DES MOINES, Iowa — EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from Monday, Jan. 2
One person has been charged following a fatal New Year's Day shooting in Des Moines.
Des Moines police say 18-year-old Jaquez Alonzo Allen of Des Moines was one of two people who attempted to rob a man the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 1 at 3720 MLK Jr. Pkwy.
Allen, along with 24-year-old Marlin Santana Thomas of Altoona, allegedly went to the apartment complex to confront the man "over a monetary debt," court records show.
"During that confrontation, Thomas shot the victim in the upper arm. Thomas’ accomplice, also armed with a handgun, joined in the assault of the victim," police said in a release. Allen is the accomplice, according to court documents. "The victim was able to gain control of Thomas’ handgun and fire it in self-defense, striking both of his attackers."
Upon arrival, police found Allen, who had sustained a critical gunshot injury. He was taken to the hospital, where DMPD says he later died.
Thomas is charged with:
- Attempted Murder
- Robbery in the First Degree
- Going Armed With Intent
- Trafficking in Stolen Weapons
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
A resident of the area told Local 5 that the recent string of violence in Des Moines has them on edge. A total of 21 people were the victims of homicides in 2022 - up from 14 in 2021.
"Being born and raised in Des Moines, it's something that you don't want to happen in your hometown. But yet again, it's becoming more common around the world. So you just never know," said Cato Gephart.
Police believe there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.