On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 4:26pm, public safety personnel responded to 607 East Church Street in Marshalltown after the Marshall County 911 Communications Center received a 911 call about a shooting at this location.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Hermelinda Alcala-de-Villagomez, age 57, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Hermelinda Alcala-de-Villagomez was pronounced deceased at the scene. Law enforcement also found Jose Carmen Villagomez-Torres, age 72, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Jose Carmen Villagomez-Torres was taken to UnityPoint Hospital in Marshalltown. Jose Carmen Villagomez-Torres was subsequently transported to a Des Moines hospital for emergency medical treatment with life-threatening injuries. Jose Carmen Villagomez-Torres has died.
Hermelinda Alcala-de-Villagomez and Jose Carmen Villagomez-Torres are married but had been living separately. Preliminary investigative details indicate that Jose Carmen Villagomez-Torres shot Hermelinda Alcala-de-Villagomez and then shot himself. It is important to note that these are preliminary details and the investigation is not completed. Autopsies will be performed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.
The investigation of this incident is continuing. Law enforcement did recover a firearm at the scene. Law enforcement is not actively looking for any other involved parties. There is no information or evidence available that indicates any danger exists for the general public. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting the Marshalltown Police Department with this investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5725. Tips may also be submitted anonymously by calling Marshall County Crime Stoppers at 641.753.1234 or via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tips may also be submitted online at www.marshallcountycs.com.
The Marshalltown Police Department was assisted at this scene by the Marshall County 911 Communications Center, the Marshalltown Fire Department, the Marshalltown Police Department Tactical Team, and Unity Point Ambulance Service.
For more information, please contact Police Chief Michael Tupper by calling 641.754.5771 or via email at mtupper@marshalltown-ia.gov.