An 18-year-old from Knoxville has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a violent home invasion that left three people injured, including two who required hospitalization.
Zachary Rankin received his sentence on May 29, 2025, in Marion County District Court. He was convicted of multiple felony charges, including First Degree Attempted Burglary Resulting in Bodily Injury, First Degree Criminal Mischief, and three counts of Assault While Participating in a Felony.
According to court records and reports from KNIA/KRLS News, the charges stem from a March 11 incident at a residence on East Robinson Street in Knoxville, Iowa.
Details of the Incident
Rankin and an accomplice forcibly entered the home and launched an unprovoked and brutal assault on three occupants. When Knoxville police arrived at the scene, they found blood throughout the residence and multiple victims with visible injuries.
- One female victim had blood on her face and torso.
- A second female victim was seen with a cut on her lip.
- An adult male victim had a severely cut and bloodied lip.
The responding officers reported that two of the three victims were transported to a hospital for treatment due to the extent of their injuries. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting an immediate investigation that led to Rankin’s arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Rankin’s sentencing was structured to reflect the seriousness of the crime. The court ordered the burglary and criminal mischief charges to run consecutively, meaning one after the other. The three assault charges, however, will run concurrently, or at the same time, resulting in a total prison term of 20 years.
The other individual involved in the assault was previously sentenced for their role, though their name was not released in public reports.
Rankin’s conviction falls under Iowa’s criminal code for violent felonies, specifically crimes involving bodily harm during burglary and assault in the commission of another felony.
Community Response
The incident has shaken the small community of Knoxville, which is located in Marion County and known for its tight-knit neighborhoods. Local residents expressed concern about rising youth violence and the need for greater mental health and crime prevention efforts among teens and young adults.
Authorities emphasized that justice had been served in this case, but also acknowledged the lasting emotional and physical trauma suffered by the victims.
What Happens Next?
With Rankin now serving a 20-year sentence, he will be eligible for parole depending on Iowa’s guidelines and any credit for good behavior. The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) is responsible for overseeing his incarceration and any future parole decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Zachary Rankin, 18, of Knoxville, Iowa, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
- He pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges after a violent March 11, 2025, home invasion.
- Three people were assaulted, two of whom needed hospital care.
- Rankin’s sentence reflects the severity of the crime and its impact on the victims.
Authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to prevent similar crimes in the future. Knoxville Police and Marion County officials continue to work toward creating a safer environment for all residents.
