Muscatine, Iowa – A tragic and violent incident unfolded Monday afternoon at the Hy-Vee located on 2nd Avenue in Muscatine, where a woman was gunned down in broad daylight in front of stunned shoppers and employees. The Muscatine Police Department has now identified the victim as 37-year-old Kalista Hallberg, a resident of Letts, Iowa, and named Ian Hernandez, of Davenport, as the suspected shooter.
The shooting occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m., when Muscatine dispatchers began receiving multiple emergency calls reporting shots fired inside the grocery store. Officers responded quickly to the scene and, upon entering the building, discovered Kalista Hallberg suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders and store employees, Hallberg was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses described chaos and panic as gunfire erupted in the store. Shoppers reportedly fled for cover while employees scrambled to ensure customers were evacuated safely. Some witnesses said they saw a man approach the victim before shots rang out, though the specific circumstances of the shooting remain under active investigation.
The Muscatine Police Department, with assistance from multiple local and state agencies, quickly secured the scene and began processing evidence while also working to locate the suspect. Authorities later confirmed that the man believed responsible is Ian Hernandez, a resident of Davenport. Police have not released further details regarding Hernandez’s current whereabouts or whether he is in custody as of this writing.
Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting, including whether Hallberg and Hernandez knew each other and what led up to the fatal encounter inside a busy public location. Surveillance footage and eyewitness statements are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The sudden and violent nature of the incident has left the Muscatine community stunned and heartbroken. Hy-Vee closed the store immediately following the shooting and has since issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family, as well as gratitude to law enforcement for their swift response.
Kalista Hallberg is remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted, hardworking woman with deep roots in the Letts area. She leaves behind grieving loved ones who now must face unimaginable loss. A memorial is already beginning to take shape outside the Hy-Vee, with flowers, candles, and messages being left in her honor.
The Muscatine Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the shooting or Ian Hernandez to come forward. They are asking the public to contact Muscatine Police at (563) 263-9922 or Muscatine County Crime Stoppers at (563) 263-8477. All tips can remain anonymous.
As this tragic story continues to unfold, the city of Muscatine mourns the life lost and prays for justice and healing.