ZEARING, Iowa — Multiple people have been charged as part of a kidnapping investigation of an adult relative in Zearing.
According to a press release from the Story County Sheriff's Office, those charged in this case were family members of the victim.
On Jan. 27, police responded to a hospital after a report of an adult male with "signs of severe traumatic injuries and malnutrition." Hospital staff told police the man was brought to the ER by Daniele Graham and Aaron Williams. At the time of the report, the man was conscious but not alert, officials say.
Following an investigation, officials found the man had multiple life-threatening injuries. At the time, the adult man weighed about 70 pounds and had experienced a brain bleed, rib fractures and other injuries in different stages of healing.
"To fathom why and how this could happen to any individual is just beyond the comprehension of anybody," said Capt. Nicholas Lennie with the Story County Sheriff's Office. "We feel for the community and we feel for the victim."
The investigation allegedly shows that all family members in the Zearing home knew and participated in the acts. Members of the family are accused of using handcuffs to restrain the man's wrists and ankles to the bed while physically abusing him.
The Story County Sheriff's Office added that the mistreatment escalated in early November of last year, leading to a "grave long-term injury."
Four people have been charged in this case and are currently in custody at the Story County Jail. 44-year-old Gary L. Graham, Jr., 42-year-old Danielle K. Graham and 20-year-old Aaron Williams and a 16-year-old face charges of Kidnapping in the First Degree and Willful Injury.
According to court documents, Danielle Graham told investigators the victim left their home last November but did not tell anyone they had left or tried to make contact.
However, investigators said the victim's injuries and physical state didn't match up with the claims. Video evidence allegedly was found on the suspects' phones, showing the victim in the home.
At this time, police have not identified the victim or his exact relationship with the family. Gary Graham, Danielle Graham and Aaron Williams are being held on $1 million bonds while the 16-year-old is being held on a $500,000 bond.
Preliminary hearings in the case are scheduled for March 29.
"Due to our obligations under the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct the Story County Attorney’s Office does not publicly comment on pending cases," the Story County Attorney's Office said to Local 5 in a statement.
While the 16-year-old's name is included in the press release, Local 5 is not naming them in this story per station policy. If that defendant proceeds through adult court, Local 5 may update this story with the name.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.
