An autopsy report show a woman found dead in a home in Tama Wednesday afternoon died from sharp force injuries to the neck. Authorities are investigating the death of 32-year-old Kerry O’Clair-Jefferson as a homicide, but no one has been arrested in case.
Kerry’s cousin, Nate Roberts, met with reporters Thursday and read a prepared statement, saying the family has no clue what might have happened or who was involved. “Kerry’s life came to an unexpected and tragic end, far too soon,” Roberts said. “There is an ongoing investigation and even the family doesn’t have answers to their many questions.”
At least one person, 57-year-old Ginger Jefferson — Kerry’s mother-in-law, was taken into custody as a material witness. Kerry’s estranged husband, 38-year-old Dustin Jerome Jefferson, was arrested Wednesday evening but not for charges related to his wife’s death. On O’Clair-Jefferson’s Facebook page, she is listed as a graduate of South Tama High School, a student at Marshalltown Community College and a former employee of the Iowa Veterans Home.
“It’s a tragedy and we’re all going to miss Kerry very, very much,” Roberts said. Tama Police Chief Jeff Filloon said Dustin Jefferson was arrested on a warrant out of the Meskwaki settlement, and Filloon said at this time, he’s not considered a suspect in his wife’s death. Dustin has a lengthy criminal history, according to online court records.
He has felony convictions for going armed with intent and willful injury causing serious injury, and he has convictions for drug and alcohol-related charges. Officials have scheduled a news conference to provide updated information later this morning.
(Reporting by Dave Franzman, KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids)