Investigators believe a Cedar Falls man was murdered while deer hunting in southern Iowa over the weekend and they are asking for the public's help in solving the case.

Appanoose County sheriff's officials said the body of Curtis Ross, 31, was found in a remote part of a public hunting area near Lake Rathbun on Saturday (Nov. 25, 2017). His death appeared to be suspicious, so they contacted the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for assistance.

An autopsy was being conducted on Monday. DCI officials confirmed Ross' death was being investigated as a homicide, pending laboratory tests and the full autopsy report from the State Medical Examiner.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety said Monday the person or persons responsible for Ross' death remain at large, and should be considered armed and dangerous. With shotgun deer season approaching, law enforcement officials are asking the public to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement entity.

Authorities are asking for help in the death investigation. Anyone with information should call the Appanoose County Law Enforcement Center in Centerville at (641) 437-7100.

The case is being investigated by the Appanoose County Sheriff’s office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Appanoose County Attorney, Appanoose County Medical Examiner’s office, Office of State Medical Examiner and the Wayne County Sheriff’s office.

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