In the early hours of November 1, 2020, an argument in Des Moines, Iowa, ended in the death of Marcellas McNeil, a 45-year-old Black man. Police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2600 block of Ingersoll Avenue around 1:26 a.m. First responders found Mr. McNeil with a gunshot wound to the head and transported him to a local hospital, but his injuries were fatal.
His death was the 21st homicide in Des Moines that year.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect who was tragically close to the victim. Authorities learned that Mr. McNeil had been in an argument with his 24-year-old daughter, Rythm Huddleston. The dispute reportedly began inside a bar before moving into a nearby parking lot, where Huddleston shot her father. She then fled the scene in her vehicle. With assistance from witnesses, police located and arrested Huddleston a short time later. Investigators recovered the suspected firearm, and police reported that Huddleston admitted to the shooting.
Huddleston was initially charged with first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In June 2021, she pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder, a deal that allowed her to avoid a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
The sentencing hearing took place in August 2021, the day after Huddleston’s 25th birthday. Letters submitted to the court on her behalf described a "tragic and traumatic" childhood marked by neglect, domestic violence, and homelessness. When given the chance to speak, Huddleston apologized to her family, stating, "I know I cannot take back the pain I’ve caused, and it’s time to take accountability for my actions." The judge acknowledged her difficult past but noted that the sentence was required by Iowa law.
Rythm Huddleston was sentenced to 50 years in prison. She must serve a mandatory minimum of 35 years before she is eligible for parole. The case was closed with her sentencing in August 2021.
