DES MOINES, Iowa — A man is charged with murder in connection to a "suspicious" death Wednesday night, Des Moines police said in a press release.
Officers responded to a report of a medical emergency at a home on Capitol Avenue at around 5:25 p.m. Wednesday.
When they arrived, first responders found 52-year-old Suzette Rae Gums of Des Moines in cardiac arrest. Police said she suffered significant blood loss at the scene due to a cut on her leg, indicating "suspicious circumstances."
Medics provided care at the scene before transporting the woman to a local hospital, where she later died.
Police detained 58-year-old Walter King Bickham at the scene. After further investigation, police have charged Bickham with second-degree murder.
Bickham is currently being held at the Polk County Jail. This is the city's 12th homicide of 2024.
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