Press Releases

Female body was found in the Shellrock River near 390th St and Raven Ave

On Friday, September 16, 2022 at proximately 11:12 a.m., the Worth County Sheriff's Office received a 911, in reference to a body being found in the Shell Rock River along 390th Street by Raven Avenue. The female body was later identified as Melissa Jo Olson of Northwood. The Division of Criminal Investigation was called in to assist the Worth County Sheriff's Office with the investigation. 
Since that time, the Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner and the Worth County Sheriff's Office have been continuing to investigate and gather information as well as conduct further testing. Results from further testing and the completion of reports may take several weeks to finalize. We ask for your patience, as it is important to only provide accurate and verified information in any investigation. With any investigation it is important that misinformation is not disseminated and only verified facts. 
We are still seeking information from the public in reference to this investigation. If anyone was with Melissa during the week prior to September 16th or had observed a female walking in the area of 390th Street and Raven Avenue on September 15th or 16th, please contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation or the Worth County Sheriff's Office. All information can be provided to Special Agent Ryan Herman at (319)-217-1580 or Deputy Bryon Olson at (641)-324-2481.