Hunter Munoz dies in fatal Des Moines, Iowa shooting

Hunter Munoz dies in fatal Des Moines, Iowa shooting

Fatal Des Moines, Iowa shooting death of Hunter Munoz – Obituary

Des Moines police have released the names of three officers involved in a deadly shooting earlier this month, along with the identity of the man who was killed, 24-year-old Hunter Munoz.

According to Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department, officers were sent to the Polk County Life Services Center on Carpenter Avenue shortly before 4 p.m. on Feb. 19 after reports that a security guard had been attacked. Initial emergency calls indicated that the guard was actively being assaulted, followed by confirmation that he had been stabbed.

When the first officer arrived, staff members directed police to Munoz, who was outside the facility. Authorities said the officer issued commands, but Munoz walked into the street as two additional officers reached the scene. Police stated that he declared he would not give himself up.

Officials said officers attempted to calm the situation and de-escalate the encounter. A Taser was deployed during the confrontation. However, investigators say Munoz advanced toward the officers, prompting them to open fire. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The officers involved have been identified as David Chase, James Gano, and senior officer Christian Escobar. The department has not clarified which officers discharged their weapons. All three joined the force in June 2024 and have since been placed on administrative duty, which is standard procedure following critical incidents.

The injured security guard remains hospitalized and is expected to survive.

Authorities also acknowledged the circulation of a video of the incident on social media. That footage will be reviewed as part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.