For Immediate Release

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Death in Lone Tree

July 14, 2026 (JOHNSON COUNTY, IA) On July 13, 2026, at 7:59 p.m., the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at 217 W. Elm St. in Lone Tree. Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased male in the residence, and a death investigation ensued. During the course of the investigation, the suspect, Scott Christopher Powers, 52, was located in Cedar Rapids and taken into custody by the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Powers was later turned over to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and is currently at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for medical treatment. The victim has been identified as Scott Powers’ father, Richard Powers, 76, of Lone Tree. 

Richard Powers was pronounced deceased at the scene and later taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for an autopsy. Scott Powers is charged with Murder in the First Degree, in violation of Iowa Code 707.2(1)(A) and is awaiting his initial court appearance.

The case remains under investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. The Iowa City Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Johnson County Medical Examiner provided assistance with this investigation.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. No further information is available at this time.

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Read a PDF of this release with the criminal complaint attached.