• WHO: Jovahn Mathis, 17, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of Kathleen Galloway-Menke, 50.
  • WHAT: Mathis allegedly shoved Galloway-Menke, a youth group home worker, causing a fatal head injury, after she tried to prevent him from running into traffic.
  • WHERE: Johnston, Iowa, at the Ellipsis youth group home.
  • WHEN: The incident occurred in May 2024. Mathis pleaded guilty in May 2025.
  • STATUS: Mathis is scheduled for sentencing on July 31 and is currently held at the Iowa Boys State Training School. Galloway-Menke's family has filed a lawsuit against Ellipsis.

A 17-year-old Iowa male has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of a 50-year-old youth group home worker who authorities allege was fatally injured while attempting to prevent him from running into traffic.

The incident, which occurred in May 2024, involved Jovahn Mathis and Kathleen Galloway-Menke, an employee at the Ellipsis youth group home in Johnston, Iowa. Mathis, who was 15 at the time of the incident, was later sent to adult court as a youthful offender.

What Happened

According to court records and a fatality report filed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the incident began when Mathis left the Ellipsis facility. Galloway-Menke followed him after he "eloped from the facility campus into a nearby residential area," the OSHA report states. She successfully intercepted Mathis, preventing him from entering a busy street.

Following this intervention, Mathis allegedly "violently shoved" Galloway-Menke. The push caused her to fall and "strike their head on the ground," leading to a fatal blunt head injury, according to the OSHA report. She sustained "an acute subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage," which resulted in her death.

Mathis pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in May 2025.

The Charges Explained

Voluntary manslaughter is a classification of homicide that occurs when an individual causes the death of another person without premeditation or malice aforethought, often in the heat of passion or during a sudden quarrel. It is distinguished from murder by the absence of premeditation or deliberate intent to kill. In some jurisdictions, it can also encompass situations where a death occurs during the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony that is inherently dangerous to human life.

How These Cases Move Through Court

In Iowa, as in many states, criminal cases involving a youthful offender who has been sent to adult court typically begin with an arrest and a formal charge. Following the charge, an arraignment is held where the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). If a not guilty plea is entered, the case will proceed through discovery, where both sides exchange information. This period may also involve plea negotiations. If a plea agreement is reached, the defendant may plead guilty to a lesser charge or in exchange for a recommended sentence. If no plea agreement is reached, the case moves to trial, where a judge or jury will hear evidence and determine guilt or innocence. If convicted, a sentencing hearing is held where the court determines the appropriate punishment. Appeals may follow a conviction.

Context & Background

Cases involving fatalities at residential care facilities often draw scrutiny regarding facility safety protocols, staffing levels, and the management of residents with known aggressive behaviors. Families of victims in such incidents may pursue civil lawsuits in addition to or instead of criminal proceedings, alleging negligence on the part of the facility. Records indicate that Galloway-Menke's family has filed a lawsuit against Ellipsis, alleging that the facility was aware of Mathis's violent tendencies and failed to implement adequate safeguards for its employees.

Chloe Williamson, Galloway-Menke’s daughter, stated to The Des Moines Register that employees had previously warned Ellipsis about Mathis's behavior and that his placement "wasn't the right fit." The lawsuit specifically alleges "inadequate security, chronic understaffing, malfunctioning or unavailable communication devices," and other issues contributed to the incident.

Recognizing and Reporting Homicide

If you have information about a homicide or any violent crime, it is critical to contact law enforcement immediately. You can reach local police by dialing 911 for emergencies or a non-emergency line for tips. If you have information about federal crimes, you can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Supporting victims of violence is also crucial; resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 can provide assistance and guidance.

What Happens Next

Jovahn Mathis, now 17, is scheduled to be sentenced regarding the voluntary manslaughter charge on July 31. He is currently incarcerated at the Iowa Boys State Training School in Eldora. The civil lawsuit filed by Kathleen Galloway-Menke's family against Ellipsis is ongoing.