PLYMOUTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

NEWS RELEASE

On 12/13/17 at approximately 1604 hours, the Plymouth County 911 Center received a call from an individual stating that he found his father deceased in the kitchen area of his residence. The residence is located at 34782 Highway 3, Le Mars. When emergency personnel arrived, they found a male subject deceased on the kitchen floor. The deceased was later identified as John Peter Koley of the above-mentioned residence. The subject is approximately 57 years old.

Upon investigation by the arriving officers, it was determined that the death had occurred several days prior to being found by the reporting party. It has also been determined through the investigation at this point that the manner of death is unknown. Plymouth County Medical Examiner, Dr. Sheila Holcomb, assisted at the scene and a determination was made to transport the deceased to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for an autopsy. That autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning, December 15th. The crime scene investigation unit from the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and arrived at the scene to begin their work processing potential evidence. The death is being investigated as suspicious; homicide, suicide, accidental, and natural causes are not being ruled out at this time. Investigators continue to process the scene. It will remain secured until preliminary autopsy reports have been received by the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo