Monticello Fareway, scene of deadly shootingPhoto: Iowa's News Now
(Delaware County, IA) -- The Delaware County Attorney has ruled that a deputy was justified when he shot a suspect in a grocery store homicide. Thirty-eight-year-old Nathan Russell is charged with first degree murder, in the shooting of Aaron McAtee, who worked at the Monticello Fareway store and was outside near the loading dock when Russell is accused of driving by and opening fire the morning of November 7th.
Delaware County Sheriff's Deputy Matt Menard encountered Russell in Hopkinton, Iowa after the shooting. During the encounter, Menard shot and wounded Russell. The Delaware County Attorney says the deputy's use of force was reasonable to protect his life and the lives of others.
I have further determined that Deputy Menard acted in accordance with his training and experience. When the whole of the incident is looked at objectively, deputy Menard's actions in shooting Russell were reasonable and legally justified under Iowa law and he will face no criminal liability.
John Bernau, Delaware County Attorney
Menard is a 25-year law enforcement veteran. He's been with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office for 14 years.
Court records show Russell is a convicted felon, and not allowed to have a gun. Investigators say he took the rifle used in the Fareway shooting from his parents' house in Illinois.