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Des Moines police arrest 3 men allegedly connected the city’s 15 homicide of 2024

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November 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Des Moines Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives have made three arrests in connection with the investigation of the city’s 15th homicide of 2024. According to a press release, 65-year-old Bruce Murray was found deceased inside his apartment at 513 Forest on November 21st. He was found with his hands tied behind his back, an electrical cord wrapped around his neck, and traumatic injury to his face. Detectives await the findings of the Polk County Medical Examiners Office forensic autopsy.
A team of Crimes Against Persons detectives, assisted by DMPD patrol officers, crime scene investigators, and the Polk County Attorney’s Office, worked around the clock and over several days investigating his death. Video evidence from November 21st provided evidence that three people had entered into Murray’s apartment, and within 30 minutes left carrying property from the apartment. Detectives began interviewing witnesses and following investigative leads as they worked to identify these individuals.
On November 23rd, detectives located the first of three suspects, 19-year-old Alexzander Craig Jewett, at a homeless camp near 12th Street and Mulberry Street. Property believed to be taken from Murray’s apartment was located at this scene. Further investigation by detectives led to Jewett being arrested and charged that day.
Continuing to follow leads, detectives located another suspect, 25-year-old Charles Edward Adams, on November 26th near SW 16th Street and W. MLK, Jr Parkway. As detectives and patrol officers attempted to detain Adams, he fought against them. During this struggle, Adams attempted to fire a concealed 9mm pistol at officers. The pistol was pried from his grasp by a detective. Further investigation led to Adams being arrested and charged that day. Adams was under guard at a local hospital while he was treated for medical issues until his release to jail on November 29th.
On November 27th, detectives located the third suspect, 49-year-old Deprece Lamont Tribble, at a homeless camp near the 1700 block of W. MLK, Jr. Parkway. Further investigation led to Tribble being arrested and charged that day.
Examination of the available evidence indicates that one, or more, of the defendants physically assaulted the victim while they stole a quantity of methamphetamine and other property from the apartment.
Jewett, Adams and Tribbles each face charges that include: Robbery – 1st Degree (Class B felony), and Burglary – 1st Degree (Class B felony). Adams was additionally charged with Attempted Murder Of A Peace Officer (Class B felony); Felon In Possession Of A Firearm (Class D felony); Interference With Official Acts With A Firearm (Class D felony); Possession Of A Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine (Serious Misdemeanor); Assault On Persons In Certain Occupations (Serious Misdemeanor); Unrelated active warrants at the time of his arrest.
Tribble was also charged under unrelated active warrants at the time of his arrest.
The charges may be amended, or additional charges added.  Des Moines Police Department detectives continue to investigate this incident. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available for release.