On April 16, 2018, 60-year-old Dean Elliot Russell was fatally shot in the trailer home he shared with his stepson at Parkview Trailer Court in Waukon, Iowa. The initial 911 call came from the stepson, 32-year-old John Michael Quanrude, who told dispatchers he had accidentally shot a friend in the shoulder and chest. Quanrude at first gave the victim’s name as Nate, then admitted the victim was his stepfather; his accounts of the shooting were inconsistent, including a claim he fired a warning shot because Russell was messing with him.

Investigators found no evidence of forced entry into the bedroom where the shooting occurred. Quanrude had reportedly obtained the shotgun from a relative the night before and later attempted to flee custody after being taken to the police station. He was charged with second-degree murder within 24 hours of the shooting.

A jury convicted John Michael Quanrude of second-degree murder in September 2018 and in October 2018 he received a sentence with a maximum of 50 years and a requirement to serve at least 35 years before parole eligibility; restitution to Russell’s family was also ordered. Family members described Dean Russell as a kind and gentle man. If anyone knew Dean, his household, or witnessed events at Parkview Trailer Court that afternoon, please share what is known.