In the early hours of a summer morning in Des Moines, Iowa, the life of 26-year-old Darnell Lee, a Black / African American male, was tragically cut short. On June 17, 2017, violence erupted at a gathering on the city's east side, resulting in a double homicide that also claimed the life of 30-year-old Jason Smith. The incident, which marked the 17th and 18th homicides in Des Moines that year, stemmed from a fight that broke out at a party.
Police were called to the 1800 block of Easton Boulevard just after 3 a.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered a chaotic scene. Darnell Lee was found with gunshot wounds and died at the location. Jason Smith was transported to a local hospital, where he too succumbed to his injuries. The initial investigation was hampered by a hostile crowd, and witnesses were reportedly not fully cooperating with law enforcement officials.
In the years that have passed since the deadly shooting, the case has grown cold. Despite the ongoing investigation by the Des Moines Police Department, no arrests have been made in connection with the deaths of Darnell Lee and Jason Smith. The identity of any suspect or suspects remains unknown to the public, and the double homicide is now considered an unsolved case. The lack of resolution leaves a painful void for the families and friends of the two men whose lives were taken that night.
