On the late afternoon of August 19, 2021, a call to the Ames Police Department about an apparent assault led officers to an apartment on Mortensen Road. At about 6:10 p.m. they found 32-year-old Maria L. Hanian of Des Moines deceased. An autopsy determined the White female had been assaulted and died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators focused on 26-year-old Oscar Chavez of Ames, who lived in the same apartment. Surveillance footage showed Chavez leaving the building; deputies with the Sac County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle near Auburn the same night at 11:55 p.m. and detained him. A firearm was recovered during the investigation, and Chavez was returned to Story County and charged with first-degree murder. Authorities believe he acted alone.

If anyone knew Maria, her movements that day, or has information about what happened at the Mortensen Road apartment, please share what is known.