ROCKWELL CITY — A Rockwell City man has been arrested on charges of first degree murder in connection with a body found in Emmet County on Oct. 2, according to investigators.

The body was identified as 20-year-old David McDowell, of Estherville.

After investigation by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and Estherville Police Department, two search warrants were executed simultaneously at approximately 5:45 a.m. Wednesday in Rockwell City and Estherville.

In Rockwell City, the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Tactical Team was utilized to safely enter and execute the warrant for 18-year-old CeJay Van Der Wilt, of Rockwell City.

In Estherville, the High-risk Entry and Arrest Team was utilized to execute the warrant for 19-year-old Connor Uhde.

Both Van Der Wilt and Uhde were charged with first degree murder.

After the scenes were secured, each location was searched and additional evidence was obtained.

Van Der Wilt was transported to the Buena Vista County Jail where he remains in custody without bond. Uhde was transported to the Emmet County Jail where he was booked without incident and remains in custody without bond.

According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement believes Van Der Wilt and Uhde lured McDowell to an apartment in Estherville on Oct. 1 with a plan to kill McDowell. In the early hours of Oct 2, Van Der Wilt and Uhde allegedly drove the victim approximately a mile south of 110th Street and 440th Avenue in rural Emmet County outside Estherville. McDowell was shot and killed at that location, according to the criminal complaint. McDowell’s body was found at approximately 8:20 a.m. Oct. 2 by a passing driver in the area.

Assisting with this investigation were the Rockwell City Police Department, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa State Patrol.