Trial starting for suspect in Des Moines school shooting that killed two students

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A trial is beginning this week for the first of two teens charged with murder in a shooting at a Des Moines alternative school that left two students dead and the program’s founder injured.

Jury selection will start Monday in the trial of 19-year-old Preston Walls, who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and criminal gang participation.

A trial is set to begin Oct. 2 for 19-year-old Bravon Tukes, who faces the same charges. 

Two students — 18-year-old Gionni Dameron, and 16-year-old Rashad Carr — died in the shooting in January at Starts Right Here, an alternative program for at-risk students. Will Keeps, the founder of the school, was shot and seriously injured but has recovered.