Des Moines Mother Pleads for Justice After Fiancé Shoots Her 16-Year-Old Daughter During Dispute Over Car Keys
DES MOINES, IOWA — A Des Moines mother is demanding justice after her 16-year-old daughter was shot in the face by her mother’s fiancé during a heated argument over car keys. The suspect, identified as Kevin Fajardo, remains on the run as police continue their search.
According to Des Moines police, the incident occurred at an apartment building on Hubbell Avenue after a domestic dispute between Jacorra Jones and Fajardo. Jones said the argument began when Fajardo took her car without permission. When she demanded it back, the situation escalated into verbal and physical violence.
Jones told investigators she asked her teenage daughter, Mya Buie, to retrieve the keys from Fajardo. That’s when things turned deadly.
Teen Caught in the Crossfire
Police evidence indicates that Fajardo pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots during the confrontation. One of the bullets struck Mya in the face, causing catastrophic injuries.
Jones recalled the horrifying scene, saying she found her daughter “gravely wounded, with her face split open and her chin gone.” Mya was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent several emergency facial reconstruction surgeries.
Despite the severe trauma, doctors report that Mya is now able to walk and speak again as she continues her long road to recovery.
“My baby didn’t deserve this,” Jones said in a tearful plea. “He took my car, and now he’s taken my daughter’s face. I want him caught before he hurts anyone else.”
Suspect Still at Large
Authorities have identified Kevin Fajardo as the primary suspect and have issued a statewide warrant for his arrest. He faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Willful Injury
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Fajardo is described as 5’5” tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds, and is considered armed and dangerous. Police believe he may still be in the Des Moines area.
A Mother’s Warning to Others
In addition to her calls for justice, Jacorra Jones has publicly urged other parents to trust their instincts and recognize early warning signs of domestic violence. She revealed that Fajardo had shown controlling and aggressive behavior in the past and may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the shooting.
“If something feels wrong, believe it,” Jones said. “I ignored the red flags. Don’t make that mistake.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Des Moines Police Department has asked for the public’s help in locating Fajardo. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Des Moines Police tip line or Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa.
As Mya continues to recover, her mother says she’s channeling her pain into advocacy — determined to raise awareness about domestic violence and protect other families from similar tragedies.
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