WINTERSET, IOWA – Police say this young Iowa man and his 4 teen buddies descended upon a historic rock tower and laid waste to the structure, causing extensive damage – but justice was right round the corner after weeks of investigation.
On November 23, 2025, the Winterset Police Department responded to a report of vandalism at the historic Clark Tower located in Winterset City Park. Clark Tower is a unique, castle-like limestone structure built in 1926 within Winterset City Park, honoring pioneer settlers Caleb and Ruth Clark, offering scenic views of the Middle River Valley from its top via a winding dirt road access, and serves as a popular spot for history buffs and families exploring Madison County, Iowa.
The investigation revealed that spray paint had been applied to all three levels of the tower, resulting in extensive damage. Removing the graffiti will require a significant amount of time and labor, police said.
The vandalism included phone numbers, racial slurs, names, and inappropriate drawings. Officers reviewed security video from the area, which led to the identification of a suspect vehicle. Continued investigation allowed officers to identify multiple suspects involved in the incident.
Following an extensive investigation, five individuals were charged with Criminal Mischief in the third degree, an aggravated misdemeanor. Those charged include four juveniles and Navin Lee (age 19, pictured at top) of Stuart, Iowa. Lee is scheduled to appear in court on January 7, 2026.