Current:Home > FinanceIowa center called police nearly 1,000 times in 3 years before teen killed staffer, records show -Elevate Capital Network
Iowa center called police nearly 1,000 times in 3 years before teen killed staffer, records show
View
Date:2025-04-16 04:56:03
Officers responded nearly 1,000 times in the past three years to an Iowa juvenile treatment center where a staff member was killed by a 15-year-old resident, according to police records.
Kathleen Galloway-Menke was assaulted May 8 at the center, Ellipsis Iowa. Her family’s attorney, Trever Hook, said the 50-year-old mother of two daughters suffered brain damage and died Tuesday after life support was removed.
Galloway-Menke had worked at Ellipsis for a year. Hook questioned whether the facility provides adequate training for staff dealing with sometimes dangerous clients.
The 15-year-old had a violent history and had made previous threats against Galloway-Menke, Hook said. He wasn’t sure what prompted those threats.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Ellipsis said employees “are thoroughly trained on de-escalation techniques and ways to handle a variety of situations safely.”
Ellipsis formed in August 2021 when two nonprofit organizations merged. It serves more than 750 youths and their families each day with residential care and treatment, counseling and other services, according to its website. Young people housed at the facility in the Des Moines suburb of Johnston are there on court orders, the organization said in a statement to the AP.
The nearly 1,000 police calls to the center include 676 for runaways and 72 reported assaults, according to records released by the Johnston Police Department. Last year alone, 251 runaways were reported, and 31 assaults, among 382 total police calls to the center.
In a statement to AP, Police Chief Dennis McDaniel did not criticize Ellipsis.
Police and Ellipsis officials have frequently met “regarding issues, challenges, and community concerns stemming from the increasing service needs of juveniles placed at the Johnston campus,” he said. “Ellipsis leadership has been receptive to feedback and remains actively engaged.”
Ellipsis officials declined interview requests but said in the statement that the May 8 attack was “an isolated and tragic outcome.” The organization said it is working with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services “to add additional safety and security measures to our facilities to protect both youth and staff in addition to our community.”
The evening Galloway-Menke was injured, the teenager had left the center without permission. Galloway-Menke and another staffer followed him but kept at a distance — protocol established by Ellipsis, Hook said. A supervisor and other workers also went outside but stayed farther back, he said.
Suddenly, Hook said, the teen turned and sprinted across a street, past the other staffer, and directly at Galloway-Menke. He shoved her and her head hit the concrete, Hook said.
“She went flying backwards and landed on her head,” Hook said. Galloway-Menke underwent emergency brain surgery but doctors determined she would not recover, he said.
Ellipsis said its policy calls for staff to keep runaways “in sight, as best we can, until local law enforcement arrives so we can keep police informed and to minimize potential harm to the youth or anyone else in the community.” The organization said it believes staff acted as safely as possible after the 15-year-old left the center.
Though staff at juvenile centers typically work with young people who can be dangerous, deaths are rare. In 2016, 60-year-old staff member Jimmy Woolsey was attacked from behind by a 17-year-old at a ranch serving as a youth center in southern Utah. Woolsey died from blunt force injuries to the head.
Galloway-Menke worked for 25 years as a special education aide in the Johnston School District before taking the job with Ellipsis, Hook said. Her death was devastating to her daughters, ages 20 and 25.
“They’re very close to their mother,” Hook said.
Police said the 15-year-old will be criminally charged in the attack.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Jay Bilas floats huge punishment for fans who storm court after Duke-Wake Forest incident
- LeBron James takes forceful stand on son Bronny James' status in NBA mock drafts
- Powerball winning numbers for Feb. 26, 2024 drawing: Jackpot rises to over $400 million
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Ole Anderson, founding member of the pro wrestling team known as The Four Horsemen, has died
- One Tree Hill’s Bethany Joy Lenz Reveals She and Costar Paul Johansson Have Kissed IRL
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph on 'The Holdovers' and becoming a matriarch
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Florida lawmaker pulls bill on wrongful death of unborn children after Alabama IVF ruling
Ranking
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Rachel Bilson and Audrina Patridge Share Scary Details of Bling Ring Robberies
- Blogger Laura Merritt Walker's 3-Year-Old Son Callahan Honored in Celebration of Life After His Death
- Calvin University president quits after school gets report of ‘inappropriate’ conduct
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Lawsuit seeks up to $11.5M over allegations that Oregon nurse replaced fentanyl drip with tap water
- Noise pollution may be harming your health. See which US cities have the most.
- 4 charged with transporting Iranian-made weapons face detention hearings in US court
Recommendation
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
Jennifer Aniston forgets the iconic 'Rachel' haircut from 'Friends' in new Uber Eats ad
Kensington Palace Shares Update on Kate Middleton as Prince William Misses Public Appearance
'Dune: Part Two' release date, trailer, cast: When does sci-fi movie release in the US?
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Effort to have guardian appointed for Houston Texans owner dropped after son ends lawsuit
Dr. Phil causes stir on 'The View' with criticism about COVID school shutdowns
Prince William Misses Godfather's Memorial Service Due to Personal Matter