Tragedy in Glenwood: Community Grieves After Deadly Shooting and House Fire Claims Lives of Stevie Rockwell and Brandon Oman
GLENWOOD, IOWA — In a horrifying sequence of events that has left the close-knit community of Glenwood reeling, authorities have confirmed the deaths of Stevie Rockwell and her husband, Brandon Oman, following a deadly shooting and a devastating house fire on the evening of Wednesday, August 6. The violence erupted just before 8:00 p.m. at the couple’s home, located at 409 North Grove Street, where emergency responders were dispatched following multiple reports of gunshots and flames engulfing the residence.
The scene that awaited first responders was one of chaos and tragedy. Glenwood Police Department and Mills County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find the home already ablaze and the situation rapidly escalating. According to law enforcement officials, officers heard additional gunshots upon arrival, prompting a tactical response as firefighters worked to contain the spreading fire. Once the scene was secured and the blaze brought under control, authorities discovered the bodies of Stevie Rockwell, 34, and Brandon Oman, 36, inside the home. Both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Details remain under investigation, but authorities have described the incident as a suspected murder-suicide, with indications pointing to domestic violence as a potential factor. Investigators are currently working with forensic teams and the State Fire Marshal’s Office to reconstruct the timeline and cause of the fire, which appears to have been intentionally set.
A Town in Mourning
News of the tragedy has shaken Glenwood to its core. In a town where neighbors know each other by name, the loss of two residents in such a violent and public manner has left friends, family, and community members grappling with shock and sorrow. Tributes have begun to pour in across social media, where those who knew Stevie and Brandon have shared photos, memories, and messages of heartbreak and disbelief.
Stevie Rockwell was widely known for her outgoing personality, her love of animals, and her deep dedication to her family. Friends describe her as vibrant, compassionate, and always willing to help those in need. She worked locally and was active in several community initiatives, often volunteering her time to local causes. “She had a laugh you couldn’t forget,” one friend wrote. “She brought light into dark rooms.”
Brandon Oman, known to many in Glenwood through his work in construction and his involvement in youth sports programs in the past, was remembered by some as a quiet but hard-working man. However, recent struggles in the couple’s relationship, according to sources close to the family, had raised concerns. Authorities have not confirmed any prior reports of domestic violence, but neighbors have since come forward noting that tensions seemed to have escalated in recent weeks.
Calls for Awareness and Support
As the investigation continues, the tragedy has sparked wider conversations around mental health, domestic violence awareness, and the urgent need for early intervention in potentially dangerous situations. Several local organizations, including domestic violence shelters and crisis support lines, have issued public statements reminding residents that help is available—and that no one should suffer in silence.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder that domestic violence can happen in any community, no matter how small or close-knit,” said a representative from the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “We urge anyone experiencing abuse, or witnessing warning signs, to reach out. Lives can be saved with the right support and timely intervention.”
The Glenwood School District, where Stevie once volunteered and where several extended family members are connected, has mobilized counselors to be available for students and staff affected by the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is being organized by community leaders and will take place this weekend in Glenwood City Park, offering friends and neighbors a space to grieve, reflect, and honor the lives lost.
Looking Ahead
As the residents of Glenwood attempt to make sense of what happened at 409 North Grove Street, there are no easy answers—only questions, heartbreak, and the long, painful work of healing. For those who knew Stevie Rockwell and Brandon Oman, the loss is personal. For the town, it’s a wake-up call—a moment that demands empathy, awareness, and collective action to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
Local law enforcement has asked anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact the Glenwood Police Department or Mills County authorities. Autopsies are underway, and a full report from the State Medical Examiner is expected in the coming days.
In the meantime, the community holds its breath and one another, remembering two lives cut short and hoping for a future where tragedy no longer lurks behind closed doors.
Leave a Reply