In the early hours of a Tuesday in Des Moines, Iowa, a domestic dispute tragically escalated, leaving one man dead and his elderly relative facing a murder charge. On July 22, 2025, police were summoned to a home in the Indianola Hills neighborhood on the city's south side, near Bell Avenue and South Union Street. The call came in at approximately 12:45 a.m., reporting a shooting at the residence.
Upon their arrival, first responders discovered 38-year-old Ryan Schonlau, a White male,
suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention, Schonlau succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspected shooter, who was still at the home when authorities arrived, was taken into custody without incident. The man was later identified as 73-year-old David Lee Ramsey.
Further investigation by the Des Moines Police Department revealed a familial connection between the two men; Ramsey was Schonlau's step-grandfather. It was also determined that both men resided at the home where the fatal shooting took place. Following his arrest, David Lee Ramsey was charged with first-degree murder in connection with his step-grandson's death. Police have stated that there is no ongoing danger to the public as the investigation by the Crime Scene Investigation Section continues.
