In the quiet town of Altoona, Iowa, a tragedy unfolded in January 2010, leaving a family and community in mourning. Laura Wharff, a 51-year-old woman, was found deceased in her home on January 12, 2010. Authorities with the Altoona Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation were called to the residence at 607 Fourth St. N.W. to conduct a welfare check after she did not show up for her job as a clinic manager for Iowa Health Systems.
Upon entering the home, officers
discovered a grim scene. There was no indication of a forced entry or any signs of a struggle within the house. Inside, they found the bodies of both Laura and her husband, Mark Wharff, who was also 51 years old. Both had sustained fatal shotgun wounds. Investigators subsequently began treating the case as a murder-suicide. It is believed that Mark Wharff shot his wife before taking his own life. Reports indicated Mark was not employed at the time due to a health condition. The home was not known to law enforcement, as there had been no prior reports of domestic issues at the address.
Laura, born on June 18, 1958, in Des Moines to Nello and Genevieve Stefani, was described as a strong, intelligent, and independent woman. She was a loving mother and grandmother who cherished spending time with her family, especially watching her son, Brad, play sports. Her life was remembered at a Mass of Christian Burial at SS. John and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona, followed by her burial at the Altoona Cemetery. She was survived by her son, grandchildren, parents, and numerous siblings.
