DES MOINES, IA — 73-year-old David Lee Ramsey has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of his 38-year-old step-grandson, Ryan Schonlau, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. The tragic incident occurred during the early morning hours at a residence located in the 200 block of Bell Avenue.

The Shooting: Early Morning Tragedy

According to the Des Moines Police Department, officers were dispatched to the residence at approximately 12:45 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officials found Ryan Schonlau suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Schonlau was pronounced dead at the scene.

The alleged shooter, David Lee Ramsey, was still present at the residence when officers arrived. He was immediately detained by police without any incident and taken into custody for questioning.

A Family Tragedy: Ramsey and Schonlau’s Relationship

Both Ramsey and Schonlau were residents of the home where the shooting occurred, although authorities have not yet disclosed the specifics of their relationship beyond the fact that Ramsey was Schonlau’s step-grandfather. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still unclear, and police have not released any details about the altercation that may have preceded the fatal incident.

While it is common for domestic disputes to escalate into violent encounters, the nature of the disagreement between Ramsey and Schonlau has not been disclosed by authorities. Investigators are continuing to piece together the events that led to the shooting and are working to determine if any prior history of conflict existed between the two.

The Investigation: What Led to the Fatal Shooting?

Following the arrest, David Ramsey was formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of his step-grandson. Police are currently investigating the details surrounding the encounter, including what motivated the fatal shooting. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any other individuals were present in the home at the time of the incident or if there were any prior warnings or signs of violence leading up to the tragic event.

The police department has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released as it becomes available. Law enforcement officials are working to gather all available evidence, including witness statements, forensic reports, and any other relevant information, in order to build a complete understanding of what transpired that night.

David Ramsey: Arrest and Legal Proceedings

David Ramsey’s arrest and subsequent charge with first-degree murder have raised concerns in the Des Moines community, particularly regarding the nature of family violence and how conflicts within households can tragically escalate. As of now, Ramsey is being held in custody, and his legal proceedings will follow the standard protocol for first-degree murder charges.

In Iowa, first-degree murder carries severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment without the chance of parole. The court will ultimately determine the extent of the charges and the punishment Ramsey may face once all the facts surrounding the case are presented during trial.

The Impact on the Community and Family

The fatal shooting of Ryan Schonlau has left the community in shock, as family-related violence is always a difficult subject to confront. Family members, neighbors, and friends of both the victim and the alleged perpetrator are grappling with the emotional fallout of this senseless act.

Though authorities have not yet provided a comprehensive statement about the impact on family and friends, the loss of a young life, especially in a domestic setting, raises many questions about the need for better conflict resolution and support systems within families. Schonlau’s death is a somber reminder of how quickly tensions can escalate into violence, especially in situations where personal disputes are not addressed properly.

Calls for Support and Mental Health Awareness

The shooting also underscores the need for broader awareness of mental health issues and domestic violence. While the motives behind Ramsey’s actions remain under investigation, experts in domestic violence prevention emphasize that such tragedies often result from a combination of unresolved anger, mental health struggles, and a lack of proper intervention. The case may also highlight the importance of providing resources to families experiencing conflict to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Local mental health professionals are urging people to seek support and to address issues in their relationships before they escalate. Family therapy, conflict mediation, and anger management programs are just a few options that can potentially mitigate the risk of violence in households. Community outreach programs are also encouraged to help individuals recognize early warning signs and seek professional guidance before things become dire.

Next Steps: Legal and Investigative Updates

As the investigation into the shooting continues, David Ramsey is expected to appear in court, where his case will be presented to the judicial system. The Des Moines Police Department, along with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, will continue gathering evidence to determine what led to the shooting and whether any additional charges should be filed.

The Des Moines community remains on edge as the details of this case unfold, especially given the fact that it occurred within a family. Local law enforcement is working hard to ensure that justice is served and that all involved parties are held accountable for their actions.

A Family’s Grief and the Road to Justice

For the family members of Ryan Schonlau, the pain of losing a loved one in such a violent manner is compounded by the fact that the perpetrator was a member of their own family. The family is no doubt struggling with the overwhelming grief of not only the loss of a loved one but also the devastating nature of the crime.

The road to justice will be long and difficult for the victim’s family as they seek answers about the circumstances leading to Schonlau’s death. It is unclear if the family will provide a public statement, but as the investigation progresses, they are likely to find themselves at the center of a complex legal process that will ultimately determine whether Ramsey is held accountable for his actions.

Conclusion: A Tragic and Senseless Loss

The fatal shooting of Ryan Schonlau by his step-grandfather, David Ramsey, marks a tragic chapter in the Des Moines community. While the full circumstances of the incident are still under investigation, the loss of a young life to family violence is a painful reminder of the potential for conflict to spiral out of control when left unaddressed.

As the legal process unfolds, the focus will be on understanding what motivated Ramsey’s actions, and whether there are larger systemic issues contributing to the violence that erupted within this family. The family’s grief and the community’s sorrow reflect the ongoing need for support, intervention, and greater awareness of domestic violence and its tragic consequences.

This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.