Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
295 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Forum Posts for Darnell Lee:
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I can’t help but focus on how little progress has been made in this case surrounding the tragic deaths of Darnell Lee and Jason Smith. Despite the number of people present that night, we still don't have any arrests, and it’s frustrating to see such limited cooperation from witnesses. It’s understandable that people may fear retaliation or distrust authorities, but without more information, it's the families who continue to suffer without answers or justice.
Darnell's plans for his daughter Z’Nasia’s birthday are especially poignant. It's unimaginable to think of this little girl waking up on her birthday without her father. It’s a stark reminder of how sudden violence takes away not just futures but also precious moments.
I urge anyone in Des Moines who might know something, no matter how small, to reach out to the police or Crime Stoppers. These families deserve to know what happened, and this community should come together to help stop this cycle of violence. Hoping for a break in the case soon. Stay safe, everyone.
Hey everyone,
I’ve been following the case of Darnell Lee and Jason Smith's tragic deaths back in June 2017, and something that stands out to me is the reluctance of witnesses to come forward. I understand the fear or mistrust when it comes to cooperating with law enforcement, especially in communities that might feel marginalized or underrepresented. But it's just so hard to grasp how we can have 20 to 25 people at the scene and yet still so little actionable information.
Did anyone else hear about any community initiatives or outreach programs that might encourage residents to share what they know? I imagine living near the 1800 block of Easton Boulevard must be tough, feeling like your neighborhood is marked by such violence. My heart goes out to the families of Darnell and Jason, and I truly hope someone finds the courage to speak up soon. These families deserve answers and some semblance of peace.
What are your thoughts or suggestions for how the community or authorities might build better relationships to find a resolution?
Stay safe, everyone.
Has anyone else heard about the gathering on Easton Boulevard? It's just so upsetting that Darnell Lee and Jason Smith's families still don't have answers. The fact that Darnell was preparing to celebrate his daughter Z’Nasia's birthday with such a heartfelt party breaks my heart. It's frustrating to think about how many people were there, yet we still don't have more cooperation from witnesses. I know tensions can be high in such situations, but I hope people come forward soon. Surely, someone knows something. The community needs to support justice for Darnell and Jason, not just for their families' sake but to prevent more heartbreak from violent events like this.