*This story includes graphic details and may be difficult for some readers.

Following the tragic death of a young Iowa girl, authorities have released details on what happened and charged the father in the case.


On the morning of Monday, May 16 police in Ankeny, in central Iowa, were called to a house on Northeast Fifth Street, due to the report of a gunshot victim.

KCCI reports the person who called 911 just before 11:30 a.m. that morning reported that 4-year-old Savannah Holmes had shot herself in the face. The unidentified caller said Akeem Holmes was doing CPR on the girl at the time of the 911 call. Ankeny police say Savannah was taken to a local hospital, where she died.

The Ankeny Police Department says the girl and her brother were both in highchairs inside the home when two men pounded on the door to the house. According to KCCI, "The father grabbed the gun and set it down near a couch, saying he feared conflict with the men, and went to the door to speak to them."

While Holmes was at the door, the two children were able to get out of their highchairs. One of the men who was talking to Holmes told Ankeny police that while they were talking, he heard a gunshot.

Just before 4 a.m. this morning, 33-year-old Akeem J. Holmes was booked after turning himself in at the Polk County Jail. According to Ankeny Police, he's been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Neglect of a Dependent Person, and unlawful access of a minor to a firearm. KCCI says that police records show a 9 mm handgun was left where Savannah was able to get to it.

Polk County Jail
Polk County Jail
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