Iowa son fights to overturn his father's conviction in mother's murder

In November 2018, 39-year-old Amy Mullis was found mortally wounded with a corn rake in her back inside a farm shed in Delaware County, Iowa. Her husband, Todd Mullis, was later convicted of her murder following a state investigation.

The incident occurred on the family's 400-acre agricultural property in Iowa, where the couple raised livestock and crops alongside their three minor children. Authorities initially received emergency calls reporting an accidental injury before launching a full homicide investigation.

Incident Overview

According to trial testimony and official records, the events began on a November 2018 morning while Todd Mullis and his wife, Amy Mullis, were working in a hog barn on their Delaware County farm. Their 13-year-old son, Trysten Mullis, was assisting his parents with routine chores preparing for a delivery of piglets. During the work, family members observed that Amy Mullis appeared unsteady following a minor medical procedure performed four days prior.

Trysten Mullis testified that his mother was asked to retrieve a pet carrier from an adjacent red storage shed before returning to the family home to rest. Approximately 90 minutes later, after noticing the carrier had not been moved, Trysten Mullis entered the red shed and discovered his mother lying unresponsive on the ground with a four-tine corn rake impaled in her back. Todd Mullis and his son loaded her into a truck and called 911 while transporting her to a local medical facility, where she was pronounced dead.

Timeline of Events

1. Four days prior to incident: Amy Mullis undergoes a minor medical procedure before returning to light farm duties.
2. November 2018 (Morning): Amy, Todd, and Trysten Mullis begin work inside the farm's main hog barn.
3. Morning (Approx. 1.5 hours before discovery): Amy Mullis leaves the main barn to retrieve a pet carrier from a red shed.
4. Morning (Discovery): Trysten Mullis locates his mother lying unresponsive in the shed with a corn rake in her back.
5. Morning (911 Call): Todd Mullis contacts Delaware County 911 dispatch while transporting Amy Mullis to the hospital.
6. Post-Incident Investigation: The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and state medical examiner conduct an inquiry, determining the death was a homicide.
7. Trial and Conviction: Todd Mullis is tried and convicted of murder by an Iowa jury within a year of the incident.
8. Post-Trial Proceedings: Defense attorneys file appeals and affidavits seeking post-conviction relief based on new expert evaluations and witness statements.

Suspect Information

Todd Mullis was the primary suspect identified by law enforcement during the death investigation. A resident of Delaware County, Iowa, he operated a 400-acre farm producing soybeans, corn, and hogs. Prosecutors presented evidence during trial indicating Todd Mullis conducted internet searches regarding unfaithful spouses prior to the incident. Defense counsel maintained that Todd Mullis was working inside the hog barn at the time of his wife's death and denied involvement in the crime.

Victim Information

Amy Mullis was a mother of three who actively participated in daily operations on the family's Iowa farm. Family members described her as a vibrant person who was close to her children and relatives. Trial testimony from family and acquaintances indicated she was contemplating leaving the marriage prior to her death, creating marital tension that investigators cited as a central motive in the case.

Police Response

First responders were alerted to the emergency through a Delaware County 911 call placed by Todd Mullis while en route to the hospital. Local law enforcement officers and investigators from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation were subsequently dispatched to the farm. Special Agent Jon Turbett led the state investigative response, coordinating scene security, physical evidence collection, and witness interviews across the farm site.

Investigation

The state homicide investigation relied heavily on forensic evidence evaluated by the Iowa State Medical Examiner's Office. Dr. Kelly Kruse conducted the autopsy and concluded that Amy Mullis died from homicidal trauma rather than an accidental fall. Dr. Kruse testified that the victim suffered six distinct puncture wounds despite the corn rake possessing only four tines, indicating the tool had impaled her at least twice. Investigators also documented physical injuries including facial bruising and defensive marks on her hands. Forensic examination of digital devices recovered from the residence revealed search queries regarding unfaithful partners on an iPad attributed to Todd Mullis.

Evidence Collected

• A four-tine metallic corn rake recovered from the crime scene in the red shed.
• Digital search logs from an iPad displaying internet queries regarding unfaithful spouses.
• Audio recordings from the Delaware County emergency 911 phone call.
• Medical examination and autopsy documentation detailing six puncture wounds and tissue trauma.
• Sworn affidavits and witness statements from family members and responding law enforcement agents.

Arrest Details

Following a multi-month investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and local authorities, Todd Mullis was formally taken into custody and charged in connection with his wife's death. He was held in county custody pending court appearances and subsequent trial proceedings in state district court.

Charges Filed

In Iowa criminal proceedings, homicide offenses carry distinct statutory classifications and severe penalties depending on elements of intent, premeditation, and malice aforethought:

• First-Degree Murder (Iowa Code Section 707.2): A Class A felony defined as the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought, deliberation, and premeditation. Under Iowa law, a conviction for First-Degree Murder carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant acted willfully, deliberately, and with specific intent to take a human life.
• Second-Degree Murder (Iowa Code Section 707.3): A Class B felony involving an unlawful killing committed with malice aforethought, but lacking explicit premeditation or deliberation. A conviction carries a statutory penalty of up to 50 years in state prison, with mandatory minimum service requirements before parole eligibility.
• Manslaughter (Iowa Code Section 707.5): Offenses involving reckless acts or unintentional killings during commission of certain unlawful acts, categorized as Class C or Class D felonies with prison terms ranging from 5 to 10 years.

Court Information

The trial of Todd Mullis took place in Iowa state district court, where prosecutors Maureen Hughes presented physical, digital, and forensic expert testimony to secure a guilty verdict. Todd Mullis was represented at trial by defense attorney Gerald Feuerhelm. Post-conviction proceedings are currently pending under defense attorneys Daniel Nesheiwat and Dina Nesheiwat, who have submitted expert analysis from forensic pathologist Dr. Jennifer Hammers and biomechanical engineer Dr. Valentina Ngai to challenge the original conviction.

Statements from Authorities

During trial proceedings, state medical examiner Dr. Kelly Kruse testified regarding the physical nature of the injuries: "To me they indicate that she would have to be impaled with the rake at least twice... possibly three times." Retired Iowa DCI Special Agent Jon Turbett summarized the prosecution's theory of motive, stating, "We learn that the marriage is not maybe what it would look like on the outside... There were things boiling underneath." Prosecutor Maureen Hughes asserted to the jury that the defendant planned the act and dispatched his minor son to locate the victim.

Public Safety Information

Law enforcement authorities urge individuals experiencing domestic coercion, threats, or relationship violence to contact available support services. Assistance is accessible nationwide through the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233 or texting START to 88788 for free, confidential, 24/7 guidance and safety planning resources.

What Happens Next

Following a felony conviction in Iowa district court, defendants retain the right to seek post-conviction relief and file appeals through the state judicial appellate system. In post-conviction relief actions, defense counsel may present newly discovered evidence, challenge trial counsel's effectiveness, or introduce revised expert assessments. A presiding judge evaluates submitted filings, sworn affidavits, and evidentiary exhibits to determine whether to grant an evidentiary hearing, grant a new trial, or uphold the jury's original verdict.