UPDATE 2-P.M.: The victim in the homicide on Saturday October 19, 2024 has been identified as 46 year old Michael Carter Jr. from Des Moines. The investigation is still ongoing and no other information is available at this time. 

Michael Carter, Jr. (Photo authorized by the family through the PCSO)

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday night at Union Park in Des Moines. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 7:22-p.m., Saturday.

Deputies arrived on scene and located one victim that had been shot. Deputies began live saving measures until care could be turned over to EMS. The victim did not survive and was pronounced deceased on scene. Deputies secured the scene and investigators were called to the scene to speak to witnesses. Preliminary investigations show there was a large gathering of people at the Park for a Mental Health Awareness event.