DES MOINES – A woman out for an early morning walk was shot in the legs and soon died at a hospital, and police were able to round up the gun-toting felon who allegedly committed the heinous crime.
On July 27, 2024, at approximately 3:47 AM, Des Moines Police Department patrol officers and Des
Moines Fire Department rescue personnel responded to the intersection of Cambridge Street and
Ovid Avenue to investigate a report of a shooting.
Patrol officers and Polk County Sheriffs Office deputies arrived at the scene to find 42-year-old Des Moines resident Nikki Marie Loffredo suffering from multiple gunshot injuries to her legs.
Lifesaving measures, including the application of tourniquets, were immediately initiated.
Des Moines Fire Department medics continued care and transported Loffredo to UnityPoint –
Methodist Medical Center where she remained hospitalized until her death the evening of 02
August 2024.
Des Moines Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives began investigating this incident
on 27 July 2024; interviewing witnesses, examining evidence, and following investigative leads. On August 2, 2024, detectives arrested 43-year-old Des Moines resident James Bernard Johnson and charged him with the following offenses:
• Murder – 1st Degree (Class A felony)
• Felon In Possession Of A Firearm (Class D felony)
Evidence in the investigation indicates that as Loffredo was walking along Cambridge Street, she was approached by Johnson who was driving in the area. Video evidence shows the vehicle stop next to Loffredo. Loffredo was shot at least three times and then vehicle is seen speeding away from the scene.
Witness statements and additional video evidence furthered the investigation and Johnson was
taken into custody during the afternoon of August 2, 2024.
Johnson is being held at the Polk County Jail.
Des Moines Police Department detectives continue this investigation.