Random Act of Violence Ends in McAtee’s Death
An Illinois man has been sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of an Iowa grocery store worker in a crime described by police as a “random act of violence.”
Guilty Plea in McAtee’s Murder
Nathan Russell, a resident of East Dubuque, Illinois, withdrew his initial not-guilty plea and admitted guilt on Tuesday to first-degree murder for the November 7th, 2023, shooting death of 48-year-old Aaron McAtee. The shooting occurred outside Fareway Meat and Grocery in Monticello, Iowa, a small eastern Iowa community.
Family Devastation After Shooting
Before handing down the life sentence, the judge listened to emotional statements from McAtee’s family members. Aimee Jouanne, McAtee’s sister, expressed her profound grief, stating, “I feel like I died with Aaron that day. My happiness is at a standstill.” A victim advocate also shared a letter from McAtee’s mother, who described her heart as “broken for good.”
Details of the Shooting and Aftermath
Police reported that McAtee was near the store’s loading dock when Russell shot him. Following the shooting, Russell was located by a deputy around 10 miles away in Hopkinton, Iowa. Investigators revealed that the deputy was justified in shooting and wounding Russell after he refused to comply with orders. In December, a prosecutor ruled the deputy’s actions as justified.
