Linh Ta

lta@dmreg.com

Des Moines resident Trey Leon Lee, 24, was fatally shot near Evelyn Davis Park north of downtown Des Moines on Friday afternoon, said Sgt. Paul Parizek, spokesman for Des Moines police.

Emergency responders were called to the 1200 block of 15th Place at about 4 p.m., Parizek said. Patrick Young, 24, also of Des Moines was shot in the foot, while the Lee had at least one gunshot wound in his upper torso, Parizek said.

Both men were taken to local hospitals, where Lee died shortly after, Parizek said.

"We have people running around and shooting in a residential neighborhood," Parizek said. "People have no respect for the children playing in the neighborhood or the people in the park."

Parizek speculated the victims and suspect probably knew each other, he said. A suspect has not been arrested.

Witnesses were taken to the police station for interviews. Detectives and crime scene investigators were on the scene.

Parizek said Young is in stable condition and was able to talk to officers.

Just up the road at 15th Street and Carpenter Avenue, children were playing outside on the corner, said Frank Miller, 64, of Des Moines.

Miller lives on 15th Street, near the scene of the shooting. He said he was sitting outside enjoying the warm weather when he heard multiple gun shots.

"It just kept going off and the children started running," Miller said. "These kids are playing. Just like that, it all changed."

Miller said he also took shelter. When he came back outside, he said he saw Young trying to run down the street, while the gunshots continued to go off.

"He could barely stand," Miller said. "He was running for his life."

Miller said the neighborhoods near Evelyn Davis Park are typically quiet. He said it's surprising to learn about the latest homicide.

"I could get shot just trying to enjoy the outdoors," Miller said. "It shows you never know what's going to happen."

Parizek said this is Des Moines' ninth homicide this year.