NORTHWOOD – After the completion of an autopsy and notification of family, law enforcement are releasing the additional information surrounding an August 5, 2013 incident in Worth County, Iowa. Authorities confirm the deceased female is 30 year old Justina Marie Smith of Northwood, Iowa. Additionally, today’s autopsy revealed that Smith died as a result of multiple sharp force injuries. The manner of death is considered homicide.
Thirty-nine year old Tyrone Washington Jr. has subsequently been charged with Murder in the First Degree, a Class A Felony. He is currently being held in the Scott County Jail on $500,000 cash only bond.
On August 5, 2013 at 11:41 AM, the Worth County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a female requesting help at Swensrud Park in Northwood, Iowa.
Deputies responded to the area and located Smith with severe injuries. Deputies learned that the suspect, Washington had fled the scene and taken the victim’s car, a silver 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Smith was transported to Mercy Hospital North Iowa by the Mason City Fire Department but later died from her injuries. Based on information learned during the investigation, law enforcement issued an attempt to locate bulletin for Washington and the missing Pontiac Grand Prix.
At approximately 3:30 PM, the Pontiac was spotted by an Iowa State Trooper heading eastbound on Interstate 80 near the 276 mile marker. The trooper attempted to stop the car and a pursuit ensued. The suspect left the roadway near the 289 mile marker and drove through corn and bean fields along the interstate. During the pursuit, intentional vehicle contact was used, resulting in damage to the Pontiac and State Patrol vehicles. Tyrone Washington Jr. was taken into custody and transported to the Scott County Jail where he was initially held on various traffic charges related to the pursuit.
The Worth County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance in the death investigation suspect search from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol, Division of Intelligence, Mason City Police Department, Manly Police Department, Northwood Fire and Rescue, and Mason City Fire Department. Additionally, the Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Scott County Sheriff’s Office and Walcott Police Department assisted in the pursuit of Washington.
