19-year-old accused of fatally shooting cousin in Des Moines sentenced

DES MOINES, Iowa — A 19-year-old was sentenced to prison on Tuesday for the shooting death of his cousin in Des Moines last year.

At around 1:40 p.m. on September 1 officers with the Des Moines Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 3400 block of South Union Street. When first responders arrived at the home they found 21-year-old Tariq Reynolds with gunshot wounds. Reynolds was transported to a hospital, but later died from his injuries.

The following day Des Moines police announced the arrest of 19-year-old Martavius Lamon Green, Reynolds’ cousin, in connection to the shooting. Green was charged with First-Degree Murder.

According to the Polk County Attorney’s Office, Green was staying at his aunt’s home when the shooting occurred. An argument began between Green and a guest over the sharing of marijuana at his aunt’s home; and when the argument escalated Green was asked to leave by Reynolds’ sibling. Green left, but returned shortly after and punched Reynolds’ sibling in the face. Reynolds grabbed Green in a bear hug and they both fell to the ground, which is when the attorney’s office says Green shot Reynolds twice.

Green claimed he was being choked and shot Reynolds in self defense, the attorney’s office said.

During Green’s murder trial in January he accepted a plea deal. He pled guilty to lesser charges of Voluntary Manslaughter and First-Degree Burglary.

On Tuesday Green was sentenced to a maximum of 35 years in prison. He must serve a minimum of 10 years before being eligible for parole.

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