ANKENY, IOWA — Two individuals have been arrested and are facing numerous felony charges following a brutal and violent home invasion that occurred earlier this month in Ankeny. The Ankeny Police Department announced the arrests of Gemiere Cortez Goodwin and his mother, Merrelita Rae Kintz, in connection with a home burglary that left an elderly victim seriously injured.
The Incident
On the morning of July 1, Ankeny police officers responded to a 911 call reporting an active burglary at a residence located at 2206 NW Ashland Parkway. Upon arrival, officers discovered a horrifying scene: an elderly victim had been viciously assaulted, sustaining serious injuries consistent with being beaten and strangled.
The attackers ransacked the home, stealing a firearm, personal documents, cash, and other valuables before fleeing the scene. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were treated and later released. According to police, the trauma sustained by the victim was severe, and the crime has deeply shaken the neighborhood.
The Investigation and Arrests
A swift and thorough investigation was launched by Ankeny Police Detectives, who quickly identified Gemiere Cortez Goodwin as a primary suspect. Working in collaboration with the Des Moines Police Department, investigators located Goodwin just two days later, on July 3, at a smoke and vape shop in Des Moines.
As officers attempted to arrest him, Goodwin resisted violently, leading to a physical altercation. During the struggle, law enforcement discovered that he was carrying the victim’s stolen firearm in his pants pocket. Additionally, officers recovered several stolen personal items that bore the victim’s name. Two officers — one from Ankeny and one from Des Moines — sustained minor injuries during the arrest.
A subsequent search warrant executed at Goodwin’s residence yielded further incriminating evidence, including items taken during the burglary and forensic materials directly linking Goodwin to the crime scene.
As detectives delved deeper into the case, they uncovered compelling evidence that Goodwin’s mother, Merrelita Rae Kintz, had conspired with her son in planning and executing the crime. Police say she actively aided and abetted the burglary and violent assault.
On July 22, Kintz was located and arrested without incident. Both suspects are now being held in the Polk County Jail, facing a combined list of serious felony charges.
Charges Filed
Gemiere Cortez Goodwin
- Attempted Murder – Iowa Code 707.11(1)
- Burglary 1st Degree – Iowa Code 713.3 (Class B felony)
- Robbery 1st Degree – Iowa Code 711.2
- Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury – Iowa Code 708.4(1)
- Theft 2nd Degree – Iowa Code 714.2A(1)(b)
- Unauthorized Use of Credit Card – Iowa Code 715A.6(2)(b)
- Identity Theft Over $1,500 – Iowa Code 715A.8(3)(b)
- Interference with Official Acts with a Firearm – Iowa Code 719.1(1)(f)
- Interference with Official Acts Causing Injury – Iowa Code 719.1(1)(c)
Merrelita Rae Kintz
- Attempted Murder – Iowa Code 707.11(1)
- Burglary 1st Degree – Iowa Code 713.3 (Class B felony)
- Robbery 1st Degree – Iowa Code 711.2
- Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury – Iowa Code 708.4(1)
- Theft 2nd Degree – Iowa Code 714.2A(1)(b)
- Unauthorized Use of Credit Card – Iowa Code 715A.6(2)(b)
- Identity Theft Over $1,500 – Iowa Code 715A.8(3)(b)
Community Impact and Police Statement
The Ankeny Police Department has emphasized the seriousness of this incident, particularly because it involved an unprovoked and violent attack against a vulnerable member of the community. In a public statement, police said:
“Violent home invasions such as this one are investigated to the fullest extent of our capabilities. We will not tolerate such acts, and we remain committed to seeking justice for all victims.”
Police also thanked the Des Moines Police Department and all assisting agencies for their help in the investigation and safe apprehension of both suspects.
A Call to the Public
The department continues to encourage residents to report suspicious activity immediately, and to check in on vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly, who may be more susceptible to violent crime.
As the investigation continues and the judicial process unfolds, both Goodwin and Kintz are expected to face lengthy legal proceedings. If convicted, they could each face decades in prison for their roles in this disturbing and violent crime.
Anyone with additional information about this case is urged to contact the Ankeny Police Department.
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