Oskaloosa Man Charged With 2nd Degree Murder

Luke VanHemert (Mahaska County Jail Photo)

Luke VanHemert, 23, of Oskaloosa, IA, is charged with the 2nd Degree Murder of Marquis Todd, says Mahaska County Attorney James Q. Blomgren.

The Mahaska County 911 Center received a call at approximately 10:50 pm, March 1st, about a fight that occurred at 603 North 3rd Street in Oskaloosa. Law enforcement found Todd stabbed, just blocks away, at Jiffy convenience store.

A warrant was issued for VanHemert’s arrest on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Second Degree Murder, a Class B Felony, carries a maximum of 50 years of imprisonment.

A press conference has been called for 1:00 pm, March 14th, in the emergency operations center of the Mahaska County Law Center.

A criminal charge is merely a criminal charge and not an indication of guilt. All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

*Story updated with press conference information, and booking photo of VanHemert.