Ames police are continuing to search for a man wanted for questioning in a double homicide at an apartment complex on the west side of the city Saturday. Commander Jim Robinson says they’re seeking 33-year-old Atiba Spellman, who is described as a black male, five-feet six inches tall, weighing 180 to 198 pounds.
Robinson says they have received calls from the public, but have not located Spellman, and he says they are asking anyone who sees Spellman to call police. Spellman is wanted for questioning in the deaths of 34-year-old Shakena Varnell and 32-year-old Michael Odikro, both of Ames. Robinson says Spellman did know Varnell.
Robinson says they do know there was a past relationship between Spellman and Varnell, but he says they’re still trying to determine the exact relationship between the two. Robinson says they have not nailed down the cause of death yet. He says the state medical examiner is assisting police and will ultimately determine the cause of death. Robinson says they’re following up all leads along with help from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Robinson says they’ve conducted a number of interviews with people in the area and will hopefully be able to piece together exactly what happened. Robinson says Spellman may be driving a blue 1995 four door Buick LeSabre bearing Iowa license plate number : 686 TOT . Robinson says anyone with information should call the Ames Police Department at 515-239-5133.