On the night of March 17, 2022, 74-year-old Lawrence Whittle was killed on the farm he shared with his stepson in Decorah, Iowa. His stepson, Aaron Gary Whittle, initially reported Lawrence missing. A search warrant at the farm uncovered signs of a cover-up, including a section of blood-stained carpet that had been cut away.

Under questioning Aaron Whittle admitted to killing his stepfather. Prosecutors say Lawrence was shot while sleeping in a recliner; his body, the recliner, and the shotgun were burned in a metal feeding trough and hidden among hay bales. Lawrence’s truck was driven to and abandoned at a park several miles away; the carpet piece that could not be cleaned was cut out and burned. At trial prosecutors argued financial stress on the farm provided motive. Aaron Whittle was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years, with a mandatory minimum of 35 years to serve, and an appeal was denied.

Did anyone in Decorah or with ties to the farm notice signs of trouble on the property before March 17, 2022?