Cedar Falls Hunter's Death: Officials Believe Threat Has Subsided

CEDAR FALLS, IA — The Iowa Department of Public Safety said this afternoon that the "immediate threat to the public has subsided" in relation to the weekend homicide of a Cedar Falls hunter. They added that law enforcement personnel have conducted several interviews and have searched several areas looking for evidence in the case, in which no suspects have been announced.

Custis Ross, 31, disappeared while out hunting one week ago and his body was found Saturday in a remote area of Appanoose County near Lake Rathbun. Officials began investigating the death as a homicide based on preliminary autopsy findings Monday. warned the public that the unknown person responsible for Ross' death should be considered armed and dangerous.

Today officials said items of evidentiary value have been located during searches conducted and were sent to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory in Ankeny for forensic examination.

"At this time, as a result of the investigation that has occurred over the past several days, law enforcement feels that the immediate threat to the public has subsided," a DCI news release said. "As the first shotgun deer season approaches this weekend, law enforcement is still asking the public for assistance. If any hunters find anything that is out of place, they are asked to not touch the items and to contact law enforcement to come and look at the items."

>>Earlier: Cedar Falls Hunter's Death Considered A Homicide

Officials also reminded hunters to be alert and aware of their surroundings and to "use civility, respect and sportsmanship with fellow hunters and landowners."

The case remains under investigation by the Appanoose County Sheriff’s office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s office.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Appanoose County Law Enforcement Center at 641-437-7100.

Photo via Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation