On October 21, 2016, at 6:03 AM, the Ames Police Department received a report of a shooting at 206 West Date Court. When officers arrived, they found a male with a gunshot wound to the head. The male was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. The shooting was originally reported as accidental. The shooting victim was identified as Harland (Jesse) Cummings, age 36, of Ames.
As the result of an extensive and ongoing investigation, a charge of Murder in the First Degree under Iowa Code 707.2, a class “A” felony, has been filed today against Candace Cummings, age 35, of Ames. The charge is a result of witness interviews, autopsy results conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office, and additional forensic evidence. Candace Cummings is the wife of Jesse Cummings.
Candace Cummings is currently being held at the Story County Jail.
The Ames Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
