In a recent verdict, jurors cleared an Iowa man of murder charges related to the shooting deaths of two students at a Des Moines alternative school. Bravon Tukes, 20, was found not guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, along with single counts of attempted murder, criminal gang participation, and willful injury causing serious harm, as reported by the Des Moines Register.
This decision followed the conviction of another man, Preston Walls, 19, a month prior for his role in the same killings. Walls was found guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and willful injury causing serious injury, although prosecutors had initially sought a first-degree murder conviction.
As the judge announced the not guilty verdicts, Tukes shared a hug with one of his attorneys. The tragic shooting occurred on January 23 at the Starts Right Here program, located on the outskirts of downtown Des Moines, resulting in the loss of Gionni Dameron, 18, and Rashad Carr, 16. Will Keeps, a former Chicago gang member and rapper who founded the program to assist at-risk teens, sustained injuries while attempting to intervene.
Prosecutors argued that the shootings stemmed from a dispute involving members of different gangs. Walls admitted to the shooting but claimed he had brought a gun to the school because he felt threatened by the other students and feared for his life.
During his trial, Tukes, who had driven Walls away from the scene after the shooting, asserted that he had not planned the attack. Walls testified during Tukes' trial and supported the claim that his friend had no role in the shootings.
Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham expressed her disagreement with the verdict in a statement, stating, "We believe the evidence was clear that Mr. Tukes conspired with fellow gang member Preston Walls for at least a month before the killings.
Mr. Tukes aided Mr. Walls by meeting him a half-mile from the crime scene and driving Mr. Walls away from the area. Regardless of the verdicts, this has been and will always be a horrific tragedy. We continue to be heartbroken for our community, and we continue to grieve with the families."
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