Todd Sulsberger and Walter Sulsberger Death – Following a standoff and firearm engagement with law officers in northwest Iowa on Sunday night, a father and son have died. About 7:30 p.m., the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office received a call. Sheriff Chad Sheehan stated during a press conference on Monday that he received a Sunday message from 72-year-old Todd Sulsberger stating that his son, 44-year-old Walter Sulsberger, was shooting at him at a home close to Old Highway 141.
The son was still at the site when the police came, threatening them and stating there would be no peaceful conclusion. According to Sheehan, the sheriff’s office asked the Iowa State Patrol, the Sioux City Police Department, and other organizations for more help. While on the phone with a crisis negotiator at 2:45 a.m. on Monday, Sheehan reported that Walter fired rounds at the tactical team attempting to move in to take him into custody.
At that point, according to Sheehan, officials retaliated by punching him. Walter passed away at the site despite receiving medical attention. Although Todd’s cause of death was not disclosed, he was likewise declared dead at the scene. The father’s death and the shooting incident involving the officer are being looked into by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations.
It is unknown who started the fires at the massive hay bales that Sheehan claimed could be seen for miles down the valley. There were no first responder injuries. According to protocol, the officers who fired their firearms were immediately placed on administrative leave, according to Sheehan.
The family will release Todd Sulsberger and Walter Sulsberger’s obituary and funeral arrangements at a later date.