Authorities have identified two individuals found dead in a Clinton home last Friday in what police have determined to be a case of homicide and suicide.
Clinton Police say Shelly Ann Leab, 52, and Brian Keith Witherspoon, 57, were discovered during a welfare check at a residence on Pershing Boulevard around 12:30 p.m. on April 18.
According to autopsy results released Monday by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, Leab died from multiple gunshot wounds. Her death has been ruled a homicide. Witherspoon died from a single gunshot wound and was determined to have died by suicide.
Police confirmed that Leab and Witherspoon were formerly engaged. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
On Monday evening, friends and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil outside Life Connections Peer and Recovery Services to honor Leab’s life and legacy. The organization, which Leab was closely connected to, is working to include her in the upcoming “Ride for Recovery” event.
The annual event—organized by Life Connections, Legends Draft House, and Poopy’s Saloon—is scheduled for May 17 and was originally created to honor Leab’s son, Keaton Olson, who died in February 2024 from a fentanyl overdose. Organizers say this year’s ride will now also pay tribute to Leab.
Todd Noack with Life Connections said the team hopes to raise awareness around substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence, and continue to support those struggling in the community.
