David Shumpert

David Shumpert (Courtesy Jennifer Wilkinson)

David L. Shumpert

Homicide

Dave L. Shumpert
27 YOA
430 E. Locust Street
Des Moines, IA
Polk County
Case # 1999-46557
December 2, 1999

 

Case Summary compiled by Jody Ewing

 
David L. Shumpert, a 27-year-old US Navy veteran and father of two young sons, was shot in the chest in the 400 block of E. Locust Street in Des Moines shortly after 10 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 1999.

Earlier that evening, Shumpert — who resided at 1447 E. 19th St. in Des Moines — had borrowed a friend’s Pontiac and been involved in a collision with a Cadillac close to where the shooting later took place.

Shumpert also had allegedly engaged in an argument with another man inside the Hotspot Nightclub, located at 430 E. Locust Street, shortly before the shooting occurred.

Courtesy photo Google Street View
David Shumpert was allegedly involved in an argument at the Hotspot Nightclub the night he was shot. Manager Chico Oakley told police he hadn’t seen Shumpert there that night.

Twenty bar patrons were taken to Des Moines police headquarters for questioning, though none provided information that might have led police to Shumpert’s killer.

Hotspot manager Chico Oakley told police fights would sometimes break out between rival gang members who frequented the business, but that Shumpert — a regular customer — never caused any problems when there.

Oakley told investigators he’d not seen Shumpert at the Hotspot the night Shumpert was shot.

In a Des Moines Register article dated December 4, 1999, Shumpert’s father, David Shumpert Jr., called his son a “good man,” and said he’d never really worried about him.

The family did not believe the shooting was gang related.

Loss ripples through large, loving family

News of Shumpert’s death sent ripples of grief through a large, loving family.

david-shumperts-son-davidCourtesy photo Jennifer Wilkinson
David Shumpert’s son, Sir David Shumpert.

One of 12 siblings, Shumpert had seven brothers (one died before Shumpert’s homicide), and four sisters. He also had two young sons, 4-year-old Sir David Shumpert and 2-year-old Darius Lerod Shumpert, both of Des Moines.

“They ask questions a lot and I don’t have answers for them,” the boys’ mother, Jennifer Wilkinson, told Iowa Cold Cases on June 1, 2012. “I just know they interviewed over 20 people and no one knew anything, which I don’t believe after all these years.”

Someone knows something, Wilkinson said, and her children need closure.

Shumpert’s youngest son decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve his country.

david-shumperts-son-darius-shumpertCourtesy photo Jennifer Wilkinson
David Shumpert’s youngest son Darius joined the US Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 2014.

Darius Shumpert signed enlistment papers toward the end of his senior year in high school, and after graduating in 2014 entered the US Marine Corps.

Both her sons had turned out to be fine young men, Wilkinson said.

“[David] is missed dearly and he is missing so many beautiful accomplishments,” Wilkinson told Iowa Cold Cases in December 2014.

Shumpert’s family continues to hold out hope that one day they’ll have answers in his still unsolved murder.

About David Shumpert

David Lydell Shumpert was born September 25, 1972 in Oktibbeha County, Starkville, Mississippi, to Dave Shumpert and Lois Shumpert Minor.

At an early age, he united with Saint Mark Church of God in Christ and later united with Charity Full Gospel Baptist Church.

david-shumpert-military-photoCourtesy photo Jennifer Wilkinson
David L. Shumpert served with the US Navy after graduating high school.

He attended Starkville High School where he graduated. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy, later moving to Des Moines, Iowa.

He departed this life on December 2, 1999 at 10:34 p.m. in Des Moines, Iowa.

Left to cherish his memory were two sons: Sir David Shumpert and Darius Lerod Shumpert of Des Moines, Iowa; his father, Dave Shumpert, Jr. of Des Moines; his mother, Lois Minor and stepfather, Willie Minor of Starkville, MS; six brothers: Timothy R. Minor and LaMicheal T. Minor of Starkville, MS; Marco L. Shumpert and Dave Shumpert III, both of Des Moines; Devondre Addison and Karrie Lucious of Starkville, MS; four sisters: Margurita Hammond and Beatrice Moore of Starkville, MS; Taylor and LaTaya Shumpert of Des Moines; three step-sisters: Tiffany, Mary and Isis Adams all of Des Moines; his grandparents: John T. & Dilcia Brooks and Alma Shumpert, all of Starkville, MS; his aunts: Elizabeth (Steve) Kennard, Linda Brooks, Sara (Wallace) Lawrence, Georgia (Bobby) Stalling, Doris Brooks, Alma (Ernest) Gillespie, Louise (Otis) Gaines, Lue Sinda Shumpert, and Prudie Shumpert; his uncles: John (Hattie) Brooks, Willie (Bernice) Brooks, Mack Authur Brooks, Darrell Poe, Leroy Shumpert, Calvin Shumpert, William Shumpert, Cade (Diana) Shumpert, Tiamba (Lorene) Omowale, and Carlos (Rebecca) Shumpert; two special friends: Jenny and Joann; and a host of cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother Fredrick Smith.

Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 1999, at the Charity Full Gospel Baptist Church in Crawford, Mississippi.

Information Needed

If you have any information about David Shumpert’s unsolved murder, please contact the Des Moines Police Department at 515-283-4864.

Sources:
  • Personal correspondence from Jennifer Wilkinson to Iowa Cold Cases
  • Des Moines Police Department, Correspondence to Jody Ewing at Iowa Cold Cases, July 10, 2009
  • Person Details for David L. Shumpert, “United States Social Security Death Index” — FamilySearch.org
  • United States Public Records, 1970–2009, Person Details for David L. Shumpert — Family Search.org
  • David Lydell Shumpert Find a Grave Memorial page
  • “Slayings keep D.M. police stumped,” by Tara Deering, The Des Moines Register, September 13, 2003
  • “Slaying of man baffles family,” The Des Moines Register, December 4, 1999
  • “Police lack suspect in downtown killing,” The Des Moines Register, December 3, 1999

 

Copyright © 2024  Iowa Cold Cases, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

31 Responses to David Shumpert

  1. Jennifer says:

    Hello my love another year has went by. It is now a few days before my birthday. Thinking about how we would’ve been celebrating. You are so very much missed and I’m hoping one day this will all be solved. This ways on my mind heavy every day I wanted to let you know Yeah David is having a few bumps in the road, but he will get it together. As long as you keep your hands wrapped around him ,your son Darius has moved onto the special forces. You would be super, super proud of that young man at who he become, I really really miss you and love you to death You would so love these beautiful grandchildren. We would be grandparents of seven if he was here which I fully take on by myself, you are truly missed. I really really hope one day I will see you again. forever and always

  2. msexyblack100@gmail.com says:

    I miss you big bro and wish you was here…A to Birthday is in a couple of weeks I know your going to turn up ❤but continue to watch over us‼️LOVE YOU 🖤

  3. MarGurita Hammond says:

    HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY BOO I LOVE YOU SO MUCH GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

  4. Jennifer L Wilkinson says:

    I wanted to say one more thing it’s your birthday you got a granddaughter about the one your son is about to be home and Darius was promoted but 2020 has been okay but a horrible year in the making just continue to keep us safe… no matter the things I’ve done for the places I go or have been you’ve always been number one no matter what people have to say thank you for two of my biggest blessing love always

  5. Jennifer L Wilkinson says:

    Hey it’s me again I wanted to wish you a happy birthday until you seasoning sir David will be home soon his daughter your granddaughter is about to be one and your son Darius was promoted to a sergeant thank you for blessing them and watching over them we miss you will always miss you until we meet again

  6. Jennifer Wilkinson says:

    December 26th 2019 wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas let you know how much you’re missed I will keep you relevant till the day I die I love you with the depth of my soul I wanted to introduce you to our new granddaughter her name is Evie Jo Lynn she is Sir David’s daughter and she is absolutely beautiful I want you to wrap your hands around Darius for he leaves January 2nd for the Middle East keep your hands around us protect us as you have done all this time ..

  7. Jennifer Wilkinson says:

    Hey David you’re so miss I wanted to stop and tell you your first grandchild a girl has made her grand entrance into this world it’s so crazy how much she looks like greedy it’s even much more crazy how much I think that you and I are both part of this child because of our child people watching over all of them for I know you have blessed your children and are watching them always Darius will be leaving soon please keep an eye on him wrap your arms tightly around then and keep you safe your one and only I love you forever and ever

  8. Jennifer wilkinson says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE….Hey just want you to know you have a granddaughter coming and Darius is leaving for the middle east please wrap your arms around Darius a little tighter and keep an extra eye on him please…I love and miss you and things have never been the same….Love you always and forever

  9. MarGurita Hammond says:

    Happy Birthday bro I love you and miss you dearly!!

  10. Jennifer Wilkinson says:

    I am missing you everyday praying and wishing that they would solve your murderer or somebody would come forward I hear now our son sir David is having a daughter in October the first of your grandchildren Darius is about to leave to the Middle East for the Marines I pray every day that he comes home safely we miss you so much and wish somebody would come forward

  11. Patrick Kerrigan says:

    I like the fact that the Hotspot manager does not remember David being there that night. But supposedly he got into an argument with someone there earlier. So, I guess the manager ignores the fights and arguments taking place at the club. But, then he be protecting his gang members who hang out at the club.

    Also, wonder about the car VA accident. He was driving a friend’s car. Could his friend beenb brought the actual target.

    • Jennifer L Wilkinson says:

      I’m sorry I never got the chance to respond to this how to say yes there is 20 people to interviews and nobody wants to step forward 20 some years later in the person’s car he was driving with a female and she passed away a couple short years later that seems to be that code of the street where nobody speaks

  12. Jennifer Wilkinson says:

    Please one more thing continue to watch over your boys in the rest of the family Darius 💰💰 please one more thing continue to watch over your boys in the rest of the family Darius 💰💰💰 could be deployed with the year maybe eight months just please keep your hands over them as they take on these journeys of life Love you forever and always rest in peace David love you to the moon And Beyond

  13. Jennifer Wilkinson says:

    Well David it’s April 2018 I miss you more and more every day and I know you would be proud of your boys Greedy is getting yourself out of trouble and Darius 💰 Will David it’s April 2018 I miss you more and more every day and I know you would be proud of your boys Greedy is getting yourself out of trouble and Darius 💰💰💰 well you know he was the go-getter he’s a junior in college and deciding to maybe transfer to the army out of the Marines he wants to go on for more years of college to graduate with his masters and David wants to get out and he’ll take care of his mom these kids remind me so much of you day in and day out so many memories and so many of your traits come through them I miss you more than life itself I just want you to know how much we miss you and we will be to see you and there’s never a day that goes by that I don’t think about you I drop a tear at least once a week You are my knight in shining armor and nobody is ever set up to be half the man that you were to me I love and miss you dearly

  14. MarGurita Hammond says:

    I love you bro and wish you was here to meet your bad ass niece??and see all the good things I hear your handsome boys my nephews are doing ❤️❤️?I love you and miss you dearly???

  15. Jennifer Wilkinson says:

    Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you…..I love and miss you so much

  16. Jennifer Wilkinson says:

    Here I am with thoughts of him on my mind as usual thinking about the questions my kids is always a test who and why I never have been able to give an answer deep down inside I know somebody out of all those people it was a bit and know exactly who did it but her being big chickens to say anything I’m just asking them to sit back and think if they were in my shoes or if they were my kids how do you think their wife or spouse would explain this to them when they got older my son said he said face-to-face with the fool in prison but nothing was ever brought about but some day God’s way he will get what he’s got coming to him I just wish somebody I don’t care if it was anonymous would call and give them more of an idea of who why for my children’s sake they deserve to know the truth and so do the rest of us it’s very selfish to keep it to yourself as if it doesn’t hurt or bother anybody it’s been all these years and I still think about it everyday you not only took him away from his family his kids but me…. I miss my heart and soul I love you and think about you everyday

  17. MarGurita Hammond says:

    Love you

  18. MarGurita Hammond says:

    Rest In Paradise

  19. Diana Wilson says:

    So sorry this happened. I hope your family gets the peace they deserve by at having this crime solved.

  20. MarGurita Hammond says:

    Happy birthday love I love you and miss you so much big bro and wish you was here but since your not tell grandma them hey for me it's your day so I know your enjoying it so rest on in paradise until we meet again…❤

  21. Kameshia says:

    It’s Mesha Dell… Its been 16.5 years and over 20 seen the last time you picked me up. You were my second favorite cousin. I find myself crying when I read about you. You would be so proud of your little cousin Mesha. I use to be so excited when you came to visit grandma’s house. Hated for you to go. I’ll never forget you. I wish I could talk to you one more time. Rest in paradise big cousin. Crying as I type THESE words. Kisses

  22. jennifer says:

    We miss you so very much….I love you….you would be so proud of your boys….always watching for a sign from you…..

  23. Jennifer Iamwhoiam Wilkinson says:

    Just an up date darius will be graduating and has joined the marines david is really getting his self together they have grown into some real nice you men I know you watch over them we are so blessed we love and miss you always…we will see you again one day

    • Jody Ewing says:

      What wonderful news, Jennifer! Thanks so much for sharing the update with us. David would be so proud!

      • Jennifer L Wilkinson says:

        I wanted to say one more thing it’s your birthday you got a granddaughter about the one your son is about to be home and Darius was promoted but 2020 has been okay but a horrible year in the making just continue to keep us safe… no matter the things I’ve done for the places I go or have been you’ve always been number one no matter what people have to say thank you for two of my biggest blessing love always

      • Jennifer L Wilkinson says:

        Hey Jody it’s Jennifer Wilkinson David’s baby mom I was wondering if I was able to get back in contact with you again to give some updated photos David’s kids and his granddaughter if you could reach out to me I would so Lee appreciated my email is Jennifer Wilkinson 309f Gmail

  24. Angelica gray says:

    Miss u David!!!!! #my cousins daddy <3

  25. MarGurita Hammond says:

    R.I.P gone but never forgotten!!!

  26. jill wilkinson says:

    david i wish you was here to see the fine young men you have and see your brother and sister..i wish we could go back and change things..we all love and miss you so very much

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