DAVENPORT, IA — Tragic Shooting Claims Life of LC Ball Jr., Two Arrested in Connection with Homicide
A wave of sorrow and outrage has swept through the Davenport community following the tragic shooting death of 37-year-old LC Ball Jr., who was found fatally wounded inside a vehicle on Wednesday, July 24, 2025. Authorities have now identified Ball as the victim in what they are calling a targeted act of violence, and two individuals—a 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy—are facing serious charges in connection to the killing.
According to a media release from the Davenport Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene around 6:15 p.m. in response to reports of a person shot in a parked vehicle near the intersection of West 13th and Gaines streets, a typically quiet residential area. Upon arrival, police found Ball with apparent gunshot wounds. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Ball was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities immediately began an intensive investigation into the incident, which quickly led to the identification and arrest of two suspects. On Monday, July 28, police announced that 19-year-old Kyontah L.D. Little and a 16-year-old male—whose name has not been released due to his age—had both been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery.
Little was taken into custody and booked into the Scott County Jail on Monday afternoon, where he is currently being held without bond, according to public jail records. The 16-year-old suspect is also in custody and is expected to be charged as an adult under Iowa law, given the gravity of the allegations.
A Sudden and Violent End
Family members and friends of LC Ball Jr. are struggling to come to terms with his sudden and tragic death. Described as a kind-hearted man with a deep love for family and community, Ball was well known on Davenport’s west side for his infectious smile, generous spirit, and efforts to mentor younger people in the neighborhood.
“He had his struggles, like all of us,” said cousin Rayvon Mitchell. “But LC was someone you could always count on. He had a big heart, and he didn’t deserve this. We want answers, and we want justice.”
At the time of his death, Ball had been working toward building a better life for himself and his family. He was reportedly employed with a local moving company and had been exploring opportunities to pursue a trade certification.
“He was trying to get on the right path,” said longtime friend and co-worker Damon Evans. “We were just talking about the future last week—plans, goals, dreams. And now he’s gone.”
A City Plagued by Gun Violence
Ball’s death marks another somber chapter in a series of violent incidents that have rattled Davenport in recent months. Law enforcement officials and community leaders alike are growing increasingly alarmed by the surge in youth-involved gun violence, which continues to leave behind grieving families and fractured neighborhoods.
“This is becoming far too common,” said Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel during a brief press conference. “We now have two young lives headed toward the criminal justice system, and one man lost forever. That’s three families devastated. We need the community’s support to stop the cycle.”
In response to the rising violence, city leaders have been pushing for expanded youth intervention programs, increased street patrols, and closer collaboration between police and grassroots organizations working to reach at-risk individuals before violence erupts.
Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction
The charges of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery are among the most serious in the Iowa criminal code and carry the potential for life sentences if convictions are secured. The investigation remains active, and officials have not yet released information regarding a possible motive. However, sources close to the investigation suggest the shooting may have stemmed from a planned robbery gone wrong.
The community has responded with a mixture of grief, frustration, and resolve. A vigil honoring LC Ball Jr. is being planned for later this week in the neighborhood where the shooting took place. Organizers say the event will serve not only as a tribute to Ball’s life but also as a rallying cry for peace and unity.
“We have to do better—for our kids, for our city,” said local activist Terrence Hall. “We can’t keep losing each other to senseless violence. LC’s life mattered, and his death should be a wake-up call.”
Seeking Justice
The Davenport Police Department urges anyone with information about the incident or the suspects to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the department’s Crime Stoppers hotline at (563) 326-6125 or online.
As the investigation proceeds and legal proceedings begin, LC Ball Jr.’s loved ones are left mourning a life cut short and hoping for accountability. In a community reeling from loss, his name now stands as yet another reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of violence—and to do everything possible to prevent the next tragedy before it unfolds.