Marshall County Sheriff's Office Seeks Suspect in Double Homicide

The Marshall County Sheriff's Office is searching for 29-year-old Ilias Julian Lasley, who is wanted for the first-degree murders of 28-year-old Mario Murillo and 33-year-old Frances Tillie Gasca. The victims were found dead at a home in Marshalltown, Iowa on Friday morning.

Deputies responded to a welfare check at a residence in the 2600 block of 182nd Street around 1:45 a.m. on April 19, 2024. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of Murillo and Gasca inside the home. Both were residents of Marshalltown.

As a result of the investigation, warrants have been issued charging Lasley with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Murillo and Gasca. Lasley is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is advised not to approach him if seen.

Why this matters: The double homicide has shaken the small community of Marshalltown, which has a population of around 27,000. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime in rural areas and the challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending dangerous suspects.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Marshall County Attorney's Office are assisting the Marshall County Sheriff's Office in the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Lasley's whereabouts or other details relevant to the case to contact law enforcement immediately.

"We are actively searching for Ilias Lasley and consider him armed and dangerous," said Marshall County Sheriff Joel Phillips. "If you see him, do not approach him. Call 911 or the Marshall County Sheriff's Office at 641-754-6380 right away."

The sheriff's office has not released any further details about the circumstances surrounding the murders or a possible motive. The names of the victims were withheld until family members could be notified. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to locate and apprehend Lasley.

Key Takeaways

• Two people were murdered in Marshalltown, Iowa on April 19, 2024.
• Suspect Ilias Julian Lasley, 29, is wanted for two counts of first-degree murder.
• Lasley is considered armed and dangerous, public is advised not to approach.
• Law enforcement is actively searching for Lasley, urging the public to contact them.
• Incident shakes small community, highlights challenges of rural crime.