OTTUMWA — On Sunday, September 11, 2022, at approximately 1:43 p.m., Ottumwa Police responded to Casey’s
located at 1001 E. Main, Ottumwa, regarding an assault that had taken place in the parking lot. It was reported that a male assaulted another male victim and then left the scene. When police arrived the victim was unconscious and appeared severely injured.

The victim was identified as Grant Cochran, age 49, of Ottumwa. Cochran was transported to the Ottumwa Regional Heath Center and then on to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic in Iowa City.

The suspect in this case was located and identified as Leon Laroy Stewart, age 39, of 313 N. Ash, Ottumwa. On Sunday, September 11, 2022, at approximately 2:27 p.m., Stewart was arrested and charged with Willful Injury, a Class “C” Felony.

On September 14, 2022, the victim in the case died as a result of his injuries sustained in the assault. As a result of the death, Stewart was additionally charge with Murder in the 2 nd Degree, a Class “B” Felony.