Mason City police identify human remains found in neighborhood as missing man

According to Mason City Chief of Police Jeff Brinkley:

On Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 2:10 p.m., the Mason City Police Department responded to a report of found human remains in the 200 block of 7th Street NE. Officers arrived on scene and confirmed the initial report after being directed to the location by the reporting party.

An investigation was made at the scene with the assistance of the Medical Examiner. Due to decomposition, we were unable to make identification at the scene. On July 7, 2023, we put out a press release asking for the community’s help in making identification. We were contacted by a local family who provided information that helped us in making identification.

Yesterday, the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner was able to confirm the identity of the person as David John-Otto Rhoades, age 27, of Mason City. Further, the State Medical Examiner also concluded that there was no evidence of foul play in Rhoades’ death.

Thank you to the members of our community who reached out to MCPD to provide information on this investigation. If you have additional information about this case to share with law enforcement, please contact the Mason City Police Department at 641-421-3636.