In 1992, around 7 p.m. on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, at least 40 people packed the Drake Diner in Des Moines as a line trailed out the front door into the cool, drizzly night.
A man wearing a hooded sweatshirt rushed passed the crowd and grabbed the manager, Cara McGrane, 25, by the neck. The man shot her point-blank. She died instantly.
Burnett, who had come into Drake Diner on his day off to set up a Christmas tree, ran to help McGrane. The man shot Burnett, and he too died instantly.
The assailant stole less than $500 from the cash register and fled the Diner as others ducked for cover.
View of the shooting location taken on a recent trip to the Drake Diner. (2024)
Drake Diner
Location: 1111 25th St, Des Moines, IA
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Graves of Cara and Tim
Location: 4400 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA
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Location: 4909 University Ave, Des Moines, IA
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Joseph Hodges White
Joseph H. White was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. As of May, 2025 he has been denied parole and remains incarcerated at Anamosa State Penitentiary. White is due for his next hearing in November, 2025 and hopefully he will remain incarcerated for many more years. We have intentionally not included any pictures of White in this article.
