DES MOINES, Iowa — An Onowa, Iowa, man was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death in June of his grandmother, according to a statement by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
Eliot Stowe, 21, was charged in connection with the death of his grandmother, Cheryl Stowe, 66, of Onawa. Eliot Stowe resided at Cheryl Stowe’s residence during the timeframe of the homicide, the DCI statement said.
Co-workers of Cheryl Stowe contacted the Monona County Sheriff’s office June 26 and requested a welfare check on Stowe when she did not show up for work.
Monona County Deputy Sheriffs and Iowa State Troopers responded to the home at 13797 Oak Ave. in rural Monona County. The deputies and troopers did not find Stowe at her residence, which lies between the towns of Ticonic and Castana.
The following day, Monona County Deputies and officers from the Iowa Department of Natural Recourses located a deceased body approximately 1.5 miles from Stowe’s residence. The body was transported to the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office and positively identified as Stowe.
The medical examiner’s autopsy concluded the manner of Stowe’s death was homicide.
Eliot Stowe is currently being held at the Monona County Correctional Facility under a $1 million cash bond.
The DCI statement said the joint criminal investigation leading to Stowe’s arrest was conducted by the Monona County Sheriff’s office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office, the Monona County Attorney’s office and the Iowa Attorney General’s office.
Several agencies also provided assistance and support during the initial investigation, including the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Mapleton Police Department and Whiting Police Department.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
