A Tuesday afternoon in Stuart, Iowa, ended in tragedy when 42-year-old Toni Salazar was found dead outside a residence in the 200 block of Southwest Sixth Street. Law enforcement responded to reports of shots fired on August 18, 2026; officers discovered Salazar deceased and learned an individual who had been speaking with her was able to flee after the suspect’s weapon failed to fire when aimed at that person.

One of the first responders, Iowa State Patrol Trooper Chase Carruthers, was wounded when the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Austin Nichols Reed of Stuart, fired at him shortly after officers arrived. Carruthers was taken to a Des Moines hospital in stable condition. Reed was taken into custody at the scene and later charged with first-degree murder in Salazar’s death and attempted murder of a police officer. Reports note a recent history of conflict between Reed and Salazar, including a third-degree harassment charge the previous month.

Salazar is remembered in her obituary as a devoted wife to LyVandr Salazar, a mother of five known as Mama T, and a founder of a Bible study at her church. The Stuart Police Department, with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, is handling the investigation. If anyone knew Toni Salazar or has information about what happened that afternoon, please come forward with tips.