SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
James Kroll, allegedly broke into a north-side home Wednesday morning, and killed 54-year-old Jeffery Moravek.
Moravek's girlfriend, 54-year-old Mary Tope was also critically injured in that crowbar attack. Her daughter Emily used to date Kroll.
In November of 2009, James Kroll was arrested at 504 39th Street Place for drug activity, the same place authorities say he bludgeoned 54-year Moravek to death June 13th.
According to court records, Kroll lived at the home with his girlfriend Emily Tope in 2009. The home's owner is Tope's mother Mary. She was also critically injured in the attack.
Court documents show that Mary asked police to search her home in 2009, after Kroll was arrested, because she suspected the activity was taking place inside the residence. Officers found traces of marijuana in the bedroom Kroll shared with Emily Tope, along with three marijuana plants, potting soil, and fertilizer, and a grow lamp in the closet.
At the time, court documents say, Mary Tope indicated to police that she would not allow Kroll back into the house. Kroll pled guilty and was sentenced to probation.
Kroll was arrested again for violating a number of conditions of that probation, including possession of drug paraphernalia. He was put back on probation.
Emily Tope was at home when Kroll allegedly broke into the home, she was not hurt. Sioux City police do not believe Emily was involved in the attack.
Mary Tope's best friend, LeAnn Miller-Kinney said when Tope talked about her daughter's boyfriend, she didn't have the many nice things to say.
"She was not happy, he was not someone that was good for Emily. And, he just shouldn't have been there," recalled Miller-Kinney.
She believes Emily Tope and Kroll had been broken up for some time.
