Zakar Jeffrey dies in fatal Des Moines, Iowa police shooting

Zakar Jeffrey dies in fatal Des Moines, Iowa police shooting
Fatal Des Moines, Iowa police shooting death of Zakar Jeffrey – Obituary

Des Moines police have identified 33-year-old Zakar Jeffrey as the man who died during a welfare check at the Flats on 5th apartment complex on March 24.

Officers responded to a call from Jeffrey’s father, who was concerned about his adult daughter and her boyfriend. After waiting several minutes for a response at the apartment door, management unlocked the door to allow officers inside. Once inside, Jeffrey, armed with a knife, reportedly tried to attack the father and then charged at police. Senior Officer Noah DeVenney, a department member since 2024, fired his weapon, striking Jeffrey, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.

During a search of the apartment, officers discovered 33-year-old Martasha Jordane Paris McKenzie dead in a bedroom. Her death is under investigation as a homicide by the Des Moines Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Section. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the officer’s use of force. DeVenney has been placed on administrative assignment, and body-worn camera footage from the incident was recorded for review.