OTTUMWA, IOWA -- A man already behind bars for a string of robberies has now been charged with murder.
Bruce Pollard, 24, of Ottumwa, is charged with murder in the first degree in the death of Kenneth McDaniel. McDaniel was found dead inside the Cinema X Theater on March 13.
Pollard was involved in a string of robberies around the same time as McDaniel's death, including the robbery of the BP on Jefferson Street and the armed robbery at Sonic. Pollard has been in the Wapello County Jail since March 15 on robbery charges, and his bond is now set at $1,310,000.00.
Authorities initially responded to a call for medical assistance when McDaniel was found. An autopsy indicated that he died from blunt force injuries to the head and neck and was also strangled.
During the investigation, Ottumwa Police found items at the Promise Center, including pornographic material stolen during the murder, Pollard's bloody clothing and the pry bar used to strike McDaniel.
Pollard admitted to the crime during an interview with police.
To read the full press release from Ottumwa Police Chief Jim Clark, click here.
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