Glenwood, Iowa House Fire and Shooting Leave Two Dead, One Injured, Community Seeks Answers and Justice
Glenwood, Iowa — A quiet evening turned tragic on Wednesday, August 6, after a violent incident on North Grove Street claimed two lives and left a third person in critical condition. Authorities have identified the victims as Stevie Rockwell and her husband, Brandon Oman, following a shooting that led to a residential fire.
The Glenwood Police Department and the Mills County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active shooter call at approximately 7:50 p.m. at a home located at 409 North Grove Street. Upon arrival, officers found a chaotic and dangerous scene involving both gunfire and a structure fire that quickly escalated. Fire crews and police secured the scene, leading to the arrest of a person of interest.
Police later confirmed the suspect as Dennis Burrell, a resident of the same address. Preliminary accounts from neighbors and witnesses suggest that Burrell allegedly opened fire on Rockwell and Oman before setting his residence ablaze. The motive remains under investigation, though officials have emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and not a threat to the broader community.
A third victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition. Officials are withholding further details pending notification of the individual’s family and the completion of forensic examinations at the scene.
At a late-night press conference, Glenwood Police Chief Eric Johansen provided updates on the multi-agency response. He confirmed that both the shooting and the fire are being treated as components of a single criminal case, with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Mills County Sheriff’s Office.
“This was a coordinated response,” Chief Johansen stated. “Many of our officers were already nearby for a local event, which allowed us to react swiftly. Our top priority was public safety, and I commend all involved agencies for working together under extreme pressure.”
Residents in the area reported seeing smoke billowing from the home and hearing sirens flooding the neighborhood within minutes. Authorities quickly set up roadblocks and began evacuating nearby homes as a precaution. Streets near the intersection of Elm and North Myrtle, between 4th and 5th Streets, remained closed overnight.
Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, but the home suffered significant damage. Investigators are now sifting through the remains to gather evidence that could shed light on the sequence of events and the suspect’s actions before and after the attack.
The Glenwood community is reeling from the loss, with local leaders and neighbors expressing shock and sorrow. Community groups are organizing a candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost and show support for the family of the critically injured individual.
Authorities urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the incident to contact the Glenwood Police Department at 712-527-4844. As the investigation continues, officials promise to release more details in the coming days.
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