Twenty-one-year-old Douglas James “DJ” Shondel II died under suspicious circumstances in Fairfield on March 11, 2001, and 25 years later, questions remain surrounding what happened.
According to Iowa Cold Cases, Shondel was found unresponsive in the bathtub of his apartment on North 16th Street. His pregnant girlfriend told authorities she discovered him in the tub with the shower still running.
However, the circumstances surrounding the discovery raised concerns for investigators and first responders. Iowa Cold Cases reports that people at the scene gave conflicting accounts, and first responders noticed that things appeared out of place.
Shondel was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, where he was pronounced dead. The medical examiner determined that he had suffered blunt-force trauma to the head and injuries to the upper cervical spine, including a broken neck. Toxicology detected a small amount of marijuana, but investigators determined that drugs did not contribute to his death. His manner of death was classified as undetermined.
One of the significant questions involved mud found on Shondel’s legs when he arrived at the hospital. According to Iowa Cold Cases, investigators reportedly could not locate his clothing in the bathroom, hallway or bedroom, raising questions about where he had been before he was found.
A witness also reportedly told police that earlier that day, several men had been seen carrying Shondel’s body up the apartment stairs. The witness said blood was coming from Shondel’s ears, although it was unclear whether he was already deceased at the time.
Neighbors reportedly knew of an ongoing feud involving Shondel and others in the area. Iowa Cold Cases also reports that Shondel had suffered other injuries approximately 10 days before his death.
Despite the questions surrounding his death, no one has been publicly identified as responsible, and the case remains classified as an undetermined suspicious death.
Shondel was born April 30, 1979, and was the son of Douglas and Pamela Shondel. He had two siblings, Deena and Josh. Funeral services were held March 15, 2001, and he was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield.
Tragedy continued for Shondel’s family shortly after his death. His infant son, Damen Michael Shondel, was stillborn on March 22, 2001, less than two weeks after his father’s death. The infant was also buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
Iowa Cold Cases says anyone with information about Shondel’s death should contact the Fairfield Police Department at 641-472-4146.
Source: Iowa Cold Cases, Douglas James “DJ” Shondel II case summary. Additional cemetery information from IowaGenWeb’s Jefferson County cemetery records.
