The Boone, Iowa, community is mourning the deaths of Gregory Evenson, 69, and Ronette Bonnell, 66, following a tragic incident at a home on 15th Street.
On the morning of August 31, 2026, Boone police officers were dispatched to a residence at 1520 15th Street shortly before 9 a.m. after receiving a report of a deceased male. When officers arrived and entered the home, they discovered two deceased individuals, later identified as Evenson and Bonnell.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was called in to assist with the case. Both bodies were taken for autopsies as investigators worked to determine what had happened. At the time, police said there was no danger to the public.
Several days later, Boone Police announced the results of the investigation. Authorities determined that Ronette Bonnell's cause of death was homicide. Police identified Gregory Evenson as the suspect and said he died by suicide.
Police have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths, saying they are withholding further information out of respect for the grieving families. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Iowa Medical Examiner's Office assisted Boone Police with the investigation.
Bonnell, 66, was a lifelong Boone resident who was known for her work as a hairstylist and for her strong connection to family and community. Her obituary describes her as a mother of three who enjoyed gardening, music, community events, motorcycles, and spending time with the people around her.
Evenson, 69, also had deep ties to Boone. He worked for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad beginning in 1976 and later worked for Union Pacific before retiring in 2019. He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycles, and charitable riding events.
Their deaths have left families and friends dealing with a painful loss while many questions about the incident remain private.
The Boone Police Department has indicated that no further information will be released at this time.
🕯️ Gregory Evenson and Ronette Bonnell are remembered as two members of the Boone community whose lives ended in a tragic incident that continues to bring grief to those who knew them.
