Four people are dead in Laurel, Nebraska after a night of violence. At a news conference this afternoon, Nebraska State Patrol said that emergency responders got a 911 call about an explosion around 3:00 a.m. and rushed to the scene.
There were two different fires three blocks apart and four people have been found dead. The possible suspect in the crime was seen fleeing the town in a vehicle.
Police don’t know if the victims, who have not been identified yet, died in the fire or from gunshot wounds. Authorities are asking for the public’s help in solving the crimes. They are asking for any security camera video or other evidence.
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.
Sherwin, 23, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the medical examiner.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety released autopsy results Thursday for the victims of the Maquoketa Caves State Park killings.
Tyler and Sarah Schmidt 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.
