Families of downtown Des Moines school shooting victims settle lawsuit

Nearly two years after a devastating school shooting shook downtown Des Moines, the families of two teenage victims have reached a legal settlement with the parties they had accused of negligence. The agreement brings a measure of closure to a community still grieving the lives lost and reckoning with questions about school safety, youth violence, and accountability.

The tragic incident occurred in January 2023 at the “Starts Right Here” education center, a nonprofit program dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth. The shooting left two students — 18-year-old Gionni Dameron and 16-year-old Rashad Carr — dead and a school founder injured. The attack sent shockwaves across Iowa, sparking conversations about how to prevent future acts of violence among teenagers and how to strengthen security at alternative education programs.

The families of the victims filed civil lawsuits later that year, alleging that the organization and its administrators failed to provide adequate protection for students and staff, despite being aware of potential risks involving certain individuals. Legal representatives argued that the defendants had “a duty of care” to ensure a safe environment and that lapses in supervision and security measures contributed to the fatal outcome.

Under the newly reached settlement, the families have agreed to drop their lawsuits in exchange for undisclosed financial compensation and commitments toward community-based reforms. While specific terms remain confidential, both sides confirmed that the agreement was reached voluntarily after extensive mediation.

“This settlement is not just about money — it’s about recognition, responsibility, and the need for change,” said one family spokesperson. “We can never bring Gionni and Rashad back, but we can honor their lives by ensuring that no other family has to endure this kind of pain.”

Attorneys representing the “Starts Right Here” program expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and reiterated the organization’s commitment to rebuilding trust and safety. In a joint statement, the program said it plans to implement enhanced security measures, expand staff training on threat assessment, and collaborate with local law enforcement and community leaders on violence prevention.

The settlement marks a somber milestone for a city still grappling with the aftermath of the shooting. Des Moines officials have described the tragedy as one of the most painful events in recent memory, particularly because it unfolded in a place designed to help young people find second chances.

The lawsuit had drawn attention not only because of the violence itself but also because of what it revealed about systemic challenges facing youth intervention programs. Court documents indicated that staff had previously expressed concerns about tensions between certain students. However, like many nonprofit education centers, the program operated on limited funding and relied heavily on mentorship rather than formal security systems.

Legal experts note that civil settlements in cases like this are often designed to balance justice and healing. “In wrongful death and negligence suits involving institutions, settlements can serve as a means of resolution that avoids further emotional strain on families,” said a legal analyst familiar with similar cases. “They also allow for commitments to reform, which can have lasting positive effects.”

In the wake of the tragedy, community members, educators, and city leaders have come together to support the families of the victims and to renew focus on the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce youth violence. The shooting had sparked new funding for mental health resources, mentoring programs, and partnerships between schools and law enforcement.

At a press gathering following news of the settlement, family members of both victims spoke about the importance of turning grief into action. “We want our boys to be remembered for their potential, not just their loss,” said one parent. “We’re working with local organizations now to create scholarship programs in their names — to help other young people stay in school, stay safe, and pursue their dreams.”

Community leaders echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that tragedy must lead to progress. Des Moines Mayor [Name withheld] expressed hope that the settlement would serve as a catalyst for broader reforms in how schools and youth programs approach safety. “This community has endured unimaginable heartbreak,” the mayor said. “But from that pain, we are seeing a commitment to do better — to protect every child, to listen more closely, and to act more quickly when concerns arise.”

For many residents, the settlement represents both an end and a beginning: the end of a painful legal chapter and the beginning of renewed efforts to create safer educational spaces. Local advocacy groups have since pledged to collaborate on awareness campaigns about youth conflict resolution and mental health access.

The “Starts Right Here” program, founded by community activist Will Keeps, continues to operate and support students, though the shooting has permanently altered its trajectory. Keeps, who was injured during the incident but survived, has spoken publicly about his determination to continue his mission. “We have to keep going,” he said in a recent interview. “We owe it to these kids — and to those we lost — to make our city safer and stronger.”

As the legal proceedings conclude, the families of Gionni Dameron and Rashad Carr say their journey toward healing is ongoing. They hope that the lessons learned from their loss will prevent future tragedies and that their sons’ memories will inspire others to choose peace over violence.

“This settlement doesn’t erase what happened,” said one grieving parent softly. “But it gives us a sense that something good can still come from the worst moment of our lives. That’s what justice means to us now — protecting the next child who walks through those doors.”

‍