A domestic violence victim was found dead in her partner's Des Moines apartment after police conducted a welfare check

Martasha McKenzie

Martasha McKenzie, 33, of Des Moines, was found dead in her partner's apartment last week.

According to KCCI, Martasha's father, David Ewin, stated that his daughter and her partner had a history of domestic violence. Therefore, after he was unable to contact her, he requested that the police conduct a welfare check on her.

KCCI reported that officers knocked on the apartment door for several minutes but received no response. Apartment management then unlocked the door to allow the officers inside. Upon entry, police encountered 33-year-old Zakar Jeffrey, who attempted to attack the officers with a knife. Authorities indicated that Jeffrey continuously charged at one of the officers, prompting Officer DeVenney to fire his handgun, striking him.

The authorities then discovered the 33-year-old's lifeless body in a bedroom. The Des Moines police are investigating her death as a homicide.

The victim's cousin, Calvetta Berry, director of Mothers Against Violence, told WOH13, “She was loved, and the loss of her hurts our community,” Berry said. “I just wish it would stop. I wish young women would speak up. I think we need to speak to our daughters, our sons, our family members. If you’re going through a situation, get help.”

Martasha's father told KCCI he entered the apartment with the police. David Ewin described his experience as a traumatic scene. He stated, "I seen all the blood when he raised his arm up to jab it. I saw his eyes. He was lost. The man was lost, and he wanted to die. He had cut himself up. That's where the blood came from," Ewing said.

The victim's father continued, "He was trying to kill himself. I think he wanted to. I think he killed my daughter and regretted it." Her father said he wished he could have been present to protect her.

Martasha and her children (photo/GoFundMe)

Ewing has set up a GoFundMe campaign for the six children Martasha left behind. Click here to donate.

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