Relationships, motive still unclear

By Molly Montag, Mason City Globe Gazette

MASON CITY — Autopsies on a man and woman found dead inside a Mason City home last week provided new information about their injuries, police say.

Police say autopsies showed Caleb Christensen, 37, died from multiple sharp-force injuries and Melinda Kavars, 54, died of a single gunshot wound to the neck and chest.

Christensen and Kavars were found about 2:30 a.m. Thursday inside Christensen’s home, 1620 N. Hampshire Ave., in the city’s Highlands neighborhood.

Peter Veal, 30, of Lake Mills, was arrested 15 minutes later near 12th Street Northeast and North Carolina Avenue after what police described as a brief foot chase.

He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Police have not answered questions asking if Veal knew Christensen and Kavars, who called 911 or when investigators believe the victims were killed.

They also would not comment on a motive.

Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley said police are not releasing additional details about the case to preserve the constitutional rights of the accused.

“There is not an ongoing threat to the community, and we’re certain of that,” he said. “At this point we don’t expect that to change.”

Veal remained jailed Tuesday night in lieu of $1 million bond.