It’s been nearly three years since police Altoona responded to a report of a body on public property just north of Interstate 80. The body was Lance Morningstar, 53, of Des Moines, who had been reported missing by his son the previous October.
Shortly after the investigation began, law enforcement knew they were dealing with a homicide. Morningstar, identified by dental records, died from at least one gun shot wound.
Earlier today, the Altoona Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation announced an arrest had been made in connection with the ongoing investigation. Louis E. Woolheater, 42, has been charged with first degree murder and currently resides in the Polk County jail pending $500,000 bond. Officials in Beaumont, Texas, where Woolheater was incarcerated on federal weapons charges, have allowed him to return to Iowa in order to face the murder charge.
According to a press release from the Division of Criminal Investigation, additional arrests are expected in conjunction with the case. Police would not speculate as to the number, nature of charges or timing of the anticipated arrests.
