In the early morning hours of December 29, 2023, the life of Ryan Ray Andrews, a 45-year-old man from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was tragically cut short. Authorities responded to a call in the 1600 block of 14th Avenue Southwest where they discovered Andrews lying unresponsive in a yard, suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. First responders rendered medical aid until he could be transported to Unity Point Trinity Regional Medical Center, but he was ultimately pronounced deceased.
The Fort Dodge Police Department quickly labeled the death of Ryan Andrews as a homicide and began an investigation into the apparent shooting. In the weeks that followed, law enforcement identified two persons of interest in connection with the case. The first was 37-year-old David S. Dayton of Fort Dodge, who was wanted for questioning. In January 2024, Dayton was taken into custody in Bode on a parole violation.
As the investigation continued, a second person of interest was identified. In April 2024, the Fort Dodge Police Department asked for the public's assistance in locating 49-year-old Lewis E. Ayala of Fort Dodge, who was wanted for questioning in Andrews' death. Ayala was described as being 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing approximately 145 pounds, with brown eyes and short, partially gray hair. Authorities also noted that Ayala was wanted on a separate warrant out of Webster County for Possession of a Firearm as a Felon. A $500 reward was offered by Webster County Crime Stoppers for information leading to Ayala's specific and current whereabouts.
Ryan Andrews was remembered as a loving and selfless man who was a phenomenal music artist. He valued his family and friends above all else and was known for his sense of humor and his willingness to help others.
