Des Moines, Iowa – A 38-year-old Des Moines man has been convicted on multiple felony charges after a violent baseball bat attack left a woman with serious injuries outside a northeast Des Moines motel. Prosecutors say the assault was unprovoked and captured in part on surveillance video, forming key evidence in the case.
Incident Overview
The defendant, Raymond Gooch, was found guilty on Thursday of attempted murder and several additional charges stemming from the attack. The incident occurred on September 10, 2025, at the Budget Inn located in the 5200 block of NE 14th Street, a busy commercial area in Des Moines.
According to investigators, the woman was sitting outside the motel when Gooch approached her and launched a sustained attack using an aluminum baseball bat.
Timeline of Events
Court testimony established that on the night of September 10, witnesses observed Gooch wearing a baseball helmet as he walked toward the woman. Moments later, he began striking her repeatedly while she remained seated on the sidewalk.
Surveillance footage from the motel showed Gooch delivering 12 blows to the victim’s head, according to a summary presented during trial. Bystanders contacted authorities, and emergency responders transported the woman to a local hospital.
The victim survived the assault but suffered serious physical injuries, requiring immediate medical treatment.
Details From Police and Prosecutors
Investigators testified that Gooch had stolen the weapon and related items shortly before the attack.
“A hotel video showed the man walking to the woman, who was sitting on the sidewalk, and hitting her 12 times in the head with the aluminum bat,” prosecutors stated in court filings.
“Evidence showed that the defendant had stolen bats, the helmet, and other items from a vehicle nearby.”
Police later confirmed that the bat, helmet, and other equipment used during the assault were taken from a nearby vehicle, leading to additional theft-related charges.
Charges and Convictions
Following deliberations, the jury convicted Raymond Gooch, 38, of the following offenses:
- Attempted murder
- Willful injury causing serious injury
- Going armed with intent
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Third-degree theft
- Third-degree burglary of a motor vehicle
Each charge carries significant penalties under Iowa law, particularly those involving violent injury and use of a weapon.
Potential Sentence and Court Proceedings
Gooch now faces a maximum sentence of 46 years in prison, with a possible mandatory minimum of more than 27 years due to the severity of the charges and sentencing enhancements tied to violent offenses.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 5, where a judge will determine the final prison term. Victim impact statements are expected to be presented at that time.
Details of the conviction and potential sentence were outlined in a statement from the Polk County Attorney’s Office, which prosecuted the case.
Impact on the Victim
While authorities have not released the victim’s name, court records indicate she sustained serious head injuries and required hospital treatment following the assault. Prosecutors emphasized that the attack could easily have been fatal, a factor that weighed heavily in the attempted murder conviction.
No additional updates on the victim’s long-term recovery have been made public.
Public Safety and Awareness
Law enforcement officials say the case underscores the danger of sudden, unprovoked violence and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior immediately. Surveillance footage and witness cooperation played a crucial role in securing the conviction.
Police also reminded residents to secure vehicles and remove items that could be used as weapons, noting that the bat and helmet used in the attack were stolen shortly before the assault.
Conclusion
The conviction of Raymond Gooch brings a measure of accountability in a case that shocked the Des Moines community due to its brutality and randomness. With sentencing approaching, the court will now decide how long Gooch will remain behind bars for an attack that prosecutors say narrowly avoided becoming a homicide.
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