The three victims of the triple-homicide at Maquoketa Caves State Park have been identified as: Tyler Schmidt, 42, Cedar Falls Sarah Schmidt, 42, Cedar Falls Lulu Schmidt, 6, Cedar Falls.
The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation confirmed that three family members were found dead Friday morning at a campground at the Marquita Caves State Park campground.
Authorities received a call at 6:23 a.m. to report a shooting in the northwestern Maquoketa area. Police found three bodies, but one camper was missing, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation said.
He was later identified as 23-year-old Nebraska resident Anthony Sherwin. Officers later found him dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The relationship between the suspect and victim remains unknown, officials said.
Law enforcement established a perimeter around the park and urged people to stay away while the investigation continues.
Camps are being evacuated, including Shalom, where children and their caregivers held camps this week. This is a camp designed to inspire people to live in peace.
The victims of the triple homicide have been identified as the Cedar Falls family. They are Tyler Schmidt, 42, Sarah Schmidt, 42, and Lulu Schmidt, 6.
My DNR staff and I grieve for the families impacted by the tragic events at Maquoketa Caves State Park. Our long tradition of enjoying Iowa’s natural wonders is broken today, but the legacy of millions of families relaxing in Iowa State Parks lives on. This heartbreaking incident has hit the DNR family. Not only as someone who is keen to take people out, but as someone who often camps in the same park with his family.
We thank local law enforcement, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, and DNR State Parks staff and conservation officials for their cooperation in this investigation.
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