Manner of Death: Undetermined
Age: 69
Location: Edwards Street near Longfellow Elementary School, Waterloo, Iowa
County: Black Hawk County
Incident Date: May 25–26, 2014
Date of Death: June 5, 2014
Overview
Dennis Dwaine Washburn, a 69-year-old Waterloo resident, U.S. Navy veteran, and Vietnam War serviceman, died on June 5, 2014, from injuries sustained under suspicious circumstances near the former Longfellow Elementary School on Edwards Street in Waterloo, Iowa. The Iowa State Medical Examiner ultimately ruled the manner of death as undetermined, and the case remains open.
Washburn, who relied on a walker for mobility and did not own a vehicle, was discovered unconscious with severe head injuries in the early morning hours of Memorial Day, May 26, 2014.
Timeline of Events
On Sunday, May 25, 2014, Washburn was last seen leaving the Jet Lounge on West Parker Street at approximately 9:00 p.m. He was walking east, reportedly with a crate of groceries mounted on his walker. Friends and family said this route was consistent with his usual path home.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on May 26, a passerby found Washburn unconscious in the grass near the former Longfellow Elementary School, a location directly along his route. Emergency responders transported him to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City via LifeFlight.
Washburn never regained consciousness.
Injuries and Medical Findings
Medical personnel determined Washburn suffered blunt force trauma, including:
- A broken neck
- Facial fractures
- Significant swelling to the forehead
- Severe head trauma requiring surgical intervention
Doctors drilled a hole in his skull to relieve pressure from fluid buildup. Despite intensive treatment, his condition deteriorated. Family members made the decision to remove life support on June 2, 2014. Washburn passed away in the early morning hours of June 5, 2014.
Suspicious Circumstances
Investigators noted several factors that raised concern:
- Washburn’s wallet was found 100–200 feet from his body and was empty
- His walker and groceries were found closer to him and appeared undisturbed
- Family members reported Washburn had withdrawn more cash earlier in the day than was accounted for by his purchases
Relatives strongly disputed the possibility that his injuries resulted from a fall, citing their severity and distribution.
Waterloo Police Lt. Michael McNamee stated that while Washburn’s death was suspicious, investigators could not definitively determine whether the injuries resulted from an assault or an accidental fall. A secondary pathologist review did not resolve the uncertainty.
On August 26, 2014, police confirmed the Iowa State Medical Examiner classified the manner of death as undetermined. Authorities stated the case would remain open pending new information.
Family Statements
Family members described the prolonged investigation as emotionally exhausting and deeply frustrating.
“It’s frustrating. After waiting all of this time, and still, basically, you have no answers,” said his daughter, April Washburn.
Washburn’s children expressed concern that if their father was attacked, the person responsible could pose a danger to others.
Background
Dennis Dwaine Washburn was born January 31, 1945, in Davenport, Iowa, to Keith and Mary (Hein) Washburn. He later married Patricia Wehr in 1978; the couple divorced.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, Washburn worked for many years at John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works before retiring. Known as outgoing and sociable, he enjoyed swimming, working on bicycles, and spending time at the Jet Lounge, where he was a familiar and well-liked patron.
Due to declining mobility, Washburn no longer drove and relied on his walker to get around.
Survivors
Washburn is survived by:
- Four sons: Matthew Washburn (Waterloo), Andrew Washburn (Parkersburg), Nathan Washburn (Newton), and Jonah Washburn (Waterloo)
- Two daughters: Denise Munoz and April Washburn (Waterloo)
- Thirteen grandchildren
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother (Larry Washburn), and a sister (Karen Himer).
Services and Memorial
Memorial services were held June 10, 2014, at Parrott and Wood Chapel of Memories in Waterloo, with inurnment at Fairview Cemetery. Military honors were conducted by Evansdale AMVETS Post 31 and Waterloo AMVETS Post 19.
Following services, the family gathered at the Jet Lounge, where freewill donations were accepted to support Crime Stoppers reward efforts.
Information Needed
Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers continues to offer a $1,500 reward for information leading to a criminal charge in connection with Washburn’s death.
Anyone with information is urged to contact:
- Waterloo Police Department: 319-291-4340 ext. 3
- Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers: 855-300-TIPS (8477)
- Text: CEDAR + tip to CRIMES (274637)
- Online: www.cvcrimestop.com
