In Des Moines, Iowa, on May 28, 2018, the life of 17-year-old James Alexzander Shorter, a Black / African American male, was tragically cut short. The young man was inside a car on the 1500 block of Walker Street when a single gunshot was heard by his parents.
Emergency services were called, and James was rushed to Mercy Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries during surgery.
An investigation by the Des Moines Police followed, and after a thorough review of the circumstances, they determined that the shooting was accidental. It was concluded that James was handling a handgun while seated in the car with his girlfriend when the weapon discharged, striking him in the neck.
As the death was ruled an accident, no criminal charges were filed in connection with the incident. The community mourned the loss of a young man known for his outgoing personality and big smile. James was a junior at the Focus School associated with East High School and had previously attended Monroe Elementary and Hiatt Middle Schools. He had a passion for sports, particularly football, and had played until a back injury sidelined him. His family revealed that the gun involved in the incident was acquired on the street and expressed their hope that whoever provided the weapon would come forward to prevent similar tragedies.
