Man pleads not guilty to first-degree murder in Northwest Iowa

LAKE VIEW, Iowa (KTIV) - A man charged with a first-degree murder in a Northwest Iowa town entered his plea in August.

In August 2026, the 27-year-old Joshua Lehman of Shenandoah pleaded not guilty by written arraignment to one count of first-degree murder, according to court documents. The same documents state that Lehman also waived his right to a speedy trial.

Under Iowa law, Lehman could face life in prison without parole if convicted of first-degree murder.

A recap of the case in Lake View

Lehman was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 27-year-old Dr. Rylie-Shea Muhlbauer of Manning, Iowa.

Court documents state Lehman shot Muhlbauer on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. at a home in Lake View. Authorities weren’t notified until about 10:30 a.m.

A few days after these events, Manning residents gathered on Thursday, Aug. 6, to mourn and remember Dr. Muhlbauer at a candlelight vigil.

Lehman’s next court appearance is yet to be determined.

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