Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Mother’s Murder, Receives Life Sentence

42-year-old Nathaniel Kassel of Northwest Iowa, has entered a guilty plea for the first-degree murder of his mother, Jody Duskin, and has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.

Court records reveal that Kassel admitted to the murder during a court appearance on September 18. Duskin’s lifeless body was discovered in her Sheldon residence in March 2023.

Prior to the discovery, Kassel had reportedly informed family members of his intention to harm his mother. Authorities arrested Kassel in South Dakota the day after learning of Duskin’s demise.

Previously, Kassel had pleaded not guilty and was scheduled for trial on October 17, 2023.

Two additional charges related to vehicle theft and firearm possession as a felon have since been dismissed.