From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A psychologist testified that a Marion dad was experiencing major depressive disorder with psychosis at the time he killed his son. Matthew Schleier strangled five-year-old Jack in October 2024, following what his family called a downward mental health spiral. The defense psychologist spoke about diagnosing Schleier with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, saying he was in a state of psychosis experiencing delusions at the time he killed his son. The trial is set to conclude later today. Since this is a bench trial, the judge will decide the verdict instead of a jury, but that is not expected to be announced this week.
The trial of three men charged with Involuntary Manslaughter of their 18-year-old brother started yesterday. Attorneys for Christian, Pierre, and Azane Baseme claim the brothers were acting on directives from their father in how to deal with their mentally ill brother. The brothers are also charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury and False Imprisonment. First responders found 18-year-old Ezekiel Baseme dead in his Cedar Rapids home in November of 2024, after the family called in his death. His body was found decomposing after being reportedly tied down to a bed for multiple days. Investigators learned Baseme had schizophrenia and had been acting erratically over a two week time period.
The Department of Transportation is ordering corrective action at the site of a pipeline failure that resulted in towering flames erupting in rural Washington County. The federal DOT says the pipeline failed around 10:50 in the morning on February 14. Investigators say a four-foot section of the pipe had been ejected, and had visible corrosion. The DOT says this specific pipeline poses a risk to the public if it continues operating, and is ordering the owners of the pipeline to correct it.
John Deere says 27 more employees will return to its facility in Dubuque. This brings the total number of returning employees in Iowa to about 275. Earlier this month, the company announced 146 workers would return to its Waterloo facility. The company says customer demand is now increasing. All of the workers are expected to return to work next month.
