Sir William Deshawn Bekish, a 29-year-old Black/African American man, died on June 28, 2020, after a shooting in Des Moines, Iowa. The incident that claimed his life unfolded in the early morning hours outside the Karma Bar on Merle Hay Road. Known to many as a pillar of the Black community, Bekish was remembered for his deep love for his community and his involvement in various philanthropic efforts, including toy drives and feeding the homeless.
His death was a profound loss for those who knew him, not just in Des Moines but also in other cities where he had left his mark.
The shooting occurred as staff at the Karma Bar were attempting to disperse a large crowd of several hundred people. During this time, gunshots were fired, and Bekish was struck in the head. Two women were also wounded in the shooting. In the days that followed, the community came together to mourn and honor Bekish's memory with a prayer service at Evelyn Davis Park. His family and friends remembered him as a chef and a unifier, someone who was dedicated to bringing people together.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office investigated the homicide and identified a suspect. Gordon Jerome Johnson, a 35-year-old from Des Moines, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder and Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon in connection with Bekish's death. Johnson had initially been taken into custody on the day of the shooting for Reckless Use of a Firearm. According to the criminal complaint, he was accused of discharging a firearm in a reckless manner in the presence of approximately 200 people outside the nightclub. He was then reportedly seen running across the street to hide a Ruger. 9mm firearm in a storm drain. The charges against him were later upgraded to include murder.
