Jury clears Wendelsdorf of murder in Duis case sparks outrage
Dickinson County officials and the public react to Wendelsdorf being acquitted of first degree murder and sexual abuse in Shelby Duis’s death. Watkins supporters argue abuse claims and dissents, while investigators note prior reports of abuse and failures by child protection services.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dickinson County
Edward Bjornstad
Shelby Duis
Watkins
Wendelsdorf
Shelby
Spirit Lake
Buena Vista County
Vilsack vows child protection reforms after Shelby Duis death
Gov. Tom Vilsack criticized the system as failed after the Shelby Duis case. He pressed for changes to Iowa child protection and DHS actions while noting the mother Heidi Watkins was convicted of child endangerment and Watkins’ boyfriend Jesse Wendelsdorf was acquitted. The toddler died from months of abuse, prompting reviews and training improvements across state agencies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Des Moines
Bureau
Tom Vilsack
Shelby Duis
Iowa
Spirit Lake
Vilsack
Kossuth
Watkins
Jesse Wendelsdorf
Shelby
State Department of Human Services
Duis
Roman felt like a failure amid turmoil and fear of leaving loved ones
The account describes Roman’s persistent worry about relatives, his habit of visiting others to ensure their safety, and his sisters noting his embarrassment about youth popularity and being single. They say he feared something bad would happen to family during trips to Florida and Georgia, while he sought meaning in gospel tapes and gifts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rivera
Florida
Reform Party ballot draw centers on Buchanan Hagelin clash
Iowa officials held a Reform Party ballot drawing as Buchanan and Hagelin fought for ballot access. Hagelin remains on the ballot by petition though only one Reform ticket can appear. officials say other states face similar disputes. Culver noted both campaigns will still be able to campaign in Iowa.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Reform Party
H. Ross Perot
Perot
Buchanan
Republican Party
Reform
Hagelin
Iowa
Natural Law Party
Kingsley Brooks
Fairfield
Hage
Lin
Donn Stanley
Secretary of State’s Office
Culver
Verizon Wireless
Linn
Johnson
Dubuque
Black Hawk
Bremer
Jones Counties
Offey
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ray Watkins
Orleans
Child Protection Services
Charles Illg
Iowa Department of Human Services
By Rod Boshart
Gov. Tom Vilsack
DHS
Rod Boshart
Roman
Jodi Huisentruit
Robert Fletcher
Georgia
Rick Smith
Ricks
Moses
Wolfe Clinic
Wolfe Cuushee
Www
Wolfeclinic.com
Alltell
Motorola
Alltel
AirTouch
Bell Atlantic Mobile
Primeco
Verizonwireless.com
Cedar Rapids
Blairs Ferry
Westdale Mall
Edgewood Rd
Communications Stores
Coralville Hwy
Second St
Waterloo
University Ave
Cedar Falls
Ste. 3
Dodge
Walmart
Blairs Ferry Rd
29Th Ave
Dodge St
Flammang
College Square Mall
4Th St
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