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Two Dead, One Hurt After Gunfire At Des Moines Center For At-Risk Youth

Photo: Sue Danielson

(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines Police are confirming two students were killed today and an adult was injured by gunfire this (Monday) afternoon on the southwest edge of downtown Des Moines. Police were called to 455 SW 5th Street just before 1 o'clock on a report of a shooting at a non profit organization for at risk youth known as Starts Right Here. Those injured reportedly include an adult staff member and two students. Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Paul Parezik says the students died, the staffer was undergoing surgery late this afternoon.

Police say about 20-minutes later, and two miles away, officers and detectives took multiple suspects into custody. Police say they do not believe the shooting was a random act, but that those killed and injured were targeted.

Des Moines School Superintendent Matt Smith has issued the following statement:

“We are saddened to learn of another act of gun violence, especially one that impacts an organization that works closely with some of our students. We are still waiting to learn more details, but our thoughts are with any victims of this incident and their families and friends. Starts Right Here is a valuable partner to DMPS, doing important work to help us re-engage students, and we stand by to support them during this critical time.”

 

The district describes Start Right Here as a community partner of the district which helps to re-engage students in the district’s Options Academy credit recovery program and supports students no longer in a school building due to behavioral issues. They serve 40-50 DMPS students at any given time, with DMPS providing educational programming (NOTE: no DMPS staff were on site at the time of the shooting). This partnership began in 2021.

Governor Kim Reynolds has released the following statement in response to the shooting at Starts Right Here:

 “I am shocked and saddened to hear about the shooting at Starts Right Here. I’ve seen first-hand how hard Will Keeps and his staff works to help at-risk kids through this alternative education program. My heart breaks for them, these kids and their families. Kevin and I are praying for their safe recovery.” 


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