Grandfather found dead, grandson charged with murder in Black Hawk County

Investigators say victim and accused lived at same rural address.

BLACK HAWK COUNTY, Iowa — A 21-year-old man is charged with murder after authorities say he killed his grandfather at their home in rural Black Hawk County.

Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 100 block of S. Elk Run Road around 8:40 p.m. Saturday for an unknown problem. When deputies arrived, they say they saw signs of a struggle inside the house and found 75-year-old Gale Anthony Mervin dead.

Eric Paul O’Connell II was found hiding in another room. He was taken by ambulance to Unity Point Allen Hospital for evaluation.

Deputies say O’Connell confessed he killed Mervin. After being released from the hospital, O’Connell was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail and charged with first-degree murder. He is being held without bond.

Investigators say Mervin was O’Connell’s grandfather, and both lived at the Elk Run Road address.

The Waterloo Fire Department, Black Hawk County Conservation Department and Black Hawk County Consolidated Communications Center helped with the investigation.

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