Authorities responded to a reported shooting at a Fremont convenience store that left one individual deceased.
On February 1 at approximately 5:22 p.m., multiple law enforcement agencies were dispatched to the Casey’s General Store on Main Street in Fremont, Iowa, in response to a reported shooting.
According to criminal complaints, Michael Lee, 54, of Fremont, entered the Casey’s store and became involved in a verbal altercation with the victim while inside the business. The victim later exited the store and sat inside his vehicle, which was parked directly in front of the store. A short time later, Lee exited the store and re-engaged with the victim, who remained seated in his vehicle.
Court documents state the victim then exited his vehicle, and a verbal and physical altercation occurred between the two men. During the confrontation, Lee allegedly fired several gunshots, striking the victim at least once. The victim sustained fatal injuries as a result of the gunshot wound.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers located the victim deceased in the Casey’s parking lot, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Investigators also determined that at least one round fired by Lee entered the Casey’s store. Further investigation revealed that Lee was armed with a concealed .38-caliber revolver. The firearm was later recovered from Lee’s residence during the execution of a search warrant.
During an interview with law enforcement, Lee stated that the victim was on top of him when he reached into his right coat pocket and fired several shots from the revolver. However, court documents indicate that physical evidence, crime scene processing, and witness statements contradict this account. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and then observing the victim lying on the ground.
Shortly after a 911 call was made reporting the shooting, Lee also contacted 911 and stated that he had shot someone.
Lee is currently being held in the Mahaska County Jail on a $500,000 cash-only bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 11. Lee has been charged with Murder in the First Degree, a Class A felony.
