Trial Begins for Teen Accused of School Shooting
The trial for Preston Walls, a 19-year-old from Des Moines, charged with the murder of two students at an alternative school, started on Thursday. The school, called Starts Right Here, caters to at-risk youth. The incident took place on January 23 and left two students dead and the program’s founder injured.
One of the victims, Gionni Dameron, aged 18, and Rashad Carr, aged 16, lost their lives in the shooting. The program’s founder, Will Keeps, was seriously injured but has since recovered, although he still deals with lasting injuries from the incident.
Preston Walls is the first of two teenagers to face trial for the shooting. He faces charges of two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and criminal gang participation. His co-defendant, Bravon Tukes, aged 19, will face trial for the same charges on October 2.
Prosecution Lays Out Case
After more than three days of jury selection, the prosecutors presented their case against Walls. The trial is estimated to last around a week. Initially, the prosecutors wanted to hold joint proceedings for Walls and Tukes, but the judge granted the request to separate their trials. Tukes’ lawyer intends to utilize Walls’ testimony in the defense of his client.
Background of the Shooting
The shooting occurred at the Starts Right Here school on the outskirts of downtown Des Moines. Walls was apprehended by the police less than an hour after the incident. Prosecutors claim that the shooting resulted from a dispute between rival gangs. However, the families of the victims have denied any involvement in gangs.
The School and Its Affiliation
The alternative program, associated with the Des Moines public schools, was shut down immediately after the shooting. However, it reopened within a few weeks. Presently, around 30 students are enrolled in the program.
Founder’s Background
Will Keeps, the founder of the school, had a troubled past himself. He was once a member of a Chicago gang and witnessed the murder of his friend by rival gang members when he was just 15 years old. Escaping from that life, he moved to Iowa with the aim of helping young individuals from challenging backgrounds.