Statement from Butler County on Mark Becker's Release from Hospital

Statement Released on Behalf of the Butler County Sheriff

Mark Becker, 24, of Parkersburg, has been charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of Ed Thomas.

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jun 25, 2009 at 4:07 PM CST

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2010 at 5:30 PM CST

PARKERSBURG - This information is being released on behalf of Butler County Sheriff Jason Johnson in response to questions about the notification of law enforcement when Mark Becker was released from a Waterloo hospital. As was stated in a press release dated June 24, 2009, "During the early morning of June 21, 2009 law enforcement determined that (Mark) Becker needed medical attention and was transported to Covenant Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Law enforcement requested prior notification before Becker was released."

Statement from Butler County Sheriff Jason Johnson:
"On June 22nd, 2009, the Central Point Coordinator of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities was contacted by Butler County Sheriff Jason Johnson. Sheriff Johnson advised the coordinator of the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Mark Becker on June 20th involving a high speed chase and criminal mischief charges filed. The coordinator was asked to contact Sheriff Johnson if Becker was going to be released from the hospital. An emergency detention order was signed by a Black Hawk County Judicial Magistrate on June 21st, 2009, to hold Becker for evaluation. Law Enforcement officials were not notified upon Mark Becker’s release on June 23rd.

"No additional comment will be given on this issue as it is an ongoing criminal investigation. It should be noted that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."
-Sheriff Jason S. Johnson

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