Lorri Lynn Alexander, 50, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, was found deceased in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 29, 2016, inside an empty apartment at the Cadwell Building, located at 5 S. 11th Street in Fort Dodge. Authorities were dispatched after a report of an unresponsive woman was made to the Webster County Law Enforcement Center.
Fort Dodge police officers and medical personnel responded to the scene and determined that Alexander had died prior to their arrival. The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled her death a homicide. At the time, officials did not release details regarding the cause or manner of death.
In a statement published on January 5, 2017, Fort Dodge Police Chief Kevin Doty confirmed the homicide ruling but said investigators were withholding specific information about how Alexander died. He noted that she was found in an apartment that was vacant and undergoing renovation. Chief Doty emphasized that the homicide was not believed to be a random act and stated there was no ongoing threat to the community.
Authorities also clarified that Alexander’s death was not connected to another homicide that occurred in Webster County days earlier. Donald Preston, 51, of Fort Dodge, was found shot to death in a field southwest of the city on December 26, 2016. Although the two deaths occurred within the same week, investigators determined the cases were unrelated.
Alexander’s death marked the second homicide in Webster County in 2016. The Fort Dodge Police Department has worked closely with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation on her case, as well as assisting Webster County officials with the Preston investigation.
Chief Doty urged anyone who may have had contact with Alexander or who saw her in the days leading up to December 29, 2016, to come forward. Investigators continue to seek information that could help bring resolution to the case.
Information Needed
Anyone with information regarding the unsolved murder of Lorri Lynn Alexander is encouraged to contact:
- Fort Dodge Police Department: (515) 573-1426
- Webster County Crime Stoppers: (515) 573-1444
- Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation: (515) 725-6010 or dciinfo@dps.state.ia.us
Anonymous tips may also be submitted online at wccrimestoppers.com or by texting “LEC” and the tip to 274637.
Remembering Lorri Lynn Alexander
According to her obituary, Lorri Lynn (McNealey) Alexander was born on March 12, 1966, and attended Fort Dodge public schools. She was married for 14 years to Bryce Alexander Sr., and together they raised five children. Lorri was known as a devoted caretaker with a generous heart and a deeply loving, if sometimes stubborn, spirit. Family members described her as someone who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
She is remembered by her children Bryce Alexander Jr., TessaJo Alexander, Blaze Alexander, Hunter Alexander, and River McNealey; her grandchildren Brayton, Keegan, Brynleigh, and one expected at the time of her passing; her parents Judy Lowe and Fred McNealey; and her siblings Fred McNealey, Holly Schunk, and Amy Yetmar.
Nearly a decade later, Lorri Lynn Alexander’s homicide remains unsolved. Her family and investigators continue to hope that someone with information will come forward and help bring long-overdue answers and justice.
