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Brothers die in midnight shooting

Bodies are found in alley behind 910 Second Ave. N.; Pair were shot where they were found, police say

-Messenger photo by Peter Kaspari
Multiple authorities investigate near the scene of the fatal shooting the night before.

Two brothers died, apparently of gunshot wounds, just north of downtown Fort Dodge shortly after midnight early Monday.

Police identified the men as Marion Rhodes, 37, and Eldominic Rhodes, 34, both of Fort Dodge.

The homicides are the first in the city of Fort Dodge and Webster County in 2018, according to Fort Dodge Police Capt. Ryan Gruenberg.

It is the first double homicide in Fort Dodge since two children were murdered in 2005, he said.

Officers responded to the area of North Ninth Street and Third Avenue North at 12:03 a.m. Monday after receiving a call reporting shots had been fired.

-Messenger graphic
A map shows the area where the shooting occurred.

The men were found lying in an alley behind an apartment building at 910 Second Ave. N.

Investigators determined both of them were shot in the alley where they were found, Gruenberg reported.

It’s not yet known how many shots were fired.

Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Fort Dodge Fire Department.

A short time later, family and loved ones arrived at the scene and learned of the news.

-Submitted photo
Marion Rhodes is pictured in a photo provided by a friend.

“That’s my brother!” one man shouted.

A crime scene team from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation helped collect evidence.

Investigators remained on scene later Monday morning, but appeared to pack up around 10 a.m.

Around that time a man walking in the area, who did not identify himself to a Messenger reporter, shouted, “We need answers, man! We need answers!”

As of Monday night, no suspects had been arrested. A motive has also not been identified, police reported.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Fort Dodge first responders were at the scene of a fatal shooting early Monday morning just north of downtown Fort Dodge. Police secured an area in an alley near the intersection of Third Avenue North and North Ninth Street.

It’s believed the shooting is an isolated incident between people who knew each other, according to Gruenberg.

He said police are still trying to identify whether any sort of gang affiliation had anything to do with the crime. He said to that point, gang affiliation has not been confirmed in any way.

Gruenberg said authorities believe there is no danger to the public.

Anyone who may know what happened is asked to report what they know to law enforcement.

“This is indeed a tragic incident for the Rhodes family, losing two family members in a single violent crime,” Gruenberg said. “We understand that information, fact or otherwise, will circulate among the community. We simply ask that any information known or heard be passed along to the Police Department allowing our investigators to follow up on that information. Even the smallest piece of information could lead to a significant break in the case. We hope that community members choose to work with us, sharing information they may have, so we can reach a resolution for the Rhodes family.”

-Messenger photo by Peter Kaspari
The bodies were found in the area behind this apartment building at 910 Second Ave. N.

To help encourage people to come forward, Webster County Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects responsible for the crime.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Dodge Police Department at 573-1426 or Webster County Crime Stoppers at 573-1444. Tips can also be reported anonymously online at wccrimestoppers.com or by texting “LEC” and the tip to 274637.

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