County shooting, fire cases still under investigation

Two weeks after Washington County saw a fatal fire and a non-fatal shooting in the same weekend, both cases remain under investigation.

A Monday afternoon update from Washington County Communications revealed the identities of both victims from the fire in Riverside, but gave no further details on the incident’s cause.

“The subjects who perished in the house fire have been identified as John Henry Downer, 79, and Noel Edmond Downer, 53, both of 1047 Vine Ave., Riverside,” the news release said. “The fire is still under investigation and further information will be released as it becomes available.”

As for the shooting, Washington Police Chief Jim Lester said details about a suspect were still not public.

“The investigation into the shooting is ongoing and investigators … continue to follow-up on information,” Lester said in an email. “I unfortunately don't have a lot more that I can tell you at this time.”

Lester said he was confident that the shooting was an isolated incident, posing no threat to the public despite no arrests being made yet.

“We believe there is a connection between the victim and the suspect(s),” he said.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com