Carson claims self-defense in double homicide

An Osceola man charged with double homicide is claiming self-defense.

Richard Ryan Lamb Carson, 38, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Erick Reyna, 22, and Noe Flores Rascon, 27, both of Osceola.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Osceola Police Department received a report that Reyna and Rascon had gone missing during the evening hours on Friday, Jan. 23.

After further investigation, the two men were located Sunday, Jan. 25, in a vehicle at 1305 255th Ave., Osceola, in rural northern Clarke County. They were deceased. It appears both victims died of gunshot wounds.

Court report

According to court documents, a female reported, "Carson spoke of beating up her two friends and taking them into the county to dump them off."

The documents state Carson told state investigators that he did get into an altercation with Rascon while in a vehicle outside of a residence in Osceola. Carson said that during the altercation, a gun was presented and discharged. Carson later told state investigators, "It was self-defense."

Three other Osceola residents have been charged in connection to the double homicide:

• Lynn Ranean Sutton, 47 — one count of accessory after the fact.

• Tracy Kay Johnson, 43 — one count of accessory after the fact.

• Christopher Martin Elben, 42 — one count of accessory after the fact.

Accessory after the fact is a result of the suspects helping the perpetrator after the crime had occurred.

Press conference

A press conference was held 11 a.m Monday, Jan. 26, at Clarke County Law Enforcement Center. It was led by Osceola Police Chief Marty Duffus, Clarke County Sheriff Bill Kerns and Michael Motsinger, a special agent in charge of Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.

Osceola Police Department is being assisted by Clarke County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Duffus said Carson and the victims are acquaintances. The victims were also acquaintances with each other.

Two of the suspects charged are boyfriend and girlfriend and the others were acquaintances. Duffus said Carson and Johnson are the suspects who are in a relationship with each other.

“They’re all known to us,” Duffus said during the press conference about the suspects’ past criminal history.

Duffus said the investigation is still working on a motive for the homicide. He said it’s unknown at this time if drugs were involved.

Ongoing investigation

The investigation is ongoing, however, it appears this is an isolated incident and the public is not in danger.

A public evening vigil was held for the victims Tuesday, Jan. 27, on the square in Osceola.