UPDATE: 7:30 P.M.

July 22, 2022

MAQUOKETA, Iowa - The three victims of the triple-homicide at Maquoketa Caves State Park have been identified as: 

Tyler Schmidt, age 42, Cedar Falls

Sarah Schmidt, age 42, Cedar Falls

Lula Schmidt, age 6, Cedar Falls

The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner will conduct autopsies of all three victims. Once completed, the findings will be released. Additionally, the State Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy on suspect Anthony Orlando Sherwin, 23.

Law enforcement would like to thank the public for their assistance with the investigation and their concern for the Schmidt family. 

Investigators do not believe there is an on-going risk to the public. 

This is an on-going investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

DCI Investigating Triple Homicide At Maquoketa Caves State Park - No Danger To Public

July 22, 2022

MAQUOKETA, Iowa -  At about 6:23 a.m. this morning, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and DCI were notified of a triple homicide at the Maquoketa Caves State Park campground. Officers located three deceased bodies. Officers later found that a camper was unaccounted for. Following a search of the area, officers found the deceased body of Anthony Orlando Sherwin, 23, west of the park. Sherwin appears to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and there is no danger to the public. 

Media covering this incident are asked to stay clear of the area, and are directed to DCI public information officers at Hurtsville Interpretive Center located at 18670 63rd Street, Maquoketa, Iowa. 

At this time, the Maquoketa Caves State Park is an active crime scene and is closed until further notice. 

PHOTO: Anthony Orlando Sherwin

PHoto of Anthony Sherwin

ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.

Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319
https://dps.iowa.gov

Public Information Officers (PIO)

Mitch Mortvedt, Director, PDSS

Iowa Division of Professional Development & Support Services
Location
Oran Pape State Office Building

215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone(s)

Director of the Division of Professional Development & Support Services.