Autumn Mae Steele was 34 when she died on January 6, 2015, in her front yard in Burlington, Iowa. Police were called for a domestic disturbance; Officer Jesse Hill arrived and encountered Steele and her husband struggling while their young child was present. The family’s German Shepherd was also on scene and, according to the officer, bit him. Hill drew his service weapon and fired two shots intended for the dog but slipped on icy ground; one bullet struck Steele in the torso. She was taken to a local medical center and later died of the wound.

The Des Moines County Attorney later declined to file criminal charges, characterizing the shooting as a very tragic, accidental death. Officer Hill was placed on administrative leave and subsequently returned to duty. The Steele family pushed for greater transparency, filed a civil suit against the city and the officer, and settled the case for $2 million in June 2018; the settlement prompted release of evidence. Medical records and photos released afterward showed no puncture wounds consistent with the alleged dog bite, and the family’s dog was ultimately returned as not vicious.

If anyone witnessed the January 6 incident or has information about what happened that morning, please share what is known.