Staff member dies after assault by juvenile at Iowa youth facility

JOHNSTON — A woman who worked at an Iowa center that provides services for troubled youths has died, days after she was assaulted by a juvenile at the facility, officials said.

Kathleen Galloway-Menke, 50, was assaulted May 8 by a 15-year-old resident at the center, Ellipsis Iowa, in the town of Johnston near Des Moines, police said. She died Tuesday at a hospital, the Des Moines Register reported.

A police report said someone at Ellipsis reported that a resident with “a history of being violent” left campus. Galloway-Menke and a male employee followed the youth outside and kept at a distance, but he suddenly ran at her, the family's attorney, Trever Hook, told KCCI-TV. Hook said Galloway-Menke was shoved and hit her head. Four police officers also suffered minor injuries.

The juvenile remains in custody. Police said that “amended criminal charges are pending.”

Ellipsis formed in 2021 when two nonprofit organizations merged. It serves more than 750 youths and their families each day with residential care and treatment, counseling and other services, according to its website.

“Ellipsis is profoundly saddened by this situation, and we extend heartfelt thoughts to all who are affected. We deeply and personally mourn this loss,” Chief Executive Officer Chris Koepplin said in a statement.