Tony Young, 30, had his entire life ahead of him—a young son who loved playing video games with him, a passion for rap music and football, and friends who cherished spending time with him. But in the early hours of New Year's Day 2026, an argument outside an Iowa apartment building turned deadly, leaving Young dead and his friend facing decades behind bars.
Background
Young had moved to Iowa from Canada as a child, graduating high school in the Hawkeye State where he built a life for himself. Described by loved ones as someone who enjoyed dancing, playing football and most of all, spending time with friends, Young's death sent shockwaves through his community.
The tragedy unfolded after Carmi and Young spent the evening celebrating the new year at bars in downtown Des Moines. According to prosecutors, the suspect, victim and several others got into an argument outside Carmi's apartment in the 300 block of Court Avenue.
The Investigation
When some people refused to leave Carmi's apartment, he retrieved a firearm. After they finally departed, Carmi and Young began debating whether to 'go after the group.' That's when Carmi said he made the fateful decision to point the gun at his friend.
'I thought I could end the conversation by pointing the gun at him,' Carmi told District Judge Samantha Gronewald during his sentencing. 'I was drunk and high and handling a loaded weapon, which was incredibly stupid.'
The gun discharged, striking Young. Emergency responders rushed him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Charges
Jordan Isaac Carmi, 31, initially faced a first-degree murder charge but ultimately pleaded guilty to reckless use of a firearm, involuntary manslaughter and felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Gronewald sentenced him to 20 years in prison and ordered him to pay $150,000 in restitution to Young's estate.
Carmi's criminal history includes a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute drugs in Utah more than a decade ago.
During sentencing, 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.
Key Takeaways
- Tony Young, 30, was shot and killed during an argument outside his friend's Des Moines apartment on New Year's Day 2026
- Jordan Isaac Carmi claimed he thought pointing the gun at Young 'could end the conversation' while drunk and high
- Carmi pleaded guilty to reckless use of a firearm, involuntary manslaughter and felon in possession of a firearm
- He was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution
- Young leaves behind a young son named Jakari who loved playing video games with him
What's Next
Carmi will serve his sentence through the Iowa Department of Corrections. The case serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences that can result from mixing alcohol, drugs and firearms during heated arguments.
Young's family continues to grieve their loss. According to his obituary, he enjoyed rap music, dancing, playing football and most of all, hanging out with his friends.