In the late hours of a summer night in Des Moines, Iowa, a dispute at an apartment complex in the Southwestern Hills neighborhood tragically cut short the life of Terry Eugene Barrett Jr. The 47-year-old White male from Pleasant Hill was found with a gunshot wound just before 11:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at a residence on Stanton Avenue. First responders were dispatched to the scene and immediately began to render aid, performing CPR until medics could take over.
Barrett was rushed to a local hospital, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
The world for Terry Barrett's loved ones was irrevocably changed by this sudden act of violence. Remembered as a man with a generous heart, an adventurous spirit, and a contagious laugh, his absence left a significant void. He was a devoted father to his three children and a loving husband. For 24 years, he had built a proud career as an elevator service mechanic, forming lasting bonds with colleagues who became like a second family. Friends and family recalled his love for camping, NASCAR, and planning trips, finding joy in life's simple pleasures.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Des Moines Police Department launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Barrett's death. Their efforts quickly led to a person of interest, and by the following day, an arrest was made. Nineteen-year-old Amarianna Findley-Murry was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting. Authorities believe that a dispute between Findley-Murry and Barrett escalated, leading to the deadly encounter.
Following the arrest, a handgun was recovered by investigators as they continued to piece together the events of that tragic night. Findley-Murry was initially charged with carrying a dangerous weapon as an ineligible person, with the investigation into further charges ongoing. While an arrest has been made, the case remains under active investigation as authorities continue to seek information from the public to ensure a complete picture of the events that led to Terry Barrett's untimely death.
