In Ankeny, Iowa, on a January night, the life of 21-year-old Caucasian male, Eli Reed Jr., was tragically cut short. On January 25, 2022, Reed was at his residence with his roommate, John Peak III, who was also a fellow member of the Iowa National Guard. While drinking, Peak accidentally discharged his handgun, striking Reed. A call was immediately made to 911, and Reed was rushed to Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away the following day, on January 26, 2022. The incident was a sudden and devastating end to the life of a young man with a promising future.
The aftermath of the shooting led to the arrest of John Peak III. Initially facing other charges, an additional charge of involuntary manslaughter was added following Reed's death. According to his attorney, the two young men were best friends who had bonded during boot camp. The event was described as an unbearable tragedy for both families involved. The pain of the loss was deeply felt by Reed's family, who remembered him as a dedicated, strong-willed, and loving individual with a jovial and goofy side. His parents received the kind of phone call that every parent dreads, a moment that was both numbing and surreal.
Eli Reed was a man of ambition and dedication. He was a 2019 graduate of SE Polk High School where he was active in football and wrestling. At the time of his death, he was a student at Iowa State University, majoring in Criminal Justice and participating in the ROTC program, with aspirations of becoming a federal law enforcement agent. His commitment to service was evident through his membership in the Iowa National Guard, where he was an infantryman with B Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment. He had recently graduated from both Airborne School and Ranger School, a testament to his determination and skill. His family and friends remembered him as someone whose presence could light up a room and who had a love for bringing people together.
