Hawkeye Reporter

The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Ilario Castaneda, a resident of Columbus Junction, has been charged with murder following the alleged shooting of Noe Ibarra Tijerina and the subsequent dragging of his body behind a van in June. This information was released in a public statement.

According to The Hawkeye, deputies responded to a rural road in Columbus Junction on June 25, 2025, where they encountered a disturbing crime scene. Investigators reported that an argument over money between Castaneda and Tijerina allegedly led to the shooting. Authorities said that Castaneda then tied Tijerina’s body to the back of a van and dragged it along a gravel road until the vehicle crashed into a ditch, leaving behind blood trails and drag marks.

Witnesses confirmed seeing Castaneda with Tijerina on the day of the incident. During questioning, Castaneda admitted to being with the victim and possessing the van's only key. The Gazette reported that investigators found bloodstained clothing matching descriptions of what Castaneda was wearing, as well as shoes with blood evidence. Detectives also discovered a severed power cord consistent with one tied to Tijerina’s body and hanging from the van’s bumper, providing forensic evidence linking Castaneda to the homicide.

Initially charged with abuse of a corpse, Castaneda faced upgraded charges of murder after an autopsy determined Tijerina's death was a homicide on August 19. Court records indicate that Castaneda is being held without bond while federal authorities have issued an immigration detainer to ensure his continued custody. According to Iowa Capital Dispatch, multiple agencies including the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are involved in this investigation due to its severity.

The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office operates out of Wapello, Iowa, handling law enforcement duties such as jail operations and civil process services throughout Louisa County. The department collaborates closely with local police, fire departments, as well as state and federal agencies for major investigations and public safety efforts. Its mission is "to serve and protect the citizens of Louisa County by enforcing the law with integrity, fairness, and professionalism," according to their official website.