MASON CITY – Two people are dead and a man is in custody after a double homicide Thursday morning in Mason City.

This morning at 2:15 AM, Mason City police officers were called to 1620 North Hampshire Ave, Mason City, to investigate a report of a shooting. Cerro Gordo County deputies and the Mason City Fire Department also responded. Police found Melinda Kavars and Caleb Christensen deceased inside the residence. Christensen is listed as the owner of the house.
A suspect, 30-year-old Peter Veal of Lake Mills, Iowa, was arrested this morning at approx 2:30 AM after a brief foot pursuit near 12th Street NE and North Carolina Ave. Veal has been charged with 2 counts of 1st Degree Murder and is currently being held in the Cerro Gordo County jail.
The Iowa DCI is assisting the Mason City Police Department with the homicide investigation. Autopsies will be performed at the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office.
No further details are being released at this time.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Mason City Police Department at 641-421-3636.
