Sister of material witness in Polk County homicide urges brother to come forward
Des Moines police are investigating a homicide that took place in Des Moines on Saturday.
Polk County deputies responded and found the body of 51-year-old Scott Crane inside the home in the 300 block of Northeast 46th Avenue. Crane suffered a gunshot wound.
Police have issued a material witness warrant for 38-year-old Courtney Smith.
Elektra Smith is Courtney Smith's sister, and she is encouraging her brother to step forward.
"I want him to know that I'm here to help him," Elektra Smith said. "I know that he's scared. I know that he doesn't know what to do. And I'm here to help him get through this."
Courtney Smith's family says he lived at the home on Northeast 46th Avenue with Crane. The Polk County Sheriff's Office told KCCI they have responded to a dispute at the residence within the last six months.
Family says things were growing hostile between the two men before the incident.
"Several times I know he's asked other people not to bring this man around. That he was scared of the guy — the guy had jumped him. The guy had stolen some of his property," Elektra Smith said.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office hasn't shared what happened in the moments leading up to the homicide, but can confirm Courtney Smith was nearby. They say because of this, he has enough information that deputies want to talk with him.
Police are not releasing any more information now because it is an active investigation, but Smith's family pleads for him to come forward.
"There's nothing I can do except ask him to turn himself in. Ask him to let me help him turn himself in so that he's safe, so that he's comfortable. And I know that he's scared because I can't imagine anyone not being scared in this situation," Elektra Smith said.
Deputies say they believe Courtney Smith is still in the Des Moines area. He currently has no criminal charges against him.
If anyone sees Smith or knows where he is, call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 515-286-3333.