Des Moines, IA – On the evening of July 22, 2025, the quiet neighborhood of Windsor Heights in Des Moines was rocked by news that one of its own had fallen victim to a senseless act of violence.38 old Ryan Schonlau—beloved son, grandson, and friend—was found fatally shot inside the family’s home in the 3800 block of 47th Street. By night’s end, authorities had arrested Ryan’s step‑grandfather, David Lee Ramsey, age 62, and charged him with first‑degree murder in connection with the shooting.
The Night of the Shooting
According to the Des Moines Police Department, officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the residence just before 9:00 p.m. on July 22 following a 911 call reporting gunshots inside the home. Neighbors told investigators they heard a single, loud blast and then saw David Ramsey pacing anxiously on his front porch.
When officers entered the house, they discovered Ryan Schonlau in the living room suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Paramedics immediately rendered aid and transported him to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, but despite aggressive lifesaving measures, Ryan was pronounced dead shortly after 9:30 p.m.
The Arrest of David Lee Ramsey
Within hours of the shooting, detectives had secured a warrant for the arrest of David Lee Ramsey. Court documents allege that Ramsey—who lived at the same address—fired the fatal shot during a domestic altercation that remains under investigation. Ramsey was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Polk County Jail on a charge of first‑degree murder. He is being held without bond pending his initial court appearance, scheduled for July 25, 2025.
In a brief statement to the press, Police Chief Laura Kreider confirmed:
“All evidence currently points to an intentional, targeted act. Our homicide detectives are working tirelessly to reconstruct the events leading up to this tragedy. We realize this arrest raises as many questions as it answers for the Schonlau family and the community, and we ask for patience as we follow the facts wherever they lead.”
Remembering Ryan Schonlau
Friends and family describe Ryan as a warm, outgoing young man with a quick smile and a playful sense of humor. A 2019 graduate of Southeast Polk High School, he went on to study graphic design at Central College before joining a local marketing agency in Des Moines. In his spare time, Ryan coached youth soccer, volunteered at the Des Moines Art Center, and was known for hosting lively family barbecues.
Ryan’s mother, Kelly Schonlau, issued an emotional statement through the family’s attorney:
“Ryan was the light of our lives. He was a kind-hearted son and grandson who never hesitated to help others. We are devastated by this loss and shocked that someone from our own family could do this. We appreciate the support from the community and ask that people continue to respect our privacy as we grieve.”
A candlelight vigil is planned for Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the front yard of the Schonlau home, where friends and neighbors will gather to honor Ryan’s memory and offer condolences to his grieving relatives.
A Complex Family History
The relationship between Ryan and his step‑grandfather, David Ramsey, had been described by some family members as “strained” in recent years. David married Ryan’s grandmother, Marjorie Schonlau, in 2015, uniting two sides of the family. While the couple was active in local church and community events, sources close to the investigation say tensions arose over financial disagreements and living arrangements.
Court filings from a 2022 small‑claims lawsuit hint at property disputes between Ramsey and members of the Schonlau family, though the suit was later dismissed. Neighbors report occasional heated arguments emanating from the home—arguments they now believe may have foreshadowed the fatal confrontation.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Des Moines Police Department’s Homicide Unit, working in conjunction with the Polk County Attorney’s Office, continues to gather evidence. Detectives have executed search warrants at the residence, seizing several firearms and digital devices for forensic analysis. Investigators are also interviewing family members, friends, and neighbors to piece together a timeline of events.
Key questions remain:
- What triggered the fatal altercation between Ramsey and his step‑grandson?
- Was there any history of documented threats or prior violence?
- What do digital communications (texts, emails) reveal about their relationship in the days leading up to the shooting?
Chief Kreider emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency:
“This is a painful time for everyone involved. We pledge to share developments as they occur, while safeguarding the integrity of our investigation.”
Community Reaction
Word of the shooting has sent shockwaves through Windsor Heights and the broader Des Moines community. On social media, tributes to Ryan have poured in, many accompanied by photos of him smiling at family gatherings or volunteering at local events.
Pastor James Wellington of the Windsor Heights Community Church—where both the Schonlau and Ramsey families were active members—called for unity:
“Violence has no place in our congregation or our neighborhoods. We grieve the loss of young Ryan, and we pray for healing for all who have been hurt by this tragedy.”
Local youth soccer teams Ryan coached have placed black ribbons on their uniforms this week in his honor, and the Des Moines Art Center plans to host a small exhibition of Ryan’s graphic design work next month as a fundraiser for the family’s medical and funeral expenses.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Attorney Marisol Vega, representing the Schonlau family, confirmed that civil action may follow the criminal proceedings, but her immediate focus is ensuring that justice is served in the murder case. On the prosecution side, Polk County Assistant Attorney Jack Warren stated:
“First‑degree murder charges underscore the seriousness of this act. We intend to present a full and unflinching case at trial to seek the maximum penalty as prescribed by Iowa law.”
If convicted of first‑degree murder, David Lee Ramsey faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The tragic death of Ryan Schonlau and the arrest of his step‑grandfather David Lee Ramsey leave a community reeling and a family in deep mourning. As legal proceedings move forward, residents of Des Moines are left to grapple with the shocking reality that such violence could erupt within the walls of what once was a loving home. The pursuit of truth and justice in this case serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life—and the need for compassion and peace within our families and communities.
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