DES MOINES – A Grinnell man who was charged in the 2025 death of a Des Moines East High School student pleaded guilty on Wednesday.

According to the Polk County Attorney’s Office, 23-year-old Kaelin Mikel Meinders of Grinnell pleaded guilty to Vehicular Homicide and OWI 2nd Offense for his role in the death of 15-year-old Santiago “Santi” Diaz Rhone on September 20, 2025. 

The incident occurred as a group of people had gathered in a parking lot in the 4900 block of NE 29th Street. Evidence showed that Meinders was driving a motorcycle at a high rate of speed while going in the opposite direction of traffic and popping a wheelie. Diaz Rhone was attempting to cross the street on foot when he was struck by Meinders as he was traveling at 60mph on a road with a speed limit of 25mph.

In court, Meinders admitted that he operated his motorcycle recklessly and that he had marijuana in his system. Officers reported that he showed signs of impairment and a blood test confirmed the presence of marijuana in his system, though Assistant County Attorney Jaki Livingston told the court that there was insufficient evidence to show that this caused the collision. Officers also stated that Meinders was carrying a firearm during the incident.

Meinders was initially charged with Vehicular Homicide by Reckless Driving (class C felony), Operating While Intoxicated – Second Offense (aggravated misdemeanor), Driving While Barred (aggravated misdemeanor), and Being a Person Ineligible to Carry a Dangerous Weapon (serious misdemeanor), as well as several traffic violations. The gun and barred charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement. 

Meinders faces a prison sentence of up to 12 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29.