ANKENY – This Iowa mother and her doting son made a decision to allegedly invade an elderly person’s home to conduct a robbery, then beat and strangled their helpless victim while stealing a gun, credit cards and cash, but the status of future family gatherings is now in doubt.
Ankeny Police arrested Gemiere Cortez Goodwin and Merrelita Rae Kintz for multiple felony charges in connection with a violent home invasion that occurred earlier this month.
On July 1, officers responded to 2206 NW Ashland Parkway for a reported burglary which had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located an elderly victim suffering from serious injuries consistent with being beaten and strangled. Several items were stolen from the home, including a firearm, personal documents, and cash. The victim was transported to a hospital, treated, and later released.
Through investigation, Ankeny Police Detectives identified Goodwin as a suspect. On July 3, Ankeny Detectives, with assistance from the Des Moines Police Department, located Goodwin at a smoke and vape store in Des Moines. During the arrest, Goodwin physically resisted while carrying the victim’s stolen firearm in his pants pocket, as well as stolen personal items with the victim’s name on them. An Ankeny Detective and a Des Moines Officer sustained minor injuries during the arrest.
A search warrant was executed at Goodwin’s residence, where investigators located additional evidence matching known items taken from the victim’s residence in addition to forensic evidence matching the crime scene. As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered evidence that showed Goodwin’s mother, Merrelita Rae Kintz, conspired with him to commit the crime.
On July 22, the Ankeny Police Department located and arrested Kintz without incident. Kintz was booked into the Polk County Jail, where Goodwin also remains in custody.
The Ankeny Police Department takes burglary investigations very seriously, especially those involving violence, and remains committed to investigating these crimes to the fullest extent possible.
Residents and the general public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or criminal behavior immediately.
Arrested:
Gemiere Cortez Goodwin
Charges:
• Attempted Murder – Iowa Code 707.11(1)
• Burglary 1st Degree – Iowa Code 713.3 (Class B felony)
• Robbery 1st Degree – Iowa Code 711.2
• Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury – Iowa Code 708.4(1)
• Theft 2nd Degree – Iowa Code 714.2A(1)(b)
• Unauthorized Use of Credit Card – Iowa Code 715A.6(2)(b)
• Identity Theft Over $1,500 – Iowa Code 715A.8(3)(b)
• Interference with Official Acts with a Firearm – Iowa Code 719.1(1)(f)
• Interference with Official Acts Causing Injury – Iowa Code 719.1(1)(c)
Arrested:
Merrelita Rae Kintz
Charges:
• Attempted Murder – Iowa Code 707.11(1)
• Burglary 1st Degree – Iowa Code 713.3 (Class B felony)
• Robbery 1st Degree – Iowa Code 711.2
• Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury – Iowa Code 708.4(1)
• Theft 2nd Degree – Iowa Code 714.2A(1)(b)
• Unauthorized Use of Credit Card – Iowa Code 715A.6(2)(b)
• Identity Theft Over $1,500 – Iowa Code 715A.8(3)(b)