What began as an investigation into a burned-out vehicle near Eldon in April 2000 turned into a homicide case after firefighters discovered a body inside the car.
The victim was identified as 53-year-old Larry Keith Pippenger of Ottumwa.
According to early investigation reports, authorities determined that Pippenger had been the victim of a slaying. Investigators then focused on Kenny Chris Hemm of Eldon, who was arrested and accused of murder.
The two men were described as acquaintances.
The discovery raised questions about what happened before the vehicle was set on fire and how the investigation led authorities to a suspect. What initially appeared to involve a burned vehicle became a murder investigation involving two men who reportedly knew each other.
Investigation and Court Proceedings
Court records and archived news reports provide additional details about the case.
Authorities responded to a series of fires in Eldon during the early morning hours of April 17, 2000. Pippenger’s body was later found inside a burning vehicle near an abandoned house outside town.
Investigators alleged that Hemm killed Pippenger in his home, set fire to the house, and moved the body before setting the vehicle on fire. Hemm denied responsibility and argued that other people had threatened Pippenger.
Hemm was initially convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree arson in 2001. That conviction was overturned, and a new trial was ordered by the Iowa Court of Appeals in 2003.
In July 2004, a second jury again found Hemm guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree arson. The Iowa Court of Appeals upheld those convictions in 2006. A subsequent postconviction relief case was also decided against Hemm in 2010.
