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Second man arrested in connection to Rhodes deaths

Keller, of Fort Dodge, is charged with obstruction

Paul Keller

Another man has been arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of two brothers in Fort Dodge last week.

Also, the Fort Dodge Police Department is looking for anyone who may have surveillance video taken around the time of the deaths of Marion Rhodes, 37, and El Dominic Rhodes, 34. They were found dead of gunshot wounds in the early morning hours of Oct. 22 in an alley near Ninth Street and Third Avenue North.

Tanner King, 28, of Fort Dodge, was charged last week with two counts of first-degree murder. He also faces an attempted murder charge for allegedly shooting at Cletio Clark, 28, of Fort Dodge, during the same incident.

A second man, Paul Keller, 46, of Fort Dodge, has now been charged with obstructing prosecution or defense, an aggravated misdemeanor.

The complaint filed against Keller alleges that he concealed or disguised evidence on behalf of King.

No specific information on the allegations against Keller, including what that evidence was or how it was allegedly tampered with, could be found in the complaint.

He’s also charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Keller appeared in Webster County Magistrate Court Monday, having posted bond prior to his initial appearance.

Magistrate Steve Kersten appointed attorney Matthew Mauk, of Ames, to represent Keller.

Kersten also transferred the case to Webster County District Court, where an arraignment will be scheduled at a later date.

Fort Dodge Police Capt. Ryan Gruenberg said that although King has been arrested, the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Part of that investigation includes looking for surveillance video that was recorded around the time of the shooting.

Gruenberg said officers are specifically looking for cameras in the area that spans from First Avenue North to Sixth Avenue North, and from North Ninth Street to North 15th Street.

“We are asking that anyone in this area that has surveillance footage from Oct. 20 to present, contact the Police Department,” he said. “This will allow our investigators to review any footage that may offer more information into this incident.”

Because some recording devices don’t have a lot of storage space, Gruenberg said time is of the essence in obtaining this footage. He said it is “imperative” that people with surveillance contact the Police Department as soon as possible.

Additionally, Gruenberg said the department has become aware of people in the community who have information, but have not reported it to law enforcement.

He asked that those with information come forward.

“Often times, investigators can work off second-hand information to develop substantial leads in a case,” Gruenberg said. “Investigators will continue to track down information until all investigative leads have been exhausted.”

Information can be reported to the Fort Dodge Police Department at 573-1426 or Webster County Crime Stoppers at 573-1444. Those not wanting to provide their name or any other information can also submit tips online at wccrimestoppers.com or by texting “LEC” and the tip to 274637.

The Rhodes brothers were shot and killed early on the morning of Oct. 22.

Criminal complaints, filed with the Webster County attorney’s office, allege that King and Clark were having an argument over “bad” drugs that King had allegedly sold to Clark’s girlfriend.

While they were arguing, El Dominic Rhodes drove up to the scene, while Marion Rhodes walked up and began making a phone call.

As El Dominic Rhodes walked up to King and Clark, King allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Rhodes, then allegedly turned the gun on his brother, shooting him as well, the complaint stated.

King then allegedly shot at Clark, but missed and hit a car instead.

King was arrested late Thursday on the murder and attempted murder charges.

He is being held in the Webster County Jail on more than $2 million cash-only bond.

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