An Iowa teenager has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after shoving a 50-year-old youth group home worker, causing her death. Jovahn Mathis, now 18, was sentenced Friday in Polk County for the voluntary manslaughter of Kathleen Galloway-Menke, who died in May 2024.
What Happened
Galloway-Menke was trying to stop Mathis — then 15 — from running into a busy street when he violently shoved her. She fell, struck her head on the ground, and suffered a fatal brain injury. She was a worker at Ellipsis, a youth group home in Johnston, Iowa.
Sentencing and Apology
Mathis originally faced second-degree murder charges but accepted a plea deal in May 2025, reducing the charge to voluntary manslaughter. In court Friday, he addressed the victim’s family directly.
“Kathleen, I want you to know that I am truly sorry. I didn’t mean for you to be hurt,” Mathis said.
The judge denied probation and ordered Mathis to pay $150,000 in restitution. He will be eligible for parole.
Family Speaks Out
Several family members gave victim impact statements in court. Galloway-Menke’s brother Paul said, “It breaks my heart that someone my sister was trying to help took her life.”
Her daughter Chloe Williamson called the sentence a step toward justice — but said the fight isn’t over.
Lawsuit Against Youth Home
Galloway-Menke’s daughters have filed a lawsuit against Ellipsis, alleging the facility knew Mathis had displayed violent behavior toward female staff but failed to act. The family claims chronic understaffing and inadequate security allowed the situation to escalate unchecked.