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Marshalltown murder suspect 'willfully without justification' shot Casey's employee, court documents say

Marshalltown police arrested Rocky Trujillo, 20, Monday evening. He is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and more.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — Marshalltown police captured a suspect Monday night in a shooting that left a Casey's General Store employee dead earlier in the day.

Rocky Dean Trujillo, 20, of Marshalltown is being held in the Marshall County Jail for the following charges:

  • Murder – 1st Degree (Class A Felony) 
  • Robbery – 1st Degree – 2 Counts (Class B Felonies) 
  • Going Armed with Intent (Class D Felony) 
  • Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury (Aggravated Misdemeanor) 
  • Trafficking in Stolen Weapons (D Felony) 

Shortly after 3 a.m. Monday, police responded to the Casey's General Store at 111 North 3rd Ave to investigate a shooting. Police found an adult male with a gunshot wound. He later died. 

The victim has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Ray West, an employee of the store.

A criminal complaint states Trujillo "armed himself with a small caliber handgun, along with ammunition, from his residence" before going to the Casey's and shooting West "willfully without justification" in the chest.

Trujillo also allegedly tried to get into the store's cash register before threatening a customer while placing the gun to the person's head and demanding their cell phone.

"The defendant struck another clerk in the parking lot with his weapon," the complaint continues.

A vehicle leaving Trujillo's home was stopped by officers and found to have a stolen 12-gauge shotgun inside, according to police.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our Marshalltown store team member, Michael Ray West," Casey's General Stores said in a statement. "We offer our sincere condolences to his family, and are focused on supporting them, and our team members, during this difficult time."

Credit: WOI

This is still an active investigation, police said. Anyone with information about this crime should call the Marshalltown Police Department at 641-754-5725. 

Tips can also be submitted by calling 641-753-1234, or via text messaging by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.marshallcountycs.com. All tips are completely anonymous and could earn a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest.

Local 5 will update this story as details become available.

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