The suspects, whose ages range from 14 to 17 years old, are facing first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, police said Tuesday.
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Six teens were charged in connection to the deadly shooting outside a high school in DesMoines, Iowa, police said.
The incident occurred after 2:45 on Monday at East High School campus after a drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old male who was the "intended target" and two others critically wounded, according to Des Moines Police.
The injured victims described as 16 and 18-year-old, are currently hospitalized. They were not targets of the attack and were students at the high school, police and school officials said. The deceased did not attend the school.
On Tuesday, police announced that several suspects were charged with two counts of attempted murder and first-degree murder. Among those charged are six teens, whose ages range from 14 to 17 years old, a police spokesperson told the Des Moines Register.
"While this incident occurred outside of a school, it could have occurred in any one of our neighborhoods. The school is where the suspects found their target," Sgt. Paul Parizek told the outlet. "Within one hour of the incident, almost all of the suspects were in custody. Within several hours, all were."
Des Moines police said that during their investigation they executed "multiple residential and vehicle search warrants, and recovering multiple firearms. "
According to the Des Moines Register, classes were canceled on Tuesday, and counselors were made available for students and employees.
"We live in an era when shootings in and near schools have become too common," Superintendent Thomas Ahart said on Monday. Our staff and students are forced to train for these incidents and the trauma associated with the repeated drills and incidents will remain with them for years to come. It's unfortunate that our state and our country have become a place where firearms are far too easily accessible. We remain committed to protecting our students and staff, but real change to gun laws and access would go a long way to help us."
