Update on Sonny Iovino's last hours

Homeless veteran refused help before death
Copyright 2007 The Gazette
By Jennifer Hemmingsen

The Gazette
jennifer.hemmingsen@gazettecommunications.com



Sonny Iovino


IOWA CITY - Two days before Sonny Iovino died of exposure, he was released by a Veterans Affairs Medical Center doctor and turned away from the Johnson County Jail after police repeatedly found him behaving erratically and shedding his clothes.

On the advice of a social worker, police didn't try to take Iovino, 55, to a shelter, according to University of Iowa police incident reports The Gazette obtained.

Medical Center spokesman Kirt Sickels told the newspaper Monday hospital officials did all they could.

"If somebody doesn't want to be treated, you can't treat them," Sickels said. He could not disclose details about Iovino's medical history or immediately get information about Iovino's military service.

The nearly naked body of Iovino, a homeless Vietnam-era veteran who had frequented Iowa City for years, was found under the Benton Street bridge around 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 7. An autopsy confirmed he died of hypothermia.

click post title for the rest


Vets Helping Vets takes this issue on

Homeless Vets Help Their Own
By Josh Hinkle, Reporter

Story Updated: Nov 24, 2007

IOWA CITY - A homeless veteran's death two weeks ago in Iowa City has prompted several groups to fight back. Sonny Iovino died from hypothermia under a bridge near downtown. Now that incident is inspiring the community to fight back against the homeless problem.

About 1,300 people are homeless right now in Johnson County. Iowa City's Shelter House can only hold 29. 15% of those now staying there are veterans like Len McClellan.
go here for the rest
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/11783991.html