Investigation Underway in Tragic Shooting in Wright County

Clarion, IA - Dana Hayes Smith and Leona Anne Smith of Orange City, Iowa were found dead in a residence on the west side of Clarion’s Lake Cornelia on the morning of June 17, 2024. 

Dana, 49, died from the immediate cause “gunshot wound of (the) head”, according to public death records. The manner of Dana Smith’s death is undetermined as of June 20, 2024. 

Leona Anne Smith’s (Schwabach), 51, manner of death was by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting The Wright County Sheriff’s office in this ongoing investigation. 

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible deceased person on the morning of June 17, 2024. 

Upon arrival at the rural Clarion residence, deputies located the bodies of a deceased male and female. As of now, there is no identification being offered to the media. Wright County Sheriff, Jason Schluttenhofer, stated to the Wright County Monitor that there is “no threat to the public at this time.”

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was called to assist. An autopsy will be performed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.  The Sheriff's office hopes to have the results of the autopsies by the end of this week, according to Schluttenhofer. This is an ongoing investigation.