Woodrow, Walter and Jane d. 1976

WOODROW

Posted By: Andy Beech (email)
Date: 7/22/2003 at 22:23:29

INVESTIGATE TWO DEATHS

Newton police assisted by Bureau of Criminal Investigation agents are investigating the apparent murder-suicide of a Newton couple at their home Saturday night.

Walter Woodrow, 55, of 718 S. 2nd Ave. W. was dead at the scene when police arrived and his wife, Jane, 53, died about 3 a.m. at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Police Chief Jim Greve said gunshot wounds in the head were the cause of both deaths. There were no signs of a fight or struggle in the bedroom where the couple was found, Greve said. Both Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow were fully dressed. A .22 revolver was found at the scene.

The couple reportedly lived with his mother, Pauline Woodrow, who heard the shots and called police.

Toland-Wallace Funeral Home is in charge of private services. ~ The Newton Daily News, Monday, May 3, 1976, page 1.

INVESTIGATION OF DEATHS OF WALTER AND JANE WOODROW NEARS COMPLETION.

The investigation of the deaths of Walter and Jane Woodrow of 718 S 2nd Ave W, at their home May 1, is near completion, Police Chief Jim Greve said today.

Jane Woodrow sustained two .22 caliber gunshor wounds in the head, at approximately 10 p.m. a report from police indicated. There was no evidence to indicate that the wounds were self-inflicted. She died at about 3 a.m. May 2 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Walter Woodrow sustained one .22 caliber gunshor wound in the head at approximately 10 p.m. Laboratory tests indicate that he had fired a firearm with his right hand at a point in time near the time of his death. A .22 caliber revolver was found at the scene.

From the results of the investigation the report went on to say, it appears that Walter Woodrow first inflicted the wounds sustained by his wife and then took his own life.

There are no indications that a third party was involved. The case will be closed following receipt of final laboratory tests, Greve said. ~ The Newton Daily News, May 6, 1976, page 7.