Nyamal Deng, 26, was fatally wounded during a shooting outside the High Dive bar in Des Moines on the evening of October 10, 2021. A stray bullet struck her in the neck during a violent altercation; another person, a 27-year-old man, was also injured and treated and released from the hospital. Deng was taken to a local hospital and died of her injuries nine days later on November 19, 2021. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide from a gunshot wound to the neck.

Des Moines Police detectives identified and arrested 33-year-old Wichang Gach Chawech of Des Moines on October 20, 2021; he was reported to be Deng’s cousin and was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. The case later produced convictions for lesser felonies related to the shooting, including assault with intent to commit serious injury, willful injury causing serious injury, and intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and Chawech was sentenced for his role in the incident.

If anyone witnessed the altercation outside the High Dive that night or has information about what led to the shooting, please share what is known.