James Alexzander Shorter was 17 when he died in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 28, 2018. He was inside a car on the 1500 block of Walker Street when a single gunshot was heard by his parents. Emergency responders took him to Mercy Medical Center, where he died during surgery.

Investigators with the Des Moines Police reviewed the circumstances and ruled the shooting accidental. Their conclusion was that James was handling a handgun while seated in the car with his girlfriend when the weapon discharged, striking him in the neck. Because the death was ruled an accident, no criminal charges were filed.

James was described by his family as outgoing with a big smile. He was a junior at the Focus School associated with East High School, had attended Monroe Elementary and Hiatt Middle Schools, and had played football until a back injury ended his participation. The family said the gun had been acquired on the street and asked whoever provided it to come forward to prevent more tragedies.

If anyone knew how the weapon reached James or has information about this incident, please share what is known.