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Incident
Master Police Officer Steven Underwood was shot and killed while questioning four juvenile suspects he had stopped while they were walking along Pacific Highway at approximately 1:30 a.m.
Officer Underwood had requested backup and stated he recognized one of the suspects as a wanted felon. When additional units arrived, they found him with critical gunshot wounds to the abdomen and head. His pistol was still secure in his holster. Officer Underwood was wearing a vest, but the abdomen shot entered just below the vest line. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately four hours later.
All four suspects were eventually apprehended, and the shooter was charged with aggravated murder. The other three suspects were not charged.
In November 2004, the suspect pled guilty to first-degree murder in a plea bargain with prosecutors. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison.
Officer Underwood had served with the Des Moines Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Master Police Officer Underwood gave the Des Moines Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Des Moines community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Master Police Officer Underwood.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Steven is the only officer of Des Moines Police Department remembered here.
Steven is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
Steven is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Steven is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2001, 1 officer in WA was killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 2001, 158 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2001, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Steven was 33. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41. Steven had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Steven was 33. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Steven had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Steven was 33. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Steven had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 11.2% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 11.8%. Wednesdays: 15%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Des Moines Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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