–A man with ties to the Titonka area has been identified as the suspect in the murder of a Ventura woman Saturday night at a residence in Britt.
According to the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, 56-year-old Monte Eckels has been charged with 1st Degree Murder in connection with the death of 62-year-old Leallen Bergman. The DCI lists Eckels residence as Britt, but DOT records show a Titonka address for the suspect.
The official report states Police were dispatched to 275 4th Street SE in Britt at approximately 7:10 PM Saturday. Upon arrival, officers discovered Eckels and detained him while trying to assist Bergman, who had suffered multiple stab wounds. Bergman was later pronounced dead at the residence.
The criminal complaint filed in Hancock County Court states that Eckels used a serrated silver knife to attack Bergman, and that he displayed premeditation in his activities.
Eckels was transported to the Winnebago County Jail in Forest City, where he is being held on a total of $500,000 bond
