WEST DES MOINES — A suburban Iowa shooting left a juvenile dead late Saturday, July 4, 2026, after police say an argument at a large party ended with a handgun being fired.
West Des Moines police said officers were called around 10:35 p.m. to the 1100 block of 20th Place after a report of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found a large party breaking up and a person under the age of 18 suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency crews worked at the scene to save the victim’s life before the juvenile was taken to a Des Moines hospital.
The victim died from the injury.
Police said preliminary information shows a verbal argument broke out between people at the party before the shooting.
The crowd scattered as officers arrived.
West Des Moines police worked through the night on the case. Patrol officers, detectives and the department’s Crime Scene Unit are investigating.
West Des Moines Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
Police have not released the victim’s name or announced an arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Des Moines Police.