The evening of Saturday, November 1st, a Marshalltown woman, Melanie Nelson, was struck by a vehicle near the 3rd Ave. and Main St. intersection. Just after 10pm, authorities were on scene providing medical treatment to the victim and witnesses reported the striking vehicle took off from the scene without stopping. Nelson was transferred to UnityPoint Hospital where she eventually died from injuries sustained.
Investigators used information and evidence from the scene, along with Marshalltown Crime Stoppers Cameras and FLOCK in the area of the accident, to identify a suspect vehicle. A thorough investigation into the incident led to the arrest of the driver of the vehicle, Edgar Yepez Diaz (36) of Marshalltown. Yepez Diaz was arrested on November 24th and has been charged with; Homicide by Vehicle, Leaving the Scene of an Accident-Causing Death, Child Endangerment.
This investigation remains active. Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact the Marshalltown Police Department.
Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB