SIGOURNEY, IOWA -- Update - 4/6/2011 @ 4:00 p.m.
Official press release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety concerning Monday's events, click here.
Information for law enforcement officers wanting to attend the funeral of Sgt. Eric Stein, click here.
Updated - 4/6/2011 @ 10:20 a.m.
KTVO has learned that a visitation for Sgt. Eric Stein, who was killed in the line of duty Monday, will be held this Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sigourney High School. On Saturday, a funeral service for Stein will be held at 1 p.m. also at Sigourney High School.
A memorial fund has been set up at the Keokuk County State Bank. If you are interested in contributing, click here.
Updated - 4/5/2011 @ 4:30 p.m.
The investigation into the deaths of two men in Keokuk County continued Tuesday as more information about what happened Monday afternoon unfolded.
Officials with the Iowa State Patrol have confirmed that the Keokuk County Sheriff's Office went to a home outside of Sigourney, Iowa Monday afternoon to speak with Jeff Krier, 53, about an incident that happened Sunday evening. As the deputies approached the home, Krier opened fire, shooting and killing Sgt. Eric Stein, 39. The other two officers retreated and called for back-up. They were not injured.
 | Sgt. Eric Stein |
.jpg "Krier, Jeffery")
Courtesy: Ottumwa Police Dept. | Suspect, Jeff Krier |
Krier than barricaded himself inside his home. At this time, two Iowa State Patrol Tactical Teams were on scene, along with over 27 police cars various agencies. Krier was in his home for some time, at some point he walked out of the home and was shot and killed by officers.
KTVO has learned that Krier was no stranger to the law. In 1997 and 2000 he was convicted of assault. He was also arrested on weapons charges and also arrested for stalking. In a previous case, Krier pled not guilty by reason of insanity, indicating mental health issues.
Sgt. Eric Stein was respected on the force and well-liked in the community. He was a 10 year veteran of the sheriff's office. Currently is funeral is being planned by his father, and little details are being released. Officials with the Keokuk County Sheriff's Office have confirmed that a memorial fund will be set up, and as that information is given to KTVO, we will pass it along to the community.
You can click here for a report from KTVO's James Buechele regarding Monday's reporting.
The family of Jeff Krier, the man suspected of killing Keokuk County Sgt. Eric Stein, has released the following statement:
"This is a sad and difficult day for two Iowa families as we grieve the loss of our loved ones. On behalf of our family, we want to express our sympathy and extend our prayers to the family of Deputy Eric Stein. Deputy Stein was killed in the line of duty by our brother, Jeff Krier. While we do not understand what lead to this tragic end we do know the loss and grief caused by Jeff’s actions is immeasurable.
"Jeff was a loving brother who struggled with mental illness for the past three decades. He was diagnosed as bipolar and had tremendous difficulty managing his illness. In fact, he was hospitalized in March for seven days. While Jeff’s mental illness may have contributed to the tragedy it in no way provides comfort or solace to the many who have been impacted by his actions.
"We will continue to cooperate fully with local and state law enforcement officials. We ask members of the media to respect the privacy of our parents who are both in a local nursing home and are unable to speak. Funeral Services for Jeff are pending."
The statement was issued to our ABC affiliate in Cedar Rapids, KCRG-TV9.
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