ESTHERVILLE -The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is releasing additional details in regard to the discovery of a body found on a rural Emmet County roadway last Saturday that was identified as that of David McDowell age (20) of Estherville.
After an exhaustive investigation by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Estherville Police Department, two search warrants were simultaneously executed in Estherville and Rockwell City, Iowa at approximately 05:45am this morning. In Estherville, the “HEAT” (High risk Entry and Arrest Team) was utilized to safely enter and execute the warrants. In Rockwell City, the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Tactical Team was utilized. After each scene was secured, the locations were searched and additional evidence was obtained and collected.
As a result of the investigation, Connor Uhde age (19) of Estherville and CeJay Van Der Wilt age (18) of Rockwell City were each charged with Murder in the 1st Degree in Emmet County.
Uhde was transported to the Emmet County Jail where he was booked without incident and remains in custody on a “no bond” warrant for his arrest. Van Der Wilt was transported to the Buena Vista County Jail where he also remains in custody on a “no bond” warrant.
Also assisting with the investigation were the Rockwell City Police Department, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa State Patrol.
A charge is merely an allegation and all persons are presumed innocent unless or until they are found guilty in a court of law.