In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 13, 2025, the life of 28-year-old DeTavion Marques Levi, a Black / African American male from Des Moines, Iowa, was tragically cut short. The incident unfolded in the parking lot of The Lumberyard, an adult entertainment club located at 1504 NE 54th Ave. in Des Moines. At approximately 3:40 a.m., Polk County sheriff's deputies responded to reports of gunfire at the location.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Levi's body in the parking lot.
The investigation into the shooting led to a swift arrest. On the same day as the incident, authorities took 30-year-old Derico Darrell Lowery of Des Moines into custody. Lowery was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is currently being held at the Polk County Jail. Law enforcement officials have stated that they believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
DeTavion, who was born on October 9, 1996, in Davenport, Iowa, was remembered as a loving father to his three children. He was known for his love of basketball, making music, and rapping. Friends and family recalled him as being the light of any party and someone who brightened people's day. He had attended Central High School in Davenport before relocating to Des Moines. His sudden and violent death has left his family and community in mourning.
