Insets, from left: Jordan Isaac Carmi (Polk County Jail) and Tony Young (Hamilton’s Funeral Home). Background: The apartment building in the 300 block of Court Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, where Carmi killed Young (Google Maps).
A New Year’s Day 2026 dispute turned fatal in Iowa when a man said he “accidentally” shot his friend after believing that pointing a gun at him “could end the conversation.”
Jordan Isaac Carmi, 31, pleaded guilty to reckless use of a firearm, involuntary manslaughter and being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the death of 30-year-old Tony Young. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, according to the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said Carmi and Young had been celebrating the holiday at bars in downtown Des Moines before the shooting. Carmi, Young and several others later became involved in an argument outside Carmi’s apartment in the 300 block of Court Avenue.
At sentencing, prosecutors said Carmi gave a “lengthy” account of what he claimed happened that night. He told the court he retrieved his gun after some people refused to leave his apartment, and once they were gone, he and Young “debated” whether they should “go after the group.”
“I thought I could end the conversation by pointing the gun at him,” Carmi said in court. “I was drunk and high and handling a loaded weapon, which was incredibly stupid.”
The firearm discharged, and the bullet struck Young.
“I accidentally shot my friend,” Carmi told District Judge Samantha Gronewald.
Carmi was initially facing first-degree murder before he pleaded guilty to the reduced charges. He also must pay $150,000 in restitution to Young’s estate. He was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute drugs in Utah a decade ago.
Carmi expressed remorse for his actions.
“I need everyone to understand in no uncertain terms that Tony did not deserve what happened to him,” he said.
Young, born in Canada before moving to the Hawkeye State where he graduated from high school, leaves behind a son.
“Tony enjoyed rap music, dancing, playing football and most of all, hanging out with his friends,” his obituary said. “He loved spending time with his son Jakari, playing video games and making food together.”
