Crime
Suspected Gunman Ian Hernandez Dead Following Fatal Hy-Vee Shooting in Muscatine
MUSCATINE, IOWA – Authorities have confirmed that the suspected gunman in a fatal shooting at the 2nd Avenue Hy-Vee has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of Monday, June 30, 2025, has been described by police as the result of an ongoing domestic dispute.
According to City of Muscatine spokesperson Kevin Jenison, the suspect has been identified as Ian Hernandez, a resident of Davenport, Iowa.
Hernandez succumbed to life-threatening injuries late Monday after being airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospital.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., Muscatine police dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire inside the Hy-Vee on 2nd Avenue.
Responding officers arrived to find Kalista Rae Hallberg, 37, of Letts, Iowa, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police quickly identified Hernandez as the suspect and located his vehicle — a red minivan — at the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 38.
Officers found Hernandez inside the vehicle suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Emergency responders administered life-saving measures before transporting him to a local hospital, and then to the University of Iowa Hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead.
The Muscatine Police Department has confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between Hallberg and Hernandez.
Investigators have not indicated any ongoing threat to the public.
Police urged the public to avoid the area surrounding Hy-Vee and nearby intersections through 7 a.m. Tuesday, as the investigation and cleanup continued.
A spokesperson for Hy-Vee Corporate issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy:
“This has been a tragic and difficult day for the Muscatine community. The Muscatine Police Department has confirmed that a woman was shot and killed in our store this afternoon. While there is no ongoing threat to the public, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life. Our thoughts are with the victim and the community as we grieve together.”
Hy-Vee has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and is providing time off and counseling services to employees who were present during the shooting.
The store will remain closed until cleared by police and deemed ready to reopen.
Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark issued a heartfelt statement addressing the community and the family of the victim:
“I want to offer my deepest thoughts and prayers to the family of Kalista Rae Hallberg, whose life was tragically taken in a senseless act of violence. This horrific event has deeply wounded the spirit of our close-knit community. No one should fear for their safety in Muscatine — a place we call home. We stand united in our grief and our resolve to build a safer, more compassionate community.”
Mayor Bark also praised the swift and courageous response of local first responders, including the Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine Fire Department, County Emergency Management, and Iowa State Patrol.
“The City of Muscatine pledges full support to law enforcement as they continue their work. Let us honor Kalista’s memory by standing together and committing to peace, safety, and unity.”
The Muscatine Police Department continues to investigate the incident, including the events leading up to the shooting.
They have asked the public to avoid the 2nd Avenue Hy-Vee, as well as the areas around Highway 61 and Highway 38, and Highway 61 and 2nd Avenue, while law enforcement completes its work.
Officials have reiterated that there is no active threat to the public at this time.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Muscatine Police.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.