Ishmael Muhammad, 17, died in Des Moines on Saturday, May 23, 2020, after suffering a gunshot wound to the neck. First responders were sent to a residence at 1128 17th Street shortly before 3 p.m.; Muhammad was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead. Initial statements to police said he had arrived already wounded, but detectives later developed a different sequence.

Investigators found that Muhammad had been at a small gathering of teenagers inside the home and that an illegally possessed handgun was present. Evidence indicated the weapon was accidentally discharged and struck Muhammad. A 16-year-old male from Des Moines was arrested and charged in juvenile court with involuntary manslaughter, carrying weapons, and interference with official acts. Muhammad was a student at Scavo High School in the Des Moines Public School District.

If anyone attended that gathering or has information about what happened inside the house, please share what is known.