On a tragic night in Waukee, Iowa, the life of 41-year-old Gino Risola was cut short. It was the first murder the city had seen in nearly four decades. In the early hours of November 7, 2015, as Risola and his wife were returning to their home, they were ambushed in their own driveway. A man stepped out and fired a gun multiple times at Risola, who was rushed to a hospital where he later died.
The father of four was remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted and gentle man who could always make people laugh.
The sense of shock in the community was palpable, not only for the violent nature of the crime but because Risola was a beloved figure. Neighbors recalled him as a helpful and friendly presence, someone who would go out of his way to lend a hand. His connections to his former hometown of Stamford, Connecticut, remained strong, and news of his murder sent ripples of grief through that community as well. Friends from his youth remembered him as a brother, a constant source of support and laughter, who stayed in close touch despite the distance.
The investigation into Risola's death quickly led to a suspect. Brendan Michael McGuinness, a 42-year-old with a violent criminal history, was arrested later the same day. McGuinness was described as an "associate" of Risola. It was revealed that Risola had been listed as a witness in an upcoming trial against McGuinness, who was facing charges for a brutal assault that had occurred months earlier outside a bar where Risola had been working.
Ultimately, Brendan McGuinness did not stand trial for the murder of Gino Risola. In January 2017, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. For his crime, McGuinness was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The resolution of the case brought a measure of justice, but it could not undo the senseless act of violence that took a husband, father, and cherished friend from the lives of those who knew and loved him.
