March 29, 2024

Homicide investigation yields no arrests

A month-long investigation into the suspicious death of a Newton man has yielded no arrests after the 61-year-old was found dead inside of his rural home.

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said the sheriff’s office and Iowa Division of Criminal are continuing to investigate the Jose Ramirez Berber homicide that occurred March 6.

“We continue to ask the public to report any information they might have concerning the case,” Halferty said. “We have received information and continue to follow up on those leads. Information has been received through Crime Stoppers and by citizens contacting the sheriff’s office with information concerning the case.”

Berber was found deceased after officials received a 911 call to 4252 Maple Street in reference to an unresponsive individual.

When law enforcement and Newton Fire and EMS arrived, they found Berber lying on the floor unresponsive.

It was determined the death was suspicious, and the sheriff’s office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation ruled the death a homicide.

Authorities have declined to release the cause of death, citing the ongoing investigation.

One Newton woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, told the Newton Daily News she saw Berber on a regular basis while she worked at a local store. Her encounters with Berber weren't ordinary but very memorable to her and her co-workers.

“I did not know him personally beyond our frequent encounters while I was working — he came there routinely to buy his chicken and dog feed and annual garden needs, in which he used to make salsa from and share with all the employees,” she said. “He was always very personable with all of us, it was like you had known him all your life when you talked with him he was a gentleman and very kind. “

Berber’s neighbors and friends described him as “neighborly” and “super friendly.” According to one neighbor, Berber had lived in the home for 4.5 years.

“I as well as many people in the community, now have to miss being able to see and say ‘hi’ and hear the wonderful stories, from a little man with glasses and a fluffy mop of curly grey hair that were such iconic and recognizable characteristics of Jose when he walked through the doors,” the woman said. “It is only fair to Jose that people don’t forget him until some answers are found and resolved to serve him justice.”

The Jasper County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects.

The Office of the State Medical Examiner was requested to conduct an autopsy on Ramirez Berber.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Jasper County Sheriff’s office at 641-792-5912.

Information can also be submitted to Jasper County Crime Stoppers by calling 641-792-8362, or texting Jasper followed by the tip to 274637, or online at www.jaspercrimestoppers.com. All tips are completely anonymous.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com