JOHNSTON, Iowa — A teen resident of Ellipsis Iowa, a local provider of youth and family support services, has been charged in the death of a worker following an assault last week.
According to the Johnston Police Department, officers were originally called to Ellipsis' Johnston location on Northwest Beaver Drive last Wednesday for a runaway. A staff supervisor told dispatch that the juvenile had a history of being violent.
During the response, dispatch kept an open line. A police report said a lot of commotion could be heard and it sounded like staff were being assaulted.
Police list five victims in total, with four of them being law enforcement. However, 50-year-old Kathlee Galloway-Menke was the only person listed as having serious injuries. She later died as a result of the alleged assault.
All four law enforcement officers were listed as being victims of simple assault, while Galloway-Menke was listed as an aggravated assault victim.
Of the four officers, police said two had apparent minor injuries and two were not injured.
A 15-year-old resident of the facility has been charged with Murder in the Second Degree. Due to the fact that the case could potentially be processed through the juvenile court system, Local 5 will not be naming the suspect.
"The Polk County Attorney’s Office, working with Juvenile Court Services, will begin the process of evaluating what is in the best interests of the victim’s family, the child, and the community," the Johnston Police Department said in a statement.
The police department said that since 2021 through May 8, 2024, they have received 987 calls for service at Ellipsis.
Ellipsis CEO Chris Koepplin sent Local 5 the following statement:
Our priority is to provide essential programs and services for the most vulnerable members of our community, and the well-being of our youth and employees is of the utmost importance. We are offering all possible support to them as we navigate this situation. Counselors and behavioral health specialists are available to all staff, in addition to the youth in our residential programs. Services remain available to all kids and families currently in our care.
We’re working in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). We have been and will continue to cooperate fully with local law enforcement and appreciate their swift response.
Ellipsis remains committed to offering a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved, including our community."
Johnston police shared total calls for service to the center over the past few years:
- 2021: 183 total (128 runaway, 18 missing, 5 assaults, 32 other)
- 2022: 229 total (172 runaway, 9 missing, 15 assaults, 33 other)
- 2023: 382 total (251 runaway, 1 missing, 31 assaults, 111 other)
- 2024: 193 (125 runaway or missing, 21 assaults, 5 theft or burglary, 3 criminal mischiefs, 50 other)
Police Chief Dennis McDaniel said in a statement:
"For many years, the Johnston Police Department has taken a collaborative approach to working with Ellipsis, formerly Youth Homes of Mid-America, and responding to their requests for law enforcement services. Dedicated Police Department staff and supervisors have been communicated openly and frequently with Ellipsis regarding issues, challenges, and community concerns stemming from the increasing service needs of juveniles placed at the Johnston campus. Ellipsis leadership has been receptive to feedback and remains actively engaged. Ongoing dialogue with stakeholders continues, as well as pursuit of viable solutions.”
What Local 5 doesn't know right now is the nature of Galloway-Menke's injuries and how the suspect allegedly injured her. We also don't know how responding officers were assaulted.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.