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.