Des Moines, Iowa — In the early hours of Sunday, September 15, 2024, Des Moines Police launched an investigation into the city’s ninth homicide of the year following a deadly shooting in the bustling Court Avenue Entertainment District. Officers patrolling the area were alerted to the incident at approximately 2:06 a.m. when they heard multiple gunshots ringing out near the intersection of Court Avenue and Water Street.
The officers, already on foot patrol in the vicinity, quickly responded and arrived at the 200 block of Water Street to find three men suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, 29-year-old Rayjon Ray was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other victims, both adult males, were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition by Des Moines Fire Department medics. Their identities have not yet been released, and their conditions remain severe as they continue to receive treatment.
The shooting occurred in one of Des Moines’ most vibrant and active nightlife hubs. The Court Avenue District is well-known for its restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, regularly attracting large crowds, particularly on weekends. This popular area has, however, also seen a recent uptick in violent crime, casting a shadow over the city’s entertainment and tourism efforts.
While no arrests have been made so far, authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. According to the Des Moines Police Department, they are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses who were in the area at the time of the shooting. Investigators believe this to be a targeted attack but have yet to confirm any specifics regarding the motive or the identities of potential suspects. The Des Moines Police Department has called on the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
The city’s latest homicide has left community members both shaken and outraged. Local residents and business owners in the Court Avenue District have expressed concern over the growing violence in what is supposed to be a safe area for people to socialize and enjoy the nightlife. While shootings in this particular district are not an everyday occurrence, the rise in violent crime across the city in 2024 has been alarming for many.
One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “This used to be a place where we felt safe going out with friends and family. Now, I’m not sure anymore. Hearing gunshots in the middle of the night in this part of town is terrifying.”
In response to the rise in crime, city officials and law enforcement have been under increasing pressure to address safety concerns and take steps to prevent further violence. The Des Moines Police Department has ramped up its patrols in the area in recent months, particularly on weekend nights, in an attempt to deter such incidents. Still, the measures have not fully quelled the violence, and many citizens are calling for more comprehensive safety initiatives to protect the public.
Mayor Frank Cownie addressed the shooting in a statement, expressing his condolences to the families affected and reaffirming the city’s commitment to curbing gun violence. “We cannot continue to accept this level of violence in our community. It’s time for all of us, from local officials to everyday citizens, to come together and address this issue head-on. The safety of our residents and visitors is paramount.”
As the investigation into Rayjon Ray’s death continues, it serves as a grim reminder of the persistent challenges cities across the U.S. face in addressing gun violence. In 2024, Des Moines has already recorded nine homicides, a figure that reflects broader national trends in rising violent crime rates. According to data from the FBI, violent crime has surged in many cities over the last few years, driven in part by increasing gun accessibility and ongoing economic and social challenges.
With the community on edge and questions still swirling about what exactly led to the deadly shooting, the Des Moines Police Department will likely remain in the spotlight as they work to bring those responsible to justice. For now, the Court Avenue Entertainment District, a place meant for fun and leisure, has become a somber reminder of the fragility of safety in a world where violent crime continues to escalate.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Des Moines Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa.