Man Arrested for Assault and Death of Woman in Dubuque

On Tuesday, September 1st, 2015, at 5:57 a.m., Dubuque Police responded to the area of 105 West 17th Street on the report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, an adult female was found on the ground, near that address, suffering from facial injuries. The female was transported to the hospital where she later died. Through the course of the investigation it was determined the victim had also been sexually abused.

The ensuing investigation revealed a suspect identified as Helmon Betwell, age 19 of Dubuque. Betwell was located and interviewed by police. Betwell admitted assaulting the victim.  The woman's name is still being withheld at this time.

Betwell was arrested and charged with Murder 1st Degree, Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree and two counts of Burglary in the 3rd Degree. Murder in the 1st Degree and Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree are Class A Felonies punishable by life in prison. Burglary in the 3rd Degree is an Aggravated Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment not to exceed two years.

As with any criminal case, the charges filed are allegations and any suspect(s) charged are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.