WILLIAMSBURG, IOWA — Tragic Shooting on I-80 On-Ramp Claims One Life, Leaves Another Critically Injured
A shocking act of violence unfolded near Williamsburg, Iowa, on Friday evening, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured in a shooting that has shaken both the local community and the victims’ hometown of Holt, Michigan.
According to a press release from the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, the victims have been identified as David Robert Morse, 56, and his wife, Tara Elinor Morse, 52. The couple, who were traveling together, were found near the Exit 225 on-ramp of Interstate 80, the site of a tragic shooting that occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2025.
A Devastating Incident on a Quiet Stretch of Highway
Authorities say that David Morse was pronounced dead at the scene, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound. Tara Morse was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. As of the latest update, her condition remains critical but stable.
The shooting took place in what is typically a quiet area near the on-ramp to I-80 — a location frequented by travelers and commercial traffic but rarely associated with violence. The sudden eruption of gunfire in such an unexpected setting has left both local residents and law enforcement deeply disturbed.
An Ongoing Investigation
The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not yet released details on possible suspects, motives, or whether this was a targeted incident or a random act of violence. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that this is an active and ongoing investigation.
Investigators spent several hours on Friday night and early Saturday processing the scene, gathering forensic evidence, and speaking with any potential witnesses. Traffic in the area was disrupted as police cordoned off the on-ramp and adjacent areas of I-80 to preserve the integrity of the crime scene.
A Couple Far from Home
David and Tara Morse were both residents of Holt, Michigan, a small town located just southeast of Lansing. Friends and neighbors describe them as a quiet, friendly couple who had been married for many years. It remains unclear why they were traveling through Iowa at the time of the shooting — whether for business, pleasure, or another purpose — but their tragic encounter on the road has left both communities grieving.
News of the violence has rippled through their Michigan hometown, where neighbors and loved ones are struggling to come to terms with the sudden and brutal loss.
“This just doesn’t feel real,” said one family friend in Holt. “David was such a kind man, and Tara is one of the strongest women I know. To think of them being attacked like this, out of nowhere, it’s horrifying.”
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from drivers who may have passed through the area around the time of the incident — especially those with dashcam footage that might provide critical clues.
Meanwhile, communities in both Iowa and Michigan are expressing solidarity with the Morse family, with messages of condolence pouring in across social media. Local officials in Iowa have also acknowledged the gravity of the crime, vowing to pursue justice with diligence and transparency.
Final Thoughts
This senseless act of violence, which cut short the life of David Morse and left his wife Tara fighting for hers, serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly tragedy can strike. As investigators work to piece together what happened on that dark stretch of highway, two families — and two communities — are left grieving, searching for answers, and holding onto hope for healing and justice.
The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office is expected to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Anyone with tips or information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office immediately.