaths have been ruled homicides, according to the release from DPS.
Sherwin, 23, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the medical examiner. His death has been ruled a suicide, according to DPS.
