Shawn Michael North, a 30-year-old man from Waterloo, Iowa, was shot on May 21, 2001, in the 1200 block of Doreen Avenue. The shooting occurred around 1:35 a.m., leaving Shawn severely injured and paraplegic. He succumbed to complications from his injuries 15 years later on August 30, 2016.
On that fateful night, neighbors reported hearing screams and moans. When they looked outside, they found Shawn lying in a driveway. He was rushed to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where doctors discovered that the bullets had struck his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the sternum down.
According to police reports, Shawn recounted that he had heard tapping at his window. Upon answering the door, he was confronted by two men demanding his truck. When he refused, he was shot. The attackers fled the scene, leaving his vehicle behind. Investigators recovered a spent .22-caliber casing and a spent 9 mm casing, but with no other evidence or witnesses, the case went cold.
Over the years, Shawn attempted to gather information about his assailants. He reportedly learned their identities from acquaintances on the streets, but the investigation stalled. Shawn’s life changed drastically after the shooting; he went from being an athletic and outgoing individual, actively involved in sports like football and hockey, to living with a disability that confined him to a wheelchair.
Despite his challenges, Shawn managed to adapt to his new life. He moved to a more accessible home and was supported by his sister, Sherry Powers, and friends who visited regularly. However, he struggled with health issues, including pressure sores and depression. A surgery to attach a colostomy bag brought him some hope for improved quality of life, but complications arose when he accidentally dislodged the bag while sleeping, leading to a fatal infection.
Shawn’s death marked the end of a long battle with the repercussions of the shooting. He passed away at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital, leaving behind a daughter, Brooke Mooney, and a host of family members, including six sisters and three brothers. His obituary highlighted the love and support of his girlfriend, Laurie Payton, and her children, as well as the impact of his loss on his family.
The community remembers Shawn not only for the tragedy of his death but also for the vibrant life he once led. His sisters, especially Sherry, are left to navigate the emotional void his passing has created. As they reflect on their memories, they hope for justice in a case that remains unsolved, a poignant reminder of the violence that changed their family forever.
