Iowa Teen Sentenced to Life for Fatal Drive-By Shooting Near Des Moines High School

Second Teen to Receive Life Sentence in 2022 Shooting Incident

An Iowa teenager has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a 2022 drive-by shooting near Des Moines East High School that left one student dead and two others injured. Alex Santiago Perdomo, 17, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last year for his role in the shooting and will be eligible for parole in the future, according to Polk County prosecutors.

Perdomo, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, is the second teen involved in the incident to receive a life sentence. His public defense attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Monday’s sentencing.

Details of the 2022 Incident

According to police reports, Perdomo was part of a group of 10 teenagers, ages 14 to 18, who drove multiple vehicles armed with at least six firearms to a neighborhood near East High School, just half a mile from the Iowa Capitol. While the specific motive remains unclear, police say the group sought to settle a personal dispute.

The shooting targeted Jose Lopez, his sister, one of her friends, and two other teens standing on the sidewalk nearby. The gunfire struck Lopez, his sister, and her friend, ultimately killing Lopez and seriously injuring the two girls.

Series of Sentences in Connection to the Case

Perdomo’s sentencing follows that of another teen who also received a life sentence after pleading guilty to first-degree murder. A third member of the group has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is expected to be sentenced next year upon turning 18.

In addition to the life sentences, other members of the group have received substantial prison terms. Four teens pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, resulting in sentences ranging from 20 to 70 years. Another participant, convicted of supplying a firearm to an underage individual, received a suspended four-year sentence.

The remaining two defendants received 20-year prison sentences on other charges linked to the shooting.

Community Impact and Legal Responses

The 2022 drive-by near East High School sent shockwaves through the Des Moines community, raising concerns over youth violence and gun access among teens. Polk County prosecutors underscored the severity of the charges, emphasizing the tragic consequences of the shooting and the legal repercussions for those involved.

As sentences continue to be handed down in connection with the case, authorities and local leaders are hopeful this serves as a deterrent to further violence among teens in the area.