MASON CITY – Mason City police are investigating a possible homicide Tuesday morning after a woman was found unresponsive in an apartment.
Mason City police say they responded to 410 North Washington Ave at 12:40 AM concerning a report of suspicious activity. Upon their arrival, they discovered the body of Sarah Dawn Winters, 40, who worked at the Country Club. Winters was unresponsive and paramedics were called to the scene to administer treatment. Winters was transported to Mercy Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead.
Investigation into the incident has lead to the arrest of Aaron John Harris (pictured, bottom), 34, of 410 N. Washington Apartment 101. Harris has been charged with 1st degree murder and is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail. The investigation continues, police said.
Sources told NIT that a male resident of 410 N. Washington Ave. had apparently called the building manager, named Hilton, early Tuesday, saying, “I think I killed Sarah!”
When people started to show up at the house, a 14 year-old girl went inside the building and witnessed a man dragging a female down the steps by her ankles. “I was going to say ‘Hi’, but when I saw that the girl had blood coming out of her mouth, I didn’t say anything. I ran out to tell my mom what I saw.”
A witness entering the secured door of the apartment building saw the male dragging a girl out of his apartment. “There was blood coming out of her mouth,” said the witness.
A little while later, another witness saw this same male and a couple of his friends taking her back into the apartment and putting her on a bed.
A resident of the apartment building, who didn’t know quite what was going on because he had been sleeping, said “I have heard these two argue and fight in the past. One time the police were called and they came and escorted the female out of the building. The suspect was yelling at her before that to get out of his apartment and to leave. He was throwing her belongings into the living room.”
This same resident informed, “I had just got up and the Investigator told me that I needed to evacuate the building. I heard other investigators knocking on other doors telling the other residents the same thing. There are eight people that live in the house, I think. When I left, I asked one of the police officers what was going on. They told me that they can’t talk about it, but a very violent crime had happened.”
The apartment house located at 410 North Washington is owned by SHECHEM LLC with an address of 410 South Mitchell Street, Saint Ansgar, Iowa.
SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.
Sherri, Bentley and the rest of the family. I knew “Dawn” as she called herself back then (and you too Sherri) way back when our dads were cops. We moved to Madrid together, lived together went, started new schools together, did everything together for a couple of years. Your mom was an amazing person, Bentley – but you don’t need me to tell you that. I’m so sorry for the horrible stuff people write when something like this happens. Sherri and Kathleen (who I remember as little Kathy) my hearts break for you and your families. I’ve cried and cried reading about this stuff. But not all bad. I have fun, sweet memories of a beautiful girl who could make anyone smile. We had a lot of good times and I’m choosing to remember her that way. My love to all of you. Lisa “King” Johnson.
If any of you commenting do not know my sister or anyone in our family please DO NOT USE THIS for your own personal venting attacks on the city and or government in which you chose to live in.
My sister was taken from her family and daughter in a way she has not deserved!
PLEASE SHOW RESPECT.
I am sorry for your loss. Such a terrible tragedy. My prayers to you and your family.
Thank you! I posted something on here earlier about thinking of the family and not posting ignorant things on here, but of course, I got ignorant replies. I knew your sister and am sorry for your family’s loss.
Anonymous: stop talking, Please? Thank you!