Case Summary
Black Hawk County in Iowa
Waterloo in Black Hawk County
Micalla A. Rettinger, a 25-year-old former star UNI softball player, was driving south on Highway 218 near the Brinker Lake and Cedar River bridges in Waterloo when a single bullet pierced through her driver’s side window and hit her in the neck early Sunday, April 28, 2019.
The bullet then struck her boyfriend, 32-year-old Adam Kimball, in the face. A second passenger, along with Rettinger and Kimball’s dog, King, were riding in the vehicle’s back seat but were not injured.
Waterloo Police responded to a report of a possible motor vehicle accident, and upon arrival found a single vehicle off the roadway on the southbound side of 218 on the Greenhill off-ramp.
Rettinger died at the scene. Kimball was taken to Allen Hospital and later transferred to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics where the bullet was removed from his face.
Police said they are asking for help finding anybody who might have been shooting or hunting near the Cedar River between the U.S. 218 bridge and the Conger Avenue bridge Sunday morning.
Reward offered by Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers & Private Donations
Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers and Waterloo Police are offering a $58,000 reward for any information. If you’d like to make a pledge to the reward, or have information, you can call the Waterloo Police Department at 319-291-4340, ext. 7, or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS (8477).
The University of Northern Iowa has created a scholarship fund in Rettinger’s name. To donate, visit: https://www.adv.uni.edu/foundation/kk.aspx
About Micalla Rettinger (from obituary)
Micalla “KK” Rettinger, 25, a resident of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away April 28, 2019, in Waterloo, Iowa. A genuinely loved person by all who knew her, Micalla lit up every room she entered with her smile and hugs.
She was born in Kansas City, Kansas, November 24, 1993, to Brenda (Kahle) Harper and Steven Rettinger, M.D.
After graduating from Park Hill High School — where she excelled in softball, basketball and performing arts — Micalla went to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. There she graduated with honors in 2016 with a degree in biology while starring for the UNI Panthers’ softball team, earning second-team all Missouri Valley Conference honors her Junior and Senior years.
She enjoyed her work and colleagues at Mulligans and Kimball & Beecher Family Dental Office while pursuing her dream of becoming a dentist.
A tireless worker, she could be counted upon to leave it all on the field, every time. She was also a tender, loving, caring person, and extended that love to the many animals in her life over the years. Family and friends described her as a beautiful person inside and out.
Micalla is survived by her parents, Brenda Harper (Eric) and Steven Rettinger (Kelly), her younger sister Ellayna Rettinger, older sister Maria Bohnet (Kelson), and niece Lily who brought great joy into her life. She is also survived by grandparents Pat Rettinger, Don Rettinger (Carol), and Barb Kahle; Aunt Chris Schneider and Uncle Rick Kahle (Pam), cousins Erich, Ani, Colin, Taylor and Zach, and her loving boyfriend, Adam Kimball.
Visitation was held Thursday, May 2, 2019, from 5-8 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, KS, with Funeral Mass held Friday, May 3, at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13615 W 92nd, Lenexa, KS 66215.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a contribution to either: Increase reward money, Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers; c/o Waterloo Police Department, 715 Mulberry St., Waterloo, IA 50703, UNI softball scholarship in Micalla’s name, UNI Foundation, 205 Commons, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614, Animals, KC Pet Project, 4400 Raytown Road, Kansas City, MO 64129.
Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444; www.porterfuneralhome.com
Information Needed
If you have any information about Micalla Rettinger’s unsolved homicide, please contact the Waterloo Police Investigations Division at (319) 291-4340 ext. 7, or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS (8477). TIPS are also received by texting CEDAR plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or leave tips at www.cvcrimestop.com.
Waterloo police are working closely with authorities at the state and federal level, including the FBI.
Sources:
- Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers
- “Year in Review: Who shot Micalla Rettinger?” by Collin Dorsey, KWWL.com, December 30, 2019
- “Nearly six months have passed since Micalla Rettinger was shot and killed,” by Jeff Reinitz, wcfcourier.com, October 19, 2019
- “After unexplained Highway 218 shooting, father cherishes memories of departed daughter,” by Amie Rivers, Waterloo Courier / The Gazette, Monday, May 6, 2019
- “UPDATE: Micalla Rettinger funeral will be Friday in Kansas,” by Jeff Reinitz, wcfcourier.com, May 2, 2019
- “‘I love you more than any language can do justice’: Boyfriend of slain UNI graduate posts heartfelt message,” by Tyler J. Davis, The Des Moines Register, May 1, 2019
- “‘So random and senseless’: Father, university mourn woman killed while driving home,” by Tyler J. Davis, The Des Moines Register, May 1, 2019
- “NEW DETAILS: Adam Kimball, injured in highway shooting, talks about Micalla,” by Amie Rivers, wcfcourier.com, May 1, 2019
- Micalla A. Rettinger Obituary