In the early morning hours of June 14, 2024, the quiet community of Runnells, Iowa, was disturbed by a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 50-year-old Richard David Selby. A 911 call shortly after 1:00 a.m. reported a shooting at a residence on SE 116th Street. When Polk County sheriff's deputies arrived, they discovered Richard Selby deceased inside the home from gunshot wounds.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect, 35-year-old Jacob Cole Harbold, who was identified as the
victim's cousin. Harbold was arrested by Des Moines police around 3:30 a.m. following a traffic stop. Initially charged with first-degree murder, Harbold later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Evidence showed that Harbold had moved into Selby's home in February 2024. Selby, the owner of a construction company, had not only provided his cousin with a place to live but also a job, financial assistance, and support in his efforts toward sobriety after a previous jail term.
During the sentencing, Richard Selby's family, including his wife of 30 years, Jamie, and their children, delivered emotional victim impact statements. They spoke of Richard's generosity, forgiveness, and unwavering love for his cousin, whom he had tried to help get back on his feet. His daughter, Brianna Selby, recounted the terrifying moment she saw Harbold in the hallway holding her father's handgun after the shooting. Jacob Harbold was sentenced to up to 50 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 35 years to be served. He was also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to his cousin's estate. In a statement to the court, Harbold took responsibility for his actions and apologized to the family, expressing remorse for the death of a man who had shown him kindness.
