UPDATE – Homicide Investigation Continues Following an Initial Arrest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9th, 2026

On Thursday, October 8th, 2026, at approximately 4:41 p.m., Black Hawk County Consolidated Dispatch received multiple reports of shots fired in the area of West 3rd Street and Baltimore Street.  During these calls, dispatchers were informed that an individual had been struck by gunfire.

Officers responded and located a male victim who had been shot.  Life‑saving measures were immediately initiated.  Waterloo Fire & Rescue personnel arrived shortly thereafter, continued medical aid, and transported the victim to a local hospital. The victim was later pronounced deceased.  The victim was transported to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner for autopsy.  The victim’s name is being withheld pending proper family notification.

At approximately 8:26 pm, Officers and VCAT Detectives detained Jose Kweli Martinez, age 16 of Waterloo, and he is currently being charged with the following:

  • Intimidation w/ a Dangerous Weapon (Class C Felony)
  • Interference w/ Official Acts w/ a Firearm (Class D Felony)

This remains an active investigation.  Officers continue to hold the scene, as processing will continue through the morning of October 9th, and we ask for the community’s help in avoiding the area if possible.

No additional details are available for release at this time. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:

  • Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS
  • Waterloo Police Department Detective Division at 319-291-4340 (Option 3)

###

Contact:
Captain Gus Farmer
Waterloo Police Department
Public Information Office