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Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:02 PM CDT
Community in shock over murders
Community in shock over murders
No Coke. It's Pepsi at Young Arena
UPDATE: Woman dies in Bremer Co. fire
DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
Community in shock over murders
By KAREN HEINSELMAN, Courier Staff Writer
GLADBROOK --- Friends, former teachers, even distant acquaintances come to the same conclusion.
Bryce Mercer was a good guy.
So the death of Mercer on Friday, the victim of an apparent homicide, leaves members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck community in shock. Mercer, an athlete and scholar, graduated from the district in 2002.
Ryan Schulz, 30, graduated from Gladbrook-Reinbeck six years ahead of Mercer. Schulz said he considered Mercer a friend. That's just the way it is in a small town, he said.
"Everyone is so just devastated by this, from all the parents to all the kids," said Schulz, now a resident of Denver, Colo. "It's just absolutely horrible."
Authorities have arrested a suspect in the incident. Kyle Deemer, 27, of West Des Moines, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office alleges that Deemer shot and killed both Mercer and Jessica Deemer, 24, of Waukee, Friday along Iowa Highway 14 in northern Marshall County.
At the scene, authorities discovered two bodies along the side of the road and a car in the east ditch, the sheriff's office reported. Witnesses stated a suspect fled the scene in a pickup. Kyle Deemer led authorities from various agencies on a vehicle and foot chase before the Iowa State Patrol apprehended him without incident in southern Hamilton County.
Autopsies have been scheduled.
Authorities did not comment on the relationship between the victims and the suspect but published reports say they were married.
According to her obituary, Jessica Deemer is survived by a 6-year-old son, Ty. There is no mention of Kyle.
Mercer's parents declined to comment for the story.
According to court records, Kyle Deemer's run-ins with the law include several counts of fifth-degree theft, disorderly conduct, driving-while intoxicated and a related contempt of court charge, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed in 2000.
Mercer and Jessica Deemer both worked at Principal Financial Group in West Des Moines. Mercer moved to the area after earning a double major in finance and economics from Wartburg College in 2006.
Mercer played Wartburg football for four years, Rick Willis, the college's athletic director and football coach, said in an e-mail. Willis described Mercer as a well-liked, team-oriented player who made significant contributions.
Teacher Chad Bixby coached Mercer in football. Mercer's team was the first class from Gladbrook-Reinbeck to make playoffs in 2001. Teachers said Mercer also played basketball and golf.
Several Gladbrook-Reinbeck residents commented on an apparent Mercer trademark: his grin. Teachers and administrators dubbed it infectious, friendly, fun-loving and at times, mischievous.
"Always came into the room with a smile on his face," retired teacher Bruce Bailey said.
Bailey taught physical education and said Mercer used to come to class early to challenge him in a game of horse. Bailey, who stands 6 foot 5 inches, estimated that Mercer had maybe an inch on him.
Lisa Koester, former high school principal for Gladbrook-Reinbeck, said Mercer excelled at more than sports. She complimented his character and scholastic ability. She now works in human resources for the Marshalltown School District.
"He was a good student," Koester said. "Always someone that would make other kids feel accepted and he was a good friend to a lot of kids."
The loss, she said, is deeply felt by the entire community. And the nature of his death, she said, is unbelievable.
"When something like this happens, it really just take the heart (out) of a lot of people," Koester added.
Schulz doesn't know all of the details but suspects Mercer died "trying to help a young girl through a tough situation." He recalls Mercer as a big guy with a big presence, someone who influenced others for the better.
Bixby said he will miss Mercer, a "gentle giant."
"All around great kid," Bixby said," and he's going to be greatly missed."
A memorial fund for Mercer has been established with F & M Bank in Gladbrook, Tama and Marshalltown.
Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.
Bryce Mercer was a good guy.
So the death of Mercer on Friday, the victim of an apparent homicide, leaves members of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck community in shock. Mercer, an athlete and scholar, graduated from the district in 2002.
Ryan Schulz, 30, graduated from Gladbrook-Reinbeck six years ahead of Mercer. Schulz said he considered Mercer a friend. That's just the way it is in a small town, he said.
"Everyone is so just devastated by this, from all the parents to all the kids," said Schulz, now a resident of Denver, Colo. "It's just absolutely horrible."
Authorities have arrested a suspect in the incident. Kyle Deemer, 27, of West Des Moines, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office alleges that Deemer shot and killed both Mercer and Jessica Deemer, 24, of Waukee, Friday along Iowa Highway 14 in northern Marshall County.
At the scene, authorities discovered two bodies along the side of the road and a car in the east ditch, the sheriff's office reported. Witnesses stated a suspect fled the scene in a pickup. Kyle Deemer led authorities from various agencies on a vehicle and foot chase before the Iowa State Patrol apprehended him without incident in southern Hamilton County.
Autopsies have been scheduled.
Authorities did not comment on the relationship between the victims and the suspect but published reports say they were married.
According to her obituary, Jessica Deemer is survived by a 6-year-old son, Ty. There is no mention of Kyle.
Mercer's parents declined to comment for the story.
According to court records, Kyle Deemer's run-ins with the law include several counts of fifth-degree theft, disorderly conduct, driving-while intoxicated and a related contempt of court charge, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed in 2000.
Mercer and Jessica Deemer both worked at Principal Financial Group in West Des Moines. Mercer moved to the area after earning a double major in finance and economics from Wartburg College in 2006.
Mercer played Wartburg football for four years, Rick Willis, the college's athletic director and football coach, said in an e-mail. Willis described Mercer as a well-liked, team-oriented player who made significant contributions.
Teacher Chad Bixby coached Mercer in football. Mercer's team was the first class from Gladbrook-Reinbeck to make playoffs in 2001. Teachers said Mercer also played basketball and golf.
Several Gladbrook-Reinbeck residents commented on an apparent Mercer trademark: his grin. Teachers and administrators dubbed it infectious, friendly, fun-loving and at times, mischievous.
"Always came into the room with a smile on his face," retired teacher Bruce Bailey said.
Bailey taught physical education and said Mercer used to come to class early to challenge him in a game of horse. Bailey, who stands 6 foot 5 inches, estimated that Mercer had maybe an inch on him.
Lisa Koester, former high school principal for Gladbrook-Reinbeck, said Mercer excelled at more than sports. She complimented his character and scholastic ability. She now works in human resources for the Marshalltown School District.
"He was a good student," Koester said. "Always someone that would make other kids feel accepted and he was a good friend to a lot of kids."
The loss, she said, is deeply felt by the entire community. And the nature of his death, she said, is unbelievable.
"When something like this happens, it really just take the heart (out) of a lot of people," Koester added.
Schulz doesn't know all of the details but suspects Mercer died "trying to help a young girl through a tough situation." He recalls Mercer as a big guy with a big presence, someone who influenced others for the better.
Bixby said he will miss Mercer, a "gentle giant."
"All around great kid," Bixby said," and he's going to be greatly missed."
A memorial fund for Mercer has been established with F & M Bank in Gladbrook, Tama and Marshalltown.
Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.
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More Stories from News » Top Story
Community in shock over murdersNo Coke. It's Pepsi at Young ArenaUPDATE: Woman dies in Bremer Co. fire
harleyboy1961 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:41 PM:
" Way to go Kyle. I guess you showed everyone, including your child, what an evil and murderous person you truely are.
There are much more mature and human ways to handle a difficult situation in your life, but I am sure like times before, you refused to listen to anyone and handle it in your own way.
I guess killing people is more important that being able to be there for your son & help him grow up & be a father for him. Way to put yourself and your emotions before those of your son. I'm sure he will hate you for killing his mother. "
There are much more mature and human ways to handle a difficult situation in your life, but I am sure like times before, you refused to listen to anyone and handle it in your own way.
I guess killing people is more important that being able to be there for your son & help him grow up & be a father for him. Way to put yourself and your emotions before those of your son. I'm sure he will hate you for killing his mother. "
hetfield wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:56 PM:
" Prayers go out to the Mercers and to Jessica's family and son Ty.
Perfect example of why we need the death penalty in Iowa. "
Perfect example of why we need the death penalty in Iowa. "
kevzimp wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:10 PM:
" I didn't know bryce either. But i would like to say that i was an eyewitness to this terrible crime. I woiuld like everyone to know that nothing could be done to stop this so called man that terrible evening. that man had one thing on his mind and nothing was going to stop him till it was done. My family and i came upon this just as that crazy #$^#@% started his rampage.My 4 yo daughter saw this happen and was very traumatized by this. I truly was hoping they would find the guy with a bullet in his head but no such luck.So my thoughts and prayers go out to both familys God bless you "
dac100181 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:14 PM:
" they were married? little confusing. the victims were married or the suspect and jessica were? "
arnold wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:59 PM:
" Wow, Harleyboy1961~ I hope that you are not as bitter as you sound. Are you that close to the situation that can make those kind of judgements? If you do have a personal connection to this tragic event why vent here? "
scoot wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:02 PM:
" The comments need to be disabled for a story like this. There should not be comments for potential jurors to read that may influence the way they decide the case. "
shirley wrote on Oct 22, 2008 12:46 AM:
" Gosh what a beautiful young woman. I am so sorry for the loss to all friends and family. I hope the young child will grow to be a brave intelligent young man. One of my worst fears is to leave my children while they are still young. Hope he can cope and recover ok he is sooo young.
RIP "
RIP "
mystical wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:35 AM:
" TO DAC: KYLE AND SWEET JESSICA WERE GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE HER AND BRYCE WERE DATING...
HARLEY: I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER THIS FAMILY HAS WENT THROUGH SO MUCH SINCE FRIDAY.
TO KEVZIMP:I AM SORRY YOU DAUGHTER GOT TO SEE WHAT THIS AWFUL MONSTER DID FRIDAY. I BELIEVE YOU WHEN YOU SAY NOTHING COULD HAVE BEEN DONE. KYLE WAS UNSTABLE AND NEEDED HELP, IF ONLY HE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN IT BEFORE TAKING THE LIVES OF TWO YOUNG PROMISING PEOPLE.
FOR ALL OF YOU THAT DON'T KNOW JESSICA.
SHE WAS A SWEET, LOVING, PERSON. SHE WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR EVERYONE, THERE WASN'T A MEAN BONE IN HER BODY AND I CAN TRULY SAY SHE HAD NO ENEMIES OF ANY KIND. SHE WAS ALL ABOUT FAMILY AND HER SON TY. MAY GOD BE WITH HIM AND EVERYONE ELSE ON THIS VERY SAD DAY.
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE MERCER FAMILY AS WELL. I DID NOT KNOW BRYCE ALL THAT WELL, BUT I KNOW HE WAS A KIND GENTLE MAN TO JESS AND TY. MAY YOU BOTH RIP.
AND FOR EVERYONE ELSE, IF YOU ARE GOING TO POST NEGATIVE THINGS PLEASE DO NOT DO IT HERE, TODAY IS THE DAY WE LET GO OF JESSICA AND HOLD ON TO HER MEMORIES. THERE IS ENOUGH HATE IN THIS WORLD WE DO NOT NEED ANYMORE. PLEASE JUST PRAY FOR TY AND THE FAMILY TO MAKE IT THROUGH TODAY AND BE ABLE TO ONE DAY GO ON WITH LIFE AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE. "
HARLEY: I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER THIS FAMILY HAS WENT THROUGH SO MUCH SINCE FRIDAY.
TO KEVZIMP:I AM SORRY YOU DAUGHTER GOT TO SEE WHAT THIS AWFUL MONSTER DID FRIDAY. I BELIEVE YOU WHEN YOU SAY NOTHING COULD HAVE BEEN DONE. KYLE WAS UNSTABLE AND NEEDED HELP, IF ONLY HE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN IT BEFORE TAKING THE LIVES OF TWO YOUNG PROMISING PEOPLE.
FOR ALL OF YOU THAT DON'T KNOW JESSICA.
SHE WAS A SWEET, LOVING, PERSON. SHE WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR EVERYONE, THERE WASN'T A MEAN BONE IN HER BODY AND I CAN TRULY SAY SHE HAD NO ENEMIES OF ANY KIND. SHE WAS ALL ABOUT FAMILY AND HER SON TY. MAY GOD BE WITH HIM AND EVERYONE ELSE ON THIS VERY SAD DAY.
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE MERCER FAMILY AS WELL. I DID NOT KNOW BRYCE ALL THAT WELL, BUT I KNOW HE WAS A KIND GENTLE MAN TO JESS AND TY. MAY YOU BOTH RIP.
AND FOR EVERYONE ELSE, IF YOU ARE GOING TO POST NEGATIVE THINGS PLEASE DO NOT DO IT HERE, TODAY IS THE DAY WE LET GO OF JESSICA AND HOLD ON TO HER MEMORIES. THERE IS ENOUGH HATE IN THIS WORLD WE DO NOT NEED ANYMORE. PLEASE JUST PRAY FOR TY AND THE FAMILY TO MAKE IT THROUGH TODAY AND BE ABLE TO ONE DAY GO ON WITH LIFE AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE. "
dividedstates wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:01 AM:
" Yesterday the race card was all over of the place when Dareysha, Darson, and Darterio Tarbor went out on a Family Robbing Spree". No one is going to bring up race today? Oh I forgot, a WHITE MAN murdered these poor souls. Its ok, you can still blame it on the blacks. After all their robberies are worse than these murders right? This country is so one-sided!!! "
nanag wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:46 PM:
" dividedstates you are one sad person .why bring that crap to this story show a little class . God Bless these families "
wartburg06 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:57 PM:
" Hi. I knew Bryce from college. We were the same year. I unfortunately did not know Jessica. Bryce was an amazing person. I worked at a job on campus and I would walk back to my dorm late at night. I told him I was nervous about walking alone at night and so he made sure that when I was working late, he was there to walk me back. He made me feel so much better walking late at night. We also went on Spring Break with a group of people our sophomore year. It was so much fun! All you could do is laugh and smile around Bryce. My hearts go out to all of the families involved. I am sure Jessica was as great a person as Bryce was! RIP "
mystical wrote on Oct 22, 2008 6:35 PM:
" Thank you nanag. He must (devidedstates) just be a really upset person with society.
But my comment to you dividedstates: I hope you or anyone you know, never has to go through this horrible tragedy. It is hard enough to loose a loved one on a day to day to basis. But, to loose them at the hands of a selfish soul with murderous intent. I hope you never know the pain Jessica's parents, or the rest of the family are going through this evening after having to say goodbye to their daughter, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and sister.
I'm not even sure why you pulled the race card. I'm sorry the comments on the other story upset you. But, this isn't about race and neither was the other story I'm sure. I'm sorry you feel jilted enough to take from the pleasant comments the ones caring to look on here can see. I hope whatever it is that has you so unhappy changes in your life. Because it must suck to be so bitter. "
But my comment to you dividedstates: I hope you or anyone you know, never has to go through this horrible tragedy. It is hard enough to loose a loved one on a day to day to basis. But, to loose them at the hands of a selfish soul with murderous intent. I hope you never know the pain Jessica's parents, or the rest of the family are going through this evening after having to say goodbye to their daughter, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and sister.
I'm not even sure why you pulled the race card. I'm sorry the comments on the other story upset you. But, this isn't about race and neither was the other story I'm sure. I'm sorry you feel jilted enough to take from the pleasant comments the ones caring to look on here can see. I hope whatever it is that has you so unhappy changes in your life. Because it must suck to be so bitter. "
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DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
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dabears wrote on Oct 21, 2008 3:33 PM: