Demetrius Jerome Gregory Allen Jr., 18, was killed in a shooting on March 5, 2017, in Davenport, Iowa. Allen was found in the parking lot of Brady Street Stadium, located at 3600 Brady Street, after police responded to an early-morning report of a person lying on the ground. Officers arrived at the northeast corner of the stadium and pronounced Allen deceased at the scene. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation later determined that Allen was robbed and shot by multiple individuals. According to arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police, Allen’s money and personal belongings were taken before he was shot multiple times. The case remained active for several years as detectives continued to gather evidence and pursue those responsible.
In October 2020, Davenport police and the Scott County Attorney’s Office announced significant developments in the case. Chontez Lamont Graham, 24, of Jefferson City, Missouri, was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and flight to avoid prosecution in connection with Allen’s death. Court records state Graham acted with others during the robbery and shooting. Under Iowa law, first-degree murder is a Class A felony and carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted. The robbery charge is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison, with 70 percent of the sentence required to be served before parole eligibility. Flight to avoid prosecution is a Class D felony, carrying a possible five-year prison sentence.
Days later, on October 20, 2020, two additional men were charged for their alleged roles in the killing. Darryl Merritt, 24, of Cahokia, Illinois, and Dyon Thomas, 22, of East St. Louis, Illinois, were each charged with first-degree murder in Allen’s death. Authorities confirmed both men were already incarcerated within the Iowa Department of Corrections at the time the charges were filed.
Demetrius Allen was remembered by family and friends as a creative and talented young man. Born January 21, 1999, in Davenport, he was the son of Demetrius Allen and Wendy McDonald and graduated from high school in 2015. He had a strong interest in drawing and rap music. Funeral services were held March 16, 2017, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Davenport, followed by burial at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. At the family’s request, the services were private and not recorded.
Allen is survived by his parents, five sisters, six brothers, grandparents, and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, great-grandmother, and one brother. His death marked one of Davenport’s homicides in 2017 and continues to be remembered as a tragic loss of a young life.
