Shakena Varnell, 34, 415 Garden Road, and Michael Odikor, 32, 1103 Pinon Drive, Unit 2, have been identified by Ames police as the victims in the double homicide Saturday on Pinon Drive.

Police are still searching for a person of interest in the case, Atiba A. Spellman, 33, sophomore in computer engineering. Spellman has an extensive criminal history, including charges of domestic violence against Varnell.

Jim Robinson, Ames police investigations commander, said Varnell’s children were never in any danger and were found with friends and family.

He said initial findings suggested the weapon used was an edged object, but police are still waiting for the state medical examiner’s office to confirm.

Robinson said the Ames police department did not release the names of the victims earlier because they wanted to make sure the whole family was notified.

“We wanted to be as compassionate as possible,” Robinson said.

Spellman is thought to be driving a blue 1995 four-door Buick LeSabre with Iowa license number 686TOT. The car may also have a cracked windshield, according to a press release.

Robinson said police have a few leads as to the whereabouts of Spellman but they would still appreciate the help of the public in locating him.